Here's Why Pose Star Mj Rodriguez Just Made Emmy History
An Emmy nomination is a huge honor for any performer, but "Pose" star Mj Rodriguez is making history with her recognition from the Television Academy (via Variety). That is because she is the very first trans woman to receive a nomination in a major acting category — in this case, it is for her leading role as Blanca Rodriguez on the FX show (via IMDb).
Rodriguez had all the feels about the nom, telling Variety, "I do believe this is a pivotal moment. There's never been a trans woman who has been nominated as a leading outstanding actress and I feel like that pushes the needle forward so much for now the door to be knocked down for so many people — whether they be male or trans female, gender nonconforming, LGBTQIA+, it does not matter."
On Twitter, fans praised the decision by the Academy to recognize her work. Commenting on The New York Times story about Emmy nominations, one person tweeted, "Diversity and inclusivity!" "This Queen deserves it she has put In the work," another fan tweeted, while another commented, "Well deserved, she was absolutely fantastic."
Mj Rodriguez is not the first trans actress to ever be nominated for an Emmy
Rodriguez has more thoughts about her historic and widely-talked-about Emmy nomination, also telling Variety, "A moment like this extends and opens and elongates the possibilities of what's going to happen and I believe the Academy is definitely making it possible and their eyes are more than open. Yes, I do believe they're going to continue, and I also feel like we're going to keep speaking and encouraging and informing and educating people around the world. I think that's the most important thing."
It's important to note that she is not the first trans actress to ever be recognized by the Academy. Laverne Cox was nominated for her work in a supporting acting role for "Orange in the New Black" in 2014 (via ABC News). Cox was later nominated in 2019 and 2020, per AL.com. She did not win any of those times, however.
We wish Rodriguez luck when the Emmys air on September 19, 2021 (via Vanity Fair).