Sheryl Lee Ralph threw some major shade ahead of the categories for the Emmys.
The acclaimed actress said Abbott Elementary was the only true sitcom nominated in its respective category.
“Abbott Elementary, top of the conversation — nominated for best cast,” Ralph told E! News about the show’s nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. “I’m looking forward to a win since we’re the only real comedy in the category.”
The category included The Bear; Hacks; Margo’s Got Money Troubles; Nobody Wants This; Only Murders in the Building; Shrinking. Widow’s Bay eventually took home the trophy.
The Emmy winner—who plays veteran teacher Barbara Howard—criticized how dark, drama-heavy shows now dominate comedy categories. By championing Abbott Elementary’s classic sitcom roots and rapid-fire humor, Ralph framed the ABC hit as a rare standard-bearer for true TV comedy.
THE SUCCESS OF ‘ABBOTT ELEMENTARY’
Although Ralph and Abbott Elementary did not win any awards this year, she made history at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards. When she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, she became only the second Black woman to win the award, following Jackée Harry’s historic win decades earlier.
Speaking with NPR’s Fresh Air in 2022, Ralph said that an Emmy win would be one of the crown jewels of her career.
“Whether I get that trophy in my hand or not, I already feel like a winner,” Ralph said. “The love that has been shown to me, showered on me, the flowers that have been given to me, literally and figuratively. I feel like a winner. And forever after this, I will always be Tony-nominated, Emmy-nominated Sheryl Lee Ralph. Oh my God! I feel so good and so happy and so excited.”
Created by Quinta Brunson, the show went on to win an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for the show’s pilot. Brunson also captured Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. The win made her the first Black woman to win the category in over 40 years.