Although Michael K. Williams wasn’t the recipient of a posthumous award during the Emmy Awards Sunday, presenter Kerry Washington said the late actor’s spirit was present during an emotional tribute.
Cedric the Entertainer jokes about Billy Porter and hosting this year’s Emmys
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Williams’ portrayal of Montrose Freeman, a father with a complex and secret-filled past, in HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” earned him an Emmy nomination in July for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series. Williams died two months later, just weeks before Sunday’s ceremony.
Before presenting the Emmy award for the category, Washington took a moment to honor Williams, who she said “left us far too soon” while holding back tears.
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“Michael was – crazy to say was – a brilliantly talented actor and a generous human being,” Washington said. “Michael, I know you’re here, because you wouldn’t miss this. Your excellence, your artistry will endure. We love you.”
The actor was found dead Sept. 6 in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment, according to the New York Police Department. His death was being investigated as a possible drug overdose, police told The Associated Press.
Washington followed up her sentiments on Twitter, writing, “You are missed and you are loved Michael K. Williams. It was an honor to honor YOU.”
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The Emmy Award, which would have been Williams’ first and only Emmy of his TV career, instead went to “The Crown” star Tobias Menzies, who didn’t attend the ceremony. Washington accepted the gold trophy in Menzies’ honor.
Social media users said the moment was eerily similar to the Oscars in April when Anthony Hopkins stunned with the best-actor win over Chadwick Boseman, who died of colon cancer last August at age 43. The British acting legend wasn’t in attendance, and the show awkwardly ended with presenter Joaquin Phoenix standing alone onstage.
“Michael K. Williams doesn’t win the Emmy in his category; the person who does isn’t there, even virtually. Sort of similar to the Oscars with Anthony Hopkins and Chadwick Boseman,” tweeted @RothsReviews. User @LeaMTL tweeted added: “So Michael K. Williams gets the Chadwick Boseman treatment.”
The Emmys closed its in memoriam segment, performed by Leon Bridges and Jon Batiste, with a poignant quote from Williams: “The only way for me to say ‘thank you’ is by making sure the foundation that I am standing on is strong enough to support the next person that will stand on these two shoulders.”
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TV’s biggest night is here! Scroll through to see the best photos of your favorite stars from the Emmys red carpet in Los Angeles, starting off with Kaley Cuoco, who is nominated for lead actress in a comedy series for HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant.”
Regé-Jean Page is nominated for lead actor in a drama series for Netflix’s “Bridgerton.”
Emma Corrin is nominated for lead actress in a drama series for Netflix’s “The Crown.” She attended the Emmys Celebration at Soho House in London.
Olivia Colman also walked the London red carpet.
Gillian Anderson also attended.
Michaela Coel glowed in a neon yellow ensemble.
“Bachelorette” star Rachel Lindsay glowed in an orange gown.
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Williams’ powerful portrayals were seen in films like “Inherent Vice,” “12 Years a Slave,” and “The Road.” But it was his ability to captivate audiences with powerful yet vulnerable roles of Black men in TV series like HBO’s “The Wire” and “Lovecraft,” which was canceled after one season, that left a mark.
Williams had been nominated five times, four for supporting roles in “Bessie,” the HBO biopic of blues giant Bessie Smith, and series including “The Night Of” and “When They See Us.”
He was known and loved by many as Omar Little, a “stick-up boy” based on real figures from Baltimore, on “The Wire.” He won the Emmy for his role as Montrose before his death: The voting deadline predated it.
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On the day of his funeral, his “Lovecraft” co-star Jurnee Smollett, who played Letitia Lewis in the series, posted a touching tribute to the actor, writing how they were all supposed to be together during this special time.
“He was supposed to be here with us this week in L.A. for the Emmys,” she wrote. She described one of the first scenes she filmed with Williams, and remembered looking into his eyes that held so much emotion.
“That’s the beauty of MKW’s instrument – he threw his entire being into each moment w/ such bravery and sacrifice,” she added.
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Contributing: Pamela Avila
The 73rd Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Los Angeles, was a star-studded affair with plenty of crowd-pleasing wins. Here are all of the best photos from Sunday night’s show, starting with Jason Sudeikis accepting the award for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for “Ted Lasso.”
Kate Winslet accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movie for “Mare of Easttown.”
Angela Bassett presents the award for outstanding limited or anthology series.
Michaela Coel accepts the award for outstanding writing for a limited or anthology series or movie for “I May Destroy You.”
Taraji P. Henson presents the award for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie.
Everyone’s favorite TV footballer Brett Goldstein accepts the award for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for his role as Roy Kent in “Ted Lasso”
Kerry Washington presents the award for outstanding supporting actor.
Billy Porter and Michaela Jae Rodriguez present the award for outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series.
Cedric the Entertainer entertains the audience at the 73rd Emmy Awards.
Olivia Colman with her Emmy award for ‘Outstanding Lead Actress for a Drama Series’, at the “The Crown” 73rd Primetime Emmys Celebration at Soho House on Sept. 19, 2021 in London.
(From left) “Schitt’s Creek” cast Dan Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy and Eugene Levy present the award for outstanding writing for a comedy series.
Yara Shahidi presents the award for outstanding supporting actor.
Amy Poehler presents the award for outstanding variety special (pre-recorded).
Patrick Stewart presents the award for outstanding writing for a limited or anthology series or movie.
Susan Kelechi Watson, left, and Mandy Moore perform.
Catherine Zeta-Jones presents the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series.
Kate Winslet, left, accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a limited or anthology series for “Mare of Easttown” from presenters Sarah Paulson and Beanie Feldstein.
Sarah Paulson, left, and Beanie Feldstein present the award for outstanding lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movie.
(From left) Symone, Gottmik, RuPaul and Michelle Visage accept the award for outstanding competition program for “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” RuPaul is now the most-awarded Black artist in Emmys history.
Conan O’Brien, right, enthusiastically congratulates Stephen Colbert for his Emmy win for outstanding variety special.
Stephen Colbert accepts the award for outstanding variety special (live).
Anya Taylor-Joy congratulates Scott Frank for his Emmy win for outstanding directing for a limited or anthology series or movie for “The Queen’s Gambit.”
Cedric the Entertainer, left, and LL Cool J perform onstage.
Anthony Anderson, left, and Tracee Ellis Ross hug as they present the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series.
Renée Elise Goldsberry, center, and the cast and crew of “Hamilton” accept the award for outstanding variety special (pre-recorded).
Seth Rogen presents the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series.
Awkwafina presents the award for outstanding comedy series.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” star Samira Wiley speaks onstage, looking dapper.
John Oliver accepts the award for outstanding variety talk series for “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver.”
Aidy Bryant presents the award for outstanding variety special (live).
“The Mindy Project” star Mindy Kaling speaks onstage.
Daniel Dae Kim, left, and Sophia Bush present the award for outstanding writing for a variety series.
Josh O’Connor accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for “The Crown.”
Evan Peters accepts the award for outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie for “Mare of Easttown.”
Jean Smart accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for “Hacks.”
America Ferrera presents the award for outstanding directing for a drama series.
(From left) Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs accept the award for outstanding writing for a comedy series for “Hacks.”
Uzo Aduba introduces the in memoriam tribute.
Jennifer Coolidge presents the award for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series.
Leon Bridges, left, and Jon Batiste perform during the touching in memoriam tribute.
Lorne Michaels, center, and the cast of “Saturday Night Live” accept the award for outstanding variety sketch series for “Saturday Night Live.”
Debbie Allen accepts the Governors Award.
Ewan McGregor accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie for “Halston.”
(From left) Jada Pinkett Smith, Ava DuVernay, Ellen Pompeo and Michael Douglas present the Governors Award.
Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma speaks on stage.
Hannah Waddingham accepts the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for “Ted Lasso.”
Allyson Felix, left, and Jessica Long present the award for outstanding competition program.
Julianne Nicholson accepts the award for outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie for “Mare of Easttown”
Cedric the Entertainer performs onstage.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kerry Washington honors Michael K. Williams; Twitter compares Emmy loss to Chadwick Boseman
