Mj Rodriguez has made Emmy Awards history as the first trans woman to be nominated in the lead actress category.
On Tuesday, it was announced that the 30-year-old “Pose” star was nominated for the outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her portrayal as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in the hit FX Networks series. Her competition includes Jurnee Smollett for her role in “Lovecraft Country” and Emma Corrin for her role in “The Crown.”
Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, called Rodriguez’s nomination “a breakthrough for transgender women in Hollywood” that was “long overdue.”
Rodriguez joins her castmate Billy Porter, who is up for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his role as her on-camera best friend, Pray Tell. Porter first won the title in 2019, making history as the first openly Black gay man to do so. “Pose” is also up for outstanding drama series.
On her Instagram, Rodriguez shared the moment when she found out that she was an Emmy nominated actress. In the tear-jerking video, the actress and vocalist become overwhelmed with joy when she hears her name being announced among the nominees.
The 73rd Emmy Awards will take place live on September 19th at 8 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+.
