I had an incredible time when I went to The Creative Arts Emmys. I went with Tracie Thoms, the amazing lead of my web series, SEND ME. She was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama. I’ll tell you about how that happened in a moment.
First – what was incredible about it? I admit I thought the Creative Arts Emmys would be the junior league version of the awards show. After all, it’s not the popular prime time celebration hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, this was one of two evenings with the words “Creative Arts” slapped in front of it, which weren’t going to be televised. (Actually, it turns out these awards are seen on cable – on FXX – but I didn’t know that at first). I thought I was going to some ceremony that might well be held in a conference room or a ballroom – with none of the sparkle, glamour and wit of THE EMMYS. But I was wrong – and that’s what was incredible. Tracie walked the Red Carpet, the paparazzi were there and so were a host of celebrities. I sat near Anthony Bourdain and James Lipton. Jane Lynch introduced the evening, which included Morgan Freeman, Gloria Steinem, Ryan Seacrest and RuPaul as presenters. And it was held in the same theatre that the prime time awards are held in, with the same production values, amazing graphics, announcers and ambiance. And it was black tie so I had to wear a tux. It was so fun, that even though I couldn’t find my car for 40 minutes after the event, I had joy in my heart and a smile on my face, because I was so happy to be there.
But how did it happen? That question is a bit like when people ask how you got into a good college. I wasn’t there when it was decided. I don’t actually know how the voting went and how Tracie got selected. But I do know that, like college, the Emmys (and a ton of other awards, contests and opportunities) require one to apply.
Applying for things is one of the joys and challenges of what we do as artists, writers, whoever we are. The industry at large makes it seem like these awards are “divinely inspired” – that the Gods simply reach down and anoint those who are most deserving. But that’s not the case – and the more we know that, as artists, the faster we can steer clear of the emotional minefield that suggests that some folks are worthy and some are not. I’m not saying talent doesn’t exist, but I am saying (for sure) that these contests – and they are contests – are subjective. Even the pulitzer prize requires an application. Artists have to step into the business of the awards business to win an award. There are is no anointing – there are people who plunk down money and take a chance that they’ll get the votes.
So – like college – I applied to the Emmys. Through the TV Academy’s website, I submitted our show for a few different things, and paid money for the privilege. I had to fill out some online forms, and upload some stuff – giving prospective voters the chance to see the work. The uploading, by the way, was an additional cost (and every show that sends DVDS out to Academy members pays for those DVDs and pays the Academy (charges are by the episode) to mail them to the membership). Awards are big business. Bottom line: you apply and you pay and you wait. Sometimes you advertise while you wait (more money) – which I didn’t do. I’d already paid for a publicist and done my own marketing when the series went out, so I was exhausted and couldn’t pay anything else. I should also say, in the spirit of transparency, the whole time I was applying I was thinking, “Who do you think you are???” I had to acknowledge, process and push past my resistance every step of the way. Ultimately, what did I have to lose (except time and money)?
To be clear, I love my web series. I think Tracie is terrific. Well deserving of her nomination. And, if I had the cash and the gumption I might have entered in other categories, and who knows what might have happened. But I did what I did and the results were stunning and delicious. My little web series got an Emmy nomination, and, for the rest of her life, Tracie will be an Emmy nominee. Pretty fantastic.
Whatever your art is, it’s important not only to make it, but to promote it. If that’s a foreign concept to you, I support you in enlisting friends, family, therapists, coaches or anyone else in cheering you on. Because if you don’t apply you can’t be selected. If you don’t put yourself forward, you won’t have the opportunity to be recognized.
I’m proud to say I got to the Emmys. And I’m really clear about the fact that you can get there, too.
If you need perspective or cheering on, reach out.
