One of the most iconic actors in television history, Michael K. Williams, was snubbed for a posthumous Emmy during tonight’s awards. The Wire and Boardwalk Empire alum was nominated for his electric work in HBO’s Lovecraft Country. It was a role that combined his unique onscreen charisma with the pain and joy of his past. Because of Williams’s recent tragic and untimely death, Lovecraft Country would be the actor’s last shot at being honored by the Television Academy. Instead the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series went to Tobias Menzies for his work in The Crown.
Before introducing the nominees, presenter Kerry Washington paid tribute to him, noting that he had “left us far too soon.” Nevertheless, she gave a personal shoutout to him: “Michael, I know you’re here because you wouldn’t miss this. Your excellence and your artistry will endure. We love you.” Later, upon announcing Menzies’s win, Washington had to accept the award on his behalf.
Michael K. Williams was a dancer and choreographer before branching out into acting roles. His biggest break came playing Omar in HBO’s The Wire and he would go on to elevate everything from Boardwalk Empire to Community with his acting. However, it’s in one of his last performances that Williams really left everything out on screen. HBO’s Lovecraft Country follows Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors) and his friend Leti (Jurnee Smollett) as they hit the road on a wild odyssey to track down Atticus’s missing father, Montrose. Finding Montrose doesn’t solve their problems, though. It just embroils Atticus in the labyrinthine machinations of a creepy secret society. Also keeping secrets? The closeted Montrose.
Williams may not have won his Emmy but it’s clear from Washington’s statement and the roar of applause he received when his name was called during the nominees’ supercut that he will be forever remembered as a true TV legend.
Where to stream Lovecraft Country