FILM & TV

Mj Rodriguez Becomes First Trans Woman Nominated for an Emmy in a Major Acting Category

On July 13, Mj Rodriguez made history by becoming the first-ever trans woman to be nominated for an Emmy in a major acting category. Rodriguez is nominated in the category Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Blanca in the FX drama Pose.
Eric Liebowitz/FX

On July 13, Mj Rodriguez made history by becoming the first-ever trans woman to be nominated for an Emmy in a major acting category. Rodriguez is nominated in the category Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Blanca in the FX drama Pose.

After the Television Academy announced Rodriguez’s nomination, the 30-year-old actress took to Instagram live to express her thoughts on the news. With a big smile, Rodriguez stated, “I cried so much. Oh my god, you don’t understand.” Radiating excitement and joy, the actress described how she had always wanted to spread love through her art and finally is getting the chance to. After, the actress thanked her fans for their endless support and stated, “this is what representation looks like.”

In an interview with Variety, Rodriguez explained how she believes her nomination will now open up more opportunities “for so many people — whether they be male or trans female, gender nonconforming, LGBTQIA+, it does not matter.” The actress also voiced how the nomination from the Academy can help inform and educate people around the world.

In the same category Uzo Aduba, Olivia Colman, Emma Corrin, Elisabeth Moss, and Jurnee Smollett are nominated along with Rodriguez.

Pose is an FX drama that follows the diverse communities within New York’s underground ball culture. Currently, Pose has the largest cast of transgender actors to appear as series regular roles. Additionally, the scripted series also features the largest recurring cast of LGBTQ actors.

If you want to support Mj Rodriguez at the Emmys, you can catch the 73 Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 19.