Michael K. Williams deserved an Emmy. And more.

Michael k williams deserved to win an Emmy.

The revered actor was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his outstanding performance in HBO’s “Lovecraft Country”. Williams, 54, was found dead in Brooklyn, New York, earlier this month. The actor’s nephew, Dominic Dupont, reportedly accepted the award on behalf of his late uncle and mentor. Tobias Menzies, who plays Prince Philip in Netflix’s “The Crown”, won the award.

In “Lovecraft Country”, based on the novel of the same name, Williams took on the role of Montrose Freeman, a complicated character caught in a chain of generational pain that leads him to abuse his own son. He struggles with addiction and finds it difficult to express his sexuality, especially due to the limiting stereotypes placed on black men. One of the highlights of the series is the ballroom scene in Episode 5, in which Montrose, encouraged by her lover, is finally given a space to be free.

“Montrose received a book of stereotypes about what it means to be a man, especially a black man, in America,” said Williams, who had to campaign for the role. Los Angeles Times in August. “Vulnerability, softness; these are not celebrated in the community. Your experimental sexual experiences; none of these things are celebrated in the neighborhood, in the community where Montrose came from, or where I’m from, for that matter.

Williams had been nominated four times previously for his roles in “When They See Us”, “The Night Of” and “Bessie” and as executive producer for the 2018 Vice special “Raised in the System”. Williams brought emotional depth and worthy power to each of his roles, from Omar in “The Wire” to Bobby McCray in “When They See Us”.

Her nearly 30-year career in entertainment began with dance. He has appeared in music videos and danced on tour for artists such as Ginuwine, Missy Elliott and Madonna. His first movie role came after Tupac saw a Polaroid photo of him as producers searched for someone to play his little brother in “Bullet” in 1996. Williams auditioned and got the role, marking the start of his acting career.

He went on to play a central role in the iconic films “The Sopranos”, “The Wire” and “Boardwalk Empire”, to name a few. And regardless of the character, Williams wore it with an emotional rawness that couldn’t be duplicated. When Williams is on screen, he commands your attention and your heart.

“I can’t relate to anything other than the black experience,” Williams said in an interview with Vanity Fair in 2020. “For me to have the opportunity to be a storyteller and tell a story. tales of people in my community who look like me. I wear this as a badge of honor and a huge responsibility. And I’m grateful for the gift of art. If nothing else, just for that.

On and off screen, the Brooklyn native was dedicated to uplifting and empowering his community. He knew how to captivate the public while offering himself as a vessel to amplify the voices of those who are often ignored and ignored. His talent was a gift to all of us – and he came from a genuine place, as Williams was vulnerable enough to show the world his flaws, tribulations, and victories.

In the weeks following his death, celebrities, activists and fans shared stories about Williams’ impact. Videos of giving him wisdom, dancing to house music in Brooklyn, paying homage to the late rapper DMX and standing up for others have flooded the timelines.

He was laid to rest in Harrisburg, Pa. Just days before the Emmys.

“Lovecraft Country” co-star Jurnee Smollett paid tribute to Williams on Instagram after his funeral. “He was supposed to be here with us this week in LA for the Emmys. He was supposed to see how big Hunter is, we were going to dance, celebrate, cry. Instead, our brother was buried today. I still can’t figure it out, ”she wrote, referring to her son Hunter. “Maybe it’s selfish of me to want to keep this handsome man who came into my life and changed him forever.”

In her caption, Smollett shared an anecdote about a moment on set where she needed to “calm the chaos” during a scene, so she looked into Williams’ eyes.

“I could feel the pain behind his eyes, my soul understood that. That’s the beauty of MKW’s instrument – he threw his whole being into every moment with so much bravery and sacrifice. That’s all I needed… just look in Michael / Montrose’s eyes.

Williams was our gem. The mark he left on the world is indelible. And it is tragically unfortunate – but unsurprisingly – that Hollywood as an industry has failed to recognize its unique gift. Williams deserved this Emmy and much more applause and recognition during his lifetime.

There are simply not enough flowers in the world to give Michael K. Williams. Neither in life nor in death.