Score one for the culture. Sunday night’s Emmy Awards delivered a landmark moment for television history when Tramell Tillman took home the trophy for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His performance as Seth Milchick in Apple TV Plus’ Severance not only earned him the honor but also cemented his place in history as the first Black actor to ever win in that category.
The Supporting Actor in a Drama slot had previously been the only Emmy category without a Black winner. Tillman’s victory made it even more significant, as he is also the first openly gay Black man to be nominated for and win the award.
Tillman beat out a stacked group of contenders, including his Severance castmates Zach Cherry and John Turturro, as well as The White Lotus star Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, and James Marsden from Paradise.
Taking the stage to accept his award, the actor used the moment to honor the person who shaped him most — his mother. “You remember what you want to remember. You make time for what you want to make time for, do the work, show up, and most importantly, for the love of God, don’t embarrass me in public. My first acting coach was tough, y’all, but all great mothers are. Mama, you were there for me when no one else was and no one else would show up. Your loving kindness stays with me, and this is for you. Thank you to the Academy. I am full. I am humbled. I am honored. And as my mama would say, ‘Look at God.’”
Severance has been a career shifting project for Tillman, opening doors to major opportunities including a role in the Mission Impossible franchise. His groundbreaking win stands as both a personal triumph and a cultural milestone, adding to the legacy of representation in Hollywood.