Why Michael K. Williams' Emmy loss hurt so much

Los Angeles Times

"While there were many victories to celebrate at the Emmys, one loss seemed to cast a cloud over the gala ceremony," says Greg Braxton, who notes that voting was completed one week before the actor's death. "Michael K. Williams, the beloved actor who won acclaim for his dark and demanding roles in The Wire, Boardwalk Empire and several other projects, had been considered an Emmy frontrunner for supporting actor in a drama series for his fierce performance in HBO’s Lovecraft Country. Williams was found dead on Sept. 6 in his Brooklyn apartment. His death devastated the Hollywood community. The actor was saluted by many who had worked with him and by others who had admired his deep and complicated roles in numerous projects, particularly his turn as the lethal gangster Omar Little in The Wire. Others recognized his generosity and warm spirit. But on Sunday the actor lost out to Tobias Menzies of The Crown. When presenter Kerry Washington announced Menzies as the winner, a wave of shock and disappointment appeared to come over the room." Braxton adds: "The most touching salute came when the 'In Memoriam' segment of the awards closed out with a video of Williams as he said, 'The only way for me to say thank you is by making sure the foundation I’m standing on is strong enough to support the next person to stand on these two shoulders.'"

ALSO:

• Baltimore Ravens' paid tribute last night to Michael K. Williams and The Wire's Omar Little with whistling "The Farmer In the Dell"
• Watch HBO's tribute to Michael Kenneth Williams