Michael K Williams died earlier this month at the age of 54 and had been expected to win the gong for best supporting actor in a drama
Emmys fans have angrily taken to social media after Michael K Williams didn’t win the best supporting actor in a drama award at Sunday night’s ceremony.
The award went to Montrose Freeman, the actor who played the role of Montrose in Lovecraft Country.
The award was actually given to Tobias Menzies in recognition of his role in The Crown, contrary to what many thought.
Twitter was in a frenzy as the decision caused outrage among fans.
One fan wrote: “how did Michael k Williams not win ….,” while their opinion was matched by another who commented: “#Emmys.. no love for the best show #LovecraftCountry… once again the #Emmys failed to recognize the great #MichaelKWilliams…. shameful!”
A third also blasted the decision, writing: “#Emmys2021 got it all wrong #MichaelKWilliams is always the best.”
And the backlash didn’t stop there as another person tweeted: “Michael K. Williams was a brilliant actor who was great on #LovecraftCountry. I really would have loved to see him take home the win.”
If he had won, it would have marked Michael’s first career and individual win at the ceremony in what was his fifth overall nomination.
He had previously been nominated for his roles in Netflix’s When They See Us, Bessie, and The Night Of.
If he had won, he would have been the seventh Emmys, posthumous performance winner.
Despite not winning the award, the actor was remembered at the ceremony as actress Kerry Washington made a heartfelt speech.
The 44-year-old actress was presenting the supporting actor category for the drama series. She paid a sweet tribute to the actor, who is best known for his role on The Wire.
Kerry called Michael a “brilliantly talented actor” during her brief tribute and said he was “a generous human being who has left us far too soon”.
The Scandal actress continued: “I know you’re here because you wouldn’t miss this. Your excellence, your artistry will endure. We love you.”
Fellow co-stars of Michael also took to social media prior to the awards to pay their own special tribute.
Wendell Pierce said on Twitter: “Tonight at the Emmys, I hope they honor my friend. God Bless Michael K. Williams.”
The actor was found dead in his apartment by his nephew earlier this month. The cause of death was not revealed by the medical examiner. However, police stated that they found drug paraphernalia at the scene.