Sheryl Lee Ralph overjoyed by second Emmy nom

Just a year after making history and winning her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for the role of Barbara Howard in hit mockumentary Abbott Elementary, noted Jamaican-American actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is again up for the best supporting actress in a comedy award.

This is Ralph’s second Emmy nomination and the actress who provided the emotional high point of last year’s ceremony with her half-sung victory speech, said she is a “puddle of emotions” after getting nominated again.

“It is just absolutely crazy. It, I mean, I am living one spectacular year. ... In all honesty, it could never ever be about me trying to beat that moment. Maybe they’ll ask me to host it! That moment was something,” said Ralph.

Other nominees in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category include Ayo Edebiri, The Bear; Janelle James, Abbott Elementary; Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso; Juno Temple, Ted Lasso and Jessica Williams, Shrinking.

Abbott Elementary received a total of eight nominations for the 2023 Emmy Awards which will take place on September 18.

The announcement of nominees comes amidst the possibility that actors may join movie and television writers on strike, further shutting down the industry. It would be the first time since 1960 that two Hollywood unions were simultaneously striking. While show and film releases will continue, work on upcoming projects will cease – as would actors’ interviews and appearances to promote the projects.

The possibility of an industry debilitated by strikes could dampen any joy for the new nominees, and could put the damper on the ceremony.

“Change is hard. Change is difficult. And in the midst of once again of a great moment in my life, I am surrounded by a difficult moment,” Ralph told AP. “This is a fight for artistry, this is not a fight to make people rich.”