‘Abbott Elementary’ Stars Quinta Brunson & Tyler James Williams Make History With Their First Golden Globe Wins

After the Golden Globes canceled its 2022 edition due to a scandal lifted after it was discovered there were few members of color on its voting committee, the 2023 ceremony – which aired Tuesday night (January 10) – apparently looked to distance itself from its controversial past by increasing the diversity among winners.

The remedy came in many forms including longtime revered African American actress Angela Bassett capturing the night’s Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture trophy and celebrated Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh snagging the Best Supporting Actress in a Movie Musical or Comedy statuette.

In that stead, two of the evening’s most talked about winners were ‘Abbott Elementary’ stars Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams – who both made history for their groundbreaking performances in the hit ABC comedy.

Details inside.

Tyler James Williams’ Golden Globes speech is so sweet. protect him at all costs!!! pic.twitter.com/Gc2GHm7qbd

— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) January 11, 2023

Veteran actor Tyler James Williams claimed the first Golden Globe win of his career thanks to his portrayal of “Gregory Eddie” – a public school educator in ‘Abbott Elementary.’

Defeating the likes of Jonathan Pryce, John Lithgow, Henry Winkler, and John Turturo in the Best Supporting Actor in a TV Musical or Comedy category, Williams became only the fifth Black man in the ceremony’s 80-year history to nab the ‘Best Supporting TV Actor’ trophy. Uniquely, he is the first to capture the Musical or Comedy edition of this specific honor.

He joins John Boyega (2021), Jeffrey Wright (2004), Don Cheadle (1999), and Louis Gossett Jr. (1992) in the exclusive club.

“I pray this is a win for Gregory Eddie and for his story and stories like his, that we understand his story is just as important as all the other stories that have to be told out here,” he said in his acceptance speech.

Quinta Brunson just won her first ever Golden Globe Award for best actress in a TV comedy! #GoldenAwards pic.twitter.com/TFmw9WD0TX

— PopViewers (@PopViewers) January 11, 2023

Like Williams, Brunson also captured the first Golden Globe win of her career. Thanks to her portrayal of “Janine Teagues” on ‘Abbott,’ the EMMY-winning actress made history as only the third Black woman to capture the Best Actress in a TV Musical or Comedy Globe trophy. Her win follows the 1983 triumph of Debbie Allen and 2017 victory of Tracee Ellis Ross in the same category.

At 33-years-old, Quinta ties Debbie for youngest African American female performer to win this award.

It’s also worth noting that ‘Abbott,’ with five nominations to its credit, reigned as the night’s most nominated television program.

Click here to see the full list of 2023 Golden Globe winners.

[main photo sources: Getty Images]