D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai’s Meaningful Statement at the 2024 Emmys
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai recently delivered an important message at the 2024 Emmys. The talented actor, known for his role in Reservation Dogs, graced the red carpet at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards held on September 15, 2024, in Los Angeles, California.
A Symbol of Advocacy
For this prestigious event, Woon-A-Tai donned an elegant Emporio Armani tuxedo paired with stunning Thundercloud jewelry. Notably, he showcased a symbolic red handprint over his mouth, representing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement.
According to Native Hope, this powerful symbol signifies “all the missing sisters whose voices are not heard,” highlighting the silence from both media and law enforcement surrounding this critical issue. The organization’s mission revolves around addressing the injustices prevalent within Indigenous communities, particularly in light of a 2019 Justice Department report that indicated women on reservations are ten times more likely to be murdered compared to the national average.
Emmy Nominee and Cultural Representation
Woon-A-Tai, who identifies as Oji-Cree First Nations and Guyanese, received his first Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Bear Smallhill in Reservation Dogs, an acclaimed Hulu comedy-drama that has concluded after its fourth season.
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on 15 September 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Getty Images)
Connecting with His Character
In an interview, Woon-A-Tai shared how he felt a deep connection with his character during his first audition. He noted that the writers’ room was entirely Indigenous, emphasizing their commitment to telling authentic stories. “I related to Bear right off the bat,” he recalled, pointing out the similarities between his life and the experiences of Native youth.
He further expressed, “There are definitely a lot of Bears in the world and what we call Indian Country.”
Empowering Native Storytelling
Woon-A-Tai is proud to be part of a new generation of Native American creators who are actively shaping their narratives. “We’re moving towards a time when we no longer need anyone to tell our story for us,” he stated. He believes it is crucial for projects centered on Indigenous people to have Native directors, writers, and casting teams.
The Emmys Ceremony
The three-hour Emmy ceremony took place at the Peacock Theater, starting at 8 PM ET (midnight GMT). The event was broadcast live on ABC, with highlights available for viewing on Hulu afterward. Father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy hosted this remarkable celebration of television.
What are your thoughts on the importance of representation in media?
