Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet” and “The Color Purple”) has been nominated for an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha honouring the Queen of Soul, in the category “Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.” It is her first Emmy Award nomination.
In a statement shared by Deadline, Erivo said
“I felt a duty to play her as honestly as possible. I learned about storytelling through music from Aretha, she’s my idol. I grew up listening to her. So I did feel like there was a challenge there because I was playing my hero”
Genius is National Geographic’s critically acclaimed anthology series that dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world’s most brilliant innovators and their extraordinary achievements with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. This third season will explore Aretha Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. Franklin was a gospel prodigy, an outspoken civil rights champion and widely considered the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honours throughout her career.
Genius: Aretha is the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul, and is currently airing on Wednesdays at 21:00 CAT on National Geographic (DStv 181, Starsat 220). The series is also available to view on DStv Catchup. Read more about the third season of the limited series here.
The 73rd Emmy Awards will be announced out at a ceremony in Los Angeles on 19 September.
