Even a literal pandemic couldn’t stop Billy Porter turning out an iconic look for the Emmy Awards
Billy Porter served a look for the Emmy Awards (Photo: Instagram)
The Emmy Awards took place virtually this year on account of the pandemic, but even that couldn’t stop Billy Porter from serving an iconic look.
The Pose star was sadly deprived of his chance to strut on the red carpet in front of the cameras on Sunday night (20 September), as the show took place with all nominees and winners appearing remotely from home –while a person in a hazmat suit stood ready at each location to hand out trophies.
But Porter, who was nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a drama, would never let a little thing like a global pandemic get in the way of a fashion opportunity – even if some of his previous red carpet looks, such as arriving atop a throne carried by four burly men, would doubtlessly fall foul of social distancing rules.
Not even a pandemic can stop Billy Porter from serving looks.
The actor took to Instagram to share photos of his all-white suit, accessorised with a white flowing train and silver jewellery
He said: “We know what’s going on in the world, so I’m trying to hold space for all things, trying to not lose my mind, trying to have fun tonight.”
On his Instagram Story, Porter answered questions from fans while getting ready for the ceremony.
Asked how he would describe his style, Porter said: “I would describe my style as free. I’ve worked a long time to find a space where I don’t care what other people think of me. That’s a real interesting and hard place to get to.
“I will be 51 years old tomorrow, and I’m there, I’m free. That’s how I would describe my style.”
Pose actor vows to ‘give voice to the voiceless’.
Although he was ultimately beaten by Jeremy Strong of Succession, Porter also gave a hint of what could have been in his acceptance speech when asked about Pose.
He said: “We as artists have the power to speak truth to power, engage in really complicated conversations with the culture and reveal humanity.
“Never in a million years as a gay man as a gay Black man who came out in the 80s during the AIDS crisis, did I ever imagined that a show like Pose and a character like Pray Tell could exist. Nobody wanted to hear our story. Or so I thought.
“We as artists must be dedicated, and I am dedicated for the rest of my life, to making sure that I give voice to the voiceless and speech to the speechless.
“We are better because of our differences, not in spite of. As a culture, as a species, as humanity in general, we are all better. Because we’re different. That’s what Pose does to the world.”
Billy Porter served a look for the Emmy Awards (Photo: Instagram)
After the ceremony, he wrote: “Tonight was absolutely incredible. Congrats to Jeremy Strong on your big win and also sending love to my fellow distinguished nominees.
“We got through this together and it’s was a historically unique award show we will never forget. Y’all looked good tonight!
“Stay safe everyone and have a great night. REMEMBER TO VOTE THIS NOVEMBER! YOUR VOICE MATTERS!!!!”
During the Emmys broadcast, Porter also starred in a 60-second ad from the Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing, calling for better representation in the industry.
It it, he made clear: “We are more than a splash of colour on your white canvas.”
