Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - September 12, 2024 - Toronto actor D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai is competing for best lead actor in a comedy series for his role in FX's "Reservation Dogs," which streams on Disney Plus in Canada.
Woon-A-Tai stars as Bear Smallhill, one of four Indigenous teens in rural Oklahoma reeling from the suicide of a friend and committing petty crimes to fund their escape to California.
The heartfelt half-hour comedy is nominated for four Emmys but after last weekend's creative arts awards, will contend for two on Sunday, including for best comedy.
Woon-A-Tai is grateful that the Okmulgee, Okla.-shot series is finally being recognized by the television academy after being snubbed for its first two seasons.
He stands alongside best supporting acting nominees Lily Gladstone and Kali Reis as the first Indigenous actors to receive Emmy nominations in 17 years.
"Reservation Dogs" is billed as the first show on U.S. television in which all the writers, directors, and regular characters are Indigenous.
Woon-A-Tai is proud of the way the show dismantles stereotypes of Indigenous people and believes that laughter is medicine.
Other Canadians up for awards on Sunday include Matty Matheson, whose culinary dramedy "The Bear" has a record 23 nods, including for best comedy series.