While the 2017 Emmy Awards celebrated many achievements by people of color in and outside the entertainment industry, there was still room for valid criticism about underrepresentation. This time, the oversight was directed at young actors.
Despite its immense popularity and dedicated fan base, Netflix’s hit show *Stranger Things* did not secure any major Emmy awards, including Best Drama, Best Supporting Actor, or Best Supporting Actress. The show only received awards for sound editing, title design, and casting, leaving the performances of its young stars—Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard, and Noah Schnapp—unrecognized.
Actor Jaleel White, known for his role as Steve Urkel on the beloved ’90s series *Family Matters*, expressed his disappointment over the lack of acknowledgment for the young cast. He shared his frustrations with Entertainment Weekly, saying, “Sometimes our awards process can be very political, driven by personal agendas, and we forget that young talent needs recognition. The message I’m trying to convey is that you don’t become great at anything without starting young and demonstrating remarkable consistency. Unfortunately, our youth often gets overlooked and ridiculed.”
White further elaborated on his views, noting that adult actors sometimes struggle to accept that younger performers might receive accolades. “Adults can feel so entitled to awards they’ve worked for their entire careers that it can be offensive to them if someone younger, who hasn’t been through their journey, wins that award,” he explained. “This attitude is misguided. Directors and producers should recognize that competent performers often start young and grow into their professionalism over time.”
White’s comments highlight a broader issue within the industry, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and appreciative approach to recognizing young talent.
