Chadwick Boseman wins Emmy two years after his death

Chadwick Boseman has won an Emmy Award two years after his tragic death. 

The American actor and playwright, best known for his starring role in Marvel’s Black Panther, sadly passed away in August 2020 due to colon cancer, aged 43.

While he may be gone, he’s certainly not forgotten – alongside his various projects that immortalise him as a superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the film industry and his dedicated fans continue to uphold his legacy.

And now the star has bagged the posthumous accolade of Outstanding Character Voice-Over at the 2022 Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his performance in the animated series What If...? from Marvel and Disney+.

His wife Taylor Simone Ledward picked up the award on his behalf, saying: "When I learned Chad was nominated, I started thinking of everything that was going on in the world and our world and being so in awe of his commitment and dedication.

"And what a beautiful moment that one of the last things he would work on was something so important to him and to the world, but also something new.

"You can’t understand your purpose unless you ask what if? What if the universe is conspiring in my favour? What if it’s me? Chad would be so honoured and I am honoured on his behalf."

Premiering on the streaming platform in August 2021, a year after his death, the show made use of the animated format by exploring alternate timelines in the MCU to reimagine what would happen if noteworthy events unfolded differently. 

Boseman voiced his character in the second episode of the series titled 'What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?', a crossover of Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Panther which looked at a storyline in which Yondu Udonta and the Ravagers abducted T'Challa instead of Peter Quill. 

Tributes continue to pour in for the late star upon the news that he’s won an Emmy, with one fan writing on Twitter: “Still can’t believe he is no longer with us. A magnificent actor and man. You are missed King!”

“This makes me happy. Chad was a brilliant actor and gone way too soon. RIP,” said another, while a third added: “I loved that episode! I am forever proud of and inspired by Chadwick Boseman! #Emmys #WhatIf.”

Others pointed to last year’s Oscars snub after Boseman lost out on a posthumous Academy Award despite being a favourite to win Best Actor for his performance in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

As said by one fan: “Chadwick Boseman was the best character in What If.. and after the debacle that was the Oscars, nice to see him not only win but not used to prop up ratings.”

Marvel Entertainment and Disney+ also took to Twitter to thank the organisers, writing: “Thank you to the Television Academy for recognising the outstanding work of our King, the late Chadwick Boseman. #Emmys.”

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