Last night’s Emmy Awards ceremony, which was held virtually and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, was a momentous occasion for Jeremy Pope. The actor landed his first Emmy nomination for his breakout role in Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood, in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie category. “I’m very grateful for the recognition from the Television Academy, given Hollywood was my television debut,” Pope tells Vogue. He adds that portraying his character, a Black, gay aspiring screenwriter during the late 1940s named Archie Coleman, was a meaningful first role to take on. “Hollywood tells the story of a different perspective of our industry,” he says. “It was an opportunity to rewrite history and give a hopeful take on what could and should be. Although the era of our show was 80 years ago, we are still fighting for equal opportunities and visibility amongst marginalized groups today.”
To take in the virtual Emmys show last night, Pope tuned in from Orlando, along with his closest friends, parents, and grandparents. “I rented a house in my hometown so that all of my family could stay together in one place,” he says. “We dressed up and made our own red carpet.” The intimate experience proved to be one that the star will cherish in the years to come. “For my first Emmy Awards, I was able to bring all of the people that matter the most with me,” he says. “I sat next to my parents and my grandparents during the live show. Immediately after the show, we went downstairs to a room that had an arcade and bowling alley. The ultimate after-party!”
Naturally, he had to dress up for his at-home red carpet. Styled by Jordan Boothe, Pope wore a brown Louis Vuitton suit in the French label’s signature Damier checkerboard print. Finished off with a pair of heeled Christian Louboutin boots and a Constellation watch by Omega, the ensemble was a sleek take on suiting up that was anything but neutral or classic. “This year we knew we would be celebrating from home, so we wanted something that was comfortable yet sharp,” Pope says. “I’ve always admired Louis Vuitton, and being dressed by them for the Emmys was really special—even if that meant being suited up in my house just for my mom and grandma to see.”
Below, Pope documents the big night for Vogue, from getting ready to the after-party.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope1/23We started off the morning with a family brunch, catered by Puff ’n Stuff, a local business here in Florida. Chicken and waffles, shrimp, grits, mimosas—all of the Southern comfort foods one could want.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope2/23The dessert bar was stacked with Emmy-themed chocolate-covered Oreos, white chocolate strawberries, parfaits, and vanilla cakes made by Florida Candy Buffets.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope3/23My mom and me at our family brunch, mimosas in hand.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope4/23Spending quality time with my family during the weekend was the most important part. Love you, Dad!
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope5/23My brothers Ephraim Sykes and Derrick Baskin have been on such a journey with me over the past few years. We spent three years working on our Broadway show Ain’t Too Proud [together] and there’s always a lot of laughs when the crew is back together.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope6/23Flowers sent from Ryan Murphy, the creator of Hollywood.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope7/23Getting ready.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope8/23
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope9/23
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope10/23
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope11/23
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope12/23We set up a step-and-repeat for my mom’s first time at the Emmys.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope13/23My dad and stepmom.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope14/23Three Generations: my aunt, my mom, my grandmother, and my cousin.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope15/23My stepdad, mom, me, stepmom, and dad—my incredible support system.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope16/23My grandparents.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope17/23My mom and me.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope18/23My brother Jordan and me dancing during our family step-and-repeat photo shoot.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope19/23My stepmom and me.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope20/23The house we rented had a bowling alley and games arcade, which made for the best after-party. We pretty much spent the whole weekend in this room.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope21/23
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope22/23
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremy Pope23/23
