The South African comedian’s Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series garnered praise from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Renowned South African comedian Trevor Noah has etched his name in history with a prestigious Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Series for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah this week. This significant win at the 75th Annual Emmy Awards highlights Noah’s influential presence in the global entertainment sphere and underscores the impact of South African talent on the international stage.
In a category brimming with talent, Noah’s victory over eminent late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and Stephen Colbert underlines his distinct voice in the variety talk series landscape. This Emmy is his first in the Outstanding Talk Series category, adding to his 2017 win for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series and illustrating his consistent prowess in the industry.
President Cyril Ramaphosa extended warm congratulations to Noah in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, recognizing his role as a global ambassador of South African talent. “Winning outstanding talk series in a very competitive scene is no laughing matter,” Ramaphosa stated, celebrating Noah’s contribution to showcasing South African excellence on the global front.
In his acceptance speech, Noah remarked, “I told you! I told you we would beat John Oliver if he wasn’t in our category. We did it!” He also expressed deep gratitude toward his team and offered special thanks to Jon Stewart, acknowledging Stewart’s role in his journey. “Thank you for calling me up and asking me to come join you on this crazy journey,” Noah said.
Reflecting on his most memorable episode, Noah mentioned “Trump and the African Dictator,” highlighting its significance in bringing African perspectives to American television. This episode, according to Noah, exemplified the groundbreaking nature of his work on the show.
Noah’s accolades extend beyond the Emmys. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Stand-Up Comedian in Television and is nominated for a Grammy for Best Comedy Album. Additionally, he is set to host the Grammy Awards for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing his versatility and appeal as a host and entertainer.
Despite his departure from The Daily Show in September 2022, Noah’s impact continues. The search for his permanent replacement on the show is ongoing.