FSU Film School graduates nominated for 2021 Emmy Awards

James Laxton and Barry Jenkins on the set of “The Underground Railroad.”

Six Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts alumni have been nominated for the 2021 Emmy Awards for their work on television shows in the past year.

“We are so proud of our alums,” said Reb Braddock, dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts. “This group of nominations shows again the depth of our alumni’s influence within the industry as well as their excellent training here at Florida State’s film school.”

Two FSU alumni received individual nominations for the limited television series “The Underground Railroad.” Barry Jenkins was nominated for Outstanding Director, and his longtime friend and cinematographer, James Laxton, was nominated for Outstanding Cinematography. The series received a total of seven nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series.

Jenkins’ “The Underground Railroad” is an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s 2016 novel of the same name. Combining the traditional slave narrative with magical realism, the historical drama chronicles the escape of two slaves from the antebellum South on an actual train system with stations, cars and conductors.

This is Jenkins’ first Emmy nomination. Celebrating alongside him are fellow FSU College of Motion Pictures Arts graduates — Oscar-winning producer Adele Romanski (‘04) earned a producing credit; Adrienne Rush (‘15) wrote for the series; and Oscar-nominated editor Joi McMillon (‘03) edited the series.

Jim Lakin (’01) was nominated for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and for Animation for “Hacks.” Lakin is best known for his work on “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” and runs his own sound company based in Los Angeles.

The 73rd Emmy Awards will air at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 19, on CBS.

For more information visit film.fsu.edu.

Barry Jenkins and Joi McMillon hold a forum at FSU after “Moonlight” win. (Photo courtesy of Frame)