Just when it seemed like Jay Z’s era of winning awards in the entertainment industry had concluded, he adds another accolade to his impressive trophy case. During the 2023 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday night (Jan. 7), Jay Z received the award for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special. He co-directed the Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Rihanna, a performance so electrifying that even senior citizens were inspired to recreate it. Co-directing alongside Hamish Hamilton, Jay Z surpassed competitors such as Joel Gallen (Chris Rock: Selective Outrage), Linda Mendoza (Wanda Sykes: I’m an Entertainer), Paul Miller (Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love), and Glenn Weiss (The Oscars).
Hamish Hamilton and Shawn Carter (@sc) win the #Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special for The Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show Starring @Rihanna (@FOXTV)! #Emmys #75thEmmys pic.twitter.com/iPtGvi9TOQ
— Television Academy (@TelevisionAcad) January 8, 2024
While this may be Jay Z’s first award for this particular work, Hamilton has been directing the Super Bowl Halftime Show since 2010 and has contributed to events like the Academy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and the Special Olympics. It’s a well-deserved recognition for their outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.