Harry Belafonte and Sammy Davis Jr. Become Emmy Nominees and Belafonte Wins an Emmy1956 and 1960
The two celebrated performers were both nominated in the since-retired category of Primetime Emmy Award for Best Specialty Act – Single or Group in 1956. Belafonte would go on to become the first Black performer to win an Emmy with his TV special “Tonight With Belafonte,” which was part of The Revlon Revue. Davis Jr. went on to be nominated for Outstanding Variety Act (1966) for The Swinging World of Sammy Davis Jr., Outstanding Cameo and Guest Appearances for One Live to Live (1980), and The Cosby Show (1989), eventually winning an Emmy for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy for Sammy Davis Jr.’s 60th Anniversary Celebration (1990).