When we first spoke with Tatiana Maslany back in 2013, Orphan Black had not quite become the huge hit it is today. It was just before the season one finale, and even though the show was doing well enough for a second season to have been announced, it was still finding its footing with its audience. Over the four seasons the show has aired Maslany herself has been recognized for her hard work by winning three Canadian Screen awards, two Critic’s Choice Television Awards, and been nominated for ACTRA, Golden Globe and Emmy Awards. As popular as the show was however, and even though she had been recognized for the hard work she puts into the show, she had yet to win one of the big American awards. All that changed last night however, when Maslany was the surprising winner of an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama.
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The 30 year-old Regina native looked legitimately surprised when she came onto the stage to accept her award from fellow Canadian Kiefer Sutherland. “I should have had this written down,” she said as she tried to remember her speech and looked through her cell phone for who to thank. She did go on however to thank the show’s creators for giving her “this incredible dream job” and that she felt “so lucky to be on a show that puts women at the centre.”
Robin Wright was considered to be the front runner for the award, after all she’d all ready lost out four previous times for her role on House of Cards. There was also Viola Davis to consider, since she had won the award last year. And of course Claire Danes was another heavyweight in the running. But it was Maslany, with just her second Emmy nomination, who collected the trophy.
Orphan Black is shot in Toronto and airs on Space and BBC America, and in it Maslany plays multiple clones all searching for answer on who they are, and why they were created. The creators of the show have announced that next season will be the final one.
Photo: ABC Press
