Congratulations are in order for Dolly Parton, who won her first Emmy Award during the 2021 Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony on Sunday, September 12.
Dolly won an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie as an executive producer of her Netflix holiday musical, "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square," while the film's choreographer Debbie Allen also took home an Emmy for Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming. In a conversation with Deadline, Dolly said:
“Who knew that when we were creating this movie, that it would be aired in the middle of the pandemic, and it would bring so much joy and so much hope to millions of people around the world? I think that was one of greatest gifts that we gave and didn’t even know quite when we were doing it that we were going to help uplift the world.”
Dolly's tremendous success places her in a rare group of fewer than 100 people who have received nominations for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. With this Emmy win under her belt, now she is one step closer to joining the ranks of only 16 people who have won all four awards.
"Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square" is only the second holiday movie ever to win the Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie. Featuring 14 original Dolly songs, the musical's stellar cast includes Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Treat Williams and Jenifer Lewis.
When a cold-hearted, wealthy woman returns to her hometown following her father's passing, she is on a mission to force all of her father’s tenants out of their homes in order to close a real estate deal with a mall developer. Instead, she finds herself reconnecting with people from her past and having an unexpected encounter with an angel, played by none other than Dolly herself, leading to a story of redemption.
“Christmas on the Square” really came to life when Debbie Allen accepted the roles of director and choreographer. The multi-award-winning actress, dancer, choreographer, singer/songwriter, director and producer has enjoyed a show-stopping career, encompassing everything from Broadway to a hit television series to the silver screen. After 20 Emmy Nominations, the award for Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming on "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square" marks her fifth win.
Watch Dolly's Emmy Award-winning holiday musical “Christmas on the Square,” available to stream on Netflix!
Christmas has come early for Dolly Parton! The recent announcement of the 2021 Emmy Nominations brought news that Dolly's Netflix Christmas musical, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square,” has been nominated in two categories: Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming. Dolly said:
“Well Christmas sure came early this year! I’m thrilled about our two Emmy nominations for ‘Christmas on the Square.’ Thank you to Netflix and everyone who dreamed along with me to help make it possible.”
Come celebrate Christmas in July on Dolly's Front Porch as we watch interviews with the cast and team behind her festive Emmy-Nominated Christmas special.
With so much iconic talent involved in the film, it's no wonder that "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square" received an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Television Movie. Starring Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Jenifer Lewis, Treat Williams, and directed and choreographed by three-time Emmy and Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen, “Christmas on the Square” features 14 original Dolly songs in what has now become a hit holiday classic.
Award-winning actress, Christine Baranski, plays the leading role of Regina Fuller in “Christmas on the Square.” A Tony and Emmy award-winning actress, singer and producer, Baranski has an incredibly busy work schedule, but she jumped at the chance to collaborate with Dolly in a holiday musical.
Her character, Regina Fuller, is a cold-hearted, wealthy woman who returns to her hometown of Fullerville after her father passes away. She is on a mission to force all of her father’s tenants out of their homes, so she can close a real estate deal with a mall developer. Instead, she finds herself reconnecting with people from her past and having an unexpected encounter with an angel, played by none other than Dolly herself, giving Regina an opportunity to have a change of heart.
The story of redemption in “Christmas on the Square” serves as a beautiful reminder that the most valuable gifts we can give are treasures that money cannot buy. It’s a message of hope that renews our faith in the human spirit and affirms the fact that change for the better always begins in the heart.
Hollywood star Jenifer Lewis delivers a sensational performance in the role of Margeline, a lovable beauty shop owner from Fullerville. Lewis has enjoyed a long and illustrious career, appearing in many notable movies and television series. And, like Dolly, she comes from a small town and a big family. Her larger-than-life role makes an indelible impression in the film as she lights up the screen with luminous joy.
The enormously talented actor, Treat Williams, has a rich and diverse resume. Having over 120 credits in film, stage and television, Williams was the perfect fit for the role of Carl Pellam, an antique store owner and caretaker of the town's history.
Williams was a natural for this part, especially considering the fact that his mother owned and operated an antique store for many years. He understands on a deep level the connection between an object and someone you dearly love and brings this understanding to his portrayal of Carl Pellam in the film.
“Christmas on the Square” really came to life when Debbie Allen accepted the roles of director and choreographer. The multi award-winning actress, dancer, choreographer, singer/songwriter, director and producer has enjoyed a show-stopping career, encompassing everything from Broadway to a hit television series to the silver screen.
The energetic icon brought to the set her incredible ability to marry movement and music. Her innovative giftings, combined with Dolly’s innate way of crafting lyrics and melodies, created an endearing result of Christmas magic. Dolly composed all 14 songs that are featured in the Emmy-nominated musical. Together, these two talented women brought the heartwarming holiday story to life.
Celebrate Christmas in July by watching Dolly's Emmy-nominated holiday musical “Christmas on the Square,” available to stream on Netflix!
Nominations for the 72nd Emmy® Awards were announced today recognizing a host of groundbreaking new programs and up-and-coming talent, along with beloved performers and hit shows that have been integral in helping television viewers navigate a changing world.
Dolly Parton's Heartstrings: These Old Bones (Netflix • A Warner Bros. Television Production) is nominated for Outstanding Television Movie. The film stars Kathleen Turner, Ginnifer Goodwin and Kyle Bornheimer. Based on the stories and songs of Dolly Parton and written for television by Jim Strain it is about a mysterious mountain woman who steps into the spotlight as a lawyer struggles to find her voice of seeing, believing and everything between. Dolly said,
"'These Old Bones' from Heartstrings is my personal favorite of all of the shows in the series. It's based on a true character from my childhood. Kathleen Turner did a wonderful job portraying 'Old Bones.' Thanks to Ginnifer Goodwin and all of the other wonderful actors who helped bring this story to life. Thanks to the Academy, Netflix, Warner Bros. and especially my partner and executive producer Sam Haskell.
This nomination marks Dolly’s third EMMY® Award nomination. She received her first in 1978 for Outstanding Continuing Or Single Performance By A Supporting Actress In Variety Or Music which she received for her role on ABC’s Cher...Special. In 2017, Dolly Parton's Christmas Of Many Colors: Circle Of Love (NBC) was nominated for Outstanding Television Movie.
The live nomination ceremony, reimagined as a virtual event due to production restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, was hosted by Supermarket Sweep star and Saturday Night Live alumnus Leslie Jones with presenters Laverne Cox (Inventing Anna), Josh Gad (Central Park), Tatiana Maslany (Perry Mason) and Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma.
Netflix leads the nominations in totals by platform with 160, setting a record previously held by HBO with 137 nominations in 2019. HBO had the second-most nominations with 107, and rounding out the top five were NBC with 47, ABC with 36 and FX with 33.
The 72nd Emmy® Awards will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, who also serves as executive producer for television’s biggest night. Recently announced executive producers for the telecast include Guy Carrington, Reginald Hudlin, David Jammy and Ian Stewart. The show will be broadcast, SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/5:00-8:00 p.m. PDT), on ABC. The 2020 Creative Arts Awards will air on FXX on Saturday, September 19 at 8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT.
