Rashida Jones is recognized as a powerhouse creator in Hollywood, captivating audiences with her performances in various iconic series. This Emmy season, she has delivered a standout performance in the acclaimed series Black Mirror, particularly in the episode ‘Common People.’
Rashida Jones Shines in ‘Black Mirror’
Rashida Jones is recognized as a powerhouse creator in Hollywood. With a portfolio that includes iconic, Emmy-nominated series such as The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Silo, she has consistently impressed audiences. This Emmy season, she delivered one of her most remarkable performances in the science-fiction anthology series Black Mirror, where she starred in the episode “Common People.” Her portrayal in this role is anything but ordinary.
Previous Emmy Nominations and Acclaimed Work
Despite her impressive body of work, Jones has yet to win an Emmy, having received only one nomination for producing the Netflix documentary Hot Girls Wanted in 2015. Nevertheless, she has achieved significant milestones as a creator. In 2018, her documentary about her father, legendary music producer Quincy Jones, titled Quincy, which she co-directed with Alan Hicks, won a Grammy for Best Music Film. Additionally, her short documentary Swim Lesson was shortlisted for the Oscars in 2024.
Returning to the Black Mirror Universe
Jones’s connection to Black Mirror dates back to 2016 when she co-wrote the first episode of the third season, “Nosedive,” with her long-time friend and collaborator Michael Schur (Parks and Recreation, The Good Place). This episode explored society’s obsession with social media ratings and is still regarded by many critics as one of the best in the series. This time, Jones returned to the Black Mirror universe as an actor, taking on one of the most complex roles of her career.
The Impact of “Common People”
The first episode of the seventh season, “Common People,” directed by Ally Pankiw, received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The episode follows a married couple, Mike (Chris O’Dowd) and Amanda (Jones), who become involved with a subscription-based service called Rivermind. This startup offers Amanda a second chance at life following an inoperable brain tumor diagnosis. However, the couple’s quality of life becomes dependent on the superiority of their tier plan. Throughout the episode, Jones skillfully navigates the multiple dimensions of her character, portraying a loving wife, an advertisement vessel, a user addicted to the Lux drug, and a dying woman confronting her inevitable fate.
Recognition and Competition
In addition to Jones’s stellar performance, Black Mirror’s significant cultural impact enhances her chances for recognition among voters. The show won three consecutive Emmys in the Outstanding Television Movie category from 2017 to 2019 for episodes like “San Junipero,” “USS Callister,” and “Bandersnatch.” However, eligibility rules changed in 2021, requiring a minimum 75-minute runtime for submissions in the TV Movie/Limited Series category, which has affected the show’s acclaim. Nevertheless, season seven has been praised for its improvements over previous seasons, currently ranking seventh in the Gold Derby odds, with four experts predicting a nomination.
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A Competitive Emmy Race
This year’s Movie/Limited Series Actress category is highly competitive, with only five nomination slots available. Cristin Milioti leads the race for her career-defining role in The Penguin, followed closely by Michelle Williams for her vulnerable performance in Dying for Sex. Oscar winners Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer) and Renée Zellweger (Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy) are also strong contenders, while Kaitlyn Dever occupies the fifth slot for her portrayal of a real-life influencer in Apple Cider Vinegar.
However, nothing is settled until the voting concludes. Ellen Pompeo (Good American Family), Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing), Ari Graynor (Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story), and Amanda Seyfried (Long Bright River) will make the race even tighter. Currently, Jones holds the 10th spot in the combined odds, and the uncertainty surrounding the final lineup, combined with Black Mirror’s nomination prospects, gives her a chance to break into the top five by July 15.
