LCF’s Vance Receives Emmy Nomination for Cochran Role

La Cañada Flintridge resident Courtney B. Vance’s first Emmy nomination was one of a whopping 22 earned by “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” the stellar FX production in which he played a key part.
Vance was widely lauded for his portrayal of famed defense attorney Johnnie Cochran, a role for which he earned the nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
He’s nominated alongside co-star Cuba Gooding Jr., who played Simpson, as well as Benedict Cumberbatch of “Sherlock”; Bryan Cranston of “All the Way”; Idris Elba of “Luther”; and Tom Hiddleston of the “The Night Manager.”
Only HBO’s “Game of Thrones” garnered more nominations. The 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards show will be held Sept. 18.
Following the nominations, Vance took to Instagram to express his gratitude, writing: “When we finished the incredible journey of creating this groundbreaking project, The People v. OJ Simpson, we all knew we’d created something incredibly wonderful and special together! It was an opportunity of a lifetime to work with such a dream cast and to portray a man like Johnnie Cochran.
“To receive an Emmy nomination today is the continuation of this phenomenal journey and is indeed a true blessing and honor. I am overjoyed that my wife, my mother, and children are here to enjoy this moment with me.
“Although the disease ALS has taken my mother’s ability to speak, I see joy and pride written all over her face right now. Being surrounded by my family — at this very moment — means everything to me!”
Vance is married to Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett.
For his part, Vance has been nominated for Tony Awards three times for his work on Broadway, including winning in 2013 for his performance as Hap Hairston in Nora Ephron’s “Lucky Guy.”
Vance’s other notable roles were in films such as “The Hunt for Red October” and “Hamburger Hill,” as well as small-screen roles on shows such as “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”
Vance told E! News the cast and crew who worked on “The People v. O.J. Simpson” knew they were making something special: “So for the Emmy nomination to come to me, and more importantly for the 22 to come to us all, is just all blessings. It’s just a huge blessing and I’m just so grateful.”