Emmys 2019: HBO’s ‘Leaving Neverland’ Wins “Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special”

The controversial two-part doc takes home the gold at the first night of the 2019 Creative Arts Emmys.

HBO’s Leaving Neverland took home the award for “Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special” at night 1 of the 2019 Creative Arts Emmys.

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Directed by Dan Reed, the documentary captures the testimonies of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both of which claim to be the victims of childhood sexual abuse by Michael Jackson throughout the 1990s. Though it only took home one award last night, Leaving Neverland was nominated in four other categories, including Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program, Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program (Single or Multi-Camera,) Outstanding Sound Editing for a Nonfiction Program (Single or Multi- Camera) and Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Reed took some time behind-the-scenes of the ceremony to address reactions to the film, including Dave Chappelle’s recent jabs in his Netflix stand-up special, Sticks & Stones. The director refers to Chappelle’s commentary as “revolting” and adds “You can make jokes about so many things, why not do something brave?”

Leaving Neverland premiered at Sundance in January before its March release on HBO. It was attacked by both fans of Jackson and the late singer’s family, who pegged Robeson, Safechuck and Reed as “opportunists” and the film as “a public lynching.”

The 2019 Creative Arts Emmys continue this evening. Stay tuned for more winners from closing night.