“When We Rise” is ABC’s latest limited series from an Oscar-winning writer, in this case Dustin Lance Black who prevailed for writing the screenplay for “Milk” (2008). It follows in the footsteps of the alphabet network’s Emmy-winning “American Crime” from John Ridley (“12 Years a Slave”). Black again focuses on the LGBTQ subject matter with “When We Rise,” which chronicles actual real-life individuals in their personal and political struggles, setbacks and triumphs. Click through our photo gallery above for your sneak peek at ABC’s new limited series before it premieres tonight.
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“When We Rise” stars Emmy winners Guy Pearce (“Mildred Pierce,” 2011) and Mary-Louise Parker (“Angels in America,” 2003) as notable gay activists, and joining them is a duo of past Emmy nominees: Rachel Griffiths and Michael Kenneth Williams. Other major cast members include Emily Skeggs, Austin P. McKenzie, Jonathan Majors, Ivory Aquino and Caitlin Gerard. Will “When We Rise” be ABC’s next major Emmy player?
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While the big four networks have struggled recently in gaining Emmy nominations, ABC has found great success with “American Crime.” In 2015 it was the only Limited Series/Movie nominated from one of the big four networks and its four stars also received nominations: Felicity Huffman for Best Actress, Timothy Hutton for Best Actor, Richard Cabral for Best Supporting Actor and Regina King, who won the race for Best Supporting Actress. And in 2016 it is was again the only Limited Series/Movie nominated at the Emmys from a broadcaster, and King won her second consecutive Limited Series/Movie Supporting Actress trophy. Her co-stars Huffman and Season 2 standout Lili Taylor were nominated for Best Actress.
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