Niecy Nash-Betts, known widely for her comedic roles, recently took home the award for Best Supporting Actress at the 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards on Sunday for her dramatic portrayal in Netflix’s limited series, “Dahmer.”
While accepting her award in Los Angeles, Nash jokingly recalled asking her mother if she was a good actress, and the matriarch told her exactly what she thought.
“When I decided to become an actor, I saw myself doing drama. And the industry was kind, but they said, ‘Stay in your comedy lane.’ Sometimes people want to leave you where they meet you. And I did what I normally do: I cry.”
The 52-year-old continued, “And I told my mother, and I said, ‘Momma, don’t you think I’m a good dramatic actress? And she said, ‘Girl, I don’t.'”
Nash-Betts continued, “She said, ‘But you can be! You find the best class in this town, and I will work overtime to pay for it.’ Thank you, Momma. All you need is one!”
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Nash-Betts continued her acceptance speech by thanking her supporters, including her wife.
“Thank you, Jessica. Thank you, Netflix. Baby, you picked me up when I was gutted from this work,” she continued. “Ryan Murphy, Evan Peters. And I share this award with Glenda Cleveland. On this night, we are fully seen.”
The actress added, “And finally, to everybody who doubted this Black woman and told me what I couldn’t do, I want to lovely and humbly say, ‘In your face!'”
Nash-Betts played Glenda Cleveland, who was the real-life neighbor of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. She repeatedly called the police regarding his suspicious behavior. While the series has sparked some controversy and difficult conversations, it has also highlighted Nash’s incredible range as an actress and her dedication to telling important and impactful stories.
Nash’s win at this year’s Critics’ Choice Awards is a well-deserved recognition of her talent and dedication to her craft. We can’t wait to see what she takes on next.
