As Hollywood tries to make sense of Michael K. Williams’ death, Jamie Foxx is paying tribute to the beloved actor.
Williams is nominated for a best supporting actor in a drama series award at tonight’s Emmys for his role in HBO’s Lovecraft County.
Related Story: Michael K. Williams Remembered by Friends and Colleagues: ‘You Moved Many’
A TMZ photographer spoke with Foxx this weekend in Beverly Hills and asked the Oscar-winning actor if Williams should finally receive an Emmy.
“There’s some people that you see in our business that you know are just better than you,” Foxx told the outlet this weekend. “I hope he’s recognized in the biggest way. We need to have that. I just want people in the world to know that this man lived an artistic life that was just above normal.”
Foxx’s comments came just hours after he honored Williams Friday on Instagram.
“My sag… How could this be?” Foxx captioned a photo gallery of Williams. “We broke bread not too long ago. We talked about art. We talked about acting. You spoke of your mother in such a powerful and endearing way, about how she was your biggest fan. I was always in awe of your performances; how you could be so grounded, so real.”
He continued, “I think about the night we were in New York. Our good friend Oswald Boteng had an amazing fashion show. The clothes were epic. The music was tailor-made. But the night belonged to you. You walked out. When our eyes focused, and we saw this beautiful chiseled black man, and then we realized it was you, we jumped to our feet. We not only applauded the way you poured into the suit flawlessly. We cheered because we knew you were special. Fearlessness, mystique, and pure raw talent was before us. It was a soul stirring, angelic, glorious night.”
Foxx then explained why he waited nearly two weeks to put together a post about his friend.
“It took me a minute to gather my thoughts and emotions,” he wrote. “I wanted to do right by you with my words. I wanted to let you know that you are beloved. RIP MKW.”
Williams was found dead in his New York City condo on Monday, Sept. 6. He was 54. In addition to Lovecraft County, he was known for his performances on The Wire and Boardwalk Empire.
The 73rd Emmys air live at 5pm PT/8pm ET on CBS on Sept. 19. Cedric the Entertainer is hosting the awards. Here is the list of nominations.
