Naomi Osaka scored an Emmy nod for her debut production 'Mink!', fueling a triumphant career crossover.
Over the past few years, former world no. 1 on the WTA Tour spent quite a lot of time off the tennis courts. Partially it was because she wanted, to preserve her mental health, and partially because she became a mother.
During that time, Osaka had a lot of time to spend on different activities, including the executive production debut 'Mink!, which has garnered an Emmy nomination, marking another momentous milestone in her diverse career.
In June 2022, Osaka unveiled Hana Kuma, her production company born out of an alliance with her long-term agent and business collaborator, Stuart Duguid, and the SpringHill Company, backed by NBA legend LeBron James.
Osaka's first foray into film, 'Mink!', is a touching short documentary that throws light on the life of Patsy Takemoto Mink, a trailblazer and emblem of female power in U.S. politics. Mink, a Japanese-American woman hailing from the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii, carved a niche for herself as the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress.
A fierce advocate for women's rights and education, Mink co-authored the groundbreaking Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act, later renamed as 'the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act' to honor her influential legacy.
Under the expert direction of Academy Award winner Ben Proudfoot, the film pays homage to Mink's indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to equality. The documentary not only mirrors Mink's grit but also echoes Osaka's own journey of pushing boundaries and challenging norms, both on and off the tennis court.
July 29 was a day of great celebration for Osaka and her team as she disclosed the news of the Emmy nomination for Outstanding Short Documentary, received from the esteemed 44th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards. The announcement, shared via Hana Kuma's social media channels, voiced their exhilaration and pride.
"Hana Kuma is thrilled to share that MINK!, our short film in partnership with Breakwater Studios and The New York Times Op-Docs, has been nominated for Outstanding Short Documentary at the 44th Annual News and Documentary Emmy® Awards! Congrats to everyone involved in making this film, which continues to keep Patsy Takemoto Mink’s legacy alive!"
The four-time Grand Slam champion couldn't help but express her joy and gratitude for this incredible achievement on her first try. She celebrated the nomination with heartfelt words on her Instagram story.
"Huge congratulations to everyone on the team. Emmy nomination on our first project is kinda crazy. So grateful."
Apart from the off-court activities, Osaka returned to practice only a couple of weeks after giving birth, and she's gearing up for a comeback which should happen at the 2024 Australian Open according to what she previously said.
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