The Spartan Legion and Norfolk State University alumni have been affiliated with the entertainment world’s most coveted award honors.
Known in the entertainment industry as EGOT — Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony — receiving all four is considered the highest achievement that can be attained. Relatively few have achieved it. Norfolk State has had some association with projects recognized by three of the four awards. Here’s how:
Emmy: Recognizes excellence in TV and emerging media. Valenté Frazier ’98, a fine arts graduate — Outstanding Achievement in Makeup, Tyra Banks Show, 2005.
Lisa Godley, journalism graduate – Veterans Voices, Veterans Coming Home Television Special, WHRO, 2015.
Grammy: Recognizes excellence in the recording arts and sciences. Electronic music duo, Justice — Best Dance/Electronic Album, 2019. The Spartan Legion Marching Band was featured in the video to the electronic music song Heavy Metal. The album featuring that song won the Grammy. Watch the video here.
Oscar: Recognizes excellence in artistic and technical merit in the film industry. Director Guy Nattiv and producer Jaime Ray Newman — Best Live Action Short Film, Skin, 2019. Zeus Campbell ’10, a mass communications graduate, appeared in the film.
Tony: Recognizes excellence in the theater. As the NSU Theatre Co. and the new major in Drama and Theatre continue to grow and graduate talented performers, the Tony could soon be in our sights.