Emayatzy Corinealdi is a force, both on screen and in life. In 2012, she garnered acclaim and the prestigious Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Performer for her role in Ava DuVernay’s Middle of Nowhere. Since that moment in her career, Corinealdi has continued to captivate audiences as Jax Stewart, a dynamic defense attorney in Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt, in which she masterfully explores the intricate layers and challenges of being a woman in a high-stakes profession, navigating a world filled with drama and ambition. Her talent is both raw and refined, making her a compelling presence. As she continues to take on these roles, Emayatzy Corinealdi is undoubtedly an artist to watch, one who brings both passion and a profound sense of realism to her work.

Jacket by SARAWONG
Top by SARAWONG
Skirt by SARAWONG
Shoes by Jonak Paris

What do you remember from shooting your first short film and how does it differ to stepping onto the set of Reasonable Doubt?
If I remember correctly my first short film was called a “Taste of Us” and was directed by Shavar Ross and it was a wonderful experience! I remember being nervous on set but yet also overwhelmingly confident and excited. And I felt the same way when I walk on the set of Reasonable Doubt for the first time. There’s always a bit of nerves, I think, that reminds you that you’re human. But then you remember your preparation and that puts everything back into perspective. It’s all gravy from there.

How did it feel to be handpicked for the role?
I felt very blessed! I still have that moment on camera actually, the moment when Kerry and Raamla and Tamara called me to tell me I’d gotten the part because I was feeding my baby, and we were recording funny videos at the same time on my iPad. So, I kept the camera rolling when they called. The moment was definitely made even more special by being able to share it with my baby girl.

Jacket by Vegan Tiger
Corset by 0770 by enzo pirozzi
Shoes by SARAWONG
Jewelry by H&M

Is there any actor or actress that left an impression on you as a child: made you want to act?
Yes, when I saw Lynn Whitfield in The Women of Brewsters Place, I was just in awe. She was so beautiful and broken and vulnerable, and I’ve always remembered and loved that performance.

What advice do you have to someone who is thinking of giving up on their dream of becoming an actor?
Ask yourself, is this what I really want to do? Do I believe that I have something to offer? Have I truly been willing to fight for it? If you can answer those questions and you still want to keep going, then giving up would be a mistake that you might soon regret. Assess, is this just a hard spot I’m in right now? Am I feeling rejected, defeated, dismissed all the things that most actors have felt at some point in their careers. If It’s just a temporary moment, don’t allow yourself to give up. Push through. Fight. Persevere. You’ll thank yourself for believing in you when no-one else did.

**Left:**
Leather Dress by Ritual Fashion
**Right:**
Top by Monaco+Columbia
Necklace by Chujewelry

Have you learned anything from your character, Jax?
Jax is a problem solver. I’ve learned from her that there is truly an answer to every problem, sometimes it’s just who is going to get to it first.

Is there anyone that you are craving to work with?
Viola. Meryl. Denzel. Angela. Cate.

Your show, Reasonable Doubt, is one of the first of the Onyx Collective whose mission is to uplift the voices of marginalized communities and create a space for said creatives. What could audiences do to support this initiative?
Watch the shows that they are making and then tell your family and friends to watch. The absolute best way to support is by watching and sharing.

Your personal style is amazing. Who is your personal fashion icon?
My mother was absolutely my first fashion icon she was so glamorous at all times for no reason, and I just loved it. She as always so beautiful and feminine. She defined what “pretty” was for me as a child, so her style has definitely influenced mine. Less is more. Femininity is beautiful. Femininity is powerful.

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Professionally it was from Angela Bassett who told me to walk into the room and own it. Initially I thought it wasn’t what I was looking for, I thought I needed something more concrete. But once it actually clicked, it made complete sense and changed my approach to auditioning completely. I stopped walking into rooms hoping that I was what they were looking for and instead I walked in knowing that I was the answer that they needed. It allowed me to take the power back in the room and that a changed everything.

How important is it to you to be your own advocate in both your personal life and in your career?
You are your first supporter. Your first fan. If you don’t think you’re dope, then how can you expect anyone else to? It’s much easier if you’ve had parents who have poured into you from childhood that you were capable of anything because then you become resilient to anything that doesn’t support that narrative, which has been my case. But even without the early support of parents, all it takes is a knowing, a deep down knowing, that you are worthy and capable and willing to show up for yourself. If you don’t have that deep, deep inherent belief, then it’ll show up in other subtle yet destructive ways such as self-sabotage, procrastination, etc. and you’ll wonder how it happened since you did “believe” in yourself. But believing in yourself and showing up for yourself are two different things. You’ll see how much you show up for yourself when it’s time to do the hard work.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Emayatzy Corinealdi
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders at TMG
Hair: Ciara Coleman
Makeup: Sabrina Porsche
Photography Assistant: River Chad
Assistant Fashion Stylist: Andy Myers
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Seana Watson
Location: FD STUDIOS

Emayatzy Corinealdi, Star of "Reasonable Doubt"