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The Ugandan comedian Opio achieved a quick turnaround from winning a Primetime Emmy for writing on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah to being nominated for a Sports Emmy for his docuseries “The World According to Football.” His collaboration with Trevor Noah expanded beyond comedy, showcasing his versatility.

Joseph Opio

The Ugandan comedian won a Primetime Emmy in January for writing on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. 

But just three months later, Opio is back in Emmy contention after being nominated for the 2024 Sports Emmy for Outstanding Writing — Long Form. 

The Sports Emmys celebrate the best and brightest in American sports broadcasting. And Opio earned his nomination for penning the five-part docuseries, “The World According to Football.” 

“This was my first time writing a documentary film,” Opio said. ” So, I blame this nomination on beginner’s luck.” 

Joseph Opio with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry

“The World According to Football” was narrated by former Daily Show host, Trevor Noah. It marked the first time Opio and the South African megastar expanded their artistic collaboration beyond Comedy Central. “This docuseries allowed me to flex different creative muscles and spread my comedic wings outside late-night satire,” the New York-based comic added. 

Opio is nominated alongside such sports icons as two-time World Cup champion Carli Lloyd, NBA legend Charles Barkley and three-time Super Bowl winner, Troy Aikman. 

The 45th Sports Emmy Awards will be held on May 21 at the Lincoln Center in New York. 

But before suiting up for the Emmys, Opio will attend this weekend’s Writers Guild of America Awards gala where he’s nominated for Outstanding Writing on The Daily Show. 

“As the proud owner of two long-suffering tuxedos, every award nomination is bittersweet,” Opio joked.

“In New York, dobbies charge an arm and a leg. So, with every red-carpet invitation, my dry-cleaning bill threatens to bankrupt me.”