Actor Jharrel Jerome of When They See Us says he cried so much when he learned of his Emmy nomination that you would have thought he had lost a family member.

Jerome told The Associated Press that it "was just pure joy and pure happiness and pride" that drove him to tears Tuesday when he learned he was nominated for best actor in a limited series or movie.

His was one of 16 nominations for the Netflix show about the false accusations against the so-called Central Park Five.

The 21-year-old Jerome says he was in a restaurant with friends from high school when he learned he was nominated, which led to broken glasses and stunned customers amid the wild celebration.

The Emmy nominations for lead actors in a limited series or movie have been announced, with When They See Us nominated for both best actor and best actress, in a limited series or movie - Niecy Nash and Aunjanue Ellis are nominated for best actress in a limited series, and Jharrel Jerome for best actor in a limited series.

When They See Us is also nominated for the best limited series amongst Chernobyl, Escape at Dannemora, Fosse/Verdon, and Sharp Objects.