Longtime University of Michigan Friends Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Just Became EGOT Winners
Pasek and Paul join a category that includes Elton John and Audrey Hepburn
Two musical-theater composers are putting Michigan on the map in a major way, thanks to a recent impressive achievement — earning EGOT status. Last night, during the Creative Arts Emmys, Benj Pasek and his creative partner Justin Paul, who have been best friends from their days at the University of Michigan, clinched the rare EGOT status with their Emmy win.
Pasek, who is openly gay, and Paul were honored for writing the original music and lyrics for the song “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” from Hulu’s hit series “Only Murders in the Building.” Their victory not only places them among the elite group of EGOT winners — which includes such luminaries as Elton John, Viola Davis and Audrey Hepburn — but also sets a new record for the fastest ascent to EGOT status. According to Billboard, it took just under seven years and seven months from their first EGOT win to achieve this milestone, breaking the previous record held by Robert Lopez, who reached EGOT status over the course of almost a decade.
Pasek and Paul have long been trailblazers in the entertainment industry. Their breakthrough came with the Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” known for its impactful and modern storytelling. Their EGOT credentials also include the Oscar-winning song “City of Stars” from the 2016 film “La La Land," a best compilation soundtrack Grammy for “The Greatest Showman” and another Tony for producing “A Strange Loop," which won best musical.
Backstage after the Emmy win, Pasek seemed almost at a loss for words. A photo he shared on Instagram shows him and Paul beaming with pride as they hold up their Emmys, with Pasek's caption simply reading: “Ummmmm…”
The excitement was palpable, with celebratory messages pouring in under his post from stars like Gal Gadot and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The University of Michigan School of Music also joined in the jubilation, posting their own congratulatory note: “Congratulations and go Blue!”
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