The Emmy Awards are back! Television’s best has not been celebrated since September of 2022. With both the actors’ and writers’ strikes this summer, the ceremony was postponed to January 15, 2024. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from Monday night!
The Ceremony
This year’s ceremony marked the 75th anniversary of the Emmy Awards. To celebrate, host Anthony Anderson—best known for his role as Andre Johnson on ABC’s Black-ish—took viewers on a tour of the most notable shows in television history. Among those recognized were Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, All in the Family, The Sopranos, and Grey’s Anatomy. A combination of digital screens and replica set pieces brought these shows back to life on stage. Cast members from some of the shows even made an appearance and presented or introduced some of the night’s awards.
The Emmys also recognized Martin Luther King, Jr., since the ceremony fell on his national holiday this year. It was a particularly special holiday—MLK Day is always the third Monday in January, and this year, that third Monday also happened to be King’s birthday, January 15. The Emmy ceremony concluded with a clip of King’s televised “I Have a Dream” speech.
Instead of using the usual “play off” music this year, Anthony Anderson’s mother, Doris, kept the broadcast moving. Whenever a winner’s speech ran too long, Doris would stand from her seat just behind Harrison Ford and tell the winner a variation of, “I love you, baby, but you need to wrap it up.” This was a very effective and entertaining time-saver, one that other award ceremonies might do well to adopt.
The Winners
Succession was the big winner for drama this year. It took home not only Outstanding Drama Series but also Lead Actor (Kieran Culkin), Lead Actress (Sarah Snook), and Supporting Actor (Matthew Macfadyen) in the drama category, as well as Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. Since Succession’s most recent run was its fourth and final season, it was a fitting tribute to the end of a show that captivated so many viewers.
For comedy, this year’s runaway hit was The Bear. It took home ten awards on Monday night, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actor (Jeremy Allen White), Supporting Actress (Ayo Edebiri), Supporting Actor (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and several creative awards. Beef swept the Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category, walking away with eight wins of its thirteen nominations. In addition to Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, it won Lead Actress (Ali Wong), Lead Actor (Steven Yeun), Contemporary Costumes, and other creative awards in its category.
Elton John achieved EGOT status following his win for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium. Although John was not present at the ceremony due to recent knee surgery, he shared his excitement over Instagram once he received the news: “We won an Emmy, and I am on cloud nine!! Receiving this recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone involved, and I am so deeply grateful. While I am gutted that I couldn’t be there to accept this award in person– I recently underwent a knee operation, a gentle reminder, perhaps, of a lifetime spent jumping off pianos (see pic 2!) – my heartfelt thanks go out to the @televisionacad and all those who took the time to vote.” At 76 years old, John is the second-oldest entertainer to complete the EGOT.
Notable Moments
It was great to see both Andor and Obi-Wan Kenobi nominated for several categories at the 75th Emmy Awards, although neither show won an award this year. Perhaps their nominations mark a cultural shift in the critical reception of “pop culture” shows.
Pedro Pascal, nominated for his role in The Last of Us, presented the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series—with his now-infamous sling. After correcting everyone that it was his shoulder that was injured, not his arm, he proceeded to tell the “truth” behind the incident: “Kieran Culkin beat the s— out of me.” Maybe we’ll see Pascal nominated for Lead Actor in the comedy category next time.
That’s it for awards season this month! We won’t be celebrating TV or movies until the People’s Choice Awards on February 18, the SAG Awards on February 24, and the Oscars on March 10—which means we have plenty of time to watch and rewatch our favorite nominees from this year.
