The 75th Annual Emmy Awards were held last night in an unconventional remote ceremony due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The awards show, honoring excellence in television, was hosted virtually by long-time Emmy host Kenan Thompson. The big winners of the night were HBO’s “Succession” and HBO Max’s “The Last of Us,” which both took home multiple awards.
“Succession” Scores Outstanding Drama Series Win
“Succession” was the top winner of the evening with 4 Emmy wins, including the coveted Outstanding Drama Series award. The show also picked up awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Jeremy Strong), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Kieran Culkin), and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.
“Succession,” which chronicles power struggles within a dysfunctional media dynasty family, has been a critical darling since its premiere in 2018. This marks the show’s second Outstanding Drama Series win, after also taking home the honor in 2020.
In his acceptance speech, “Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong noted the strange circumstances of this remote awards show, saying “This is a weird thing to do in your pajamas and my team worked incredibly hard.”
“The Last of Us” Wins Big in First Year of Eligibility
Though in its first year of Emmy eligibility, HBO Max’s “The Last of Us” made a huge splash by picking up awards for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series (Pedro Pascal), and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series (Bella Ramsey).
Based on the hit videogame franchise, “The Last of Us” follows smuggler Joel (Pascal) who must escort teenager Ellie (Ramsey) across a post-apocalyptic America devastated by a zombie fungus outbreak. Lauded for its writing, acting, direction and faithful adaptation of the games, “The Last of Us” gathered critical acclaim throughout its first season.
“We were all just so focused trying to make this story authentic,” said star Pedro Pascal in an emotional acceptance speech. It was the first Emmy win for both Pascal and Ramsey.
Multiple Wins for “White Lotus” and “Abbott Elementary”
HBO’s luxury resort dramedy “White Lotus” nabbed 5 Emmy wins last night, for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Supporting Actress (Jennifer Coolidge), Directing, and Writing.
ABC network sitcom “Abbott Elementary” also had a stellar night with 3 wins – Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Quinta Brunson), and Supporting Actor (Tyler James Williams).
In her speech, Brunson thanked the show’s fans and reflected on her journey from posting short videos online to now having won an Emmy. Williams also gave a touching speech thanking teachers and reflecting on representation.
Historic Emmy Wins
Comedian Jerrod Carmichael made Emmy history last night as only the second Black winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on his semi-autobiographical series “The Jerrod Carmichael Show.”
Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls also nabbed a historic win for Outstanding Competition Program. It marks the first Emmy victory ever for a non-scripted show centered around plus-size dancers.
“When I was a little girl, all I wanted to see was me in the media,” said weeping Lizzo in her rousing acceptance speech.
Glitches Plague Unconventional Remote Show
In an unprecedented remote ceremony constrained again by the pandemic, numerous awkward glitches plagued last night’s Emmys. Host Kenan Thompson soldiered through audio lags, minutes of dead airtime, lingering reaction shots of confused celebrity presenters, and winners who seemed to vanish completely after their names were called.
At one point mid-show, Thompson even resorted to making small talk about the weather to fill interminable gaps of silence. Presenter Anthony Anderson later punctured through the ceremony’s stuffiness, quipping “Y’all can at least act like y’all can hear me!” By the end of the 3 hour and 40 minute slog, Thompson exhaled audibly and blurted “This shit’s hard, ain’t it?!”
Still, despite all the bizarre disruptions throughout the evening, a few acceptance speeches emotionally resonated. Along with Pedro Pascal’s tearful address, Colman Domingo affecting called for empathy and Jason Sudeikis pleaded for more understanding between people in this divided world.
What’s Next?
Most Emmy watchers praised the voters’ widespread recognition of newer, more diverse shows like Abbott Elementary and Grrrls rather than just coronating perennial favorites again. As we enter 2025’s Emmy cycle, all eyes now turn to whether this crop of newly honored programs can sustain momentum with stellar sophomore seasons. We’ll also wait with bated breath to see if the actual live, in-person Emmys can finally return next year after 4 long years thwarted by you-know-what.
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