From great moments to blah moments

he Emmys are to television what the Academy Awards are to films, what the Grammys are to music, and what the Tony Awards are to Broadway. Their importance, particularly to television, cannot be overstated.

Over the years, as cable television series and limited series have become a significant part of television, the Emmys have evolved into various ceremonies. However, the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Daytime Emmy Awards remain the most anticipated. There is a significant difference between the two: Primetime Emmys are decided by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS), while Daytime Emmys are decided by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).

With these facts out of the way, here’s what transpired at the Emmys, held on September 15. As always, there were plenty of unexpected winners and some who won simply due to their exceptional performances. However, the writers’ strike, which eventually involved actors as well, caused production delays that significantly impacted the nominees. It’s unprecedented for a comedy show to receive 23 nominations. Is this a good thing? The answer isn’t so straightforward. It’s simply a matter of timing. The writers’ and actors’ strike lasted over 100 days and led to new contracts, but it also had an adverse effect.

Disney admitted to drastic cuts in its television budget, leading some shows to find new homes on other streaming networks and resulting in thousands of layoffs. Netflix, the streaming service that revolutionized the television industry with original shows, also made significant cuts. Shows like Abbott Elementary, Euphoria, Hacks, The White Lotus, and many others had their new season premieres postponed. Yet, despite these challenges, Netflix has doubled down on comedy in the aftermath of the strike, prioritizing it over other genres of original programming. Amidst the blah moments, some good fun was present in the choice of hosts, as father-son duo, Dan Levy and Eugene Levy, popular for their now ended show, Schitt’s Creek, hosted the show and did a decent job and were later joined by Annie Murphy, who introduced Catherine O’ Hara, as she presented the final award of the night, for Outstanding Comedy.

Schitt’s Creek reunion: Dan Levy and Eugene Levy, hosts for the night, were joined by Annie Murphy and Catherine O’ Hara as she presented the final award of the night for Outstanding Comedy.

One-woman, well-earned victories

mong four shows making their presence felt, these victories were well-deserved and perhaps expected. Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series was a competitive category, with nominees from The Morning Show, the powerhouse Christine Baranski for her performance in The Gilded Age, and Elizabeth Debicki and Lesley Manville (both for their performances in The Crown). The Emmy rightly went to Elizabeth Debicki. Watching her play Princess Diana felt as if you’re watching the real Princess Di, and it gave us goosebumps. This award was hers for the taking.

Another tough category was Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. The competition included the best and brightest women in show business. For instance, after the first (and brilliant) season of True Detective, the limited series went haywire. The writing and acting just got worse and worse until Jodie Foster came along. Whether or not you liked the latest season, Jodie Foster in True Detective: Night Country demonstrated why she is an acting powerhouse. Her performance made the show worth watching, even for those who may not have seen the first season.

Watching Elizabeth Debicki play Princess Diana didn’t feel like mimicry; it’s as if the real Princess Di had been resurrected, and it gave us goosebumps.

Greg Berlanti’s moment

reg Berlanti, the recipient of the Governors Award, is a giant in the world of television. He is the creator of some of the most popular shows including Dawson’s Creek, Jack and Bobby, Eli Stone, Dirty Sexy Money, You, Political Animals, Brothers and Sisters, Everwood, and the multiple Arrowverse superhero franchise including the brilliant standalone series Arrow.

From network television to streaming services, he has made a mark on every platform, and you cannot dismiss the man’s work. His acceptance speech was one of the night’s most memorable ones and a touching tribute to his late mother.

Said Berlanti, “She would want you to know that you are loved, and you are worthy, and you have a story to tell, and we need those stories now more than ever.”

The moment also stirred nostalgia, punctuated by the iconic Dawson’s Creek theme song by Paula Cole playing, as presenters Joshua Jackson (who played Pacey in the teen series) and Matt Bomer took the stage. “Ah, yes, this song,” Jackson laughed.

Greg Berlanti has produced 77 shows and written 26 of those. He has three Primetime Emmy nominations, among others, and was the recipient of Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television in 2022.

It’s a wonderful night: Sho gun’s drastic drama wins

Sho gun dominated the major drama awards at the Emmys. Despite the Academy Award-winning actress Emma Stone, who starred in The Curse, not receiving a drama nomination, it’s debatable whether Poor Things should have earned her an Oscar in the first place. Perhaps The Curse didn’t get a nod because Stone had already won an Oscar for a less well-regarded film. Additionally, the Emmys seem to favor Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon’s series, The Morning Show, which is consistently nominated, possibly overshadowing other strong contenders. A case in point is Nicole Kidman in Expats. Kidman delivered one of her finest performances in her long career in Expats, playing a woman who moves to Hong Kong with her family. They forgot to nominate Expats as a series as well. What an injustice.

Moving to the predictable, it’s worth noting that Sho gun had a record-breaking 25 nominations and swept the Emmys in major drama categories including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Hiroyuki Sanada, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Anna Sawai, and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (episode: Crimson Sky) for Frederick E.O. Toye.

Anna Sawai with her Emmy after she won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Sho gun

John Oliver, a master of comedic timing

hile accepting the award for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, John Oliver paused to express his gratitude for his beloved dog. “She was at our wedding, she got us through a pandemic, she was with us for two pregnancies….” As the orchestra started to play him off, Oliver commented, “Perfect choice of music.” He continued, “We had to say goodbye to her.” His heartfelt tribute drew a collective ‘aw’ from the audience. Oliver continued, “I feel like Sarah McLaughlin right now. She was an amazing dog.” People laughed and laughed. He also dropped the F-word and went on to add: “There you go. This isn’t just for her. This is for all dogs. All dogs, you are all very good girls. You are very good boys. You all deserve a treat. Play me off now! Thanks so much.”

John Oliver paid a tribute to his dog after winning an Emmy for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series and he brought the funny. Never a dull moment while he is on the stage.

Who else had a
big moment?

ow let’s talk about Baby Reindeer. Frankly speaking, we’re a little apprehensive about it. But Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) watched it and loved it, and it won numerous awards .

Baby Reindeer won in the following categories: Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Richard Gadd, Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Richard Gadd, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Jessica Gunning.

Yes, this season, with its snubs, nominations, and wins, the Emmys were what you call ‘there but for the grace of God’ awards. We hope someone recognizes that some of these wins were unfair to actors, writers, and directors who deserved acknowledgement, and some of them should have won. But oh well, as they secretly said at the Oscars, poor things.

Richard Gadd won in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie and Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Yes, he won two awards for Baby Reindeer.

23 nods and the year of Hacks

ith 23 nominations, Hacks scored more nods than any comedy show in Emmy history. If you haven’t seen Hacks, you might feel compelled to after this Emmy season. Hacks won in the following categories: Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Jean Smart), Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky (episode: Bulletproof), which is impressive given that the show was competing against the likes of Curb Your Enthusiasm. While accepting the award, Jean Smart (who is absolutely brilliant in everything she stars in) addressed the confusion over multiple networks and streaming services. “I have so many people to thank. Casey and Sarah and everybody at HBO… Max. No, HB — I’m sorry.” She added, “Just what we needed: another network!”

If you’re casting Jean Smart, chances are she is going to win and she did for her role as Lead Actress in Hacks.

The Bear’s big haul

his wasn’t only the year of Sho gun or Hacks. The 2024 Emmys also belonged to The Bear. Among major hauls, the comedy series won for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Jeremy Allen White), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Liza Colón-Zayas), and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for Christopher Storer (episode: Fishes).

If you’re wondering whether The Bear is still considered a comedy, the funnier guys on the stage, doing the hosting, thought the same. Eugene Levy and Dan Levy from Schitt’s Creek addressed the not-comedy controversy of The Bear perfectly in their monologue, “I know some of you might be expecting us to make a joke about whether The Bear is really a comedy,” Eugene began. “But in the true spirit of The Bear, we will not be making any jokes.”

Jeremy Allen White might disagree, but The Bear forces us to ask ourselves: Have we lost our collective sense of humor or mind? No, just us? Okay then. Where is Ricky Gervais when you need him?

Some of us might disagree but just ask Jeremy Allen and he will tell you that The Bear is very much a comedy. He did win an award for it, again.