Last night marked the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. Hosted by father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy in Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, the show honored the best and brightest of the 2023-2024 television season. From an incredible run for FX’s Shōgun to surprise success for HBO’s Hacks, the night was full of exciting wins, heartfelt speeches and hilarious moments. Read on for a recap of the night’s biggest highlights.
Shōgun, Baby Reindeer and Hacks Win Big
When the Emmy nominees were announced back in July, it was clear that a few series would dominate this year’s award cycle. As the most nominated title with 25 nominations, Shōgun was expected to do fairly well – but no one anticipated just how successful the show would be. The FX series took home 18 Emmys, shattering the record for the most Emmys won in a single season. The show’s wins included Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.
After mesmerizing fans with the brutally honest retelling of his stalker experience, Richard Gadd took home several awards for his Hulu series Baby Reindeer. Gadd won the awards for Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, while his co-star Jessica Gunning snagged Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. The series also won the award for Outstanding Limited Anthology Series or Movie.
HBO’s Hacks also had a surprisingly successful night, beating out Abbott Elementary and The Bear for Outstanding Comedy Series. The series’ lead Jean Smart grabbed the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, her sixth Emmy win. “I appreciate this ’cause I just don’t get enough attention,” Smart said in her cheeky acceptance speech.
Other major winners included FX’s The Bear and The Crown’s Elizabeth Debicki, who took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Princess Diana.
Anna Sawai and Liza Colón-Zayas Make History
It’s always incredible to watch actors make history with their award show wins, and last night offered two such moments. Shōgun’s Anna Sawai took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, becoming the first woman of Asian descent to win the category. Overcome with emotion, Sawai dedicated her award to “all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example for everyone.”
Liza Colón-Zayas had a similar triumph, becoming the first Latina to win the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. The Bear actress admitted that she didn’t prepare a speech because she “didn’t think it would be possible” to win. After expressing her admiration for her fellow nominees and thanking her family and cast, Colón-Zayas shared an important message. “To all the Latinas who are looking at me,” she said, “keep believing and vote.”
An Olympics x Emmy Awards Crossover
Of all the faces you’d expect to see on the Emmy Awards stage, your favorite Olympian might not come to mind. But after their respective triumphs in Paris, Olympians and Paralympians Stephen Nedoroscik (a.k.a. “Pommel Horse Guy”), Ilona Maher, Caeleb Dressel and Ezra Frech swapped athletic gear for formal wear as they joined Jane Lynch and Brendan Hunt on stage to present the award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.
John Leguizamo Advocates for Representation
Chef actor and Emmy winner John Leguizamo took the stage to share a moving testimony about the importance of representation in Hollywood and to celebrate this year’s diverse list of nominees. Leguizamo discussed his upbringing in New York, and how he didn’t feel that there were spaces for Latinos like him in the entertainment industry. “I didn’t see a lot of people on TV that looked like me,” he said.
Leguizamo also touched on the issue of typecasting, and how actors of certain races or ethnicities are often limited to roles based in stereotypes. And while he discussed the painful realities of these practices, Leguizamo was also excited to celebrate the industry’s progress. “What I see here tonight makes me, well, almost happy and certainly less angry, because tonight is among the most diverse list of nominees in history,” he said.
A Rose Family Reunion
To close out the night, Dan and Eugene Levy brought out Annie Murphy and Catherine O’Hara before presenting the award for Outstanding Comedy. The actors are known for their portrayal of the Rose family on Schitt’s Creek, a six-season comedy series that captured audiences’ hearts and earned critical acclaim, winning nine Emmys during its run. Since there’s been no indication of a Schitt’s Creek spin-off or reboot, fans rejoiced at the chance to see their favorite family back on their screens once more.
Didn’t catch the show? The 76th Emmy Awards are streaming now on Hulu.
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