The big winners from the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards

For the second time this year, the very best of television came together to celebrate the biggest stars and their performances at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the LA Live Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Following the delay of the 2023 ceremony due to last year's Hollywood strikes which was then held in January 2024, the Emmy winners were announced eight months after the previous event.

Hosted by the father-son duo and Schitt's Creek stars Dan and Eugene Levy, it was an awards night to remember for the cast and crew of Shogun as it broke all records with a resounding 18 Emmys in one season. Smashing another record of its own was The Bear which, with 11 Emmy wins, surpassed its own record of 10 from last year. There was also Baby Reindeer, the hugely popular and very controversial British TV show that took home four trophies.

Here’s a round-up of the big wins and major highlights from the night 

A record-breaking night for 'Shogun'

Having had 14 wins at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards Show held last week, Shogun—an adaptation of James Clavell’s historical novel about an Englishman set in 17th century Japan, went to win the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Hiroyuki Sanada), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Anna Sawai), Outstanding Drama Series, and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Frederick EO Toye). The record for most Emmy wins was previously held by HBO’s 2008 miniseries John Adams, which won 13 awards at the time. 

The Awards saw two actors make history. First up, Sawai became the first actor of Asian origin to win the award for the Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Taking to the stage, the actor got emotional before her speech to say, “I was crying before my name was announced. I’m a mess today... This is to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example to everyone.” 

Hiroyuki Sanada followed that up by becoming the first Japanese actor to win an Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series. “It was an East-meets-West dream project with respect. And Shōgun taught me that when people work together, we can make miracles. We can create a better future together. Thank you so much,” said Sanada.

A loud roar from 'The Bear' at the Emmys

The awards ceremony witnessed Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach repeat their wins for Lead Actor and Supporting Actor in a Comedy, respectively, while Liza Colon-Zayas bagged her very first Emmy in the Supporting Actress in a Comedy category, making history as she became the first Latina to receive the honour. With four wins from the night, the series, starring White, Ayo Edebiri, Moss-Bachrach and Colon-Zayas, set a new record for most wins in a single season for a comedy with 11 awards, besting its own tally from last year when it won 10. 

The speech by Colon-Zayas was straight from the heart as she admitted not preparing one because she didn’t think she would win. “And to all the Latinas who are looking at me, keep believing me and vote. Vote for your rights,” she said in conclusion to her speech. There was also White who, while accepting his award, said, “This show (The Bear) has changed my life; it has instilled a faith that change is possible… you’re never actually alone.”.

'Hacks' pulls off the night’s biggest surprise

With everyone expecting The Bear to win the award for Outstanding Comedy Series for the second year running, the category witnessed the unexpected, with Hacks taking home the award in what was inarguably the biggest upset of the night. The show, starring Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, and Megan Stalter, beat contenders Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Only Murders in the Building, Palm Royale, Reservation Dogs, and What We Do in the Shadows to take home the winning prize. That's not all—Smart won Best Actress in a Comedy Series and Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs and Jen Statsky won Best Writing in a Comedy Series. Aniello’s acceptance speech highlighted the importance of comedy. “Comedy is so important, obviously, to us, but we really feel like it can bridge divides,” she said. “When you laugh with someone, you have something in common with them. So please support comedy. It speaks truth to power. It really does, so support your local comedian.”

'Baby Reindeer' doesn’t disappoint

With all eyes on Baby Reindeer to see how it would fare, the show—one of the most controversial and talked-about of the year, went on to win the award for Outstanding Limited Series or Anthology, with creator Richard Gadd winning awards for Lead Actor and Writing in the Limited Series or Anthology category. His co-star Jessica Gunning, who portrayed the stalker Martha, also won Supporting Actress in a Limited Series. "Oh my goodness me, blinking heckers," she said while accepting the award. “Thank you so much. I honestly feel like I’m going to wake up any minute now and this whole thing has been a dream,” she added.

The most emotional speech of the night was by Scottish comedian Gadd. Accepting his award for Best Writing for a Limited Series, Gadd told the audience: "Ten years ago, I was down and out. I never ever thought I'd get my life together. I never ever thought I'd be able to rectify myself for what happened to me and get myself back on my feet again. And then here I am, just over a decade later, picking up one of the biggest writing awards in television. I don't mean that to sound arrogant. I mean it as encouragement for anyone who's going through a difficult time right now to persevere.”

It’s a gift to play Lady Diana, says Emmy winner Elizabeth Debicki

34-year-old Elizabeth Debicki became the first Australian actor to win the Best Supporting Actress in a Drama. She picked up the award for her role as Princess Diana in Netflix’s The Crown. The actor was also nominated last year for her portrayal of the late royal in season 5 of the show, which earned her her very first Emmy nomination. “I didn’t write anything down because I’m very superstitious and now I’m in a real pickle, so I’m going to do this quickly. Playing this part, based on this unparalleled, incredible human being has been my great privilege,” she said. “It has been a gift.”

John Oliver screams ‘fuck you’ in acceptance speech

The award ceremony witnessed an R-rated rant as John Oliver went on to claim the Best Variety Series award for his show Last Week Tonight and paid tribute to his dog in his typically effervescent way. As the orchestra music played, signalling him to move along with his acceptance speech, Oliver, eliciting multiple gasps from the audience, said, “Perfect choice of music… We had to say goodbye to her,” before yelling, “F**k you”. Despite the music coming to a halt, there was no stopping Oliver as he continued, “She was an amazing dog, and this isn’t just for her. It’s for all dogs! All dogs. You’re very good girls, very good boys. You all deserve a treat.” Finally, he told the producers, “Play me off now!” 

A Rose family reunion at the Emmys

Holy Schitt! Well, that’s certainly one of the many audience reactions as the Emmys ended with an on-screen family reunion of one of TV’s favourite shows. Hosts Dan and Eugene Levy reunited with their former Schitt's Creek costars Catherine O'Hara and Annie Murphy to present the final award of the night—Best Comedy Series. “Oh my gosh, it’s my TV sister Annie Murphy!” Dan said, adding, “What's up, Annie?”, to which Murphy responded, “Well they said the shining star of Schitt’s Creek is going to present the final award of the night, so...” Eugene Levy stepped in to say, “There’s been a little confusion here, Annie.” "I know, and that’s fine, you can stay on stage, but just kind of scooch back a little bit," Murphy said, staying true to her Alexis Rose character. When Dan announced that they were going to be presenting the ‘shining star’ of their show, Murphy broke character to announce O'Hara's entrance, “Please welcome our favorite TV mom!” On Schitt's Creek, Eugene played patriarch Johnny Rose, O'Hara his wife Moira, Dan their son David and Murphy their daughter Alexis.

Winners list

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Comedy): Ebon Moss Bachrach for The Bear
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Drama): Billy Crudup for The Morning Show
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Comedy): Jeremy Allen White for The Bear
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Comedy): Liza Colon for The Bear
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Drama): Elizabeth Debicki for The Crown
Best Actress in a Leading Role (Comedy): Jean Smart for Hacks
Best Reality Competition: Traitors
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series: Jessica Gunning for Baby Reindeer
Outstanding Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Outstanding Writing for Variety Special: Alex Edelman for Just For Us
Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Steve Zaillian for Ripley
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs, and Jen Statsky for Hacks
Outstanding Talk Series: The Daily Show
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Anthology Series or Movie: Lamorne Morris for Fargo
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Will Smith for Slow Horses
Outstanding Writing for a Limited Anthology Series or Movie: Richard Gadd for Baby Reindeer
Outstanding Direction for a Comedy Series: Christopher Storer for The Bear
Governor's Award: Greg Berlanti
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Frederick EO Toye for Shogun
Best Actor in a Limited Anthology Series or Movie: Richard Gadd for Baby Reindeer
Best Actress in a Limited Anthology Series or Movie: Jodie Foster for True Detective: Night Country
Outstanding Anthology Series or Movie: Baby Reindeer
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Drama): Hiroyuki Sanada for Shogun
Best Actress in a Leading Role (Drama): Anna Sawai for Shogun
Outstanding Drama Series: Shogun
Outstanding Comedy Series: Hacks

All Images: Getty Images

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