As the Creative Arts Emmys proved last week, the awards this year are going to be much more unpredictable than ever before. That makes this night so exciting. Anyone could win which is so thrilling and so scary. Several records have the chance to be broken tonight. It will be interesting to see if any or all of them are. Will Mad Men be the first show to win 5 Emmys for Best Drama Series? Will Modern Family set a new record for most comedy series wins with 6? Will Game of Thrones break the record set by The West Wing with more than 9 wins in one year (it already has 8 trophies from the various technique categories)? Will Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss or Christina Hendricks finally win an acting Emmy for Mad Men? Will Viola Davis or Taraji P. Henson be the first African-American woman to win in Lead Drama Actress? How many awards will Transparent win? Will HBO win the most awards or will streaming services have an upset? All of these questions will be answered by the end of the night. Now let's see what happens.
Of course, Andy Samberg is starting with a pre-recorded video and song about watching all of TV. The Castle joke works more than the Andy smelling bits. Oh boy, Billy Eichner is Andy's son and Will Forte is playing Javert from Les Miz (which really isn't about TV). At least it got in a good beard joke. And now, Andy is green screened into various shows. Wow, Trophy Wife shoutout! Okay, that was a very fun video sequence.
"Sorry books, not tonight!" "Suck it books!"
"Louie is now technically jazz."
Jane Lynch pops up as a mean nun from Game of Thrones. Hope that's not a recurring bit.
Diversity shout out! "Racism is over! Don't fact cheek that."
"Donald Trump is running for President for the delight of uncles ever. I know Donald Trump seems racist. What else?"
This feels more like a late night talk show monologue than a reflection on the past year in TV.
"And we even said goodbye to True Detective even though it's still on the air."
And now, Andy has a celebrity beef with Amy Poehler (who's giving a great reaction shot).
Dick Whitman Horny Hobo. That was funny.
Uzo Aduba is the new Ed Asner. Can't really argue with that.
Allison Janney is also the new Ed Asner and the old Uzo Aduba.
And now time for the awards!
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Allison Janney, Mom (CBS)
She makes jokes about the heat and then honors the eight nominees in this category. She is very deserving of this award in a very competitive category. She thanks Chuck Lorre and the rest of the Mom creators and Anna Faris. She starts singing her thanks and it's very delightful. She ends with a message about hope for all the addicts out there. She now has 7 acting Emmys which is so impressive.
She makes jokes about the heat and then honors the eight nominees in this category. She is very deserving of this award in a very competitive category. She thanks Chuck Lorre and the rest of the Mom creators and Anna Faris. She starts singing her thanks and it's very delightful. She ends with a message about hope for all the addicts out there. She now has 7 acting Emmys which is so impressive.
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci & Tony Roche, Veep - "Election Night" (HBO)
A Veep win early. This could be a big night for the show. Armando Iannucci won an Emmy for this show! They joke about being aloud here and making American money.
A Veep win early. This could be a big night for the show. Armando Iannucci won an Emmy for this show! They joke about being aloud here and making American money.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Tony Hale, Veep (HBO)
Another strong category. He thanks his fellow nominations, the writing staff who just won and his family. This is his second win here. He thanks Mitch Hurwitz. Working with good people is what matters according to Hale. It's also two Emmy wins in a row for Veep. Too early to say it's winning Best Comedy Series?
Another strong category. He thanks his fellow nominations, the writing staff who just won and his family. This is his second win here. He thanks Mitch Hurwitz. Working with good people is what matters according to Hale. It's also two Emmy wins in a row for Veep. Too early to say it's winning Best Comedy Series?
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Jill Soloway, Transparent - "Best New Girl" (Amazon)
Thank you Goddess. She promised. And Amazon second. And the category. And then a long list of her partners and crew. She really deserves this. First Transparent win of the night. Could be a big night for Transparent too. She talks about the trans civil rights problem and brings about a bill that needs to be passed. Will need to look into that because I love her and her show.
Thank you Goddess. She promised. And Amazon second. And the category. And then a long list of her partners and crew. She really deserves this. First Transparent win of the night. Could be a big night for Transparent too. She talks about the trans civil rights problem and brings about a bill that needs to be passed. Will need to look into that because I love her and her show.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent (Amazon)
He is so honored. This is the performance of his career. The best performance of the year. He talks about acting because lives depend on it. He once again brings up the responsibility of the role. It never grows tiring. He is so great. Jill Soloway changed his life. Amazon has won two awards tonight. Dedicates the award to the transgender community. He thanks them for their courage, stories and their inspiration. Fantastic speech.
He is so honored. This is the performance of his career. The best performance of the year. He talks about acting because lives depend on it. He once again brings up the responsibility of the role. It never grows tiring. He is so great. Jill Soloway changed his life. Amazon has won two awards tonight. Dedicates the award to the transgender community. He thanks them for their courage, stories and their inspiration. Fantastic speech.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO)
It's getting trickier and trickier to satirize this stuff, she jokes about her show and the current politic system. I'd rather Amy Poehler or Amy Schumer to win, but Louis-Dreyfus is very deserving as well. Her episode was phenomenal. She deserves four consecutive wins in this category. As she's speaking she tells Poehler to wake up who is wearing a hilarious hoodie and sunglasses. This is mind blowing, she says.
It's getting trickier and trickier to satirize this stuff, she jokes about her show and the current politic system. I'd rather Amy Poehler or Amy Schumer to win, but Louis-Dreyfus is very deserving as well. Her episode was phenomenal. She deserves four consecutive wins in this category. As she's speaking she tells Poehler to wake up who is wearing a hilarious hoodie and sunglasses. This is mind blowing, she says.
OUTSTANDING REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
The Voice (NBC)
This is its second time winning. I forgot it won before considering how many times The Amazing Race won. Mark Burnett gloats about it being the most popular singing reality show. He thanks a list of producers and various other people. Lots of people are on the stage. He thinks the coaches.
This is its second time winning. I forgot it won before considering how many times The Amazing Race won. Mark Burnett gloats about it being the most popular singing reality show. He thanks a list of producers and various other people. Lots of people are on the stage. He thinks the coaches.
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, MOVIE OR A DRAMATIC SPECIAL
Jane Anderson, Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
She acknowledges her fellow nominated writings in all the categories. She mentions the author of the novel as well as Frances McDormand and Lisa Cholodenko and the rest of the actors and HBO. You guys are the best people to work for. She is already being played off! First win of the night for Olive Kitteridge.
She acknowledges her fellow nominated writings in all the categories. She mentions the author of the novel as well as Frances McDormand and Lisa Cholodenko and the rest of the actors and HBO. You guys are the best people to work for. She is already being played off! First win of the night for Olive Kitteridge.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOVIE
Regina King, American Crime (ABC)
Anderson is played off but this category plays clips for the nominees. The first time that's done for the night. This is really the first surprising upset of the night. I bet so strong on Sarah Paulson. Regina King was great though so I can't complain. She has deserved an Emmy for many different things over the years - including American Crime. So this is a great award. She wasn't expecting this either so she'll just listen to God and the people around her. She calls John Ridley a genius. She gets to share the night with her son, aka the best date in the house. Cheers!
Anderson is played off but this category plays clips for the nominees. The first time that's done for the night. This is really the first surprising upset of the night. I bet so strong on Sarah Paulson. Regina King was great though so I can't complain. She has deserved an Emmy for many different things over the years - including American Crime. So this is a great award. She wasn't expecting this either so she'll just listen to God and the people around her. She calls John Ridley a genius. She gets to share the night with her son, aka the best date in the house. Cheers!
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, MOVIE OR A DRAMATIC SPECIAL
Lisa Cholodenko, Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
Olive Kitteridge won both writing and directing. It's definitely winning Best Limited Series. She's lost on stage. But makes sure she praises Jane Anderson, Richard Jenkins, Zoe Kazan and Frances McDormand. Music starts playing her off as well.
Olive Kitteridge won both writing and directing. It's definitely winning Best Limited Series. She's lost on stage. But makes sure she praises Jane Anderson, Richard Jenkins, Zoe Kazan and Frances McDormand. Music starts playing her off as well.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOVIE
Bill Murray, Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
He's not there, of course. So presenters Maggie Gyllenhaal and Liev Schreiber accept on his behalf.
He's not there, of course. So presenters Maggie Gyllenhaal and Liev Schreiber accept on his behalf.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOVIE
Frances McDormand, Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
This category was stacked with amazing talent. Anyone deserved to win. She is now an Emmy winner. "We are all here because of a story well told. Sometimes that's enough Thank you." Great speech.
This category was stacked with amazing talent. Anyone deserved to win. She is now an Emmy winner. "We are all here because of a story well told. Sometimes that's enough Thank you." Great speech.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOVIE
Richard Jenkins, Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
He is amassed Lady Gaga just gave him his first Emmy. He wants to thank the amazing women who made the miniseries happen - thanking the people who also won tonight. Olive Kitteridge is sweeping in these limited categories. The next award should be easy to predict.
He is amassed Lady Gaga just gave him his first Emmy. He wants to thank the amazing women who made the miniseries happen - thanking the people who also won tonight. Olive Kitteridge is sweeping in these limited categories. The next award should be easy to predict.
OUTSTANDING LIMITED SERIES
Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
Frances once again delivers a speech but is being reminded humorously about who to thank. "It started as a book!" she proclaims. The producers love Olive Kitteridge!
Frances once again delivers a speech but is being reminded humorously about who to thank. "It started as a book!" she proclaims. The producers love Olive Kitteridge!
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A VARIETY SERIES
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)
Lots of people are on the stage. Jon Stewart isn't accepting. Don't know who is. He acknowledges how much stronger the competition was this year. Jon Stewart is thanked for giving all these writers a place they could work and be grateful of what they were doing for a long time. That was a nice tribute to him.
Lots of people are on the stage. Jon Stewart isn't accepting. Don't know who is. He acknowledges how much stronger the competition was this year. Jon Stewart is thanked for giving all these writers a place they could work and be grateful of what they were doing for a long time. That was a nice tribute to him.
OUTSTANDING VARIETY SKETCH SERIES
Inside Amy Schumer (Comedy Central)
Amy didn't win for acting but this award is just as sweet. Amy talks about making her dream show because of the support of her writers. She's so proud of what she's done and what she believes in. She knows she should have written something down. She thanks the girl who gave her a sorta smoky eye. Plus her family and her co-creator and her sister. She is just so much fun. Once again, "12 Angry Men Inside Amy Schumer" is one of the best episodes of any show this show. Go watch it if you haven't.
Amy didn't win for acting but this award is just as sweet. Amy talks about making her dream show because of the support of her writers. She's so proud of what she's done and what she believes in. She knows she should have written something down. She thanks the girl who gave her a sorta smoky eye. Plus her family and her co-creator and her sister. She is just so much fun. Once again, "12 Angry Men Inside Amy Schumer" is one of the best episodes of any show this show. Go watch it if you haven't.
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY SERIES
Chuck O'Neil, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - "Show 20103" (Comedy Central)
This is his first win. He's not used to being on this side of the camera. He thanks Jon Stewart and all the people he worked with on the show.
This is his first win. He's not used to being on this side of the camera. He thanks Jon Stewart and all the people he worked with on the show.
OUTSTANDING VARIETY TALK SERIES
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)
This category gets clips alongside the nominees too. The second of the night. It seems the Emmy voters were more nostalgic for Jon Stewart than any of the other nominees in these variety categories. Perhaps because he left the most recently. "Without the music, it feels very judgmental," Stewart says. He also says to cling to TV like the people in Titanic. This is the first applause he's heard in six weeks. Complains about there not being craft service tables in the real world. He loves his crew so desperately. He doesn't think he'll have another experience like this. He's very grateful about the fact that we'll never have to see him again. He ended things strong.
This category gets clips alongside the nominees too. The second of the night. It seems the Emmy voters were more nostalgic for Jon Stewart than any of the other nominees in these variety categories. Perhaps because he left the most recently. "Without the music, it feels very judgmental," Stewart says. He also says to cling to TV like the people in Titanic. This is the first applause he's heard in six weeks. Complains about there not being craft service tables in the real world. He loves his crew so desperately. He doesn't think he'll have another experience like this. He's very grateful about the fact that we'll never have to see him again. He ended things strong.
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, Game of Thrones - "Mother's Mercy" (HBO)
This is the first win to upset me. Game of Thrones isn't the best written episode in this category. The writers thank the entire production team and the cast. This is gonna be an hour of Game of Thrones wins, isn't it? The voters seem to really be embracing that show this year. At least, one of the writers swore in his acceptance speech. The first time in the ceremony so far too.
This is the first win to upset me. Game of Thrones isn't the best written episode in this category. The writers thank the entire production team and the cast. This is gonna be an hour of Game of Thrones wins, isn't it? The voters seem to really be embracing that show this year. At least, one of the writers swore in his acceptance speech. The first time in the ceremony so far too.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Uzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
Aduba now joins Ed Asner as the only people to win Emmys in Drama and Comedy for the same role. She was fantastic in Season 2 of the show. She can't say thank you enough to Jenji Kohan. She loves her so much for creating the show and the family that creates it. She thanks everybody! She is proud to stand alongside a group of brilliant talent. She is grateful that people let her be her. She thanks her family for standing by her her entire life. She tears up. It's a phenomenal speech.
Aduba now joins Ed Asner as the only people to win Emmys in Drama and Comedy for the same role. She was fantastic in Season 2 of the show. She can't say thank you enough to Jenji Kohan. She loves her so much for creating the show and the family that creates it. She thanks everybody! She is proud to stand alongside a group of brilliant talent. She is grateful that people let her be her. She thanks her family for standing by her her entire life. She tears up. It's a phenomenal speech.
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
David Nutter, Game of Thrones - "Mother's Mercy" (HBO)
Not all that surprising. He wonders why he's up there. He thanks everyone for their support. He thanks the cast especially Lena Heady. He's shaking as he gives his speech. He is appreciative of everything his wife has done for him. So, Game of Thrones won writing and directing. It's totally winning Best Drama Series, right? Nutter has directed a ton of broadcast network pilots. And yet, his 2 Emmy wins are for cable shows. Very telling that Emmy voters love cable and streaming more than they do broadcast. Something that shouldn't be all that surprising. This also means Game of Thrones has 10 Emmy wins this year. The most for any show in the history of the awards in one year.
Not all that surprising. He wonders why he's up there. He thanks everyone for their support. He thanks the cast especially Lena Heady. He's shaking as he gives his speech. He is appreciative of everything his wife has done for him. So, Game of Thrones won writing and directing. It's totally winning Best Drama Series, right? Nutter has directed a ton of broadcast network pilots. And yet, his 2 Emmy wins are for cable shows. Very telling that Emmy voters love cable and streaming more than they do broadcast. Something that shouldn't be all that surprising. This also means Game of Thrones has 10 Emmy wins this year. The most for any show in the history of the awards in one year.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones (HBO)
That's Number 11 for Game of Thrones this year. Jonathan Banks and Ben Mendelsohn were so much better this year. Dinklage even notes how great Banks was this year. All this love for Game of Thrones is getting somewhat annoying. He makes sure to thank the writers, George R.R. Martin and Lena Headey.
That's Number 11 for Game of Thrones this year. Jonathan Banks and Ben Mendelsohn were so much better this year. Dinklage even notes how great Banks was this year. All this love for Game of Thrones is getting somewhat annoying. He makes sure to thank the writers, George R.R. Martin and Lena Headey.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jon Hamm, Mad Men (AMC)
It's about damn time!!!!! Finally! This makes me the happiest of any moment tonight. He crawls onto the stage. He also gets a standing ovation. The industry wanted him to win. Mad Men finally won an acting Emmy! Thank god it was Jon Hamm. He thanks the people who he owes an incredible debt - the show, the network, the family, the cast, the crew, and so many more. He thanks everyone he watched the show. I also love that Tina Fey was the person to give him the award.
It's about damn time!!!!! Finally! This makes me the happiest of any moment tonight. He crawls onto the stage. He also gets a standing ovation. The industry wanted him to win. Mad Men finally won an acting Emmy! Thank god it was Jon Hamm. He thanks the people who he owes an incredible debt - the show, the network, the family, the cast, the crew, and so many more. He thanks everyone he watched the show. I also love that Tina Fey was the person to give him the award.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder (ABC)
She is the first African-America to win in this category. Taraji P. Henson gives her a standing ovation. She gives a beautiful speech quoting Harriet Tubman and the opportunities that need to be afforded to people of color. "You can't win an Emmy for the roles that aren't there." She is so grateful to everyone who has redefined what it means to be a beautiful and Black women. She thanks over major actress of color who is the lead of her own show. She brought them all in for her Emmy win. It's a fantastic and moving speech. That was the drop the mic moment of the night. And there's still two awards left to give! Doubt they will top this.
She is the first African-America to win in this category. Taraji P. Henson gives her a standing ovation. She gives a beautiful speech quoting Harriet Tubman and the opportunities that need to be afforded to people of color. "You can't win an Emmy for the roles that aren't there." She is so grateful to everyone who has redefined what it means to be a beautiful and Black women. She thanks over major actress of color who is the lead of her own show. She brought them all in for her Emmy win. It's a fantastic and moving speech. That was the drop the mic moment of the night. And there's still two awards left to give! Doubt they will top this.
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
Veep (HBO)
Thank goodness it wasn't Modern Family. I kid. But seriously, the fourth season of Veep was it's best yet and it deserved to win. It is only the second cable series to win this award - after Sex and the City. Armando Iannucci gives a funny speech about hope and getting and not getting the job. He again thanks America for being so welcoming to the British writers. He thanks the cast. This is again very well deserving.
Thank goodness it wasn't Modern Family. I kid. But seriously, the fourth season of Veep was it's best yet and it deserved to win. It is only the second cable series to win this award - after Sex and the City. Armando Iannucci gives a funny speech about hope and getting and not getting the job. He again thanks America for being so welcoming to the British writers. He thanks the cast. This is again very well deserving.
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Game of Thrones (HBO)
This is Number 12. That's an insane amount of Emmys to win in one year. It also means HBO won tonight for Drama, Comedy and Limited Series. The creators note the production happening right now abroad. They also mention the people they forget to thank earlier. They also note the casting directors who were able to bring all of these people together over the years. Of course, they thank HBO too. No one can ever again that Emmy voters don't reward genre shows.
Overall, there is very little to quibble about with this list of winners. There are the a few categories that had more deserving winners. But a consequence of having so much good TV is that everything nominated is really good. There isn't a case of someone winning who shouldn't have. That's impressive. Plus, the last half hour with speeches from Jon Hamm, Viola Davis and Tracy Morgan were moments that make this ceremonies so special. Truly moving and touching stuff in the end. Andy Samberg did a decent job as a host too. Some of his opening jokes didn't really work in the room. But the effort not to do too many bits throughout the ceremony was appreciated. The Lorne Michaels-Shonda Rhimes skit was great and all that he really needed to do. Plus, that opening video was really funny. Now the question becomes: Do the Emmys look at these results and change anything for next year?
This is Number 12. That's an insane amount of Emmys to win in one year. It also means HBO won tonight for Drama, Comedy and Limited Series. The creators note the production happening right now abroad. They also mention the people they forget to thank earlier. They also note the casting directors who were able to bring all of these people together over the years. Of course, they thank HBO too. No one can ever again that Emmy voters don't reward genre shows.
Overall, there is very little to quibble about with this list of winners. There are the a few categories that had more deserving winners. But a consequence of having so much good TV is that everything nominated is really good. There isn't a case of someone winning who shouldn't have. That's impressive. Plus, the last half hour with speeches from Jon Hamm, Viola Davis and Tracy Morgan were moments that make this ceremonies so special. Truly moving and touching stuff in the end. Andy Samberg did a decent job as a host too. Some of his opening jokes didn't really work in the room. But the effort not to do too many bits throughout the ceremony was appreciated. The Lorne Michaels-Shonda Rhimes skit was great and all that he really needed to do. Plus, that opening video was really funny. Now the question becomes: Do the Emmys look at these results and change anything for next year?
