Dive into the captivating highlights of the 75th Emmy Awards as we explore dominant wins, surprising snubs, and unconventional moments. From the frontrunners’ triumphant sweep to Anthony Anderson’s unique hosting style, discover the diversity spotlight and Elton John’s impressive EGOT achievement. Relive nostalgic TV moments and get a comprehensive look at the unforgettable 2024 Emmy Awards night in our exclusive coverage.
The 75th Emmy Awards made a splash with their return, and while the outcome largely followed the predictions, there were still some noteworthy moments and takeaways. Here are six key observations from the star-studded event:
Emmy Awards
1. Frontrunners Continue to Shine
Despite the lack of surprises, three juggernauts dominated the major categories. Succession in drama, The Bear in comedy, and Beef in the limited series all secured wins for best series, directing, and writing. Acting accolades flowed in as well, solidifying their status as the night’s indisputable favorites. Notably, only four out of 21 awards in these categories went to other shows, making it a night of unsurprising yet thoroughly dominant victories.
2. Better Call Saul Snub and Coolidge’s Repeat
Jennifer Coolidge’s expected win for her supporting role in The White Lotus dealt a blow to Better Call Saul fans, who had hoped for a recognition of Rhea Seehorn’s outstanding work as Kim Wexler. Surprisingly, Better Call Saul, often regarded as superior to its predecessor, Breaking Bad, ended its acclaimed six-season run with 53 nominations and no wins, leaving some fans disappointed but appreciative of the show’s thematic consistency.
3. Anthony Anderson’s Unconventional Hosting Style
This year, the producers experimented with an unconventional approach to managing acceptance speeches. Instead of playing the music to limit lengthy talks, they had host Anthony Anderson’s mother stand up and jokingly chastise winners. The attempt, exemplified by an awkward encounter with Jennifer Coolidge, was quickly abandoned, leaving many to wonder if it was ever meant to be. The consensus is: stick to the music.
4. Diversity Takes Center Stage
Unlike previous awards shows, the Emmys did not just feature black actors as presenters; they recognized their talent as well. Ayo Edebiri, Quinta Brunson, and Niecy Nash-Betts were among the early winners, setting the tone for the evening. The ceremony also celebrated 75 years of Emmys by highlighting influential figures like Arsenio Hall and Marla Gibbs and iconic shows such as Good Times and Martin. Host Anthony Anderson aptly described it as “like MLK Day and Juneteenth rolled into one.”
5. Elton John Achieves EGOT Status
Amidst the glitz and glamour, music legend Elton John reached an impressive milestone. His win for “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium” earned him the coveted EGOT status—an accomplishment that, while not officially recognized by award organizations, is undoubtedly admirable and speaks to his unparalleled contribution to the entertainment industry.
6. Nostalgia for TV’s Past
The 75th Emmys took a trip down memory lane, paying homage to the television of yesteryear. Some nostalgic moments, such as glimpses of old sets and heartwarming reunions like Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers, resonated well with the audience. While some attempts, like Anthony Anderson’s skit with Dylan McDermott on American Horror Story, felt a bit forced, overall, the ceremony’s nostalgic nods earned it a solid B-plus.
The 75th Emmy Awards may not have delivered shocking upsets, but they provided a night of celebration, recognition, and a few unexpected twists that kept viewers engaged. As the curtain falls on this edition, it leaves us eagerly anticipating what the next television season will bring to the Emmy stage.