“Shōgun” makes history and other outstanding moments from the Emmy Awards

CNN
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If your Emmy prediction was “historic night,” congratulations.

It was indeed an evening for the history books and for people who love tearful acceptance speeches with a pinch of subtle, mostly rehearsed witty remarks.

From historic winners to cat and dog mentions, here are the highlights of the 76th Emmy Awards:

The music began playing the cast and producers of the acclaimed historical drama “Shōgun” after their win for best drama, but stopped when star and recent Emmy winner Hiroyuki Sanada took the microphone and announced his intention to deliver his brief address in Japanese. In his native language, he thanked the crew, directors and masters “who have inherited and supported our samurai historical dramas to this day.” He added, “The passion and dreams we inherited from you have crossed oceans and borders.”

In many ways, the same is true of “Shōgun” itself. The series’ success—it was the first non-English language show to win Best Drama, and only the second to be nominated in that category (the first was “Squid Game” in 2022)—underscores the point that many creatives shout from the rooftops (and awards stages) at every opportunity: Take risks. If the story is compelling, the viewers and success will come.

In total, the series received four awards, including historic individual awards for the acting performances of its two stars Sanada and Anna Sawai.

After her victory, which made her the first actress of Asian descent to win in the Best Actress in a Drama category, Sawai said on stage: “This is for all women who expect nothing and continue to be a role model for everyone.”

Richard Gadd took the stage three times on Emmy night, but he treated his first speech – for outstanding writing in a limited series – as if it were his only one, leaving the audience with a moving reaction.

“Ten years ago, I was devastated. I never thought I’d ever get my life back together. I never thought I’d be able to make up for what happened to me and get back on my feet, and now here I am, just over a decade later, winning one of the most important awards in television screenwriting,” he said, referring to the abuse and trauma he suffered that is recounted in parts of “Baby Reindeer.” “I don’t know much about this life, I don’t know why we’re here – none of it. But I do know that nothing lasts forever and no matter how bad it gets, it always gets better. So if you’re struggling, keep going. Keep going and I promise you it’ll be OK.”

Not a single viewer finished watching The Bear’s powerful episode “Napkins” on FX’s Tina Origin Story and doubted whether Lisa Colón-Zayas’ performance was anything less than Emmy gold. Voters agreed, awarding her the statue for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy.

On stage, the actress’ tears flowed again as she appeared shocked and honored to receive the honor, immediately paying tribute to her fellow nominees with deepest respect. “I love you all. I adore you all from the bottom of my heart,” she said, referring to Meryl Streep, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Carol Burnett. She ended her speech with a tribute to the upcoming election, saying, “To all the Latinas looking to me, keep believing and vote. Vote for your rights.”

Candice Bergen: “Meow”

When she played outspoken TV host Murphy Brown, Candice Bergen was never afraid to stir up tempers — and she still doesn’t. Onstage to present an award, Bergen spoke about her time in the role, getting political in a sarcastic-drenched monologue: “I was surrounded by brilliant and witty actors, had the best scripts to work with, and in a classic moment, my character was attacked by Vice President Dan Quayle when Murphy got pregnant and decided to raise the baby as a single mother. Oh, how far we’ve come. Today, a Republican vice presidential candidate would never attack a woman for having children, so my work here, as they say, is done. Meow.”

It is also noteworthy that Selena Gomez alluded to the phenomenon of “childless cat ladies” while on stage with her “Only Murders in the Building” co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short.

Was it wrong to laugh? Maybe, but it was impossible not to at least smile when John Oliver offered a heartbreaking thank you to his deceased dog in his acceptance speech for Best Variety Series, only to witness the poignant moment when the music announced the team’s departure.

“I feel like Sarah McLachlan right now,” Oliver said, alluding to the audience’s laughter, he added: “She was an incredible dog. This isn’t just for her – this is for all dogs. You are very good girls, you are very good boys and you all deserve a reward!”

John Leguizamo advocates progress

John Leguizamo took the Emmy stage with a reminder to Hollywood about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI): “The D is for hard work, the E is for excellence and the I is for imagination,” he said, calling this year’s nominees “one of the most diverse slates in Emmy history.”

He called out several artists, including Selena Gomez, who was visibly moved when Leguizamo mentioned her nomination for “Only Murders in the Building.” “She supported Steve Martin and Martin Short for three whole seasons,” he joked. Leguizamo, who took out a full-page ad in the New York Times earlier this year urging Emmy voters to recognize diverse nominees, later added, “We need more stories from excluded groups.”

“Do you know how difficult it was to get a date after ‘Misery’?” – Kathy Bates

“First of all, relax. Despite my name, I come in peace.” – Will Smith, English author and producer and winner of the award for outstanding writing for a drama series for “Slow Horses”, based on The Moment from the Oscars.

“When I see an actor I don’t know, I just say, ‘I love your scene with Nicole Kidman.’ Nine times out of ten, I’m right.” – Steve Martin

“Welcome to the 76th Emmy Awards – aka television’s biggest night honoring movie stars on streaming services.” – Dan Levy, who hosted a solid – if not safe – show with dad Eugene