“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”, the FX limited series that dramatized the sensational murder case and trial that divided a nation more than two decades ago, became the most celebrated program of the year at Sunday’s ceremony held at the Microsoft Theater and telecast on ABC.
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“I’m so glad that he liked “Veep” because his opinion was the one that really mattered”, she said. During his opening monologue, Emmy host Jimmy Kimmel called out producer Mark Burnett, the producer of reality series “The Apprentice” and “Celebrity Apprentice” which Donald Trump hosted, saying “who is to blame for the Trump phenomenon?”
Actress Courtney B Vance won the Best Actor in Limited Series or Movie while Sarah Paulson bagged won best actress. Dame Maggie Smith made sure the past year of Downton Abbey was one to remember with another award-winning performance, taking out Supporting Actress, Drama, against Thrones contenders Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey and Maisie Williams.
Brown, who played prosecutor Christopher Darden in The People v OJ Simpson, beat his co-stars John Travolta and David Schwimmer to win best supporting actor in a limited series or movie.
Tambor captured his second consecutive best comedy actor trophy for “Transparent”, in which he plays a transgender character.
Kimmel knew early on that “O.J”.
Rami Malek was named best lead actor in a drama series for his role in Mr. Robot, while Tatiana Maslany won best actress in a drama series for her performance in BBC America series Orphan Black. The streaming service was also recognized for “Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping”, which won for writing for a variety special, and Mendelsohn for “Bloodline”.
Downton Abbey actress Dame Maggie stayed away from the Los Angeles ceremony but won a best supporting actress gong for her role as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the hit period drama.
Vance “was so great, ” said Kimmel warmly before adding, “I have to believe Johnnie Cochran is somewhere smiling up at us tonight”.
You expect mean from Kimmel.
John Oliver captured the best variety talk series award for “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”, besting competitors including Jerry Seinfeld and host Jimmy Kimmel – who received barbed consolation on stage from Matt Damon, his longtime faux nemesis. “We’re not mailing this to her. Maggie, if you want this, it’ll be in the lost and found”.
“Transparent” creator Jill Soloway compared Trump to Adolf Hitler during the awards ceremony, which was filled with references to the United States election.
The Emmys also did not shy from honouring minority talents as Indian-origin actor-writer-director Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang received the best writing for a comedy series honour for “Master of None”. “Y’all over here using your skills to protect best voice over in a French sitcom meanwhile I’m over here butt naked on CNN”.
She ended by chanting, “Topple the patriarchy”.
“Hollywood is doing good, but I’ll tell you women of color are doing even better”, nominee Viola Davis said on the red carpet.
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Heading into Emmy night, Game of Thrones already had nine Creative Arts Emmys, bringing its total to 35 over six seasons.
