“The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story”, which is the dramatic retelling of the infamous O J Simpsons murder trial, was honoured for its writing and captured several acting awards including Actor in a Mini-Series or Movie, Actress in a Mini-Series or Movie, Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and Writing for a Mini-Series or Movie.
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It was an emotional night for many winners.
Her rivals included Game Of Thrones stars Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke and Maisie Williams, but the 81-year-old went on to land another Emmy to her bulging trophy cabinet – her third for her Downton role alone. “Give them auditions, give them a story, he said”. Do that. I would not be unhappy were I the last cisgender male to play a female transgender on television. “Who do you have lined up to fill in the spot on the Supreme Court”, Kimmel asked.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to personally apologize for the current political climate”, said Julia-Louis Dreyfus, after winning a record fifth straight Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy.
Best comedy series writing victor Aziz Ansari, said he “wanted everyone to know, after careful consideration, I Am going with Trump”, demanding they remove all Muslim and Hispanic nominees from the Emmy ceremony which he said would make things so much easier?
The 68th annual Emmy Award was noteworthy on several award fronts, while also seizing on election season to poke fun at the current state of USA politics. A flustered McKinnon thanked her colleagues, along with Hillary Clinton, a nod to McKinnon’s parodying Clinton on the show this season. Kimmel noted that Sarah Paulson, who was nominated (and won) for her portrayal of prosecutor Marcia Clark in the series, had brought Clark with her to the ceremony. As if that wasn’t enough, Kimmel then joked about the meal’s “juice” boxes – a reference to Simpson’s football nickname – and wondered if Simpson was watching the show from prison and rooting for “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”. “I wonder if he’s having a viewing party with the guys”.
“Can we all cheer Jimmy”, Damon urged the audience.
Leslie Jones also provided some comic relief during the usually staid portion of the show when viewers meet the accountants responsible for keeping the results a secret. Acting victor Vance, who sweetly thanked his wife onstage, said he’s ready to hand over his trophy to her.
“Put [her Twitter account] in your vault please,”Jones said”.
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“.
It was no surprise that “Thrones” was named the best drama for the second year in a row.
“There’s a little bit of Elliot in all of us”, he said.
No local love: Portland hometown pride took a beating, though, as “Portlandia” lost to “Key & Peele” in the variety sketch TV series category, and Ty Burrell of “Modern Family” didn’t snag another supporting actor in a comedy statue.
TV is being hailed for improved inclusivity – compared to the film industry – in both its recognition and hiring of minorities. But I know we can get there. “I haven’t always been a very good man, but I play one hell of a woman”, he joked.
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And more importantly next year the drama category is going to be a whole lot more competitve thanks to the fact that Game of Thrones won’t be eligible for consideration due to a later-than-normal start date. “A closed mouth don’t get fed”. TV has a wide array of character roles that simply wouldn’t have existed even a decade ago, in stories that would have never see the green light – and, as Kimmel quipped, the only thing Hollywood values more than diversity is congratulating itself for that diversity. “The Emmys are so diverse this year the Oscars are now telling people we’re one of their closest friends”.
