Emmy Awards 2021: winners

Earlier:

The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards are now underway at the Event Deck at L.A. Live, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer.

Yes there are guests seated at tables, with no masks. Impressive.

Insisting he wouldn’t host an “Emmys Lite” Cedric opened the show with a musical homage to TV and the whole audience was soon on their feet singing along, and even taking a verse. It’s the right mood for the times.

“They said this was outdoors…it’s not!” joked first presenter Seth Rogen. “Why is there a roof?”

Winners in bold (hit refresh for updates):

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Aidy Bryant (Saturday Night Live)
Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live)
Rosie Perez (The Flight Attendant)
Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live)
Juno Temple (Ted Lasso)
Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso)

“Jason you changed my life with this,” said a screaming Hannah and then thanked Juno Temple. “West End musical theatre performers need to be on screen more because we won’t let you down.”

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Carl Clemons-Hopkins (Hacks)
Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso)
Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso)
Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso)
Paul Reiser (The Kominsky Method)
Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso)
Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live)
Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live)

Whoah Goldstein drops the first F-bomb and then thanks the cast and “It has been one of the greatest honours and privileges…. most privileged pleasure of my life and the f***ing icing on the cake.” Ok that’s two.

Now into a Cedric routine telling us “We all got vaxxed to be here” and acknowledging some of the black nominees and shows, WandaVision, Bridgertons, The Crown.

Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton)
Kathryn Hahn (WandaVision)
Moses Ingram (The Queen’s Gambit)
Julianne Nicholson (Mare Of Easttown)
Jean Smart (Mare Of Easttown)
Phillipa Soo (Hamilton)

Nicholson thanks the writers and notes “the bonds between women…” in Mare of Easttown. She tells Kate Winslet, “Man you’re good at acting, but turn out you’re good at caring for a whole production.”

Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Thomas Brodie Sangster (The Queen’s Gambit)
Daveed Diggs (Hamilton)
Paapa Essiedu ( May Destroy You)
Jonathan Groff (Hamilton)
Evan Peters (Mare Of Easttown)
Anthony Ramos (Hamilton)

Evans thanks Kate Winslet, a nod to Ryan Murphy for his career support, and writer Brad Ingelsby. “This is a dream come true for me tonight.”

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
The Boys (Episode: “What I Know”), Written by Rebecca Sonnenshine (Prime Video)
The Crown (Episode: “War”), Written by Peter Morgan (Netflix)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Episode: “Home”), Written by Yahlin Chang (Hulu)
Lovecraft Country (Episode: “Sundown”), Written by Misha Green (HBO)
The Mandalorian (Episode: “Chapter 13: The Jedi”), Written by Dave Filoni (Disney+)
The Mandalorian (Episode: “Chapter 16: The Rescue”), Written by Jon Favreau (Disney+)
Pose (Episode: “Series Finale”), Written by Steven Canals, Brad Falchuk, Our Lady J, Janet Mock, and Ryan Murphy (FX)

Morgan is in the UK with a Crown crew. “We’re all thrilled,” he notes. “I’m very proud, very grateful. We’re going to party.”

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Bridgerton (Episode: “Diamond of the First Water”), Directed by Julie Anne Robinson (Netflix)
The Crown (Episode: “Fairytale”), Directed by Benjamin Caron (Netflix)
The Crown (Episode: “War”), Directed by Jessica Hobbs (Netflix)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Episode: “The Wilderness”), Directed by Liz Garbus (Hulu)
The Mandalorian (Episode: “Chapter 9: The Marshal”), Directed by Jon Favreau (Disney+)
Pose (Episode: “Series Finale”), Directed by Steven Canals (FX)

Congrats to NZ director Jessica Hobbs. who thanked Peter Morgan and cast. “Not a lot of women have won this award so I feel like I am standing on shoulders,” and her mother “who at 77 is still directing.” Hobbs has previously directed for All Saints, Rake, The Slap and Spirited. Go Jessica!

Colbert is presenting… but first a ‘recount of a Emmy Award’ with Mrs. Maisel still deemed marvellous…. okaaaay.

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Gillian Anderson (The Crown)
Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown)
Madeline Brewer (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Aunjanue Ellis (Lovecraft Country)
Emerald Fennell (The Crown)
Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale)

Sorry Yvonne, this category was way tough.  Everyone a winner?

Back in London Gillian Anderson thanks Peter Morgan and Netflix and dedicates it to her longtime manager. “She was one of the best friends I ever had in my life… who wore the same dress to every awards show for 5 years running.. .slow fashion.”

In this next category an introduction acknowledges, the late Michael K. Williams nominated for Lovecraft Country “your excellence and artistry will endure, we love you.”

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian)
O-T Fagbenie (The Handmaid’s Tale)
John Lithgow (Perry Mason)
Tobias Menzies (The Crown)
Max Minghella (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Chris Sullivan (This Is Us)
Bradley Whitford (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Michael K. Williams (Lovecraft Country)

Aww, no speech from absent Tobias.

Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
The Amber Ruffin Show (Peacock)
A Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
Saturday Night Live (NBC)

The writers thank their team and Adam Driver. “He knows what he did and we know what we’d like him to do.”

I’m sure I just heard Tones & I music…

Variety Talk Series
Conan (TBS)
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)
Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)

Oliver acknowledged Conan O’Brien for his 30 years of late night and then the late Norm Macdonald.

Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
A Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO)
Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Producer Lorne Michaels also pays tribute to “one of the best we ever had, Norm Macdonald.”

The Schitt’s Creek cast is here (huge applause) and say nothing is on the teleprompter. Is this a gag? It feels improvised. Gold.

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
The Flight Attendant (Episode: “In Case of Emergency”), Written by Steve Yockey (HBO Max)
Girls5eva (Episode: “Pilot”), Written by Meredith Scardino (Peacock)
Hacks (Episode: “There Is No Line”), Written by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky (HBO Max)
PEN15 (Episode: “Play”), Written by Maya Erskine (Hulu)
Ted Lasso (Episode: “Make Rebecca Great Again”), Written by Joe Kelly, Brendan Hunt, and Jason Sudeikis (Apple TV+)
Ted Lasso (Episode: “Pilot”), Written by Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly (Apple TV+)

Is this a good time to mention Kitty Flanagan Fisk just beat Hacks at Series Mania?

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
B Positive (Episode: “Pilot”), Directed by James Burrows (CBS)
The Flight Attendant (Episode: “In Case of Emergency”), Directed by Susanna Fogel (HBO Max)
Hacks (Episode: “There Is No Line”), Directed by Lucia Aniello (HBO Max)
Mom (Episode: “Scooby-Doo Checks and Salisbury Steak”), Directed by James Widdoes (CBS)
Ted Lasso (Episode: “Biscuits”), Directed by Zach Braff (Apple TV+)
Ted Lasso (Episode: “The Hope that Kills You”), Directed by MJ Delaney (Apple TV+)
Ted Lasso (Episode: “Make Rebecca Great Again”), Directed by Declan Lowney (Apple TV+)

Lucia thanks Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder and notes the show was filmed quickly to bring some cheer to us all. Job done.

More Cedric sketches at an Emmy support group with ‘losers’ Scott Bakula, Jason Alexander, Alyson Hannigan, Zooey Deschanel, (daytime winner) Dr. Phil and Fred Savage (directing the sketch). We like.

Lead Actress, Comedy
Aidy Bryant (Shrill)
Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant)
Allison Janney (Mom)
Tracee Ellis Ross (black-ish)
Jean Smart (Hacks)

Standing ovation for Jean!  Much love in the room.

She acknowledges her late husband. “Hacks has been such a thrill,” she says. “I read this and said I have to do this…. and Hannah ‘Mindbender’ … she’s a natural… everyday is a joy.”

Jennifer Coolidge is presenting. Yay.

Lead Actor, Comedy
Anthony Anderson (Black-ish)
Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method)
William H. Macy (Shameless)
Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)
Kenan Thompson (Kenan)

A popular win. Sudeikis thanks Lorne Michaels from SNL, “he went to go take a dump now, perfect… I want to thank my teammates who helped make this show…..I’m only as good as you guys make me look.”

Big applause for Paralympian presenting.

Competition Series
The Amazing Race (CBS)
Nailed It! (Netflix)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1)
Top Chef (Bravo)
The Voice (NBC)

RuPaul is now a repeat winner and thanks participants from around the world and LGBT kids everywhere, “You have a tribe waiting for you baby… come on to Mama Ru!”

An exhilarated Conan O’Brien is thanking the TV Academy president Frank Scherma from his table. A moment that stops the show.

Debbie Allen receives the Governor’s Award. “Fame! I’m gonna live foreverrrrrrr!” Allen’s body of work as a dance pioneer is comprehensive, including 20 Emmy nominations. I love that the presenters are mimicking her dance teacher role! Standing ovation.

“Oh my God thank you!” says an overwhelmed Allen. “I’m trying not to cry…. it’s taken a lot of courage to be the only woman in the room most of the time…. turn that clock off I ain’t paying no attention to it!” she says towards the teleprompter.

Allen thanks the dance gypsies, and support from Captain Kangaroo to Steven Spielberg, Berry Gordy and Shonda Rhimes.

“Let this moment resonate with women across the world from Texas to Afghanistan… claim your power, tell your stories it will make us a better place. Your turn. Thank you.”

Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Hamilton, Directed by Thomas Kail (Disney+)
I May Destroy You (Episode: “Ego Death”), Directed by Sam Miller and Michaela Coel (HBO)
I May Destroy You (Episode: “Eyes Eyes Eyes Eyes”), Directed by Sam Miller (HBO)
Mare of Easttown, Directed by Craig Zobel (HBO)
The Queen’s Gambit, Directed by Scott Frank (Netflix)
The Underground Railroad, Directed by Barry Jenkins (Prime Video)
WandaVision, Directed by Matt Shakman (Disney+)

Scott Frank thanks Netflix and a film crew ‘born out of a shotgun wedding” about a girl addicted to chess, pills and wallpaper. Frank also dismisses the orchestra (it rises three times) as he reads from two pages of notes. “I’m almost done” he insists. Awkward.

Now here’s Patrick Stewart to present who reflects on the evolution of TV.

Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
I May Destroy You, Written by Michaela Coel (HBO)
Mare of Easttown, Written by Brad Ingelsby (HBO)
The Queen’s Gambit, Written by Scott Frank (Netflix)
WandaVision (Episode: “All-New Halloween Spooktacular!”), Written by Chuck Hayward and Peter Cameron (Disney+)
WandaVision (Episode: “Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience”), Written by Jac Schaeffer (Disney+)
WandaVision (Episode: “Previously On”), Written by Laura Donney (Disney+)

A standing ovation for Michaela Cole.

A speech about visibility dedicated to survivors of sexual assault. “Write the tale that scares you, that makes you feel uncertain, that isn’t comfortable. I dare you….. visibility these days seem to somehow equate to success. Do not be afraid to disappear.”

Lead Actress, Limited Series, Movie or Anthology
Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You)
Cynthia Erivo (Genius: Aretha)
Elizabeth Olsen (WandaVision)
Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit)
Kate Winslet (Mare of Easttown)

“Mum they’re standing up!” Kate shouts, then talks about women having each others’ backs. Mare “brought people something to talk about other than a pandemic….” She thanks Brad Ingleby and cast Evan Peters, Jean Smart and Guy Pearce. Kate is stoked…

Lead Actor, Limited Series, Movie or Anthology
Paul Bettany (WandaVision)
Hugh Grant (The Undoing)
Ewan McGregor (Halston)
Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton)
Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton)

Ewan McGregor thanks crew for shooting in NYC during the pandemic, Ryan Murphy, Netflix and family, “We’ll take this home and show it to our new little boy.”

Lead Actress, Drama
Uzo Aduba (In Treatment)
Olivia Colman (The Crown)
Emma Corrin (The Crown)
Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Mj Rodriguez (Pose)
Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country)

“I’d have put money on that not happening!” says Colman. “I wish my dad was here to see this. I lost my dad during COVID. And Michaela Cole f*** yeah!”

Catherine Zeta-Jones is presenting. A classic look.

Lead Actor, Drama
Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us)
Jonathan Majors (Lovecraft Country)
Josh O’Connor (The Crown)
Rege-Jean Page (Bridgerton)
Billy Porter (Pose)
Matthew Rhys (Perry Mason)

O’Connor thanks cast and crew and Emma Corrin “a force of nature” and grandparents.

Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
Celebrating America – An Inauguration Night Special (Multiple Platforms)
The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards (CBS)
The Oscars (ABC)
The Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show Starring The Weeknd (CBS)
Stephen Colbert’s Election Night 2020: Democracy’s Last Stand Building Back America Great Again Better 2020 (Showtime)

Conan has burst on stage as Colbert accepts a win. Is he drunk or just a disrupter?

“Most of the people behind me deserve this Emmy right now,” says Colbert, who is just going with the moment.

Amy Poehler is now presenting.

Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)
Bo Burnham: Inside (Netflix)
David Byrne’s American Utopia (HBO)
8:46 – Dave Chappelle (Netflix)
Friends: The Reunion (HBO Max)
Hamilton (Disney+)
A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote (HBO Max)

Hamilton team thanks the medium between television and theatre. “What a gift you gave us last year when we were dark and dispersed.” No Lin in the room. “Look around the curtains are going back up and the lights are coming on!”

Leon Bridges and Jon Batiste present In Memoriam -a difficult year of luminous names… too many to list but I will try to add a clip later.

Here come the big three awards.

Comedy Series
Black-ish (ABC)
Cobra Kai (Netflix)
Emily in Paris (Netflix)
Hacks (HBO Max)
The Flight Attendant (HBO Max)
The Kominsky Method (Netflix)
Pen15 (Hulu)
Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

Producer thanks Warner Bros., Apple TV, cast and crew and “our fearless leader Jason Sudeikis” adding that the biggest group to thank are the viewers. The first one to mention it.

Adrien Brody is presenting Drama series.

Drama Series
The Boys (Amazon)
Bridgerton (Netflix)
The Crown (Netflix)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Lovecraft Country (HBO)
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Pose (FX)
This Is Us (NBC)

Peter Morgan thanks Netflix, Sony, “this lot” in the room with him in London. They start shooting in a matter of hours. “I’m lost for words and very, very grateful.”

Angela Basset presents the final award of the night.

Limited Series
I May Destroy You (HBO)
Mare of Easttown (HBO)
The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)
The Underground Railroad (Amazon)
WandaVision (Disney+)

Is this an upset? Money was on Mare….

Producer acknowledges word of mouth on the “orphan girl chess drama,” and Netflix who “took a chance on risky material and you trusted the filmmakers.”

That’s a wrap!

This post updates.