Emmy Awards 2024: Highlights and Notable Moments
The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on January 15, 2024. While the night lacked surprises, it still had its fair share of memorable moments. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights from the event.
1. Dominance of Three Big Shows
Three shows stood out in the major categories: Succession in drama, The Bear in comedy, and Beef in limited series. These shows not only won the best series award in their respective categories but also secured wins in directing, writing, and acting. Only a handful of other shows managed to secure wins in these categories, including The White Lotus, Black Bird, Abbott Elementary, and Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
2. Jennifer Coolidge’s Win and Better Call Saul’s Snub
Jennifer Coolidge’s win for her supporting work in The White Lotus was expected, given her win last year. However, it was a disappointment for Better Call Saul fans, as the show failed to secure any wins despite its critical acclaim. Rhea Seehorn, who many believed deserved recognition for her portrayal of Kim Wexler, went home empty-handed.
3. Awkward Moments and the Absence of Orchestra
This year, instead of the usual practice of playing off long speeches with music, the producers decided to have host Anthony Anderson’s mother stand up and yell at the winners. However, this experiment quickly became awkward and was fortunately discontinued. It seems that the traditional approach of using music to manage speech lengths is still the preferred method.
4. Representation and Recognition
The Emmys made a conscious effort to not only include Black actors as presenters and hosts but also to reward their work. Ayo Edebiri, Quinta Brunson, and Niecy Nash-Betts were among the first Black women to take the stage as winners. The ceremony also paid tribute to beloved icons and influential shows that have shaped television over the past 75 years.
5. Elton John’s EGOT Achievement
Elton John achieved a significant milestone at the 75th Emmys. With a win for his special Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, he joined the elite group of artists who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, commonly known as the EGOT.
6. Nostalgia and Homage to Television
The 75th Emmys took the opportunity to celebrate the history of television. While some nostalgic moments, such as revisiting old sets and reunions, were well-received, others felt forced. Overall, the event successfully captured the essence of television and received a positive rating for its tribute to the medium.