LOS ANGELES – Broadcasting live from the L.A. Live Event Deck, the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards closed out the awards season with another exuberant array of glitz and glamour as some of TV and film’s most prominent stars gathered to honor this past year’s achievements in television on Sunday, Sept. 19.
Kicking off the night with a musical tribute to television, host Cedric the Entertainer and a slew of other stars including LL Cool J, Lil Dicky, Rita Wilson, Mandy Moore, Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Billy Porter brought the crowd to its feet as they sang along to the Biz Markie classic “Just a Friend.”
Comedian Seth Rogen was also on-hand to present the night’s first award for Best Supporting Actress in Comedy Series, which went to Hannah Waddingham for her performance in the Apple TV + series “Ted Lasso.”
“Ted Lasso” would go on to have an amazing night as the series nabbed a handful of awards including Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Best Comedy Series.
The Netflix series “The Crown” also won big, winning a variety of awards including Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama and Outstanding Drama Series.
While presenting the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Kerry Washington took a moment to pay tribute to the late Michael K. Williams, who was nominated for his work in “Lovecraft Country.”
“Michael was a brilliantly talented actor and a generous human being who has left us far too soon,” Washington said. “Michael, I know you’re here because you wouldn’t miss this. Your excellence, your artistry will endure, we love you.”
Other shows including “The Queen’s Gambit,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” and “Hack” each took home multiple awards.
Debbie Allen, who has built an immeasurable career as an actress, dancer, choreographer, director and producer, was honored with the Governors Award for her achievements in television and for her continued dedication to uplift and inspire youth in marginalized communities through dance and theater arts.
Jada Pinkett-Smith, Ava DuVernay, Ellen Pompeo and Michael Douglas introduced Allen and also gave a nod to her work on “Fame” by reciting her infamous “You want fame” line.
“I am trying not to cry and be equal to the situation because it’s been many years in the making,” Allen said. “It’s taken a lot of courage to be the only woman in the room most of the time. A lot of courage and creativity and fight and faith to believe that I could keep going and I have.”
