The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, delayed from their usual September slot due to the writers’ and actors’ strikes, finally took center stage, celebrating the best in television from the 2022-2023 season. The ceremony, hosted by Anthony Anderson, was a blend of nostalgic reunions, heartfelt tributes, and, of course, the crowning of new Emmy champions. While some wins were widely predicted, others came as welcome surprises, making for a truly memorable night. Let’s delve into the key winners and moments that defined the 2024 Emmys.
The Big Winners: A Look at the Top Awards
Several shows emerged as clear frontrunners, securing multiple wins and solidifying their place in television history. These victories reflected both critical acclaim and popular appeal, showcasing the diverse range of storytelling that resonated with audiences and the Academy.
Outstanding Drama Series: “Succession” Reigns Supreme
HBO’s “Succession,” a satirical drama about the Roy family’s power struggles within their global media conglomerate, Waystar RoyCo, continued its Emmy dominance, securing the coveted Outstanding Drama Series award. This marked the show’s third win in the category, solidifying its status as one of the defining dramas of its generation. The series’ sharp writing, compelling characters, and stellar performances have consistently captivated viewers and critics alike.
“Succession” wasn’t just victorious in the top category; it also snagged awards for Writing for a Drama Series (Jesse Armstrong) and Directing for a Drama Series (Mark Mylod), showcasing the show’s overall excellence in storytelling and execution. The show’s remarkable success is a testament to its brilliant creative team and talented cast.
Outstanding Comedy Series: “The Bear” Serves Up a Win
FX’s “The Bear,” a dramedy set in a Chicago sandwich shop, emerged as a surprise favorite, taking home the award for Outstanding Comedy Series. The show’s raw portrayal of grief, ambition, and the chaotic energy of the restaurant industry resonated deeply with audiences. Its unique blend of humor and emotional depth set it apart from traditional sitcoms.
Jeremy Allen White, who plays the tormented chef Carmy Berzatto, also won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, further cementing “The Bear’s” success. Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach also triumphed in the Supporting Actress and Actor categories, respectively, solidifying the show’s stellar cast as key to its success. “The Bear’s” victory signifies a shift towards darker, more complex comedies that explore relatable human experiences.
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: “Beef” is No Joke
Netflix’s “Beef,” a dark comedy series about the escalating feud between two strangers after a road rage incident, triumphed in the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series category. The show’s exploration of anger, frustration, and the complexities of modern life struck a chord with viewers.
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, the stars of “Beef,” both won Lead Actress and Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, respectively, for their captivating performances. The show also secured a win for Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, highlighting the strength of its narrative. “Beef’s” win underscores the growing popularity of limited series that offer concise, impactful storytelling.
Acting Honors: Recognizing Exceptional Performances
The Emmy Awards also celebrated individual achievements, recognizing the actors and actresses who delivered outstanding performances throughout the year. These wins acknowledged their talent, dedication, and ability to bring complex characters to life.
Drama Acting Winners: Triumphs for Familiar Faces
Kieran Culkin (“Succession”) took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, finally securing an Emmy after multiple nominations. His portrayal of Roman Roy, the sarcastic and emotionally stunted son of Logan Roy, was widely praised. Sarah Snook, also from “Succession,” won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Shiv Roy, capturing the character’s ambition and vulnerability. Culkin and Snook’s wins showcased the depth of talent within the “Succession” cast.
Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”) continued the “Succession” sweep, winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Tom Wambsgans, the hapless but cunning husband of Shiv Roy. Jennifer Coolidge (“The White Lotus”) took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her unforgettable performance as Tanya McQuoid-Hunt, marking her second consecutive win in the category. Coolidge’s performance in “The White Lotus” has solidified her status as a comedic icon.
Comedy Acting Winners: A Mix of Veterans and Rising Stars
As previously mentioned, Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”) won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”) won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, recognizing her talent both in front of and behind the camera. Brunson’s win was particularly significant, as she is also the creator and writer of “Abbott Elementary.”
Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”) won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”) took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. “The Bear’s” supporting cast was incredibly strong, making these wins well-deserved. “The Bear’s” sweep in the supporting categories highlights the show’s ensemble cast dynamic.
Limited Series/Movie Acting Winners: A Showcase of Powerful Performances
Steven Yeun (“Beef”) and Ali Wong (“Beef”) secured the awards for Lead Actor and Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Paul Walter Hauser (“Black Bird”) won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his chilling portrayal of a serial killer. Niecy Nash-Betts (“Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”) won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, recognizing her powerful performance as Glenda Cleveland, a neighbor who tried to alert authorities to Dahmer’s crimes. The Limited Series categories highlighted performances that were both captivating and impactful.
Key Moments and Surprises from the Night
Beyond the awards themselves, the 2024 Emmys were filled with memorable moments, from emotional acceptance speeches to unexpected victories. These moments added to the excitement and drama of the evening.
Nostalgia and Reunions: A Trip Down Memory Lane
The ceremony featured several reunions of beloved television casts, including “Cheers,” “Martin,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” These reunions provided a nostalgic trip down memory lane for viewers and celebrated the lasting impact of these iconic shows. The reunions were a welcome addition to the ceremony, offering a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Emotional Acceptance Speeches: Gratitude and Reflection
Many of the winners delivered heartfelt and emotional acceptance speeches, expressing gratitude to their colleagues, families, and mentors. These speeches offered a glimpse into the personal journeys behind their success. The acceptance speeches provided a human element to the awards ceremony, showcasing the dedication and passion of the winners.
Surprise Wins: Shaking Up the Predictions
While some wins were widely predicted, there were also a few surprises that shook up the prognostications. “The Bear’s” win for Outstanding Comedy Series was considered an upset by some, as was Jennifer Coolidge’s second consecutive win for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. The surprise wins added an element of unpredictability to the ceremony, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Snubs and Omissions: Who Was Overlooked?
No awards show is without its snubs, and the 2024 Emmys were no exception. Several critically acclaimed shows and performances were overlooked, sparking debate among fans and critics.
Notable Omissions in the Drama Categories
While “Succession” dominated the drama categories, some felt that other deserving shows, such as “Better Call Saul” and “Andor,” were overlooked. Rhea Seehorn’s performance in “Better Call Saul,” in particular, was widely praised, yet she did not win. The omission of “Better Call Saul,” especially in its final season, was a disappointment for many fans.
Comedy Category Disappointments
Despite “The Bear’s” success, some felt that other comedies, such as “Ted Lasso” and “Hacks,” were deserving of more recognition. Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso”) was not nominated for the Supporting Actor category, despite winning it previously. The comedy categories are always highly competitive, and some deserving shows inevitably get overlooked.
Limited Series Snubs
While “Beef” won the top award in the Limited Series category, other strong contenders, such as “Daisy Jones & The Six” and “Fleishman Is in Trouble,” were largely ignored. The performances in “Daisy Jones & The Six,” in particular, were deserving of more recognition. The Limited Series category has become increasingly competitive, making it difficult for all deserving shows to be recognized.
In conclusion, the 2024 Emmy Awards were a celebration of the best in television, honoring outstanding achievements in acting, writing, directing, and production. “Succession,” “The Bear,” and “Beef” emerged as the big winners, but the night also recognized a wide range of talent and creativity. While some snubs were inevitable, the ceremony was a testament to the power and impact of television storytelling. The 2024 Emmys will be remembered as a night of triumphs, surprises, and a celebration of the enduring power of television.
Who were the biggest winners at the 2024 Emmys?
The 2024 Emmys saw several shows and actors dominating the awards. “Succession” clinched the Outstanding Drama Series, marking a significant victory for HBO. Similarly, “The Bear” swept the comedy categories, securing awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, lead actor Jeremy Allen White, and supporting actress Ayo Edebiri, among others, highlighting the show’s widespread appeal and critical acclaim.
Beyond the series victories, notable individual wins included Kieran Culkin for Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in “Succession” and Sarah Snook for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, also for “Succession”. These awards solidified the actors’ performances as highlights of the year in television. The dominance of “Succession” and “The Bear” established them as frontrunners in the television landscape of 2023.
Were there any major upsets or surprises during the awards ceremony?
One notable surprise was the win for Quinta Brunson as Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary.” While the show is critically acclaimed, many expected Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday”) or Christina Applegate (“Dead to Me”) to take home the award. Brunson’s victory was a significant moment, celebrating the success of a network sitcom in an era dominated by streaming platforms.
Another mild surprise involved “Ted Lasso” not completely dominating the comedy categories as it had in previous years. While Jason Sudeikis won Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, and the show secured the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Brett Goldstein), it wasn’t the clean sweep some predicted. This shift signaled a change in the comedic landscape and acknowledged the rise of new favorites.
Which shows were noticeably snubbed at the 2024 Emmys?
While awards ceremonies are subjective, many viewers felt that “Better Call Saul” was snubbed once again. Despite receiving numerous nominations throughout its run, the show never won the Outstanding Drama Series award, and Bob Odenkirk consistently missed out on the Lead Actor in a Drama Series award. This absence of recognition for a highly acclaimed series left many fans disappointed.
Another perceived snub involved “Yellowjackets”, which, despite its initial buzz, didn’t secure major wins. Though Melanie Lynskey was nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, she did not win. The show’s lack of wins in key categories was viewed by some as a missed opportunity to recognize the show’s unique blend of genres and compelling storytelling.
How did streaming services perform compared to traditional television networks?
Streaming services continued to assert their dominance at the 2024 Emmys, although traditional television networks held their own. HBO, available through streaming, led the pack with shows like “Succession” and “The White Lotus” securing numerous wins. Netflix also saw success with shows like “Beef” and “The Crown”, showcasing the streamer’s diverse range of content.
Traditional television networks like ABC saw success with “Abbott Elementary,” demonstrating that linear television still has a place in the awards conversation. However, the overall trend continued to favor streaming platforms, indicating a shift in viewing habits and the industry’s focus on on-demand content. The battle for viewers between streaming and traditional broadcasting is far from over.
Which acting performances were particularly praised or recognized?
Several acting performances garnered significant praise at the 2024 Emmys. Jeremy Allen White’s portrayal of Carmy in “The Bear” was widely celebrated, earning him the award for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. His nuanced performance captured the intensity and vulnerability of a chef struggling to manage both a family restaurant and his own personal demons.
Sarah Snook’s portrayal of Shiv Roy in “Succession” also stood out, earning her the Lead Actress in a Drama Series award. Her complex portrayal of a woman navigating the cutthroat world of corporate power was lauded for its depth and emotional range. These performances highlighted the caliber of acting talent currently thriving in television.
How did diversity and representation fare at the 2024 Emmys?
The 2024 Emmys showed progress in diversity and representation, although areas for improvement remain. Quinta Brunson’s win for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series was a significant moment, celebrating a Black woman’s achievement in a lead role. Ayo Edebiri also won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in “The Bear,” demonstrating greater recognition of diverse talent.
However, some critics noted a lack of broader representation across all categories. While wins for actors of color are positive, ensuring diverse voices are represented both in front of and behind the camera remains an ongoing goal. The industry is still working towards creating more inclusive storytelling opportunities.
What impact will the 2024 Emmys have on the television industry?
The 2024 Emmys will likely reinforce the dominance of streaming services and premium cable channels in producing high-quality television. The success of shows like “Succession” and “The Bear,” both from HBO/FX, will encourage other platforms to invest in similarly ambitious and creatively driven projects. This competition for prestige television benefits viewers with a wider array of compelling content.
Furthermore, the awards may influence future casting decisions and storytelling trends. The recognition of unique and complex characters, as seen in many of the winning performances, could inspire writers and producers to develop more nuanced and multifaceted roles. Ultimately, the 2024 Emmys will serve as a benchmark for excellence and innovation in the television industry.