The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on September 15, 2024, at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre, were an exciting night. Eugene and Dan Levy hosted the evening, which recognized some of the year’s biggest shows.
Standout projects included FX’s “Shōgun”, “The Bear”, and Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer”. These series earned record-breaking victories and received significant attention.
“Shōgun”, a Japanese-language historical drama, made Emmy history. It was the first non-English-language show to win Best Drama Series.
The FX series, based on the 1975 novel, takes place in 17th-century feudal Japan. “Shōgun” received 25 nominations and won 18 awards.
This victory broke prior records set by “Game of Thrones”. It also became the most-awarded drama in Emmy history.
Hiroyuki Sanada, who played Yoshii Toranaga, received Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Anna Sawai, who plays Toda Mariko, won Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Sanada and Sawai made history as the first Japanese performers to receive these prestigious honors. Sanada thanked everyone, stating, “When people work together, we can make miracles.”
Sawai dedicated her win to women globally, describing it as “a role of a lifetime.” “Shōgun”‘s achievements were not confined to these victories.
The show has already won 14 technical Emmys in the Creative Arts category. These included accolades for production design, original score, and stunt performance.
“Shōgun” won 18 Emmys, making it the most-awarded drama series in history. Speaking in Japanese, Sanada expressed gratitude to the producers of Samurai period dramas for leading the way.
In the comedy category, FX’s “The Bear” had its moment. With 23 nominations, the show was a top contender.
The high-pressure culinary drama received four major Emmys. Jeremy Allen White, who plays Carmy, received Best Actor in a Comedy Series for the second consecutive year.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who plays Richie, won Best Supporting Actor. Liza Colón-Zayas, who plays Tina, won Best Supporting Actress.
Colón-Zayas’ victory was particularly noteworthy. She outperformed notable figures such as Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett.
In her address, she dedicated her victory to Latinas, stating, “Keep believing and vote—vote for your rights.” Despite these acting victories, “The Bear” suffered a surprising defeat.
HBO’s “Hacks” took up the Emmy for Best Comedy Series. Many people were astonished by this setback, given “The Bear’s” critical praise.
Nonetheless, “The Bear” established its own record. It became Emmy history’s most-awarded comedy series in a single season.
Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” was another big hit. The British limited series won four honors.
“Baby Reindeer”, created by Scottish comedian Richard Gadd, describes his true story of being stalked. For the series, Gadd won Best Actor and Best Writing.
In his award speech, Gadd discussed his difficult journey. He encouraged others going through difficult situations to persevere, stating, “It always gets better.”
Jessica Gunning, who portrayed Martha, the stalker, won Best Supporting Actress. She exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, my blinking heckers.”
However, “Baby Reindeer” was not without criticism. The real-life lady who inspired Gunning’s character has sued Netflix for defamation.
The lawsuit is scheduled for trial in May 2025, but it has not diminished the show’s global effect. Gadd noted the show’s popularity, particularly in unexpected countries such as Lebanon and Qatar.
Other notable wins included Billy Crudup’s Best Supporting Actor award from “The Morning Show”. Jodie Foster won her first Emmy for Best Actress in a Limited Series for “True Detective: Night Country.”
Foster expressed gratitude, describing the job as a “magical experience.” Meanwhile, the reality competition category saw an upset.
“The Traitors” outperformed “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, which had previously ruled the category. The Best Host in a Reality Competition Show award went to Alan Cumming, the host of “The Traitors”.
We will recognize the 2024 Emmy Awards for their historical and diversified accomplishments. From “Shōgun” to “The Bear” and “Baby Reindeer”, the night was full of impressive wins.
These performances smashed barriers and records with their innovative narrative. The future of television is bright, with viewers eager to see what comes next
Feature Image Credit: (Getty Images)
