Succession writer blasted online for 'obscene' King Charles joke

Posted on 09/13/2022

Viewers slam Emmy-winning Succession producer Jesse Armstrong’s ‘obscene, stupid’ King Charles III joke that there was ‘a bit more voting in our win’ as he collected award

Jesse Armstrong, the British creator and writer of HBO TV series Succession took swipe at King Charles III
He said it had been a big week for ‘successions’, referring to King Charles automatically ascending the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II
Armstrong made comments during Emmy acceptance speech after Succession was named best drama series
Full coverage: Click here to see all our coverage of the Queen’s passing

The British creator and writer of the hit HBO television series Succession who took a swipe at King Charles III during his acceptance speech at the Emmy Awards has faced a huge backlash online for his ‘obscene’ comments.

Jesse Armstrong, 51, was picking up the Emmy’s top award of the night for the Best Drama Series when he joked that it was a big week for ‘successions’, referring to King Charles automatically taking the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

Despite the nation being in a period of national mourning following the death of its longest-reigning monarch, Armstrong made the pointed remark that there was ‘a bit more voting involved’ in Succession winning their Emmy than King Charles’s accession to the throne.

He said: ‘Big week for Succession. New king in the UK this week for us. Evidently a little more voting involved in our winning than Prince Charles.’

The joke prompted a ripple of reaction in the theater, with a murmur of discontent echoing around the room. Some in the crowd laughed awkwardly while one person was heard cheering. Actor Brian Cox then quickly chimed in with: ‘Keep it royalist, keep it royalist!’

Armstrong, who is known for writing British comedies ‘The Thick of It’ and ‘Peep Show’, continued: ‘I’m not saying that we’re more legitimate in our position than he is, we’ll leave that to our people we are incredibly grateful to have this, it’s a wonderful honor. This group is extraordinary. It’s a team effort.’

His comments sparked fury online, with several pointing out the ill-judged timing of his joke and others blasting his ‘sleazy, snotty and obscene’ quips.

Michael Russnow took to Twitter to write: ‘That the Emmy’s ignored the Queen’s death was disgraceful considering she’s been honoured, even at sports venues, worldwide.

‘But the sleazy, snotty joke by Succession Producer Jesse Armstrong, that his show got more votes than Charles (to become King) was obscene. Censure him!’

Another Twitter user named Simon Hubbard also accused Armstrong of ‘ruining’ the awards ceremony with his ‘stupid’ comments about the United Kingdom’s new monarch.

The creator and writer of the hit HBO television series Succession, Jesse Armstrong (center right), has taken swipe at Britain’s new king, Charles III, days after he ascended the throne

His comments sparked fury online, with several pointing out the ill-judged timing of his joke and others blasting his ‘sleazy, snotty and obscene’ quips

Jesse Armstrong, 51, was picking up the Emmy’s top award of the night for the Best Drama Series when he joked that it was a big week for ‘successions’, referring to King Charles automatically taking over the British throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth

Jesse Armstrong (right and left, hugging Brian Cox), 51, was picking up the Emmy ‘s top award of the night for Best Drama Series when he took a swipe at King Charles

Screenwriter Jesse Armstrong accepts the award for Outstanding Drama Series for ‘Succession’ alongside the cast at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles

Succession has been a hit since it launched on HBO. It will enter its second season in August. The cast is shown in a poster for the show

Tears began to fill the eyes of an emotional King Charles III as he held a vigil with his siblings

British screenwriter Jesse Armstrong (C) hands the Emmy to Australian actress Sarah Snook after accepting the award for Outstanding Drama Series for ‘Succession’

From Peep Show to Black Mirror: Jesse Armstrong’s career

Born in 1972, Jesse Armstrong worked as a researcher for Labour MP Doug Henderson before he started his screenwriting career.

With his longtime collaborator Sam Bain, he was a co-creator of Peep Show and wrote for another British comedy duo in Mitchell and Webb.

The pair were also credited on the film Four Lions, a send-up of jihadist terrorism.

Armstrong also worked with Armando Iannucci on The Thick of It, as well as its film spin-off In The Loop and the loosely-inspired US adaptation Veep.

In 2011 he wrote an episode of Black Mirror – The Entire History of You – for Charlie Brooker’s widely-acclaimed series.

HBO commissioned Succession in 2017 and the show premiered a year later, claiming its greatest awards triumph last night.

Succession was named best drama series, an award the HBO show had won in 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted its production schedule. The show, which secured four trophies overall after receiving 25 nominations, tells the story of the wealthy and back-stabbing Roy family as members jockey for power.

Armstrong is no stranger to making a stir during his acceptance speeches. In 2020, he attacked former President Donald Trump and former UK prime minister Boris Johnson and sent them ‘un-thank you messages’ for their ‘crummy’ responses to the coronavirus pandemic as he accepted an Emmy for ‘Succession’.

He accepted the award from a hotel in London after the show beat Better Call Saul, Killing Eve, Ozark, Stranger Things, The Crown, The Handmaid’s Tale and The Mandalorian.

Armstrong berated the US and UK leaders for their ‘crummy and uncoordinated’ handling of Covid-19 while taking aim at ‘all the nationalists and quasi-nationalist governments in the world’.

Meanwhile, earlier on Monday night, Armstrong took the award for best writing for a drama series for the show.

The acclaimed series led the nominations ahead of Monday’s gala with 25, winning four awards overall.

Other big winners on the night were fellow HBO stablemate ‘The White Lotus,’ which won a total of 10 Emmys including best limited series, and Apple TV+ comedy favorite ‘Ted Lasso,’ again a winner for best comedy and best actor Jason Sudeikis.

Succession, which is now in the process of filming a fourth season, follows the Roy family, a media mogul dynasty struggling to cope with patriarch Logan’s decision to step back from their TV and entertainment empire.

It mirrors that of the Murdochs’ recent family history, since Rupert announced the sale of 21st Century Fox to Disney which signaled the end of Fox as the world had known it and sparked questions over which of the Murdoch children would prevail as heir supreme.

Armstrong insists that it is not entirely based on the Australian family despite it being based on a transcript he wrote years earlier called Murdoch.

He said Succession also takes inspiration from the Redstone dynasty who own CBS and that other plots are inspired by the Kennedy’s.

‘There’s a very slightly ineffable line you have to walk. So you just need that distance. If we look at it head-on, it’s like looking at the sun,’ he said of his comparisons to the real life families.

Armstrong spent a year researching the Murdoch’s for the screenplay.

The series ‘Succession’ tells the story of the wealthy and back-stabbing Roy family as members jockey for power.

It follows the media mogul dynasty struggling to cope with patriarch Logan’s decision to step back from their TV and entertainment empire.

The four Roy siblings, played by Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook and Alan Ruck, are all angling to take control of the family’s vast media holdings.

Armstrong insists that it is not entirely based on the Australian family despite it being based on a transcript he wrote years earlier called Murdoch.

He said Succession also takes inspiration from the Redstone dynasty who own CBS and that other plots are inspired by the Kennedy’s.

In 2015, his research expanded during the Trump campaign and throughout several media scandals when, he said, he noticed a shift in the industry.

‘I guess Breitbart was starting to bubble up around then and Cambridge Analytica, and some of the Sinclair deals. And you start to think, ‘My goodness, this is starting to feel like a singular situation.’

It was initially titled Immediate Family but was renamed.

Their first reading was on election day in 2018. They had planned to go back to producer Adam McKay’s apartment for a Hillary Clinton victory party but, as Trump’s victory became clear, they started drinking whiskey ‘from the bottle’.

Speaking of ‘succession’ of the royal variety, King Charles III was officially announced as Britain’s monarch on Saturday, in a pomp-filled ceremony steeped in ancient tradition and political symbolism.

Charles automatically became king when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died on Thursday.

The accession ceremony is a key constitutional and ceremonial step in introducing the new monarch to the country.

This is the first time the accession ceremony has been held since 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II took the throne.

Charles was accompanied at the ceremony by his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, and his eldest son Prince William.

William is now heir to the throne and known by the title Charles long held, Prince of Wales.

Meanwhile, the comedy series ‘Ted Lasso’ joined ‘Succession’ in topping the Emmy Awards on Monday.

And Squid Game,’ the bold South Korean-set drama about the idle rich turning the poor into entertainment fodder, split drama series honors with Succession.

Lee Jung-jae of ‘Squid Game,’ who played the show’s moral center, became the first Asian to win the Emmy for best drama series actor.

‘Thank you for making realistic problems we all face come to life so creatively on the screen,’ Lee said to ‘Squid Game’ creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, who earned the Emmy for best drama series directing. In Korean, Lee thanked the audience in his native country for watching.

Emmy Award winners 2022: At a glance

Drama series: Succession (HBO)

Comedy series: Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

Limited series: The White Lotus (HBO)

Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game)

Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Zendaya (Euphoria)

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart (Hacks)

Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Michael Keaton (Dopesick)

Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Amanda Seyfried (The Dropout)

Variety Talk Series: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO) – WINNER

Competition Program: Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls (Amazon Prime Video)

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Julia Garner (Ozark)

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Matthew Macfadyen (Succession)

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary)

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso)

Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus)

Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus)

Variety Sketch Series: Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Writing for a Drama Series: Jesse Armstrong (Succession)

Directing for a Drama Series: Hwang Dong-hyuk (Squid Game)

Writing for a Comedy Series: Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary)

Directing for a Comedy Series: MJ Delaney (Ted Lasso)

Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Mike White (The White Lotus)

Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Mike White (The White Lotus)

Writing for a Variety Special: Jerrod Carmichael (Rothaniel)

And Squid Game,’ the bold South Korean-set drama about the idle rich turning the poor into entertainment fodder, split drama series honors with Succession. Lee Jung-jae (pictured) of ‘Squid Game,’ who played the show’s moral center, became the first Asian to win the Emmy for best drama series actor

David Bernad (L), Mike White (2nd L), and cast and crew from ‘The White Lotus’ accept the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series onstage during the 74th Primetime Emmys

Backstage, Hwang said this was ‘a major moment for us,’ and Lee said he expected the awards to open doors for other Asian actors.

Jason Sudeikis and Jean Smart collected back-to-back acting trophies, but several new Emmy winners were minted, with Lizzo and Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph of ‘Abbott Elementary’ collecting trophies.

Brunson, who created and stars in the freshman series, won the Emmy for comedy series writing. ABC’s ‘Abbott Elementary,’ also nominated for best comedy, is a rare bright spot for network broadcasting in the age of streaming and cable dominance.

Sudeikis won his second consecutive trophy for playing the unlikely U.S. coach of a British soccer team in the comedy ‘Ted Lasso,’ with Smart matching that haul for her role as a veteran comedian in ‘Hacks.’

Sudeikis gave a rare awards show shoutout to TV consumers: ‘Thanks to the people who watch this show and dig it as much as we dig making it.’

‘Ted Lasso’ co-star Brett Goldstein, won comedy supporting actors, while Matthew Macfadyen of ‘Succession’ and Julia Garner of ‘Ozark’ earned drama series supporting actor honors.

‘It’s such a a pleasure and privilege for me to play this bonkers gift of a role in this wonderful show,’ Macfadyen said in accepting the trophy for his role as a scheming member of a media empire family.

Garner was among the winners who took advantage of covering all bases by thanking her husband and others in an on-screen message.

‘The White Lotus’ collected several honors, including best limited or anthology series.

The achievements of ‘Squid Game,’ ‘Abbott Elementary’ and a few other shows didn’t change the relative lack of diversity in this year’s nominations, which included significantly fewer people of color than in 2021.

Host Kenan Thompson kicked off the Emmys with a tribute to TV, dismissing Tik-Tok as ‘tiny vertical television,’ and a musical number saluting series’ theme songs from ‘Friends’ to ‘The Brady Bunch’ to ‘Game of Thrones.’

Once the music stopped, Thompson provided a mic drop moment – announcing Oprah Winfrey as the first presenter. Winfrey strutted onto the stage holding an Emmy statuette, declaring the night ‘a party!’ The night’s first award went to Michael Keaton for his role in ‘Dopesick.’ Winfrey and Keaton hugged before she handed him his trophy.

‘It means something,’ Keaton said of the award for playing a caring doctor ensnared with his patients by addiction. He went on to recall the ‘magic’ of being introduced to TV when his dad won a set at a raffle and thanked his parents for not mocking his youthful attempts at acting.

Amanda Seyfried earned the limited-series lead actress trophy for ‘The Dropout,’ in which she played ill-fated Silicon Valley whiz kid Elizabeth Holmes. She thanked a list of family and colleagues and even her dog, Finn.

Murray Bartlett won the best supporting actor award for ‘The White Lotus,’ a tragicomedy set in a Hawaii resort. Jennifer Coolidge, who won best supporting actress honors for the show, delighted the audience by shimmying to the music intended to cut off her acceptance speech.

The award for best variety talk show went to ‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,’ with stand-up special ‘Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel’ winning for best writing for a comedy special.

‘Good night, everybody. I’ma go home. I’m not like a sore winner, but I’m going to go home because I can’t top this right now,’ an overcome Carmichael told the audience.

Glamour was back with some metallic sparkle and lots of bright color as an otherworldly Britt Lower, Old Hollywood Elle Fanning and their fellow stars posed for photographers.

Emmy Awards 2022 WINNERS: Zendaya triumphs once again in Lead Actress category for Euphoria… while Ted Lasso and Succession win top prizes on television’s biggest night in LA

ByJustin Enriquez For Dailymail.com

Zendaya has earned one of the top honors of the night as she triumphed in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria which was one of the biggest winners alongside Ted Lasso and Succession at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards.

The 26-year-old Oakland, California native was elated as she earned the award for a second time – she was recognized in 2020 for the first season of the HBO drama – at the star-studded gala.

She triumphed over an impressive field including: Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Laura Linney (Ozark), Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets), Sandra Oh (Killing Eve), and Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show).

What a moment: Zendaya has earned one of the top honors of the night as she triumphed in the Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards

Goal: Ted Lasso earned Outstanding Comedy series as creator, writer, and actor Jason Sudeikis accepted the honor

It is a success: Succession earned the coveted Outstanding Drama Series honor as creator Jesse Armstrong (right) accepted the last award of the night alongside star Brian Cox

During her acceptance speech Zendaya said: ‘This means so much. Thank you so much. To all the incredible actresses in this category, I’m so honored to be beside you thank you to the incredible, incredible cast and crew of Euphoria.

‘Thank you for making such a safe space to make this very difficult show I love you all so much thank you to the academy thank you to my friends and family, some of which are here tonight. Thank you to Sam [Levinson] for sharing with me. Thank you for believing in me, even in moments when I didn’t believe in myself.’

She concluded her speech with a message to her fans as she said: ‘Lastly I just want to say, you know, my greatest wish for Euphoria was that it could help heal people and I just want to say thank you to everyone who shared their story with me.

Sweet: She blew kisses to the audience as she left the stage

What a life: In the highly-popular series, she plays Ruby ‘Rue’ Bennett, a teenage drug addict who is fresh out of rehab and struggling to find her place in the world as she serves as the show’s narrator

‘I want you to know that anyone who has loved a rue or feels like you are a rue, I’m so grateful for your stories and I carry them with me and carry them with her. Thank you so much.’

In the highly-popular series, she plays Ruby ‘Rue’ Bennett, a teenage drug addict who is fresh out of rehab and struggling to find her place in the world as she serves as the show’s narrator.

Ted Lasso was once again a big winner at the event as the Apple TV+ series won the coveted Outstanding Comedy Series award along with the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series award for Jason Sudeikis.

The Outstanding Comedy Series award was presented by Jason’s SNL pal Pete Davidson as was revealed by Dailymail.com earlier in the day.

Kindness wins: Ted Lasso was once again a big winner at the event as the Apple TV+ series won the coveted Outstanding Comedy Series award along with the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series award for Jason Sudeikis

Longtime pals: The Outstanding Comedy Series award was presented by Jason’s SNL pal Pete Davidson as was revealed by Dailymail.com earlier in the day

The 46-year-old funnyman then took to the microphone to thank the cast and crew and even boasted that the production for season 2 did not have a single shut down: ‘The show is about good and evil. It’s about the truth and lies. This show is about all that stuff but it’s mostly about our response to those things and your response to our show has been overwhelming.’

He concluded the speech with a special message to his children with Olivia Wilde as he said: ‘Thank you, again, so much. Otis, Daisy I love you very much yeah, we’ll stay for season 3 at some point’

The four-time Primetime Emmy Award winner hugged his 27-year-old friend as he accepted his shiny new trophy.

The 46-year-old funnyman then took to the microphone to thank the cast and crew and even boasted that the production for season 2 did not have a single shut down.

Sudeikis said: ‘The show is about good and evil. It’s about the truth and lies. This show is about all that stuff but it’s mostly about our response to those things and your response to our show has been overwhelming.’

Ted Lasso bested an impressive field including: Abbott Elementary (ABC), Barry (HBO), Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO), Hacks (HBO), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime Video), Only Murders in the Building (Hulu), and What We Do in the Shadows (FX).

Earlier in the evening, Sudeikis won the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series as family was once again at the center of his acceptance speech.

Wonderful: Ted Lasso features Jason in the titular role of an American college football coach who heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League football team

He talked about his love for award shows and said: ‘Thank you to my parents, Dan and Kathy, who I just mentioned, one of them. Thank you to my incredible — our incredible cast. It’s a joy to get to work with you guys, you guys are amazing.’

Jason beat out Donald Glover (Atlanta), Bill Hader (Barry), Nicholas Hoult (The Great), Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building), and Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building).

Ted Lasso features Jason in the titular role of an American college football coach who heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League football team.

Brett Goldstein was also recognized for his work as he won Outstanding Supporting Actor for the show making it his second in a row.

He’s everywhere: Brett Goldstein was also recognized for his work as he won Outstanding Supporting Actor for the show

Victory: The 42-year-old actor beat out: Anthony Carrigan (Barry), Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso), Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso), Tony Shalhoub (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Tyler James Williams (Abbott Elementary), Henry Winkler (Barry), and Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live)

The 42-year-old actor beat out: Anthony Carrigan (Barry), Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso), Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso), Tony Shalhoub (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Tyler James Williams (Abbott Elementary), Henry Winkler (Barry), and Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live).

Succession earned the final award of the night in the Outstanding Drama Series category.

The HBO series faced heavy competition including: Better Call Saul (AMC), Euphoria (HBO), Ozark (Netflix), Severance (Apple TV+), Squid Game (Netflix), Stranger Things (Netflix), and Yellowjackets (Showtime).

Wow factor: Succession earned the final award of the night in the Outstanding Drama Series category as actress Sarah Snook first accepted the prize

Series creator Jesse Armstrong used the opportunity to take to the podium to diss the newly crowned King Charles III as he said: ‘Big week for successions. New king in the UK… for us. Uh, evidently a little more voting involved in our winning than Prince Charles’

Series creator Jesse Armstrong used the opportunity to take to the podium to diss the newly crowned King Charles III.

The 51-year-old British screenwriter and producer said: ‘Big week for successions. New king in the UK… for us. Uh, evidently a little more voting involved in our winning than Prince Charles.’

The comment received many gasps and cheers in the room as he explained: ‘I’m not saying we’re more legitimate in our position that he is. We’ll leave that up to other people.’

He went on to thank the cast and crew in the speech as he said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to have this, it’s a wonderful honor. This group is extraordinary. It’s a team effort.’

Earlier in the night, Jesse also earned Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for episode All The Bells Say.

The HBO series is centered around The Roy family who is known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. However, their world changes when their father steps down from the company.

It was a big night for Succession as one of the stars, Matthew Macfadyen, also won Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on the HBO program.

He beat out several castmates including: Nicholas Braun (Succession), Billy Crudup (The Morning Show), Kieran Culkin (Succession), Park Hae-soo (Squid Game), John Turturro (Severance), Christopher Walken (Severance), and Oh Yeong-su (Squid Game).

What an honor: It was a big night for Succession as one of the stars, Matthew Macfadyen, also won Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on the HBO program

Proud: Matthew happily posed with his shiny new trophy in the press room

Matthew began his speech saying: ‘Golly okay thank you so much, to the television academy I’m deeply flattered and thrilled to bits I must say it really is such a pleasure and a privilege for me to play this bonkers gift of a role in this wonderful show.’

In the HBO series he plays Tom Wambsgans, Siobhan ‘Shiv’ Roy’s (Sarah Snook) fiancé and then her husband; a Waystar executive who is promoted from heading the amusement park and cruise division to running ATN, the company’s global news outlet. He enjoys his proximity to the Roy family’s power but is frequently dismissed by the family’s inner circle. He ingratiates himself with those more powerful than he, but torments his hapless subordinate, Greg Hirsch (Nicholas Braun).

HBO limited series The White Lotus was perhaps the biggest winner of the night as it earned five during the televised portion of the broadcast including Outstanding Limited Series.

It also earned Outstanding Limited Series and Supporting Actor and Actress in a Limited Series for Murray Bartlett and Jennifer Coolidge, respectively.

Coolidge, 61, won her first ever Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for playing Tanya in HBO’s The White Lotus.

What a night: HBO limited series The White Lotus was perhaps the biggest winner of the night as it earned five during the televised portion of the broadcast including Outstanding Limited Series

Dance: Jennifer Coolidge has a unique response to getting played off after her first ever Emmy win: breaking into a dance

Winner: Coolidge beat out her White Lotus co-stars Connie Britton, Alexandra Daddario, Natasha Rothwell and Sydney Sweeney, and Dopesick’s Kaitlyn Dever and Mare Winningham, though she was clearly not prepared to win

Wait: ‘Wait, hold on. Wait, hold on…’ she said, though the DJ kept playing, prompting her to start dancing, to the delight of the audience

Return: Coolidge will be the only star from Season 1 of The White Lotus to return for Season 2, which will be set at a resort in Sicily

Different: ‘(It) feels completely different … almost like a different show. It’s even more complicated than the first one,’ Coolidge told Deadline in July

Front and center: Coolidge went on to show off her award in the ceremony’s press room

Happy: The actress appeared to be making the most of her time at the star-studded event

The flustered actress started getting played off, with the DJ playing Ray Charles’ Hit the Road Jack, and instead of leaving the stage, she just started dancing, which brought out a slew of reactions at the Microsoft Theater and on social media.

Coolidge beat out her White Lotus co-stars Connie Britton, Alexandra Daddario, Natasha Rothwell and Sydney Sweeney, and Dopesick’s Kaitlyn Dever and Mare Winningham, though she was clearly not prepared to win.

‘Thank you! Gosh, what a night! I just want to say to my fellow nominees, just to be in your company, it’s incredible,’ she began.

Jennifer then explained she had taken a lavender bath before getting ready for the show and ‘it made me swell up inside my dress.’

‘I’m having a hard time speaking. Anyway, this is so thrilling!’ she added, before thanking the show’s producers while the orchestra started to play.

Golden: Shortly after, Murray Bartlett won Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his work in The White Lotus

Chicken dinner: The 51-year-old Australian actor triumphed over a field including a number of his castmates including: Jake Lacy (The White Lotus), Will Poulter (Dopesick), Seth Rogen (Pam & Tommy), Peter Sarsgaard (Dopesick), Michael Stuhlbarg (Dopesick), and Steve Zahn (The White Lotus)

Surprised? Murray happily posed with his shiny new trophy backstage in the press room

Signature role: Murray (pictured right) portrayed Armond who is the manager of the White Lotus resort and a recovering drug addict who has been ‘clean’ for 5 years

‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing and I’m full, I’m full! Okay…’ she added while thanking even more people before they started playing Hit the Road Jack.

‘Wait, hold on. Wait, hold on…’ she said, though the DJ kept playing, prompting her to start dancing, to the delight of the audience.

Coolidge will be the only star from Season 1 of The White Lotus to return for Season 2, which will be set at a resort in Sicily.

Bartlett, 51, triumphed over a field including a number of his castmates including: Jake Lacy (The White Lotus), Will Poulter (Dopesick), Seth Rogen (Pam & Tommy), Peter Sarsgaard (Dopesick), Michael Stuhlbarg (Dopesick), and Steve Zahn (The White Lotus).

He graciously thanked series creator and writer Mike White as well as the cast and crew as he began his speech saying: ‘Thank you so much to the academy for inviting me up here. I’m truly honored. Mike, my god, Mike, thank you for giving me one of the best experiences of my life truly, I adore you and admire you. Thank you.

‘Thank you to our phenomenal cast and crew and producers on The White Lotus. I’m so proud to be part of this group.’

Double-fisting: Show creator Mike White also earned two: Directing and Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Wild: White Lotus is a series centered around the exploits and misadventures of various guests and employees at a tropical resort over the course of one week

Murray portrayed Armond who is the manager of the White Lotus resort and a recovering drug addict who has been ‘clean’ for 5 years.

Show creator Mike White also earned two: Directing and Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

White Lotus is a series centered around the exploits and misadventures of various guests and employees at a tropical resort over the course of one week.

Squid Game was also a massive winner as Lee Jung-jae earned Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

The 49-year-old South Korean actor faced heavy competition but outlasted them all including: Jason Bateman (Ozark), Brian Cox (Succession), Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul), Adam Scott (Severance), and Jeremy Strong (Succession).

During his acceptance speech he said: ‘Thank you so much thank you so much. First, I would like to thank god above. Thank you to the television academy.

‘Thank you to Netflix and thank you to the director for making realistic problems we all face come to life so creatively on the screen with a great script and amazing Thank you. Thank you Squid game team.’

That wasn’t the only win for the highly-popular Netflix series as Hwang Dong-hyuk earned Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for the episode Red Light, Green Light.

Top prize: Squid Game was also a massive winner as Lee Jung-jae earned Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Bond: That wasn’t the only win for the highly-popular Netflix series as Hwang Dong-hyuk (pictured right) earned Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for the episode Red Light, Green Light

Global phenomenon: Squid game is centered around hundreds of cash-strapped players who accept a strange invitation to compete in children’s games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits with deadly high stakes. A survival game that has a whopping 45.6 billion-won prize at stake

Squid game is centered around hundreds of cash-strapped players who accept a strange invitation to compete in children’s games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits with deadly high stakes. A survival game that has a whopping 45.6 billion-won prize at stake.

Perhaps the most powerful moment of the night was when Sheryl Lee Ralph won Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in Abbott Elementary and she tearfully belted out a song.

The 65-year-old actress hit the podium and sang: ‘I am an endangered species / but I sing no victim’s song / I am a woman, I am an artist / and I know where my voice belongs.’

She then had the crowd on her feet with a very inspiring speech as she said: ‘To anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your treatment wasn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t come true, I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like this is what striving looks like and don’t you ever, ever give up on you.

‘Because if you get a Quinta Brunson in your corner, if you get a husband like mine in your corner, if you get children like mine in your corner, and if you’ve got friends like everybody who voted for me, cheered for me, loved me, thank you. Thank you. Thank you!’

Sheryl beat out quite the impressive field including: Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Hannah Einbinder (Hacks), Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live), Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso), Juno Temple (Ted Lasso), and Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso).

Incredible: Perhaps the most powerful moment of the night was when Sheryl Lee Ralph won Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in Abbott Elementary and she tearfully belted out a song

Wow factor: The 65-year-old actress hit the podium and sang: ‘I am an endangered species / but I sing no victim’s song / I am a woman, I am an artist / and I know where my voice belongs’

Earned it: Sheryl beat out quite the impressive field including: Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Hannah Einbinder (Hacks), Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live), Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso), Juno Temple (Ted Lasso), and Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso)

In the ABC sitcom she plays Barbara Howard, a religious kindergarten teacher whom Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) looks up to.

It was a big night for the series as Abbott Elementary creator/star Quinta Brunson won her first Emmy Award on Sunday night, though her big win was overshadowed by a controversial bit by ‘presenter’ Jimmy Kimmel.

Both Kimmel and Will Arnett were supposed to present Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, though when they were announced, Arnett was seen dragging Kimmel on stage.

Arnett explained that after Kimmel lost the Emmy for his late-night series Jimmy Kimmel Live, ‘the 13th time in a row,’ the host got into the ‘skinny margaritas’ and seemingly passed out, so Arnett dragged him on stage… where he remained seemingly ‘out,’ even during Brunson’s speech, which struck a chord with viewers.

Overshadowed: Abbott Elementary creator/star Quinta Brunson won her first Emmy Award on Sunday night, though her big win was overshadowed by a controversial bit by ‘presenter’ Jimmy Kimmel

Out: Arnett explained that after Kimmel lost the Emmy for his late-night series Jimmy Kimmel Live, ‘the 13th time in a row,’ the host got into the ‘skinny margaritas’ and seemingly passed out, so Arnett dragged him on stage… where he remained seemingly ‘out,’ even during Brunson’s speech, which struck a chord with viewers

Arnett was about to announce the winner, when he realized that Kimmel had the envelope and dug into his suit coat to retrieve the envelope.

When Brunson’s name was called, she went up to the stage, Arnett moved Kimmel’s body so she could take the mic, as she joked, ‘Jimmy wake up, I won!’

Kimmel broke character by giving her a thumbs up briefly, but he still remained prone on the floor while Brunson gave her speech.

Wake up: When Brunson’s name was called, she went up to the stage, Arnett moved Kimmel’s body so she could take the mic, as she joked, ‘Jimmy wake up, I won!’

Thumbs up: Kimmel broke character by giving her a thumbs up briefly, but he still remained prone on the floor while Brunson gave her speech

‘Umm… my goodness I want to say thank you to ABC, to Disney, to Fox, and to Warner Brothers it takes that many people to make a television show,’ she began.

‘I need to say thank you to Justin and Patrick, my co-show runners, for believing in a story from four years ago and thinking that it would make a good TV show,’ she continued.

‘I do want to thank Larry Wilmore for teaching me to write television as well as he did I know that’s random and in case I am not back up here again, I have to thank my mom, dad, brothers and sisters, my cousins, we would be here forever if I tried to name my cousins and uncles and aunts my wonderful husband because he’s the most supportive man I’ve ever known and my incredible cast and show for helping me to make this show and make the pilot. Thank you,’ she concluded.

Thanks: ‘Umm… my goodness I want to say thank you to ABC, to Disney, to Fox, and to Warner Brothers it takes that many people to make a television show,’ she began

Good TV show: ‘I need to say thank you to Justin and Patrick, my co-show runners, for believing in a story from four years ago and thinking that it would make a good TV show,’ she continued

Despite giving the thumbs up and ‘breaking’ character, Kimmel continued to be committed to the bit, with Arnett even seen dragging Kimmel backstage when the show cut to commercial.

THR’s Chris Gardner tweeted a video from the Microsoft Theater during the commercial break, adding, ‘Jimmy Kimmel fully committed to that bit! Will Arnett dragged him out to present and once the show cut to commercial, he dragged him offstage too.’

Fans were quite upset that Kimmel continued to lay on the floor and steal Brunson’s moment, with many taking to social media to express their frustration.

Commercial: Despite giving the thumbs up and ‘breaking’ character, Kimmel continued to be committed to the bit, with Arnett even seen dragging Kimmel backstage when the show cut to commercial

Committed: THR’s Chris Gardner tweeted a video from the Microsoft Theater during the commercial break, adding, ‘Jimmy Kimmel fully committed to that bit! Will Arnett dragged him out to present and once the show cut to commercial, he dragged him offstage too’

Phil Lewis stated, ‘Jimmy Kimmel should have left the stage during Quinta’s speech. Highly disrespectful.’

@SeanStanglandDH said, ‘So Jimmy Kimmel is really gonna upstage her speech by laying on the floor in front of her? Like what the f***?’

@Basic_Hollywood added, ‘I must say this is the first time Jimmy Kimmel has actually pissed me off. So rude and inconsiderate to still be laying there like an absolute idiot. Can’t let Quinta have her moment? Really? Guess he’s just another cocky attention-seeking narcissist.’

Abbott Elementary follows a group of teachers brought together in one of the worst public schools in the country, simply because they love teaching.

Disrespectful: Phil Lewis stated, ‘Jimmy Kimmel should have left the stage during Quinta’s speech. Highly disrespectful’

Sean: @SeanStanglandDH said, ‘So Jimmy Kimmel is really gonna upstage her speech by laying on the floor in front of her? Like what the f***?’

Rude: @Basic_Hollywood added, ‘I must say this is the first time Jimmy Kimmel has actually pissed me off. So rude and inconsiderate to still be laying there like an absolute idiot. Can’t let Quinta have her moment? Really? Guess he’s just another cocky attention-seeking narcissist’

Sweet: Abbott Elementary follows a group of teachers brought together in one of the worst public schools in the country, simply because they love teaching

Jean Smart was a standout as she won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.

This was the fifth Primetime Emmy Awards win for the 71-year-old actress as she bested Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant), Elle Fanning (The Great), and Issa Rae (Insecure).

During her acceptance speech, Jean joked that one of her fellow nominees Rachel Brosnahan tried to sabotage her as she said: ‘She’s very classy, she sent me this box of these unbelievable designer cookies, they’re like 5 lbs. each — and I thought that was so nice and classy until I realized that she was hoping that I wouldn’t be able to fit into a single dress in Hollywood. Thanks anyway.’

Well-earned: Jean Smart was a standout as she won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks

Talented: This was the fifth Primetime Emmy Awards win for the 71-year-old actress as she bested Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant), Elle Fanning (The Great), and Issa Rae (Insecure)

Interesting: Hacks explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old

Hacks explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.

Amanda Seyfried was also a big winner as she earned Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role in The Dropout.

The 36-year-old actress had tears running down her face as she accepted the honor for her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes who founded Theranos in the based on a true story miniseries which documented the disgraced biotechnology company.

She shed light on the countdown clock which appeared for each acceptance speech as she said: ‘This is a really nice feeling, counting me down, it’s a really nice feeling. I thank the television academy and thanks for recognizing me among these amazing actors and the creator of the show, all the best Michael Showalter.’

Shimmering: Amanda Seyfried was one of the biggest winners at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards as she earned Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role in The Dropout

Transformation: The 36-year-old actress had tears running down her face as she accepted the honor for her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes who founded Theranos in the based on a true story miniseries which documented the disgraced biotechnology company

What a win: Seyfried earned the prize over: Toni Collette (The Staircase), Julia Garner (Inventing Anna), Lily James (Pam and Tommy), Sarah Paulson (Impeachment: American Crime Story), and Margaret Qualley (Maid)

She said: ‘This is a really nice feeling, counting me down, it’s a really nice feeling. I thank the television academy and thanks for recognizing me among these amazing actors and the creator of the show, all the best Michael Showalter’

Interesting: She shed light on the countdown clock which appeared for each acceptance speech

Seyfried earned the prize over: Toni Collette (The Staircase), Julia Garner (Inventing Anna), Lily James (Pam and Tommy), Sarah Paulson (Impeachment: American Crime Story), and Margaret Qualley (Maid).

Lizzo was in disbelief as she won Best Competition Program for her Amazon Prime Video show Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.

The 34-year-old star’s – born Melissa Viviane Jefferson – show beat out an impressive field including The Amazing Race (CBS), Nailed It! (Netflix), RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1), Top Chef (Bravo), and The Voice (NBC).

She said: ‘I want to say thank you to the Emmys and the Emmy voters, first I’m very emotional [ crying ] And the trophy is nice but my emotion is for these people who are on the stage with me the stories that they shared they’re not that unique. They just don’t get the platform telling stories. Let’s just tell more stories.

‘When I was a little girl, all I wanted to see was me in the media. Someone fat like me, black like me, beautiful like me. If I could go back and tell little Lizzo something, I would be like, you’re going to see that person but b****, it’s going to have to be you.

‘Where are my big girls come one year ago, one year ago, these women were filming this television show that would change their lives forever they are Emmy award winning superstars who are going on a world tour make some noise for my big girls. I love you so much oh, my god god bless y’all. This is for the big girls.’

Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls is an American reality television series in which 13 women compete to be dancers for singer Lizzo, who also hosts the show.

Earlier in the evening, Michael Keaton kicked off the show as he took home Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his work in Dopesick.

One step closer to an EGOT: Lizzo was in disbelief as she won Best Competition Program for her Amazon Prime Video show Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls

It’s time: The 34-year-old star’s – born Melissa Viviane Jefferson – show beat out an impressive field including The Amazing Race (CBS), Nailed It! (Netflix), RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1), Top Chef (Bravo), and The Voice (NBC)

She said: ”When I was a little girl, all I wanted to see was me in the media. Someone fat like me, black like me, beautiful like me. If I could go back and tell little Lizzo something, I would be like, you’re going to see that person but b****, it’s going to have to be you’

She pointed to the ‘Big Girls’ in the audience as she concluded: ‘Where are my big girls come one year ago, one year ago, these women were filming this television show that would change their lives forever they are Emmy award winning superstars who are going on a world tour make some noise for my big girls. I love you so much oh, my god god bless y’all. This is for the big girls’

Inclusion: Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls is an American reality television series in which 13 women compete to be dancers for singer Lizzo, who also hosts the show

The 71-year-old veteran actor beat out an impressive field including: Colin Firth (The Staircase), Andrew Garfield (Under the Banner of Heaven). Oscar Isaac (Scenes From a Marriage), Himesh Patel (Station Eleven), and Sebastian Stan (Pam and Tommy).

Keaton got emotional as he thanked his family for their support throughout the years and said: ‘When I was a little, little kid, very small, my dad wins something at a raffle, and he brings it home and it’s a little black and white TV, literally about that big.

‘And we kind of lived out in the country. And sometimes people, neighbors would come down and actually watch it when I saw this thing, this was my face from age maybe 5 to 10 and I could not take my eyes off it, it was magic and I watched all of the cowboy shows and especially the comedies, the gangster shows I fell in love with it and I would go and I would reenact these scenes or create my own scenes.

‘My parents and brothers and sisters would watch me out the window and to this day, they were never demeaning, they were never dismissive they never looked down upon it they never made fun of me. In fact that would ask me to reenact scenes for them. My folks weren’t exactly patrons of the arts.

‘They weren’t patrons of anything, frankly. I want to thank them I want to just thank all those people in my family for never making me feel foolish, because I went on to do that several times myself and that’s the thing about feeling foolish and making a fool of yourself and making there’s huge power and merit in that and I’m glad I made a fool of myself over and over and over again.’

Epic: Michael Keaton kicked off the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in fine form as they took home Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for their work in Dopesick

Impressive: The 71-year-old veteran actor beat out an impressive field including: Colin Firth (The Staircase), Andrew Garfield (Under the Banner of Heaven). Oscar Isaac (Scenes From a Marriage), Himesh Patel (Station Eleven), and Sebastian Stan (Pam and Tommy)

Big role: In Dopesick, Keaton played the role of a rural doctor named Dr. Samuel Finnix who eventually found himself addicted to drugs

In Dopesick, Keaton played the role of a rural doctor named Dr. Samuel Finnix who eventually found himself addicted to drugs.

Julia Garner triumphed as she earned Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Ozark.

The 28-year-old actress beat out Patricia Arquette (Severance), Jung Ho-yeon (Squid Game), Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets), Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul), J. Smith-Cameron (Succession), Sarah Snook (Succession), and Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria).

Blonde ambition: Julia Garner triumphed as she earned Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Ozark

Quite the field: The 28-year-old actress beat out Patricia Arquette (Severance), Jung Ho-yeon (Squid Game), Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets), Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul), J. Smith-Cameron (Succession), Sarah Snook (Succession), and Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria)

Julia thanked her co-stars on the Netflix series during her acceptance speech as she said: ‘I want to thank Jason Bateman for taking a chance on me and Laura Linney, who you’ve been such a guiding light to me’

Julia thanked her co-stars on the Netflix series during her acceptance speech as she said: ‘I want to thank Jason Bateman for taking a chance on me. And Laura Linney, who you’ve been such a guiding light to me.

‘I just feel really grateful, really grateful to be here I have eight seconds left to be here and to play Ruth and to be with such amazing, beautiful artists. I love you all and now I’ve got to go thank you all so much, I love you all.’

In Ozark, Julia plays a young woman named Ruth Langmore who is part of a local criminal family.

The 2022 Emmy Awards returned to the Microsoft Theater on September 12, after a two-year absence during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that saw the ceremony moved to the Crypto.com Arena in 2020 and the Event Deck at L.A. Live in 2021.

Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson opened the show as he took over hosting duties for the first time and kicked it off with a dance number featuring several classic television opening theme songs remixed for a modern feel including Friends, The Brady Bunch, Law & Order, and Game Of Thrones.

He then introduced Oprah Winfrey who presented the first award of the night.

The 74th annual award show, which celebrates the best in television, had already awarded a number of honors at the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony previous to this evening’s festivities.

The earlier ceremony, spread out over two nights on September 3 and 4, was dominated by scripted shows including The White Lotus, Euphoria and Stranger Things, along with unscripted fare like Adele’s One Night Only special.

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