Emmy Awards 2020: Winner’s announced on television’s biggest night
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Emmy Awards 2020 winners: Zendaya, 24, makes history as YOUNGEST EVER to win Lead Actress while Succession earns top drama honor and Schitt’s Creek SWEEPS comedy categories during social distanced gala
- The no-audience event was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel at LA’s Staples Center, while winners accepted their awards from their homes for the first time to adhere to California’s social distancing rules amid the pandemic
- At just 24, the actress – full name Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman – became the youngest thespian to ever earn the Lead Actress in a Drama Series prize for her work on HBO series Euphoria
- The top honour of the night went to Succession as the series scooped the Outstanding Drama Series award
- Show creator Jesse Armstrong accepted the accolade from his hotel room in London as he called out US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a list of ‘Un-thank yous’
- Earlier in the night, Succession earned another big win as Jeremy Strong took home Lead Actor in Drama Series for his role as Kendall Roy on the program
- Schitt’s Creek opened the ceremony in historic form as it swept the comedy categories and won the first seven gongs of the night
The 72nd Annual Emmy Awards saw Euphoria’s Zendaya make history to become the youngest thespian to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, HBO show Succession scoop the Outstanding Drama Series prize, while Schitt’s Creek sweep the board across the comedy categories on Sunday evening.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the no-audience event was presented by Jimmy Kimmel at Los Angeles’ empty Staples Center, while winners accepted their awards over video call from their homes around the world for the first time to adhere to California’s social distancing rules.
At just 24, the screen star – full name Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman – beat out a very impressive field of actresses including: Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show), Olivia Colman (The Crown), Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Laura Linney (Ozark), and Sandra Oh (Killing Eve).
Milestone: The 72nd Annual Emmy Awards saw Euphoria’s Zendaya, 24, make history to become the youngest thespian to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series on Sunday evening
Critically-acclaimed portrayal: In the series, the actress plays lead character Rue Bennett, who attends a high school with fellow students that struggle with drugs, sex, and violence
Zendaya was shocked by the win as she said in a speech from her home: ‘I’m really, really nervous. Okay. Okay. Oh, gosh. I just want to say thank you to the TV academy, and all the other women, this is crazy. Thank you, HBO and A24 for your support. Thank you to my family and my team. To the incredible cast and crew of Euphoria.’
On the series she plays protagonist Rue Bennett, who, like many of her high school peers, grapples with issues surrounding drugs, sex, and violence.
The TV and film star gave a shoutout to her character as she added: ‘I’m so lucky and I’m inspired by everything you do. And Sam, I appreciate you so much. I’m so grateful you trusted me with your story, Rue.’
Zendaya made sure to acknowledge the COVID-19 pandemic as well as unrest surrounding racial injustice in America as she said: ‘And I feel like this is a weird time to be celebrating, but there is hope in the young people out there. I know our TV show doesn’t always feel like a great example of that, but there is hope in the young people.
Top honour: HBO show Succession scooped the Outstanding Drama Series prize, with creator Jesse Armstrong accepting the trophy in a London hotel
Plot: The show follows the Logan Roy (Brian Cox pictured as the patriarch above) and his family, who fight for control of their global media and hospitality empire
Wow factor: Schitt’s Creek opened the show in historic form by sweeping the comedy categories and winning the first seven gongs of the night, including Outstanding Comedy Series (Dan Levy and his father Eugene pictured)
Sitcom: The series follows the story of the formerly wealthy Rose family who are forced to relocate to the small town of Schitt’s Creek (Eugene pictured as Johnny Rose)
‘And to my peers out there doing the work in the streets, I see you, I admire you, and I thank you. And thank you so, so much. This is — whoa, okay. Thank you.’
The young star was surrounded by her friends and family who couldn’t help but cheer her own during the duration of her speech.
The top honour of the night went to Succession as the series earned Outstanding Drama Series at the end of the night.
The HBO series beat out heavy competition including: Better Call Saul, The Crown, The Handmaid’s Tale, Killing Eve, The Mandalorian, Ozark, and Stranger Things.
‘I’m really, really nervous. I just want to say thank you to the TV academy, and all the other women. Thank you, HBO and A24 for your support… to the incredible cast and crew of Euphoria’: Zendaya appeafred to be shocked by the win
‘And I feel like this is a weird time to be celebrating’: The award-winning star made sure to acknowledge the COVID-19 pandemic as well as unrest surrounding racial injustice in America
Go for gold like Tracee wearing Alexandre Vauthier
Tracee Ellis Ross stunned for an Emmys recording wearing a gold gown by Alexandre Vauthier.
The gown featured a tiered design and metallic plisse fabric that cascaded down from the waist. We love the halter design and split thigh silhouette!
This piece hails from the label’s Fall 2020 Couture collection and isn’t available to the public, but click (right) to shop AV’s current ready-to-wear collection via MyTheresa. Or check out our golden picks we’ve lined up in the carousel below so you can shine like Tracee for your next night out.
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Support system: The young star was surrounded by her friends and family who couldn’t help but cheer her own during the duration of her speech
Centre stage: The no-audience event was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel at LA’s Staples Center, while winners accepted their awards from their homes for the first time to adhere to California’s social distancing rules amid the pandemic
Finishing touches: Sterling K. Brown presented the last award of the night to the cast of Succession
Show creator Jesse Armstrong accepted the award from his hotel room in London as he called out US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a list of ‘Un-thank yous.’
The 48-year-old British author, screenwriter and producer said: ‘I’d like to do a couple of un-thank yous. Un-thank you to the virus for keeping us apart.
‘Un-thank you to President Trump for his crummy and uncoordinated response. Un-thank you to Boris Johnson for the same thing in our country. Un-thank you to the nationalists and quasi-nationalists. So, un-thank you.’
Earlier in the night, Succession earned another big win as Jeremy Strong took home Lead Actor in Drama Series for his role as Kendall Roy on the program.
Shocked: Earlier in the night, Succession earned another big win as Jeremy Strong took home Lead Actor in Drama Series for his role as Kendall Roy on the program
Quite the field: The 41-year-old American actor beat out stiff competition including Jason Bateman (Ozark), Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us), Steve Carell (The Morning Show), Brian Cox (Succession) and Billy Porter (Pose)
Inspiration: After thanking his loved ones including wife and parents he continued: ‘I read a poem by Stephen Dunn that said, ‘All I ever wanted was a book so good I’ll be finishing it for the rest of my life’
The 41-year-old American actor beat out stiff competition including Jason Bateman (Ozark), Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us), Steve Carell (The Morning Show), Brian Cox (Succession) and Billy Porter (Pose).
He got emotional during his acceptance speech as he said: ‘I’ve got to thank some people who have been there for me and believed in me when something like this felt basically impossible.’
After thanking his loved ones including wife and parents he continued: ‘I read a poem by Stephen Dunn that said, ‘All I ever wanted was a book so good I’ll be finishing it for the rest of my life.
‘This job was that, for me. Jesse Armstrong, I owe this to you, Brian Cox, I share this with you. Thank you so much.’
Schitt’s Creek opened up the show in historic form as it swept the comedy categories en route to winning the first seven gongs of the night.
Incredible: Schitt’s Creek was the first show to sweep the comedy board since Modern Family in 2014
Squad: Elton John introduced the show as he even revealed that he once spent time with he cast and crew
It all culminated when the sitcom took home Outstanding Comedy Series as it was the first time the comedy categories have been swept since Modern Family in 2014.
The series beat out Curb Your Enthusiasm, Dead to Me ,The Good Place, Insecure, The Kominsky Method, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and What We Do in the Shadows.
Creators and father-son duo Eugene and Daniel Levy accepted the honor together as the son took time to urge viewers to vote.
Daniel said: ‘Oh, boy. Our show at its core is about the transformational effects of love and acceptance. We need it now more than ever before. If you have not registered to vote, please do so, and then go out and vote. That’s the only way we need love and acceptance out there. Dad, do the rest of the fun stuff, sorry for making this political.’
‘It was an honour to be in your company’: Eugene was next as he won Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Schitt’s Creek
Sweet: As Schitt’s Creek was created by Eugene and his son Daniel – who was next to win an award – he made sure to credit his child during his speech as he said: ‘That brings me to my multi Emmy nominated partner, Daniel Levy’
His father then took the microphone to thank production and the networks involved in the show before focusing on his son.
Eugene ended his speech by saying: ‘I also want to thank once again this young man, who took our fish out of water story about the rose family and transformed it into a celebration of inclusivity, a castigation of homophobia, and a declaration of the power of love. Thank you, Daniel. Thank you, academy, thank you.’
Earlier in the night, the comedy legend Eugene won Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
The 73-year-old Canadian actor beat out heavy competition including Anthony Anderson (Black-ish), Don Cheadle (Black Monday), Ted Danson (The Good Place), Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method), and Ramy Youssef (Ramy).
‘This has been the greatest experience of my life’: Daniel, 37, then earned Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy series beating out the likes of Mahershala Ali (Ramy), Alan Arkin (The Kominsky Method) and Andre Braugher (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
Shocked: The winning did not end there for Dan as he also managed to bag Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for the ‘Happy Ending’ episode along with Andrew Cividino
As Schitt’s Creek was created by Eugene and his son Daniel – who was next to win an award – he made sure to credit his child during his speech as he said: ‘That brings me to my multi Emmy nominated partner, Daniel Levy.
‘Who took our show and brilliantly guided it to this little Emmy party tonight. Thank you, son. Thank you, academy. And to my fellow Emmy nominees, it was an honor to be in your company. Thank you.’
Daniel, 37, then earned Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy series beating out Mahershala Ali (Ramy), Alan Arkin (The Kominsky Method), Andre Braugher (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Sterling K. Brown (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), William Jackson Harper (The Good Place), Tony Shalhoub (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), and Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live)
Dan thanked his co-star and father Eugene, Catherine O’Hara, and on-screen sister Annie Murphy before concluding: ‘This has been the greatest experience of my life.
‘This is completely overwhelming and I thank you!’
He also won in the Writing In A Comedy Series category against Sam Johnson and Chris Marcil (What We Do In The Shadows), Tony McNamara (The Great), Stefani Robinson (What We Do In The Shadows), Michael Schur (The Good Place), Paul Simms (What We Do In The Shadows, and David West Read (Schitt’s Creek).
Golden: Catherine O’Hara faced stiff competition in the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category including Christina Applegate (Dead to Me), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and Issa Rae (Insecure)
Wow factor: This Morning star Jennifer Aniston presented the first gong of the evening
Simply stunning: The Friends icon, 51, looked gorgeous in a low-cut John Galliano for Christian Dior dress, Neil Lane jewelry and Dior shoes
The winning did not end there for Dan as he also won Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for the series concluding ‘Happy Ending’ episode along with Andrew Cividino.
The sitcoms big run began with Catherine O’Hara earned the very first awards of the night which was presented by Jennifer Aniston and host Jimmy.
She faced stiff competition in the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category including Christina Applegate (Dead to Me), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Linda Cardellini (Dead to Me), Issa Rae (Insecure), and Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish).
Catherine said: ‘Thank you for nominating me, and for topping off this fun evening with a trophy treat. I’ll forever be grateful to Eugene and Daniel Levy for giving me the opportunity to play a woman of a certain age, my age, who gets to be fully her ridiculous self.
‘They gathered the most fun-loving people in Toronto, and led us to be the best we can be for each other. But I must pay an especially big tribute to Debra Hanson, our wardrobe whisperer. And my makeup angel, and to our hair wrangler. Every day, they made me who I thought I was. And I would be an ungrateful person not to share it with them.’
Happy: Finally the seventh Emmy given to the sitcom was earned by Annie Murphy who won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Epic: The actress beat out Alex Borstein, D’Arcy Carden, Betty Gilpin, Marin Hinkle, Kate McKinnon, Yvonne Orji and Cecily Strong in the competition
Catherine’s big win only began Schitt’s Creek’s massive night as the sitcom, which aired on Pop TV, took home the first five awards of the night.
Finally the seventh Emmy given to the sitcom was earned by Annie Murphy who won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
She beat out Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), D’Arcy Carden (The Good Place), Betty Gilpin (Glow), Marin Hinkle (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live), Yvonne Orji (Insecure), and Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live).
Schitt’s Creek – which concluded its sixth and final season in April – is centered around rich video-store magnate Johnny Rose and his family who suddenly find themselves broke and are forced to leave their pampered lives to regroup in Schitt’s Creek.
Perhaps an even bigger audience will be able to watch the show soon as Fox Television Studios recently scored the rights to syndicate the show, which is set to air all seasons starting from later this month.
Celebration: Regina King was a big winner as she earned Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her work in Watchmen
Social commentary: The eerily prescient comic book adaptation of Watchmen that debuted last October confronts historic US racism, police violence and even mask-wearing. It also wowed critics and audiences alike
Regina King was a big winner as she earned Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her work in Watchmen.
She beat out Cate Blanchett (Mrs. America)m Shira Haas (Unorthodox), Octavia Spencer (Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker), and Kerry Washington (Little Fires Everywhere).
The 49-year-old actress – who wore a Breonna Taylor tribute T-shirt – said: ‘Wow. This — this is so freaking weird. Oh. My sisters, it’s an honor to be in this category with you. I truly love being a thespian.
‘Thank you, television academy, for choosing me to represent the thespian community.’
She went on to thank HBO and the entire team behind the production of the drama series before urging viewers to participate in the upcoming election before paying tribute to recently deceased Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
Shining moment: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II also won for Watchmen as he earned Supporting Actor in Limited Series or Movie
King concluded: ‘You got to vote. I would be remiss not to mention that, being a part of a show like “Watchmen.” Have a voting plan, vote up the ballot, please. Go to ballotpedia.com, and it’s very important. Be a good human. Rest in power, RBG. And thank you.’
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II also won for Watchmen as he earned Supporting Actor in Limited Series or Movie beating out Jovan Adepo (Watchmen), Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend), Louis Gossett Jr. (Watchmen), Dylan McDermott (Hollywood), and Jim Parsons (Hollywood).
The 34-year-old actor said: ‘Watchmen was a story about trauma, and the lasting scars of white domestic terrorism, police corruption and brutality. But it was also a story of a god who came down to Earth to reciprocate to a black woman. And he did all of that in the body of a black man, and I’m so proud to have played him.
Dynamic duo: Watchmen was a big winner as writers Damon Lindelof and Cord Jefferson won in the Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Drama Special category for the episode This Extraordinary Being
Revealing: The eerily prescient comic book adaptation that debuted last October confronts historic US racism, police violence and even mask-wearing
‘I dedicate this to all the people in my life, my early investors. I love you, I appreciate you, and this is for you. Thank you.’
Watchmen was a big winner as writers Damon Lindelof and Cord Jefferson won in the Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Drama Special category for the episode This Extraordinary Being.
They beat out Tanya Barfield (Mrs. America), Susannah Grant, Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman (Unbelievable), and Sally Rooney and Alice Birch (Normal People)
Capturing this year’s somewhat anarchic zeitgeist, Watchmen led the charge with a whopping 26 nominations, primarily in the limited series categories.
Sending a message: Uzo Aduba won in the Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie category for her role in Mrs. America as she wore a Breonna Taylor tribute T-Shirt
Interesting: Mrs. America is centered around Conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly who leads an unexpected fight against the Equal Rights Amendment movement during the 1970s
The eerily prescient comic book adaptation that debuted last October confronts historic US racism, police violence and even mask-wearing. It also wowed critics and audiences alike.
Uzo Aduba won in the Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie category for her role in Mrs. America as she wore a Breonna Taylor tribute T-Shirt.
The 39-year-old actress beat out Toni Collette (Unbelievable), Margo Martindale (Mrs. Americ), Jean Smart (Watchmen), Holland Taylor (Hollywood), and Tracey Ullman (Mrs. America).
Golden: Billy Crudup earned Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in The Morning Show
Dapper: The AppleTV show gives an inside look at the lives of the people who help America wake up in the morning, exploring the unique challenges faced by the men and women who carry out this daily televised ritual
Mrs. America is centered around Conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly who leads an unexpected fight against the Equal Rights Amendment movement during the 1970s.
Billy Crudup earned Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in The Morning Show.
He won over heavy competition including: Nicholas Braun (Succession), Kieran Culkin (Succession), Mark Duplass (The Morning Show), Giancarlo Esposito (Better Call Saul), Matthew Macfadyen (Succession), Bradley Whitford (The Handmaid’s Tale), and Jeffrey Wright (Westworld).
Retro chic: Julia Garner was also a big winner as she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in Netflix series Ozark
Big win: She beat out Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown), Laura Dern (Big Little Lies), Thandie Newton (Westworld), Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve), Sarah Snook (Succession), Meryl Streep (Big Little Lies), and Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale)
The AppleTV show gives an inside look at the lives of the people who help America wake up in the morning, exploring the unique challenges faced by the men and women who carry out this daily televised ritual.
Julia Garner was also a big winner as she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in Netflix series Ozark.
She beat out Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown), Laura Dern (Big Little Lies), Thandie Newton (Westworld), Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve), Sarah Snook (Succession), Meryl Streep (Big Little Lies), and Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale).
Ozark is centered around a financial advisor who drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder money to appease a drug boss.
Hulking up: Mark Ruffalo won Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his work on I Know This Much Is True beating out competition including Jeremy Irons (Watchmen), Hugh Jackman (Bad Education), Paul Mescal (Normal People), and Jeremy Pope (Hollywood)
Sweet: His wife Sunrise Coigney cheered him on
Mark Ruffalo won Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his work on I Know This Much Is True beating out competition including Jeremy Irons (Watchmen), Hugh Jackman (Bad Education), Paul Mescal (Normal People), and Jeremy Pope (Hollywood).
The 52-year-old actor talked about the importance of the series which was centered around a middle-aged Dominick Birdsey who recounts his troubled relationship with Thomas, his paranoid schizophrenic twin brother, and his efforts to get him released from an asylum.
In his speech Ruffalo opened up about the importance of taking care of vulnerable people in America including people with mental illness as he said: ‘Our story was about a man, it’s about family. It’s about a man who is fighting for his brother who is living with mental illness.
Mogul: Tyler Perry was given one of the biggest honors of the night; Governors Award
Gamer recognize game: The special award was presented by Oprah Winfrey
‘It’s a story that is common throughout so much of the world today. And it asks a big question, how are we going to deal and honor and take care of each other and our most vulnerable people? And we do that with love, and we do that with compassion, and by fighting for them. And that is what we have to do today.
‘We have to come together with love, for each other. And if you have privilege, you have to fight for those who are less fortunate, and more vulnerable. And that is what a great about America, our diversity. One thing I’ve learned from my wife and children, we’re stronger together when we love each other and we respect each other’s diversity. And so we have a big, important moment ahead of us.’
Triple threat: Jennifer was later joined by her Friends co-stars and real life BFFs Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow
Shining star: Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross was one of the first presenters of the night and dazzled in a gold Alexandre Vauthier gown and Jimmy Choo shoes
Simply stunning: Laverne Cox presented one of the last awards of the night
Good times: The Orange Is The New Black star made a joke but urged herself to stick to the script
Tyler Perry was also honored at the event with the Governors Award which was presented by Oprah Winfrey.
The In Memoriam segment began with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and ended with Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.
The annual reflection on the luminaries lost during the preceding 12 months took on an added poignancy, taking place as it did in the empty Staples Center where host Jimmy Kimmel emcee’d proceedings without the usual live and star-studded audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘We lost a great American’: Emmys host Jimmy paid tribute to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who died Friday as he introduced the Emmys In Memoriam segment
Heartfelt: The tribute concluded with the late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman as Grammy-winning recording artist H.E.R. performed Nothing Compares 2 U
As Grammy-winning recording artist H.E.R. performed Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U, famously covered by Sinead O’Connor, photos and names of these who had passed away flashed up on screen.
The African-American entertainment mogul has championed greater diversity in Hollywood, and this year paid funeral costs for black victims of police violence including George Floyd.
Jimmy Kimmel is the host of the event as he kicked off the show without an audience and instead canned audio and video from prior Emmy shows.
Stock footage: During a monologue, there was audio and clips from old Emmy ceremonies (Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas pictured)
‘Of course I’m here all alone. Of course we don’t have an audience. This isn’t a MAGA rally, it’s The Emmy’s’: 52-year-old presenter Jimmy joked about the no-audience show as he poked fun at President Trump’s recent Nevada rally
Real life: Jason Bateman was in attendance as he joined in on a monologue gag in front of personalised cardboard cut-outs of stars
Social distancing: Kimmel kept quite the distance between he and presenter Jennifer
Uh oh: They lit the Emmy envelope on fire in a garbage can
The 52-year-old then revealed that there was not actually an audience in attendance and that he was all alone as he poked fun at President Trump’s recent Nevada rally: ‘Of course I’m here all alone. Of course we don’t have an audience. This isn’t a MAGA rally, it’s The Emmy’s.’
This year’s Emmys honoring the best in television has already been radically different as producers scrambled to create Hollywood’s first major pandemic-era awards show.
The coronavirus has turned Tinseltown upside down, bringing productions to a halt even as stay-at-home orders around the world send binge-watching through the roof.
Keeping it clean: There were sanitizer stations in the shape of the Emmy Award
Adding to the unpredictability on a night of firsts, 130-odd nominees who were sent cameras to hook up in their own living rooms have been encouraged to get creative with their speeches.
There was no red carpet and no star-studded audience. A-listers were invited to trade gowns and tuxedos for pajamas.
The few celebrities who did attend in person, however, were subject to COVID-19 tests before entry including Tracee Ellis Ross.
Taking all precautions: All attendees were subjected to COVID-19 tests including comedian Tracee