The 2024 Emmy Awards were held on Sunday, in the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, CA, hosted by the dynamic father-son duo from the sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” Eugene and Dan Levy. Garnering 6.87 million viewers with a 55 percent increase in ratings. The 76th awards show was a star-studded evening of recognition, ushering in the highest audience in three years.
This year’s Emmys marks a monumental and necessary milestone for the academy and its due diligence to increase diversity. Hollywood itself has come a long way in giving many actors, actresses, and showrunners of underrepresented demographics their due credit for their contributions to television and media.
Out of the 96 acting nominees, 30 of them were people of color, and 17 were black actors. Over the past three years, there has been a 20 percent increase in the number of nominations for people of color.
Nine of this year’s acting categories had more than one actor of color nominated in the same category, including the category of Lead Supporting Comedy Actor, featuring nominees Lionel Boyce in “The Bear,” Tyler James Williams in “Abbott Elementary” and Bowen Yang in “Saturday Night Live.”
History was made when FX’s “Shōgun” became the first non-English show to win ‘Best Drama Series.’ The series won a total of 18 Emmys in categories like Outstanding Drama Series, Best Directing for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. Actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai won big as well, as they both won Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series, both being the first Asian descent actors to win in their categories.
FX’s “The Bear” is a drama set in Chicago, Illinois, which follows a Michelin star chef on his road to sobriety as he takes over his brother’s deli restaurant. Liza Colón-Zayas, known for her role as “Tina,” won her first Emmy for ‘Best Comedy Supporting Actress.’ Zayas is a native of the Bronx, New York, and was pleasantly surprised to win, becoming the first Latina woman to win in this category.
“To all the Latinas who are looking at me, keep believing, and vote – vote for your rights,” Zayas exclaimed in her acceptance speech.
On the note of triumphs, HBO’s “Hacks” surprised many, taking home Best Comedy Series. “Hacks” is a comedy series exploring the mentorship between an up-and-coming comedy writer and a legendary Las Vegas Comedian. Surpassing favorites like “The Bear” and “Abbott Elementary,” who have had successful sweeps in previous years in the comedy categories. “The Bear” and “Abbott Elementary” have become fan favorites for their storytelling, use of humor, and captivating backstories.
A series that surprised yet captivated many and was recognized for taking creative risks, “Baby Reindeer” had a very successful evening. Totaling four Emmys, including Best Limited or Anthology Series, and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Writer-actor Richard Gadd expressed his gratitude for being recognized for his work on the series and the real-life stalker turned abuser narrative spotlight.
“This is the stuff of dreams. 10 years ago, I was down and outright. I never, ever thought I’d get my life together. I never ever thought I’d be able to rectify myself with what happened to me and get myself back on my feet again. Then here I am, just over a decade later, picking up one of the biggest writing awards in television.” Gadd reflected.
Award season continues with the News & Documentary Emmy Awards and The People’s Choice Country Awards on Sept. 26.