Niecy Nash-Betts, Joel Kim Booster & John-Michael Kelly, Princess Poppy | Image Credits: The 75th Annual Emmy Awards, Getty Images
We hope you’re not tired of seeing glamorous people getting their flowers, because awards season rolled on Monday evening with the 75th Annual Emmy Awards!
Yes, the stars (and even a goblin and the Rubber Man) were out at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles for TV’s biggest night, which was more anticipated than usual after the ceremony was pushed back from its usual September slot due to last year’s WGA and SAG strikes.
Seemingly taking notes on what not to do from last week’s Golden Globes, host Anthony Anderson eschewed roasting celebrities in favor of honoring television history—with a little help from his sweet mama. It was a classy move, and one that set a precedent for a night of tributes and cast reunions from everyone to the Cheers gang to some of the Grey’s Anatomy O.G.s.
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The final season of HBO drama Succession, the first season of the comedy The Bear, and Netflix‘s limited series Beef were the night’s big winners—in more ways than one—collectively winning 17 of the evening’s 27 categories.
But there were still plenty of fun surprises along the way, including a handful of very worthy LGBTQ+ winners, and the coronation of our latest gay “EGOT,” but more on that in a minute…
You can see a full list of the night’s winners on the official Emmys website. But re-live the best—and gayest—moments of the show below:
Princess Poppy trolls the red carpet. Literally.
Do not adjust your television sets—that little green ogre you’re seeing pop up behind the glamorous gliterrati? Why that’s retired drag queen (and professional troll) Princess Poppy, looking an awful lot like if an Orc and the monster from Barbarian had a baby as she joins her RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 sisters on the Emmys carpet to celebrate the show’s seventh consecutive Outstanding Reality Competition Program nomination.
Princess Poppy un-retired from drag just to end the entire industry. You can’t top this. pic.twitter.com/z7VmwlFpSW
The show got off to a banger of a start when TV legend Christina Applegate presented Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series to none other than Ayo Edebiri, who has basically steamrolled this awards season—as she should. The Bear star fired off another charmer of an acceptance speech, nodding to the “found family” at the heart of her show, and shouting out her IRL family who let her “feel beautiful and Black and proud of all that,” and who immigrated to America so she could “do improv,” she said with a massive grin.
“Thank you so much for loving me and letting me feel beautiful and Black and proud of all that. It’s probably not, like, a dream to immigrate to this country and have your child be like ‘I want to do improv!,’ but you’re real ones”
Could she be more iconic? Taking home Emmy gold for the second year in a row (albeit this time in a different category), The White Lotus scene-stealer made sure to thank “all the evil gays”—sure, she meant the guys who tried to killed her Tanya McQuoid out on the open sea, but it also felt like a nice nod to her legion of gay fans who have been stanning her since the beginning.
Right after Jennifer Coolidge shouted out the “evil gays,” Pedro Pascal appeared on stage to present the next award, but first took the opportunity to clear up something that’s been on everyone’s mind: Is he… you know… ever going to get that cast off? The Last Of Us star joked that he has to wear it because fellow Best Actor nominee Kieran Culkin “beat the sh*t out of me”—who shot back the perfect icy stare. This bromantic rivalry just might kill us.
Folks, that is how it’s done. Winning for her powerful turn in Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Nash-Betts delivered a real barn-burner of an acceptance speech, shouting out her “better half”—wife Jessica Betts—hyping up her self (“Go on girl with your bad self—you did that!), and taking a stand for every “Black and Brown woman who has gone unheard yet over-policed.” This is how you claim your moment. Truly, this speech should be studied by any prospective award-winners out there.
Give Niecy Nash-Bettes another Emmy for this speech!!!
Winner winner, chicken dinner! Sporting his and hers black sequin suits, RuPaul and Michelle Visage took the stage—flanked by the fierce Season 15 cast and their show’s creative team (hi Leland!)—to accept Drag Race‘s fifth Outstanding Reality Competition Program. Mama Ru shared some powerful words about protecting drag that will hopefully resonate from Hollywood to West Bumtuck.
“If someone is trying to restrict your access to power, they are trying to scare you.”
Thanks to the Emmy eligibility timeline and the strike delayed show, beloved gay rom-com Fire Island was up for two awards this year—an entire 19 months after it first premiered! We’ve so loved seeing this team on various awards trails over the past year and a half, and though the movie lost in both of its categories, Joel Kim Booster had a great sense of humor about it all. Plus, he looked cute as h*ll on the carpet with his partner, John-Michael Kelly, and that’s a win in our book!
That’s two time Emmy loser Joel Kim Booster to you, thanks!!
The Outstanding Variety Special (Live) prize went to the Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium concert special, an honor which grants the legendary musician entry into the hallowed halls of EGOT status. He’s of course already nabbed a number of Grammys, a Tony in 2000 for his AIDA score, and Oscars for his original songs for The Lion King and Rocketman, but tonight completed his “quadfecta.” Can you feel the love tonight, Elton? You deserve it!
Congratulations to Sir Elton John, competitive EGOT winner number 19!
In another of the evening’s TV tributes, ageless hottie Dylan McDermott emerged from American Horror Story‘s “Murder House” to present—but was interrupted by none other than the series’ iconic Rubber Man, creeping (and no doubt squeaking) in the background. Later, it was revealed to be host Anthony Anderson beneath the gimp mask, learning an important lesson: It is not easy to quickly peel yourself out of a latex bodysuit.
Well, Dylan, we have been trying to ignore Rubberman for YEARS now and he won't go away. #Emmys
Hannah Waddingham (gorgeous) and Colman Domingo (equally gorgeous) stepped on stage (“you’re welcome”) to present the annual Governor’s Award honor to GLAAD for its four-plus decades of work fighting for fair and authentic LGBTQ+ representation on TV. President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis gave a moving speech which called for greater visibility for our trans siblings, and given the political landscape of the past few years that sentiment felt all the more impactful. So thank you to GLAAD for their tireless work, and the enormous impact they’ve had on our screens.
Incredibly proud of @glaad for receiving Govenors Award at this years Emmy Awards. The work they do is crucial in ensuring LGBTQ stories are told. I'm proud to have worked as a consultant w them, been nominated, & working w them on their mission. Congrats GLAAD on all you do ??
After winning every category it was nominated for, The Bear wrapped up its massive night claiming the Outstanding Comedy Series trophy, too. “Cousin” Matty Matheson accepted on the cast’s behalf, beginning by thanking restaurant and hospitality workers (speak on it!!!), but he was swiftly stopped by getting a tongue shoved down his throat. That was his Emmy-winning co-star Ebon Moss Bacharach coming in for a celebratory smooch, which lasted for a full 10 seconds and was… pretty hot, to be honest!
The whole thing reminded us when Ramy Youssef and Mark Ruffalo kissed after Poor Things‘ big Golden Globes win last week, so this is a trend we can get behind. So, pucker up, fellas—we want to see all of you kissing when you win from here on out!
And, last but certainly not least, the night’s carpet presented a nonstop runway of looks that had us gooped and saving so many photos to our camera roll. And you know our favorite stars turned it out, from Yellowjackets‘ Liv Hewson and Jasmin Savoy-Brown, to the cutie cast of Abbott Elementary, to eternal goddess of the red carpet, Laverne Cox—check out a few favorites below:
The year ahead in TV will feature juicy dramas, star-studded comedies, a sexy new spin on a literary classic, and plenty of primetime drag.
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Jennifer Coolidge shouldn’t have been cut short again this year, this time by Anthony Anderson’s annoying mother. It was a great speech and his mother killed the moment when Jennifer started to thank “the evil gays lol”. Of course she won’t be criticized bc she’s black, but I find her annoying. Her son needs to stick to acting on great shows like “black-ish” and his mom needs to go away
Why do you have to spoil this thread with your racism? “Of course she won’t be criticized bc she’s black….”
There were clear SIGNS, in addition to Anthony Anderson’s mother, visible to all honorees, warning ALL of them when to wrap it up. Anderson’s mother was additionally tasked with doing so, BY THE SHOW’S WRITERS AND PRODUCERS, and did it in a humorous manner that sometimes became annoying. But as you probably saw, if you watched the show, they gave her signs to hold up. It wasn’t just her freelancing!
Nevertheless, had she not been Black I doubt you would even have mentioned her race, but since you did, you are showing your racist colors. Please, just don’t do this to start 2024, OK?
cuteguy criticized someone then stated she wouldn’t be criticized “bc she’s black”, and in so doing not only disproved his own point, but brought the irrelevant factor of race into the discussion.
Ask yourself “why?”
Then ask yourself why you felt compelled to defend the statement (inanely, I might add).
I thought Anderson’s mom was cute and I LOVED the way she shut those bitches down, including Coolidge who really didn’t need to go off on that “little girl from a little town” schtick.
The Bears dude on dude kiss played on the state news in Spain — maybe because it evoked memories of the nonconsenual kiss the world champion soccer player Jennifer Hermosa received from soccer bigwig, Luis Rubiales, after the recent Spanish team world championship victory. He denied it was nonconsensual, but I think he’s been criminally charged and he’s banned from soccer for several years. Nowadays and for the foreseeable, people should not “force kiss” others.
I’m very happy to see Elton John’s new achievement — despite what some might say and acknowledging his shortcomings I am a fan of his. Btw, the article erroneously states that he has won several previous Emmys, but Queerty.
The Emmy’s have always been worthless as they are like a high school popularity contest and not based on what the public or the majority of its members actually like. It’s all based on the power of the various production companies and that is why the winners are the same year to year and based on PC thinking.
I totally agree with you on these stupid, boring award shows. One step below the Emmy’s is the ignorant Critic’s Choice Award show. The majority of members could care less about ANY of the viewing public. They are arrogant, conceited, and think their sh*t don’t stink. The obsession for these Hollywood people is out of control. Most movies put out over the last few years are worthless and same ole, same ole. The pathetic TV comedy sitcoms are nothing short of trash and stupidity!
A measly 4.3 million viewers watched the Emmy Awards, according to Nielsen data. A new all-time low!
That’s a significant decrease from last year’s previous all-time low, when less than 6M people tuned in for the show on NBC. The awards show was also down more than 37% from the last time the Emmys aired on Fox in 2019, when the audience sank to a then-historic low of 6.9M.
Perhaps Americans aren’t interested in being lectured by drag queens and literal demons about drag queen story hour.
Why drag queen childrens story hour? What is wrong with drag queen senior citizen/assisted living/nursing home story hour? What about hospital stay story hour? The sick and needy? Or even the homeless.
No, it is always children. Why does it ALWAYS have to be young children for drag queen story hour?
Yup. If they cared so much, they’d start reading at Club Med. Most people can read between the lines: These people want to sexualize the young. It’s why the backlash occurred. But as we’ve seen on various Queerty threads, self-awareness isn’t their strongest skill set.
Just don’t point out Hollywood is still run by homophobic directors and executive producers! I care more about that being eliminated than more tokenist charachters here and there
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cuteguy
Jennifer Coolidge shouldn’t have been cut short again this year, this time by Anthony Anderson’s annoying mother. It was a great speech and his mother killed the moment when Jennifer started to thank “the evil gays lol”. Of course she won’t be criticized bc she’s black, but I find her annoying. Her son needs to stick to acting on great shows like “black-ish” and his mom needs to go away
Kangol2
Why do you have to spoil this thread with your racism? “Of course she won’t be criticized bc she’s black….”
There were clear SIGNS, in addition to Anthony Anderson’s mother, visible to all honorees, warning ALL of them when to wrap it up. Anderson’s mother was additionally tasked with doing so, BY THE SHOW’S WRITERS AND PRODUCERS, and did it in a humorous manner that sometimes became annoying. But as you probably saw, if you watched the show, they gave her signs to hold up. It wasn’t just her freelancing!
Nevertheless, had she not been Black I doubt you would even have mentioned her race, but since you did, you are showing your racist colors. Please, just don’t do this to start 2024, OK?
strap2900
Yeah, his mother has over stayed her welcome. She was funny at first but now, she’s just annoying. Her skin color has nothing to do with it.
frapachino
@ kangol2 “racism” card has lost all meaning.
SoloMcDaniel
I found the whole mother thing to be disrespectful & rude. I know it was meant to be a “bit” but it didn’t work.
LeBlevsez
frapachino –
cuteguy criticized someone then stated she wouldn’t be criticized “bc she’s black”, and in so doing not only disproved his own point, but brought the irrelevant factor of race into the discussion.
Ask yourself “why?”
Then ask yourself why you felt compelled to defend the statement (inanely, I might add).
Kangol2
Frapachino, racists like you have lost all meaning. If you can’t deal with racism being called out, just barricade yourself back under your rock!
bachy
I thought Anderson’s mom was cute and I LOVED the way she shut those bitches down, including Coolidge who really didn’t need to go off on that “little girl from a little town” schtick.
Shut it! When you time is up, your TIME is UP.
Fahd
The Bears dude on dude kiss played on the state news in Spain — maybe because it evoked memories of the nonconsenual kiss the world champion soccer player Jennifer Hermosa received from soccer bigwig, Luis Rubiales, after the recent Spanish team world championship victory. He denied it was nonconsensual, but I think he’s been criminally charged and he’s banned from soccer for several years. Nowadays and for the foreseeable, people should not “force kiss” others.
I’m very happy to see Elton John’s new achievement — despite what some might say and acknowledging his shortcomings I am a fan of his. Btw, the article erroneously states that he has won several previous Emmys, but Queerty.
bachy
Excellent point about “force kissing.” Advance warning for when your emotions are out of control during awards season.
I wish someone had made a similar point about filming yourself taking it up the butt in Congress.
RIGay
The Emmy’s were actually a delight to watch this year! Enjoyed the show, end to end!
frapachino
Nash needs some class and humility.
Steve9999
Obviously, so do you.
Kangol2
Your white hood is showing, Fraps. Again.
JTinToronto
So done with drag.
SDR94103
tell that mother to get the hell out. Stop pushing your racism BS.
SFMike
The Emmy’s have always been worthless as they are like a high school popularity contest and not based on what the public or the majority of its members actually like. It’s all based on the power of the various production companies and that is why the winners are the same year to year and based on PC thinking.
bigdandd
I totally agree with you on these stupid, boring award shows. One step below the Emmy’s is the ignorant Critic’s Choice Award show. The majority of members could care less about ANY of the viewing public. They are arrogant, conceited, and think their sh*t don’t stink. The obsession for these Hollywood people is out of control. Most movies put out over the last few years are worthless and same ole, same ole. The pathetic TV comedy sitcoms are nothing short of trash and stupidity!
Major
Congratulations to Sir Elton John!
EGOT status. Rock and Roll Captain Fantastic!
FreddieW
I started watching but turned it off because it was boring as hell.
If you want to watch something really good, try “The Brothers Sun” on Netflix. It’s the best thing I’ve seen in a long while.
Baron Wiseman
A measly 4.3 million viewers watched the Emmy Awards, according to Nielsen data. A new all-time low!
That’s a significant decrease from last year’s previous all-time low, when less than 6M people tuned in for the show on NBC. The awards show was also down more than 37% from the last time the Emmys aired on Fox in 2019, when the audience sank to a then-historic low of 6.9M.
Perhaps Americans aren’t interested in being lectured by drag queens and literal demons about drag queen story hour.
Why drag queen childrens story hour? What is wrong with drag queen senior citizen/assisted living/nursing home story hour? What about hospital stay story hour? The sick and needy? Or even the homeless.
No, it is always children. Why does it ALWAYS have to be young children for drag queen story hour?
decrans
Yup. If they cared so much, they’d start reading at Club Med. Most people can read between the lines: These people want to sexualize the young. It’s why the backlash occurred. But as we’ve seen on various Queerty threads, self-awareness isn’t their strongest skill set.
redzebra1
Just don’t point out Hollywood is still run by homophobic directors and executive producers! I care more about that being eliminated than more tokenist charachters here and there