The 72nd Emmy Awards took place virtually for the first time on September 20th with host Jimmy Kimmel. Despite restrictions due to COVID-19, this year’s Emmy ceremony was still successful. Jimmy Kimmel was able to keep everyone pleased throughout the show even with a lack of an audience. Footage of previous Emmy audiences cheering and laughing was used in between Kimmel’s jokes to keep up the lighthearted atmosphere, and cut-outs of celebrities were placed in seats at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Schitt’s Creek had a slight chance to win an award at the Emmys in the past, but they were stronger contenders this year. This Canadian Comedy series won nine prizes, which broke a record for the most wins in a single season for a comedy. This show dominated the following acting categories: best comedy actress, (Catherine O’Hara), comedy actor (Eugene Levy), supporting actress (Annie Murphy), and supporting actor (Daniel Levy). While Dan Levy accepted his award, he said “our show… is about the transformational effects of love and acceptance… we need more of now than we’ve ever needed before.” Although its last season ended on April 7, 2020, viewers think of it as a comfort show that has helped them get through these tough times. 

A pleasant surprise that viewers saw was a partial Friends reunion. Friends is a popular American television sitcom that ran for a decade. Jennifer Anniston assisted Jimmy Kimmel during parts of the show, and during one segment, co-star Courtney Cox appeared. Later on, Lisa Kudrow also popped in. Fans of the show were grateful for the little reunion that they received. 

A historic moment took place this year during the Emmy Awards. Former Disney Channel star Zendaya won Best Lead Actress in a drama series at the age of 24, the youngest to ever accomplish this. She celebrated with her family and said that “there is hope for the young people out there.” Zendaya played the role of Rue in HBO’s drama Euphoria which addresses modern issues such as identity and drama and is a popular watch for young adults. 

One thing that stayed the same this year is that HBO shows tend to win many awards. HBO’s Succession and Watchmen grabbed huge wins including Regina King receiving best lead actress in a limited series for Watchmen. Mark Ruffalo, known for his role for playing Hulk, won the best lead actor in a limited series for I Know This Much Is True. Although this year’s award show was different from usual, it was special and will be remembered for years to come. 

Sources:

McIntosh, Steven. “Emmy Awards 2020: Seven Highlights from the Ceremony.” BBC News, BBC, 21 Sept.        2020, www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-54146614.