70th Primetime Emmy Awards

70th Annual Emmy Awards logo

The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards hosted by Michael Che and Colin Jost broadcast live on NBC was an SNL affair and opened with Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson.

The two came out arm in arm, welcomed everyone to the show and said the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards had, “The most diverse group of nominees in Emmy history.”

We Solved it!

Kenan said, “Yes in Dee-Dee, one step closer to a Black show.”And said, “We solved it,” and they broke out in song about solving the diversity problem in Hollywood.

They called to Sandra O in the audience and said, “Sandra O is the first Asian woman to be nominated for a lead acting role.” Sandra joked, “It’s just an honor to be Asian.”

This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown and singer Ricky Martin joined in and Ricky said they hadn’t solved it and, “This song is way too white.”

Another SNL star, Andy Samberg joined in briefly as dancers came to the stage along with Ru Paul.

John Legend came out and sang the end of the song We Solved It.

Then it was Colin Jost and Michael Che’s turn to hit the stage. Michael said this is a time to celebrate the “Many, many talented people who haven’t been caught yet.” Colin mentioned that audience could drink in their seats this year. And as a kick to Trump, Colin said, “And we all agreed that Nazis’ were bad.”

They congratulated This Is Us and The Handmaid’s Tale on their nominations. And Michael said that TV has always had a diversity problem and made several jokes about it.

Let’s Give Out Trophies!

“TV has come a long way in the past 70 years.” Michel said, “Let’s give out some trophies.”

The first category of the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards was Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and Emmy went to Henry Winkler for Barry. He came to the stage to a loud and long standing ovation. He thanked his wife, cast and crew and ended his acceptance speech with, “You can go to bed now Daddy won!”

Colin and Michael introduced the nominees for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and Jimmy Kimmel and Tracey Morgan gave the Emmy Award to Alex Borstein for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. “Thank you for giving me a life and I’m going to be there for more of it.”

The Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series went to creator Amy Sherman-Palladino for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Sandra O joked, ripped the envelope and said, “The winner is La La Land before announcing that Amy Sherman-Palladino won again! Outstanding Comedy Series for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Tiffany Haddish and Angela Basset introduced the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category. Tiffany called Angela royalty and said her tag line, “She Ready.” The Emmy went to Rachel Brosnahan for The Marvelous Ms, Maisel.

Tiffany Haddish backstage at Emmys 2018

Tiffany Haddish, 70th Primetime Emmy Awards at LA LIVE Deck in Los Angeles. (Photo by Christy Radecic/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images)

I spoke with @TiffanyHaddish backstage after winning a #Emmy for her hilarious guest-host turn on #SaturdayNightLive. Click here to hear.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series was introduced by Michael Douglas and went to Bill Hader for Barry. “I didn’t think this was going to happen.”

As the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards continued, Michael came out with Colin and said, “Six awards, all white winners and nobody has thanked Jesus yet.”

More SNL buddies came out when Maya Rudolf and Fred Armisen did a bit with Michael and Colin.

Chrissy and John Legend presented the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie to Adina Porter as Beverly Hope in American Horror Story: Cult.

Jeff Daniels won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for The Looming Tower. Jeff joked about his role and said, “When asked if you can ride a horse don’t lie.”

Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Series went to William Bridges and Charlie Brooker for Black Mirror – “USS Callister.”

Betty White!

The SNL alumni kept coming when Alex Baldwin and Kate McKinnon teamed up to honor our 96-year-old national treasure, Betty White. Betty White was helped to the stage to a rousing standing ovation and cheers. “I’m just going to quit while I’m head.” “This is very exciting.”

She stumbled a bit, but Kate and Alex kissed her on the hand. She said someone said the first lady of television and I heard them say, “She’s that old.”

“It’s incredible that I’m still in this business and you’re still putting up with me.” She thanked Lorne Michaels and ended with, “Thank you to each and everyone.”

Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special went to Ryan Murphy for The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

Leslie Jones and Ru Paul gave the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series to Regina King for Seven Seconds. She was completely floored to win. “Really? Say word?”
“I really wasn’t expecting this but Academy I’m so grateful.” She ended her speech by thanking Jesus for Michael, “Thank you, Jesus! Michael Che.”

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series went to Darren Criss for The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

Michael Che congratulated Regina King for winning and reminded everyone that Jeff thanked his horse.

Reparation Emmys

Michael did a skit called Reparation Emmys and gave honorary Emmy Awards to Black actors he felt were deserving of the honor, including Marla Gibbs, and Jimmie Walker who got to say, “Dynamite,” Jaleel White, who said his famous saying, “Did I do that?” Tichina Arnold from Martin, and comedian and actor John Witherspoon.

John Mulaney won for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for Saturday Night Live.

Surprise Proposal!

Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series went to Glen Weiss for the Oscars. During his acceptance speech, he proposed marriage to his girlfriend. “You wonder why I don’t call you my girlfriend. It’s because I want to call you my wife.” She was shocked and nodded her head “yes,” as she started walking to the stage.

“Jan, I want to put this ring that my mom wore on your finger. Will you marry me,” as he got down on one knee.

He completely shocked the audience as well and Jan.

The SNL train continued with Tina Fey who introduced the In-Memoriam segment. It started with Aretha Franklin but listed many more we may have missed.

Samantha Bee and Taraji P. Henson handed out the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Peter Dinklage won for Game of Thrones. He thanked is his, wife, cast members and George R.R. Martin for creating Game of Thrones.

The Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series went to Thandie Newton for Westworld. She was completely shocked at the win and started off her acceptance speech with, “I don’t even believe in God, but I’m going to thank her tonight.”

The Emmy Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series went to Stephen Daldry for The Crown. He couldn’t be there to accept it.

  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series went to Matthew Rhys for The Americans.
  • Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series went to Claire Foy for The Crown.
  • Outstanding Reality Series went to Ru Paul for Drag Race.

“Thank you so much …Thank you to the Academy.” Ru Paul ended his speech with his classic sign-off statement, “If you can’t love yourself how the hell you going to love somebody else. Can I get an Amen up in here!”

Saturday Night Live won for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series. Lorne Michaels received the 70th Primetime Emmy Award.

Outstanding Variety Talk Series went to John Oliver for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
He thanked Glenn White’s finance for saying yes, “It could have been a very different night.”

Outstanding Limited Series went to The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. A night of big wins for the series.

Will Ferrell presented the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy Award to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. A very big night for Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino.

Kenan Thompson presented the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series to Game of Thrones!
Colin and Michael followed and shut the show down right at 11:00 pm.

The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards moved right along and Michael and Colin did a great job.

Tanya Hart

@AURNOnline

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