Schitt’s Creek swept the comedy category and Succession was named best drama at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards — which was dominated by the coronavirus.
Most acceptance speeches came via satellite and awards were handed out by people in hazmat suits. Jimmy Kimmel hosted the event live from an empty Staples Center in Los Angeles. “Why are we having an awards show in the middle of a pandemic?” he asked the cardboard cutout audience. “What the hell am I doing here? This is the year they decide to have a host?”
According to reports, producers had sent more than 130 cameras to nominees in 10 countries.
It was a historic night, besides the virtual show, with several notable records set. Schitt’s Creek became the first series to win every major comedy award — including acting wins for Eugene Levy, Daniel Levy, Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy. Watchmen’s win in the limited series category was the first time a comic-book adaptation walked away with a top prize. Zendaya was the youngest-ever winner for lead drama actress at age 24. Regina King’s win for lead actress in a limited series or movie was her fourth career Emmy and tied her with Alfre Woodard for most acting Emmys won by a Black performer.
Nine out of the 18 acting awards went to Black actors on Sunday night.
Tyler Perry received the Governors Award, which was presented to him by Oprah Winfrey and Chris Rock.
Eddie Murphy has delayed his highly anticipated return to standup.
The comedian, who won his first Emmy for hosting SNL last year, doesn’t think it’s a time for funny business. During the virtual backstage at the Creative Arts Emmys, Eddie said, “These are really serious times, no times for joking. I don’t know right now if there should be any comedic commentary. We’re still right in the middle of everything.”
He thinks we’ll “need comedic commentary and some laughs” in a “year or so.”
Eddie insists that “as soon as it’s clear to go back out there, that was the plan, that is the plan.”
The star hasn’t done a major standup tour in more than 30 years
