The 2023 Emmy nominations are here! While we wait for the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in September, let’s look back at 7 special Emmys moments from 2010 to 2020.
Viola Davis Becomes First Woman of Color to Win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
In 2015, Viola Davis became the first woman of color to take home an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in How to Get Away with Murder. She went on to deliver an empowering speech that left the audience teary-eyed.
Melissa McCarthy Takes the Crown
At the 2011 Emmys, all the nominees for Best Comedy Actress took the stage as their names were announced Miss America style. Melissa McCarthy ended up winning and was awarded a tiara by Rob Lowe.
Glenn Weiss Proposes to His Girlfriend
After winning the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special in 2018, Glenn Weiss took the special moment to a new level by popping the question to his girlfriend on stage. Talk about an epic proposal!
Billy Crystal pays Tribute to Robin Williams
At the 2014 Emmys, Billy Crystal paid tribute to his dear friend Robin Williams who had passed away earlier that year. The tribute is a tear-jerker but a beautiful moment to watch nonetheless.
Billy Porter Becomes First Openly Gay Black Man to Win an Emmy
Billy Porter made history at the 2019 Emmys when he became the first openly gay Black man to win an Emmy. He won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in Pose and continued to make his mark with an inspirational speech.
Sterling K. Brown Gets Cut Off by the Band
When Sterling K. Brown won Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the 2017 Emmys, his speech may have gone on for a bit too long. The band started to play music, attempting to cut him off, but Brown continued to speak until he finished his speech. In fact, he continued talking even after his mic was cut and the cameras pulled away.
Emmys Delivered By Workers in Hazmat Suits
when you lose the emmy pic.twitter.com/ECkbGcoHBA
— ramy youssef (@ramy) September 21, 2020
The 2020 Emmys were a bit chaotic given we were in the middle of a pandemic. In order for the Emmys to happen, workers delivered the awards to the winners while wearing hazmat suits. However, if you didn’t win the Emmy, the worker would simply leave with your award, making for an awkward, yet hilarious goodbye.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Mom Makes PB&J’s for the Entire Audience
While hosting the 2016 Emmys, Jimmy Kimmel announced his mother had made PB&J sandwiches for the entire audience. He then had all the Stranger Things kids deliver the sandwiches to the audience, which certainly called for a laugh. We expect nothing less from Jimmy Kimmel!
