Lina LecaroYes, like the entire internet I have thoughts about the Emmys, and now that I’ve marinated on the awards and the show a bit, I need to share. Don’t worry, they go beyond who got robbed, how self-congratulatory the whole affair is, or how bad (or good) the fashion was.
First and foremost, who brought the funk? Seriously who was the DJ because the music killed it this year. Variety appears to be the only outlet that mentioned it and they clearly disagree with me, likening the mix to a wedding playlist, but I found it refreshingly funky, with all the ’70s soul and funk (Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Staple Singers, Earth Wind & Fire), cool rock (Blondie, Lenny Kravitz) and even winky choices like Creedence’s “Susie Q” for Alex Borstein’s walk to accept the trophy for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (her character is named Susie) and “Superstition” for Gwyneth Paltrow’s now-viral wiggle onto the stage in vintage Valentino (a nod to her Goop-y mumbo jumbo and seemingly new age beliefs). OK, “Feelin Good” for Chernobyl’s win was all wrong, but it was probably pre-programmed -who wouldn’t feel good winning the top prize- or maybe an attempt to lighten the tone. For the most part, the mix was not unlike the ironic choices The Roots tend to play for guests on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Suggestion for next year to make the jamming even better: scrap the voice-over commentary and get The Roots to curate songs for each nominee and play them live!
Inspiring words: Billy Porter. Billy Porter. Billy Porter…. Loved his repetition of Ryan Murphy’s name for emphasis, his outfit, his confidence and his message. Porter’s speech was everything a good speech should be- honest, thankful, insightful and real. Similarly, Borstein’s funny yet thoughtful words made fun of the surreal moment while still giving it reverence and a message as well. Our friends at RuPaul’s Drag Race encouraging viewers to vote was straight (well, not straight, but right) to the point encouraging action while not overly politicizing the moment. And lastly, Patricia Arquette’s heartfelt acceptance speech, in which she mentioned her brother Alexis Arquette, a departed friend, and more importantly, an important LGBTQ figure in Los Angeles nightlife who may not have achieved the fame of his/her siblings, but deserved it. Sis gave it to him/her Sunday night and it was beautiful.
New shows for the binge list: Fleabag? OK. I’m watching the Best Comedy Series winner now and I bet a lot of you with Amazon Prime are too. First episode felt like it was trying too hard with the whole “arsehole” sex thing (which it curiously won two awards for), but it’s finding its groove now. So, thank you Emmys for turning me on, figuratively speaking. I’ll pass on Chernobyl, which I also haven’t seen; don’t think will leave me feeling, eh, good. Oh, and I never got into Game of Thrones except to read about and watch the sex scenes online. You can read about that in our upcoming Sex Issue out this Thursday.
Complete Winners List
Outstanding Drama Series- Game of Thrones
Outstanding Comedy Series- Fleabag
Outstanding Limited Series - Chernobyl
Lead Actor in a Drama Series- Billy Porter, Pose
Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Jodie Comer, Killing Eve
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Julia Garner, Ozark
Directing For A Drama Series- Ozark, Jason Bateman (“Reparations”)
Writing For A Drama Series- Succession, Jesse Armstrong (“Nobody Is Ever Missing”)
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Bill Hader, Barry
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series - Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Tony Shalhoub, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Directing For A Comedy Series - Fleabag, Harry Bradbeer (“Episode 1”)
Writing For A Comedy Series - Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Episode 1”)
Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie - Jharrel Jerome, When They See Us
Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie - Michelle Williams, Fosse/Verdon
Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie - Ben Whishaw, A Very English Scandal
Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie - Patricia Arquette, The Act
Directing For A Limited Series or Movie - Chernobyl, Johan Renck
Writing For A Limited Series or Movie- Chernobyl, Craig Mazin
Outstanding Competition Series- RuPaul’s Drag Race
Outstanding Variety Sketch Series - Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Variety Talk Series- Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Outstanding Television Movie- Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
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