Emmys 2020 Reactions

If you’ve been in a Zoom All Hands – multiply that by a bunch of very rich and good looking people who are probably even less tech savvy, that was the 2020 Emmys experience. 

From Jimmy Kimmel’s bizarre intro intercut to b-roll footage of previous year’s audiences, to the awkward intermittent presenters, to the horrifically integrated product placement. Other award shows have waded into the waters of these virtual presentations. However the 2020 Emmys felt like one of the more ambitious attempts to get a lot of internationally distributed people to attempt to sign on at once.

The results felt stilted at best. The savior of the evening was likely the Schitt’s Creek party that they kept cutting to (because thankfully Schitt’s Creek kept winning!) The absence of in person reactions was truly felt – particularly with the attempts at comedic bits at the theater. While I personally don’t find Jimmy Kimmel that funny, he did get a few snipes in that could have landed a laugh, but fell incredibly short.

The Television Academy can be commended for their efforts (and technical execution, there felt like there weren’t that many issues) but let’s hope people get their acts together and this type of show doesn’t have to become the norm. 

Winners

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

Winner – Catherine O’Hara (“Schitt’s Creek”) – Huzzah, a well deserved victory! I just get so much joy for seeing how much true affection the cast and crew have for each other. 

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

Winner – Eugene Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”) – Again I consider Dan Levy to be the lead of this show. Still, how wonderful that it’s being honored properly. I also love that the Emmys sent someone to the Schitt’s Creek party because they knew there’d be winners. 

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

Winner – Daniel Levy – “Schitt’s Creek” – Happy Ending – I just, I love him and the Schitt’s Creek team SO much. 

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series

Winner – Andrew Cividino, Daniel Levy – Schitt’s Creek – Happy Ending – Again couldn’t be happier

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

Winner – Dan Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”) – I mean honestly at this point in the show if they’d skipped this it would have been the biggest misstep. I love him SO SO SO much.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Winner – Annie Murphy (“Schitt’s Creek”) – This felt like the acting category with the stiffest competition for Schitt’s Creek in the form of Yvonne Orji. If there was ever a show and last season deserving of a sweep I’d say Schitt’s Creek would be it in their last season. 

Outstanding Comedy Series

Winner – “Schitt’s Creek” – I mean at this point it would have been absurd to lose. Again, what I wouldn’t give to be at their Emmy party. 

Variety Talk Series

Winner – “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” – Their reporting this wason has een truly spectacular so this is well deserved.

 

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie

Winner – Regina King (“Watchmen”) – I thought this was Kerry’s to lose but I’m really happy for Regina here. Watchmen was one of the most fascinating shows this past year for me. 

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie

Winner – Mark Ruffalo (“I Know This Much Is True”) – I guess when you have 2x the screen time you have 2x the chance at winning?

Outstanding Writing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special

Winner – Damon Lindelof, Cord Jefferson – “Watchmen” – This Extraordinary Being – I do have a super soft spot or Normal People but not upset about this win. 

Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special

Winner – Maria Schrader – “Unorthodox”

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie

Winner – Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“Watchmen”) – Very pleased with this win, his performance was subtle and the story of Watchmen is worthy of awards. 

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie

Winner – Uzo Aduba (“Mrs. America”) – She is such a strong performer so you can’t really argue with this. Impressive that she beat the odds on a vote split category. 

Outstanding Limited Series

Winner – “Watchmen” – I’m a little surprised by this win but not upset, however I thought Little Fires Everywhere had potentially stronger marketing. 

Outstanding Competition Program

Winner – “RuPaul’s Drag Race” – It’s refreshing to see a show that has such diversity win, even if this wasn’t the strongest season. 

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Winner – Jeremy Strong (“Succession”) – I think he was as shocked as the rest of us, also I’m not 100% sure why he wore an entirely poopy looking grayscale outfit? 

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Winner – Zendaya (“Euphoria”) – WOW given the reaction in the room it sounds like everyone is as surprised as most people are. GOOD FOR YOU ZENDAYA!

Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series

Winner – Jesse Armstrong – “Succession” – This Is Not For Tears

Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series

Winner – Andrij Parekh –  “Succession” – Hunting – What a douchey acceptance speech start, but I guess an acceptable finish? 

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Winner – Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”) – Not going to lie, a bit surprised by this, but I guess maybe Apple TV+ money finally bought a win?

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Winner – Julia Garner (“Ozark”) – Damn, congrats on beating Meryl Streep. I’m going to have to watch this damn show aren’t I?

Outstanding Drama Series

Winner – “Succession” – Welp, given the near sweeps in the other drama categories I suppose this shouldn’t be a surprise. 

What did you think of the 2020 Emmys?