DAVIS WINS BIG AT EMMY GALA
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences made history last night.
At the 67th annual Emmy Awards, Viola Davis became the first African-American woman to win for outstanding lead actress in a drama, for her role as a tough and troubled litigator on ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder.”
Davis, accepting her award, quoted abolitionist Harriet Tubman and paid tribute to actresses ranging from Halle Berry to her fellow nominee, Taraji B. Henson, for paving the way.
“The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there,” she said.
History of a different sort was made in the lead actor drama category: Jon Hamm won for his portrayal of a flawed ad guy for AMC’s “Mad Men,” his first win in eight nominations.
“There’s been a mistake, clearly,” he said. “... It’s incredible and impossible for me, personally, to be standing up here.”
And when HBO’s “Veep” won for outstanding comedy, it signaled the end of our long national nightmare, snapping the five-year streak of ABC’s “Modern Family.”
In his first public appearance since being injured in a car accident more than a year ago, comedian and “30 Rock” star Tracy Morgan presented the award for outstanding drama to HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”
“I miss you guys so much,” Morgan said movingly, talking about his recovery from a traumatic brain injury. Showing some of his customary spirit, he warned, “Whole lot of women going to get pregnant at the after-party.”
The Emmys validated Amazon’s streaming service as a creative force and an industry player.
Jeffrey Tambor won lead actor, comedy, for his role as a man becoming a woman in “Transparent.”
Jill Soloway, winning for outstanding director for “Transparent,” alluded to her own transgender parent and asked for passage of a transgender equality bill.
Frances McDormand gave the night’s most gracious acceptance speech.
Accepting for lead actress, limited series or movie, for HBO’s “Olive Kitteridge,” she said, “We’re all here for the power of a story well told. Sometimes that’s enough. Thank you.”
Host and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star Andy Samberg should be grateful he still has a day job to go back to. Among his many duds of the evening: a joke that tied hoagie lovers Bill Cosby, Jared Fogle and comic strip character Dagwood.
If there’s any justice, next year, he’ll be back working the show — as a seat filler.