■ Netflix’s “The Crown” and “The Queen’s Gambit” combined with Apple TV+’S “Ted Lasso” to win top series honors at the Emmy Awards.
Winners reflect rise of streaming services
LOS ANGELES — Netflix’s “The Crown” and “The Queen’s Gambit” combined with Apple TV+’S “Ted Lasso” to win top series honors at the Sunday’s Emmy Awards, a first for streaming services that cemented their rise to prominence in the television industry.
“The Crown” stars Olivia Colman and Josh O’connor won the top drama acting honors Sunday, with Jason Sudeikis, star of the warm-hearted “Ted Lasso,” and Jean Smart of the generation-gap story “Hacks,” winners on the comedy side.
Colman and O’connor were a winning fictional mother-son duo: She plays Queen Elizabeth II, with O’connor as Prince Charles in the British royal family saga that combines gravitas and soap opera.
“I’d have put money on that not happening,” Colman said of the award, calling it “a lovely end to the most extraordinary journey” with the show’s cast and creators. She cut her remarks short, explaining why she was growing tearful.
“I lost my daddy during COVID, and he would have loved all of this.” she said.
O’connor gave a shoutout to Emma Corwin, who played opposite him as Princess Diana and was also a nominee Sunday, as a “force of nature.”
He also offered thanks to his grandparents, including his grandmother who died a few months ago, and his grandfather, Peter O’connor, for the “greatest gifts” of kindness and loyalty.”
Sudeikis, who also produces the series that many viewers found a balm for tough pandemic times, gave a speech that evoked the chipper, upbeat character he plays in the series about a U.K. soccer team and its unlikely American coach.
“This show’s about families and mentors and teammates, and I wouldn’t be here without those things in my life,” said Sudeikis. He also thanked his fellow castmates, saying
“I’m only as good as you guys make me look.”
Smart, who received a standing ovation, began her acceptance speech on a somber note: Her husband actor, Richard Gilliland, died six months ago.
“I would not be here without him” and his willingness to put her career first, said Smart. She also praised their two children as “courageous individuals in their own right.”
Gillian Anderson and Tobias Menzies of British royal drama “The Crown” were honored for their supporting performances. The series also picked up writing and directing honors.
Anderson, who played British political leader Margaret Thatcher, used her acceptance speech to thank her manager of 20 years for her mentorship and believing in her talent before she did.
Menzies, who plays Prince Philip, didn’t attend the ceremony.
Before announcing the winner in his category, presenter Kerry Washington saluted another nominee, Michael K. Williams of “Lovecraft County.” Williams died Sept. 6 at age 54.
“Michael was a brilliantly talented actor and a generous human being who has left us far too soon,” Washington said.
Another lost star was remembered by John Oliver of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”
“No one was funnier in the last 20 years than Norm Macdonald on late-night comedy,” Oliver said in accepting the Emmy for best variety talk show.