The final season of “Succession” emerged victorious at the 75th Emmy Awards, held on Monday in a star-studded ceremony celebrating television’s past and present.
The delayed gala, pushed back four months due to Hollywood strikes, saw HBO’s ruthless family drama win six awards, including the coveted Best Drama Series.
The night was a tribute to television’s golden era, with elaborate sets recreating iconic shows like “Cheers” and “The Sopranos.” Kelsey Grammer and Ted Danson rekindled the barroom charm, while Lorraine Bracco and Michael Imperioli brought back the mob drama intensity from “The Sopranos.”
“Succession” reigned supreme, with Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, and Matthew Macfadyen each taking home acting awards. Creator Jesse Armstrong used the platform to address the show’s themes, jokingly claiming it “fixed” the problem of partisan media intertwined with right-wing politics (a reference to the show’s timeline coinciding with the 2016 election).
“The Bear,” a dark comedy set in a Chicago restaurant, dominated the comedy category, winning six awards, including Best Comedy Series and acting accolades for Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Meanwhile, Netflix’s “Beef” ruled the limited series category with five wins, including Best Limited Series and acting awards for Ali Wong and Steven Yeun.
While the celebration of television history was heartwarming, the ceremony faced some logistical challenges. Shows honoured were those that aired months earlier, leading to confusion as their even more acclaimed newer seasons are now eligible for the next Emmys. Additionally, the January broadcast competed with the NFL playoffs and the Iowa caucuses, potentially impacting viewership.
Despite the challenges, the night had its share of heartwarming moments. Quinta Brunson won for Best Actress in a Comedy for “Abbott Elementary,” while Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers gave a moving tribute to the late Norman Lear. The “In Memoriam” segment honoured beloved stars like Angela Lansbury, Richard Roundtree, Harry Belafonte, and “Friends” star Matthew Perry.
The 75th Emmy Awards marked a nostalgic return to television’s golden age, but also hinted at the future with shows like “The Bear” and “Abbott Elementary” pushing boundaries and showcasing the diversity and talent of the industry. As the world of television continues to evolve, the Emmys remain a testament to its enduring power to entertain, inspire, and reflect the times.
