‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Succession’ Win Big at 2020 Emmys

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Posted on September 21, 2020 by Pulse of Radio

Schitt’s Creek and Succession won Outstanding Comedy and Drama, along with several other hefty trophies, at the 72nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday (September 20th.) Jimmy Kimmel took on the hosting duties, his third stint doing so, and surely the most memorable one as the entire show—and awards shows more broadly—get a makeover for the post-COVID-19 era. Red carpets, hectic musical numbers are out, virtual pandemic-friendly entertainment and special guests dialing in from home are in.

While Kimmel beamed in from LA’s Staples Center solo(ish), nominees and guests were broadcast from their homes on ABC. There were several exceptions, including a memorable socially-distant, Lysol-soaked appearance from Jennifer Aniston involving a small fire.

The party got started with Kimmel welcoming us all to the “pan-d’emmys” during a year of “disaster,” “death” and "zoom-school." As Kimmel pointed out, “The world may be terrible, but television has never been better.” He also explained the strange dynamic of how they created the show, with cameras in the homes of all of the nominees, drinking and partying from home.

Going in, HBO’s Watchmen led with 26 nominations, while Netflix set a new network record with 160.

Ultimately, Schitt’s Creek won seven major awards, including three for Daniel Levy alone (outstanding actor, writer and supporting actor). Schitt’s Creek’s sweep set a new record for most wins in a single season for a comedy. Watchmen also made history as the first comic-book adaptation to snag a top Emmy for best limited series, the series also won best supporting actor, lead actress and writing. Jeremy Strong snagged best lead in a drama for Succession, while Zendaya won best actress. Succession also won outstanding drama and directing.

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Before the show even got started, news broke that Giulana Rancic and Vivica A. Fox had to cancel their fashion pre-show on E! because they both tested positive for COVID.

Emmy interns in hazmat suits delivered statuettes because #2020.

Tracee Ellis Ross presented in person, primarily to encourage people to wear a mask and vote, but finally agreeing to present the actual award in exchange for a gift bag including a census form and bejeweled face mask.

The first seven Emmys went to Schitt’s Creek, setting the stage for a big sweep.

Over on Twitter, actors kept viewers entertained. Ramy Youssef clued us in to what happens when you don’t win, showing a video of an intern in a hazmat suit waving goodbye.

DJ D-Nice, who rose to prominence in the 1980s but has achieved a new level of fame in his “Club Quarantine” on Instagram Live kept the show flowing between takes.

Daniel Levy apologized for getting “political” and encouraged people to vote, love each other and celebrate inclusivity while accepting the award for Outstanding Comedy for Schitt’s Creek.

David Letterman presented the award for Outstanding Variety Talk Series from a backcountry road in a 1986 Emmys tux, with a roster of timely 80’s-era quips.

Regina King encouraged everyone to vote and “be a good human,” as she accepted the Outstanding Lead Actress award in Watchmen. “Rest in power RBG,” she said, acknowledging the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

While accepting the award with I Know This Much Is True, Mark Ruffalo pushed for the “less fortunate and most vulnerable, because that’s what’s great about America.” Like so many others, he encouraged people to “get out there and vote.”

Astronauts checked in from the International Space Station.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II dedicated his Emmy win to all of the Black women in his wife, whom he calls his “early investors” after winning for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series in Watchmen.

Cynthia Erivo toasted the power of television, and the power of unlocking new worlds to the entire world.

H.E.R. performed a searing “Nothing Compares 2 U,” for in memorium.

The Friends reunion at Jennifer Aniston’s crib (holla Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Matthew Perry).

Tyler Perry accepted this year’s Governors Award, and spoke about how he rediscovered the value of his heritage, and built a career on not only celebrating his own heritage, but help others celebrate theirs and more broadly, the “diversity” and “quilt of America.”

Zendaya seemed genuinely shocked and over the moon thrilled after winning outstanding actress in Euphoria. She also gave a shout to the “young people in the street” doing all the hard work.

WINNER’S LIST:

Outstanding Actress, Comedy: Catherine O’Hara, Schitt’s Creek

Outstanding Actress, Comedy: Eugene Levy, Schitt’s Creek

Outstanding Writing, Comedy: Daniel Levy, Schitt’s Creek

Outstanding Director, Comey: Andrew Cividino and Daniel Levy, Schitt’s Creek

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Comedy: Daniel Levy, Schitt’s Creek

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy: Annie Murphy, Schitt’s Creek

Outstanding Comedy: Schitt’s Creek

Outstanding Variety Talk Series: Last Week Tonight, With John Oliver

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Regina King, Watchmen

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Mark Ruffalo, I Know This Much Is True

Outstanding Writing in a Limited Series or Movie: Damon Lindelof, Cord Jefferson, Watchmen

Outstanding Directing in a Limited Series or Movie: Maria Schrader, Unorthodox

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Limited Series or Movie: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Watchmen

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Limited Series or Movie: Uzo Aduba, Mrs. America

Outstanding Limited Series: Watchmen

Outstanding Competition Series: RuPaul’s Drag Race

Outstanding Lead Actor, Drama: Jeremy Strong, Succession

Outstanding Lead Actress, Drama: Zendaya, Euphoria

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Drama: Billy Crudup, The Morning Show

Outstanding Writing, Drama: Jesse Armstrong, Succession

Outstanding Directing, Drama: Andrij Parekh, Succession

Supporting Actress, Drama: Julia Garner, Ozark

Outstanding Drama: Succession

BROADCAST AUDIO

In clip one, Andrew Cividino and Dan Levy win Outstanding Director Comedy.

["Andrew and I met in film school. I dropped out, he stayed in. I don't know what that message is, but this is a few circle moment, go, go, go.I just touched my face, so this is terrible. Thank you to pop, cbc, and to our unflappable DOP, and I want to say a special thank you to Catherine O'Hara and Eugene levy, their grace, their genius, and their generosity is, it bubbles through the entire set."] SOUNDCUE (:41 OC: . . .through the entire set.)

In clip two, Annie Murphy accepts the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress Comedy.

["The six years I've spent working on this show have been the best six years of my entire life. And I'm so, so proud of the cast and the crew and the writers and I can't believe that Eugene and Catherine are my friends. And I'm so proud to be a part of a show that stands for love and kindness and inclusivity and acceptance. We need those four things more than ever right now."] SOUNDCUE (:34 OC: . . .than ever right now.)

In clip three, Billy Crudup accepting the award for Best Actor Drama.

["This is a pretty incredible experience. Thanks a lot to the academy and obviously the fellow actors in the category. It's some of the best actors that I'm familiar with and have been for a long time. I knew the second I got this part, it would be something I was fortunate about. I've tried to thank everyone involved in this project, and everyone in my life, if I haven't, please call me and yell at me. I'm incredibly grateful."] SOUNDCUE (:43 OC: . . .I'm incredibly grateful.)

In clip four, Catherine OHara accepts the award for Outstanding Actress Comedy.

["How cool is it that Eugene has a microphone in his bedroom? Thank you for nominating me, and for topping off this fun evening with a trophy treat. I'll forever be grateful to Eugene and Daniel levy for giving me the opportunity to play a woman of a certain age, my age, who gets to be fully her ridiculous self. They gathered the most fun-loving people in Toronto, and led us to be the best we can be for each other."] SOUNDCUE (:39 OC: . . .be for each other.)

In clip five, Cynthia Erivo speaks on the power of television.

["When we don't see ourselves on television, we start to feel invisible. When we do see ourselves, it reminds us that we are invincible. Our stories may seem unique to some, but they resonate with many. Our stories are your stories. Television acts as a mirror to our society. To our world. We deserve to see our own reflection. Lena Waithe is an unstoppable creative force who is committed to making sure that we all see ourselves reflected even when the world is determined to make us disappear."] SOUNDCUE (:33 OC: . . .make us disappear.)

In clip six, Daniel Levy accepts the award for Outstanding Comedy.

["Oh, boy. Our show at its core is about the transformational effects of love and acceptance. We need it now more than ever before. If you have not registered to vote, please do so, and then go out and vote. That's the only way we need love and acceptance out there. Dad, do the rest of the fun stuff, sorry for making this political but I had to."] SOUNDCUE (:26 OC: . . .political but I had to.)

In clip seven, Eugene Levy accepts the award for Outstanding Actor Comedy.

["I guess it's kind of ironic that the straightest role I ever played lands me an Emmy for a comedy performance. So now I seriously have to question just what I've been doing for the past 50 years. But that's for another time. I want to thank my darling wife of 43 years, deb. For all the love, support, and sage counsel through the years. I love you. I want to thank our amazing production team, terrific writers, and exceptionally talented cast who I loved working with for six years, including my dear friend of many years, Catherine O'Hara. Who can evidently make anyone look good. And as a dad, working with both my kids, Daniel and Sarah. Hi, honey. Such a joy, love you both. Could not be prouder."] SOUNDCUE (1:04 OC: . . .Could not be prouder.)

In clip eight, Jimmy Kimmel explains the strange virtual format with a surprise.

["This is a major undertaking. We have 100 different feeds going all at once. What could possibly go right? We don't have an orchestra this year, but d-nice is spinning the hits all night long. Let's give out some Emmy awards. Let's do it. You know, not everyone stayed at home tonight. Here to kick things off in the flesh, she is my friend and yours. Please welcome Emmy winner Jennifer Aniston."] SOUNDCUE (:30 OC: . . .winner Jennifer Aniston.)

In clip nine, Jimmy Kimmel kicks the show off.

["Well, hello, and welcome to the pandemmys. It's great to finally see people again. Thank you for risking everything to be here. Thank me for risking everything to be here. You know what they say, you can't have a virus without a host. The big question I think we should answer is why would you have an awards show in the middle of a pandemic? Seriously, I'm asking. Why are we having an awards show in the middle of a pandemic?"] SOUNDCUE (:34 OC: . . .middle of a pandemic?)

In clip ten, Jimmy Kimmel toasts to the magic of television.

["We've been quarantined and locked down, confined to our homes like prisoners. What did we find in that dark and lonely tunnel? We found a friend who is there for us 24 hours a day. Our old pal, television. That's right. Television is your friend, it's your big brother, your sister, your mama's family, your two dads, three sons, crazy ex-girlfriend, even your dog, the bounty hunter. Television is there for you, every day of your 600-pound life. Television has been there for you."] SOUNDCUE (:46 OC: . . .been there for you.)

In clip eleven, John Oliver accepting the award for Outstanding Variety Talk Series.

["Jesus Christ. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you so much to the academy for sending what is technically a small bomb to my house. The way this year has gone, I wouldn't have been surprised if it blew this room up and caused a small wildfire here in New York."] SOUNDCUE (:22 OC: . . .wildfire here in New York.)

In clip twelve, Mark Mylod accepts the award for best drama.

["I think I'd like to do a couple of un-thank yous. Un-thank you to the virus for keeping us apart. Un-thank you to president trump for his crummy and uncoordinated response. Un-thank you to Boris Johnson for the same thing in our country. Un-thank you to the nationalists and quasi-nationalists. And Un thank you to the media moguls who do so much to keep them in power. So, un-thank you."] SOUNDCUE (:32 OC: . . .So, un-thank you.)

In clip thirteen, Mark Ruffalo accepts the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series.

["We have a big, important moment ahead of us. Are we going to be a country of division and hatred, a country only for certain kind of people, or are we going to be one of love, strength, and fighting for all of us, who have the American dream and the pursuit of life, liberty, love, and happiness, in this great country of ours. That's what we're facing right now. So get out and vote, make a plan, and vote for love and compassion and kindness."] SOUNDCUE (:31 OC: . . .compassion and kindness.)

In clip fourteen, Oprah Winfrey toasts to Tyler Perrys journey.

["Tyler Perry has done what noone before him has acooomplished. Make it in Hollywood as an outsider. Knowing the traditional Hollywood way wasn't for him, he carved his own path. He wrote a play. Invested his own money in it. And it flopped, hard. I thought 1,200 people would show up, and only 30 did. It lasted a weekend. Then he lived in a car, which sucks, because Tyler is 6'5", and his car was a geo metro. And a motivated Tyler Perry would soon find success on his own terms."] SOUNDCUE (:40 OC: . . .on his own terms.)

In clip fifteen, Regina King accepts the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series.

["This is so freaking weird. Oh. My sisters, it's an honor to be in this category with you. I truly love being a thespian. Thank you, television academy, for choosing me to represent the thespian community. Damon, I love you, brother. Man, thank you for your brilliant mind. Thank you for choosing all of us to join this journey as you stepped outside of your comfort zone. And led us on a journey where we could bring art to truth to power."] SOUNDCUE (:52 OC: . . .art to truth to power.)

In clip sixteen, Tyler Perry accepts the annual Governors Award.

["When I was about 19, I left home and my grandmother gave me a quilt that she had made. And this quilt was something that I didn't really care for. It had all these different colors and patches in it. I was embarrassed by it. I put no value in it at all. When the dog got wet, I dried him off with it. When I changed the car oil, I laid it on the ground. I had no respect for this quilt. Many years later, I was walking past a fancy antique store, and there in the window was a quilt. It was just like the one she had given me. And an attendant said, this was made by an African-American woman who was a former slave. Each patch represented a part of her life. One was from the dress she was wearing when she found out she was free, another was from her wedding dress. And as I was hearing this story, I became so embarrassed. Here I was, a person who prides myself on celebrating our heritage and culture, and I didn't even recognize the value in my grandmother's quilt. I dismissed her work and her story because it didn't look like what I thought it should. Now, whether we know it or not, we are all sewing our own quilts with our thoughts and behaviors, our experiences and our memories."] SOUNDCUE (1:27 OC: . . .experiences and our memories.)

In clip seventeen, Uzo Aduba accepting the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series.

["Wow. Okay. Wow. Mom, I won. Oh, my gosh. I just want to say, thank you, wow, thank you very, very much to the academy. I want to say a huge thank you to the women that I worked with on Mrs. America, across the board. Along with the women here in this category. Margo, Tracey, all of you. I love you, you're exceptional."] SOUNDCUE (:29 OC: . . .love you, you're exceptional.)

In clip eighteen, Yahya Abdul Mateen II accepts the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series.

["I want to give a big shout-out to all the west Oakland, all the New Orleans people, I love y'all so much. Thank you so much to HBO, to Damon, for your words and creativity. Thank you to Nicky for taking care of me. Regina, for being the best. Watchmen was a story about trauma, and the lasting scars of white domestic terrorism, police corruption and brutality. But it was also a story of a god who came down to Earth to reciprocate to a black woman. And he did all of that in the body of a black man, and I'm so proud to have played him. I dedicate this to all the people in my life, my early investors. I love you, I appreciate you, and this is for you. Thank you."] SOUNDCUE (1:08 OC: . . .for you. Thank you.)

In clip nineteen, Zendaya accepts the award for Best Actress Drama.

["Oh, gosh. I just want to say thank you to the TV academy, and all the other women, this is crazy. Thank you, HBO and a24 for your support. Thank you to my family and my team. To the incredible cast and crew of Euphoria. I'm so lucky and I'm inspired by everything you do. And Sam, I appreciate you so much. I'm so grateful you trusted me with your story, ru. And I feel like this is a weird time to be celebrating, but there is hope in the young people out there. I know our TV show doesn't always feel like a great example of that, but there is hope in the young people. And to my peers out there doing the work in the streets, I see you, I admire you, and I thank you. And thank you so, so much. This is… whoa, okay. Thank you."] SOUNDCUE (1:10 OC: . . .okay. Thank you.)

BACKSTAGE AUDIO

In clip one, Damon Lindelhof on the chance of getting another season of Watchmen after his win.

["It would feel like a huge betrayal of winning limited series to come back and say it was only limited series dot dot dot. Watchmen is something I’ve loved since I was 13 years old and someone else created it, and this was my run on it, and I’ve invited every artist who wants to take the batton, I’ll teach them everything I know but I’m so much more excited about seeing what someone else does with it."] SOUNDCUE (:40 OC: . . .someone else does with it.)

In clip two, John Oliver on why this Emmy is the best yet.

["This feels very nice. A decapitated hand gave me an Emmy out of a box and that’s how I always dreamt it. The other four were just too pedestrian in terms of the way that I got them so this is really, really special."] SOUNDCUE (:16 OC: . . .really, really special.)

In clip three, Regina King on deciding to wear a Breonna Taylor t-shirt.

["Well we still, the cops still haven’t been held accountable. She represents decades, hundreds of years of violence against black bodies, Breonna Taylor does. And the show I felt like this was a perfect Breonna’s likeness is representing her and her family and the stories that we were exploring and presenting."] SOUNDCUE (:57 OC: . . .exploring and presenting.)

2020 EMMY AWARDS Andrew Cividino and Dan Levy win Outstanding Director Comedy :