The Crown and Ted Lasso Dominate at Emmys
A recap on the 73rd Emmy Award Show. Photo by Utah Reps on Flickr.
It was another tremendous night for streaming services at the 73rd Emmys on Sept. 19 as The Crown, The Queen’s Gambit (both on Netflix) and Ted Lasso took home best drama, limited series and comedy respectively.
“Most of the wins in the big categories were as expected,” said Jonathan Arkay ‘23. “If you follow the typical awards circuit, there were no big shocks or surprises. Most people expected shows like The Crown and Ted Lasso to do well.”
After a muted 2020 presentation in the middle of the pandemic, the 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards marked a return to the full-fledged, celebrity-filled spectacle that has long defined the show.
The Emmys had a mix of funny, emotional and awkward moments from the moment the clock struck 8 p.m. on the east coast. Host Cedric the Entertainer opened with a tribute to Biz Markie, performing “Just a Friend” with the help of Lil Dicky and LL Cool J.
Despite the lighthearted opening, the night was not without its controversy. Only two of the 49 people of color nominated for an Emmy won. Neither of them were actors. The late Michael K. Williams, nominated for his work in Lovecraft Country, surprisingly lost out to Tobias Menzies from The Crown for the best supporting actor in a drama series.
It did not take long for things to get uncomfortable. Seth Rogen, presenting the first award of the night, took a swipe at the lack of COVID protocols at the awards.
“There are way too many of us in this little room,” Rogen said to laughter from the crowd. “They said this was outdoors; they lied to us. We’re in a hermetically sealed tent right now. Why is there a roof?”
The Crown, a show about the British Royal Family, dominated the proceedings, winning in all seven categories in which it was nominated. Olivia Colman (Queen Elizabeth) won for best lead actress in a drama, and Josh O’Connor (Prince Charles) won for best actor in the same category.
Ted Lasso finished second in the trophy count with four Emmy wins. Jason Sudeikis won best lead actor in a comedy series for his portrayal of the titular character, a kind-hearted football coach who ends up in London managing a Premier League soccer team.
“It’s a comedy that isn’t afraid to be what it wants to be,” Arkay, an Education major and Theater minor, said of the show. “A lot of shows try to be a certain type of show, but Ted Lasso just goes for it. The writing is like a perfect essay; it doesn’t need revisions.”
The only real drama came in the limited series category. Mare of Easttown (HBO Max) won three Emmys, including the best actress nod for Kate Winslett over Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit). Taylor-Joy got the last laugh as her show took home the hardware for the best in the category.
“All of those limited series were really good this year,” Arkay said. “With the pandemic, limited series were easier to make, and they are easier for people to watch. Basically, it’s a whole show done in one season, a really short TV show or really long movie depending on how you look at it. You can get an ending a week after you start watching compared to having to wait years for a regular series.”
Keen observers like Arkay are already looking ahead to next year.
“I think next year’s Emmys are going to be interesting,” he said. “I think Ted Lasso can start a streak for however many seasons it goes, and I’m interested to see if someone can challenge The Crown.”