Sun Sep 15 10:00:01 UTC 2024: ## Emmy Awards History: From Shocking Kisses to Controversial Moments
The 76th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will air on September 15th, marking a significant event in the world of television. Ahead of the ceremony, Newsweek has highlighted some of the most memorable and controversial moments from the awards show’s history.
This year, the drama series “Shōgun” leads the nominations with 25 nods, followed closely by “The Bear” with 23. While the ceremony promises exciting results, it’s worth revisiting past moments that captivated audiences and sparked debate.
One such moment occurred in 2014 when actors Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston, known for their roles in “Seinfeld” and “Breaking Bad,” decided to take their on-screen chemistry to the stage. After reminiscing about their time as a couple on the iconic sitcom, Cranston planted a passionate kiss on Louis-Dreyfus while she was accepting her award for “Veep.” The unexpected kiss became a viral sensation, sparking amusement and intrigue.
While many assumed the moment was spontaneous, the actors later revealed it was a carefully planned joke, executed with the blessing of their spouses. This anecdote highlights the playful, unexpected moments that the Emmy Awards often provide.
Another shocking on-stage moment happened in 2003, when Brad Garrett, known for “Everybody Loves Raymond,” planted a big kiss on the late comedian Garry Shandling. Later that evening, the late “Friends” actor Matthew Perry also kissed Doris Roberts upon her acceptance for Best Supporting Actress.
The Emmy Awards have also been a platform for unexpected proposals. In 2018, director Glenn Weiss took the stage after winning for Outstanding Direction for a Variety Special and proposed to his then-girlfriend, Jan Svendsen, using the ring his father used to propose to his mother.
The awards show hasn’t been without its share of controversy. In 2014, Sofia Vergara’s performance as a rotating Emmy statue during Bruce Rosenblum’s speech was met with criticism, with some calling it sexist and outdated. Vergara, however, defended the bit, claiming it was meant to be humorous and empowering.
Jimmy Kimmel has also been at the center of several contentious moments. In 2022, his joke while Quinta Brunson was accepting her award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary” drew widespread criticism. While Kimmel apologized, the incident highlighted the delicate balance between humor and respect in the context of such a significant event.
Kimmel also drew fire in 2016 when he blamed Mark Burnett for Donald Trump’s rise to power, drawing connections to the former president’s time on “The Apprentice.”
These are just a few examples of the many memorable moments that have shaped the history of the Emmy Awards. As the 76th ceremony approaches, it remains to be seen what new and unexpected events will unfold.
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