Before last night’s Emmys, co-host Michael Che promised, “We’re gonna come out on the wrong side of history for sure. We’re aiming toward it.” So did Che and his SNL Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost, in a broadcast overseen by SNL creator and exec producer Lorne Michaels, shake it up? Yes, in short, with lots of help from SNL performers past and present. After a “we solved it” diversity skit let by SNL’s Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson, Che and Jost dove into politics. Jost recalled that when the Emmys began, “We all agreed Nazis were bad.” Diversity was a theme throughout the night, in ways obvious (“I’m only rooting for the black people,” said presenter Tracy Morgan) and subtle (“I don’t even believe in God, but I’m going to thank Her tonight,” said Thandie Newton). It wasn’t all about politics, though – there was a proposal, a moving Betty White moment, and Will Ferrell taking a loooong walk.
Taking home series trophies were Game of Thrones for drama, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for comedy. The Americans’ Matthew Rhys won for actor in a drama, while Claire Foy took home the actress trophy. In comedy categories, Mrs. Maisel’s Rachel Brosnahan and Barry’s Bill Hader reigned. For a complete list of winners, go here.
