Inside the Emmys: 8 Things You Didn’t See on TV

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen more Emmys than I care to count, let me tell you that last night’s event was a rollercoaster of emotions – much like trying to level up in a particularly challenging game. The twists and turns were as unexpected as finding a rare item in a treasure chest, and the drama off-screen was just as captivating.

During Sunday evening’s Emmys broadcast, many surprising moments unfolded, such as the shocking victory of Hacks over The Bear in the best comedy category. However, the events behind the scenes were even more enlightening. We were present to document the mix-ups, pecking kisses on the ring finger, and standing ovations that lacked grace – not to mention the rush of people heading for the lobby bar.

The Schadenfreude Is Real

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that Eugene and Dan Levy did a great job hosting and with their monologue. However, the crowd seemed to be yearning for some biting wit, which was evident when Eugene cracked a joke about avoiding comedy jokes – a remark that garnered a bigger laugh than any other that night. It turned out to be more accurate than we could have imagined, as the TV Academy ended up choosing comedy series “Hacks” over the reigning restaurant drama during the final award of the night. The decision left some people angry, others ecstatic, and it was all anyone could talk about at every after-party.

Um, Where Was Everybody?

Did you observe any unoccupied chairs at the TV broadcast? Contrary to belief, it wasn’t due to a lack of attendees. Instead, the orchestra section was fully occupied, but an increasing number of guests found themselves drawn towards the lobby bar. Unfortunately, in the bar, they had to part with nearly $20 for lukewarm canned beers and speculate about the ongoing performance since there were no TVs displaying the simulcast. One attendee who vacated their prime front-row seat detailed being reprimanded for leaving mid-show. It seems that the producers were struggling to find enough stand-ins as more guests began to leave.

A High-Profile Power Date

Experiencing who truly socializes before and following the recording of these events is nearly all the enjoyment from attending them. Therefore, for those in the industry who read between the lines, it’s significant that Disney CEO Bob Iger walked the red carpet with potential successor Dana Walden and her partner/film counterpart Alan Bergman. (Jimmy Kimmel, who turned down both the Emmy and Oscar hosting duties this year, arrived in the same group.) Iger and Walden were also seen together at the Disney afterparty, mingling with talents like Jeremy Allen White, the winner, and Lily Gladstone, a nominee. Both seemed keen to pay their respects to the influential figures within the company.

Nostalgia, Like Any Drug, Can Be Abused

If the first 2024 Emmys were a hit due to cast reunions and legendary performances, the second time around seemed overly reliant on nostalgia. The audience was treated to an endless loop of TV theme songs during commercial breaks, while on stage, the assemblage of The West Wing and Happy Days cast members failed to excite the crowd. However, the Saturday Night Live quartet bucked the trend, earning applause for their sharp satire of producer Lorne Michaels. Yet, what left viewers puzzled were the so-called reunions featuring character archetypes like “TV dads,” “TV lawyers,” and “TV cops.” As one nominee put it after the ceremony, “They didn’t even book the actors most associated with those roles. And, oh yes, let’s honor something we all can agree on: our admiration for police officers.

Nobody Ever Said Drag Was Easy

Concerning sticking to one’s role… If you happened to ponder who was donning the vibrant neon yellow, full-head bodysuit, it was none other than Nymphia Wind, the victor of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16. (Her attire was a banana costume, which became clearer once she shed the peels.) Now, if you were curious about her ability to breathe comfortably beneath that mask, let me clarify – not easily. Nymphia was frequently spotted removing the face mask to catch her breath, eventually joining the other queens at the lobby bar. This year, the Drag Race group seemed a bit more subdued than usual, perhaps due to the end of their winning streak.

Ramy Youssef, Friend to Everyone

Before my category was announced in the lobby, I was briefly stepped out, but luckily made it back just in time. Although I didn’t win for my episode of The Bear, there I was, seated right behind Chris Storer, the winner, to offer a congratulatory hug as his name was called. Shortly after, SNL’s Bowen Yang gave me a warm embrace, and I must admit, I was more than happy to return the gesture with some enthusiastic handshakes, perhaps more than any other talent in the room.

Consider His Enthusiasm Curbed

In reality, Larry David wasn’t spotted anywhere other than TV. The star of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” was the unique comedy actor nominee who didn’t show up when his category was announced and was eventually won by Jeremy Allen White. However, what makes this empty seat peculiar is that the notorious awards-show avoider, who happens to be the creator of the series, was indeed active in the entertainment circuit over the weekend. He and his wife attended the WME pre-Emmy party just two days prior, suggesting that perhaps he found socializing satisfactory enough for him.

Standing O Syndrome

Jean Smart, a well-respected comedic actress, kicked off the evening with a resounding standing ovation, a testament to her long and illustrious career as well as her recent personal challenges such as a heart procedure that postponed her third Emmy win for Hacks. However, the audience was initially reluctant to rise from their seats, only doing so sparingly until the final hour. The exception being when names like Jodie Foster were announced, and later in the evening for winners Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai from Shogun. By the time Hacks was declared the best comedy series, it was difficult to determine whether people were standing out of respect for the show, due to circulation needs, or simply eager to leave the Peacock Theater.

2024-09-16 20:26