HBO and its streaming platform HBO Max remain central to the talk around television dominance at the Emmys. The saga of the Roy family continued with the 74th Emmy Awards, where the show already earned best dramatic series in 2020. White Lotus, Mike White’s pandemic-era creation, won best miniseries again, though the category stirred debate since a second season is already planned.
These wins extended to script for Succession and screenplay and directing for The White Lotus. Ted Lasso also claimed best comedy series for a second straight year, cementing the idea that top contenders hold strong leverage at the Emmys. It was a night of comeback and celebration as the Emmys returned to the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
All winners of the 2022 Emmy Awards
Borders and Netflix
Despite the glare of big names, the Emmys still showcased unexpected victories. The award landscape continues to evolve, with Squid Game highlighting talent beyond the American market and audience, much like Parasite did at the Oscars.
Lee Jung-jae became the first Asian actor to win the Emmy for lead actor in a drama and the first to win for work in English. When director Hwang Dong-hyuk accepted the award, he said, We made history together and I hope this won’t be the last TV series to be nominated.
Onstage, host Kenan Thompson played a light role amid the energy at Netflix. Netflix faced subscriber declines and cost cuts, yet this set of wins for the South Korean show may have sparked optimism for the platform and its leadership, notably Ted Sarandos, during a night of mixed results.
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Acquaintances, newcomers and diversity
The Emmys also reflected a mix of familiar faces and rising talents. Jason Sudeikis and Jean Smart repeated as comedic leads in their respective shows Ted Lasso and Hacks. Zendaya earned a second lead actor win for Euphoria, making her the youngest artist to achieve two Emmys in this category. Julia Garner added a third supporting drama actress win for Ozark.
Jennifer Coolidge will return for the second season of White Lotus and earned the comedy supporting actress prize. The night also featured a notable moment when the audience heard a lively speech, the kind that sticks in memory for its energy.
Sheryl Lee Ralph took home the supporting comedy actress award for Abbott Elementary, with Quinta Brunson also recognized in the comedy category. Ralph delivered a breakthrough moment at the microphone, a speech that resonated across the room. The night was marked by messages of self belief and resilience from winners who shared their journeys.
The celebration also carried a message of progress through the institute founded by Geena Davis, who champions gender diversity and inclusion. Lizzo, performing on the night, spoke about representation and the importance of seeing people who look like her in media. Zendaya added to the night by becoming the first nonwhite lead actress to win twice.
The Academy also honored Jerrod Carmichael for Rothaniel, an HBO special in which he discusses his sexuality publicly for the first time.
Moments from the Emmy premiere
Other awards and a tip for the Oscars
Acting categories recognized standout performances. Michael Keaton for Dopesick and Amanda Seyfried for The Dropout led the charge in their respective limited series. Several supporting actors also earned recognition, including Murray Bartlett for The White Lotus, Matthew Macfadyen for Succession and Brett Goldstein for Ted Lasso.
Where to watch Emmy winning shows and movies
The broadcast reaffirmed talent across formats with SNL and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver continuing to engage audiences. The dynamic duo Steve Martin and Martin Short joined Selena Gomez in presenting, while fans of Only Murders in the Building saw the show maintain momentum. The conversation hinted at who might bring energy and humor to the Oscars next year.