Los Angeles: “The People v OJ Simpson” triumphed at the 68th Primetime Emmys, winning five awards including best limited series, while fantasy drama “Game of Thrones” was honoured as the best drama for the second consecutive year.
“Veep” was named best comedy series and its star, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, won a record-breaking fifth Emmy as best comedy actress. “The People v OJ Simpson”, which is the dramatic retelling of the infamous O J Simpson’s murder trial, was honoured for its writing and captured several acting awards. Courtney B Vance bagged best actor in limited series or movie, Sarah Paulson won best actress and the best supporting actor honour to Sterling K Brown.
“Obama out, Hillary in,” Vance said as he wrapped his victory speech. HBO series “Game of Thrones”, the fantasy saga based on George RR Martin’s novels, made Emmy history, pushing its lifetime total number of awards to 38 one more than “Frasier”, the previous all-time record holder.
Besides best drama, “GOT” won David Benioff and DB Weiss the best writing in a drama series honour and best directing in a drama series for Miguel Sapochnik.
This year, however, the series lost in the drama acting categories, which were far from predictable. Rami Malek of “Mr Robot” and “Orphan Black” actress Tatiana Maslany overcame
heavyweight competition to be named best actor and best actress, respectively.
The Emmys also did not shy from honouring minority talents as Indian-origin actor-writer-director Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang received the best writing for a comedy series honour for “Master of None.”
Actress Priyanka Chopra has become the toast of fashion critics as she made an understated yet stylish debut appearance at the Emmys wearing a Jason Wu one-shouldered all-red gown.
“Transparent” director Jill Soloway was honoured for his direction to the comedy series. Maggie Smith was named best supporting actress in a drama series for the final season of “Downton Abbey.” It was her third win for playing the role of a dowager and like always she didn’t attend the ceremony.
“Saturday Night Live” cast member Kate McKinnon won the trophy for best supporting actress in a comedy for, officially, playing various characters. “Thank you, Ellen DeGeneres, thank you, Hillary Clinton,” she said, naming two of the famous people she’s caricatured on the show. Ben Mendelsohn of “Bloodline” won best supporting drama actor. John Oliver received the best variety talk series award for “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”
Regina King won the award for supporting actress in a limited series for “American Crime”. Louie Anderson was honoured as best supporting actor in a comedy series for his portrayal of a loving but tough mom in “Baskets.” The award for best direction for a limited series, movie or drama went to Susanne Bier for “The Night Manager.” “The Voice” was named best reality-competition program. The best television movie honour was given to “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride.” PTI