The 2024 Emmy Awards proved to be a thrilling night for television, delivering not only the recognition of outstanding talent but also its fair share of surprises and snubs. As television's most prestigious honor, the Emmy Awards celebrate the best in drama, comedy, limited series, and more. This year’s event brought together television's brightest stars, but beyond the glitz and glamour, the awards themselves offered a revealing look into the evolving trends shaping the industry. In this article, we break down the winners across major categories and analyze the unexpected victories and omissions that left fans and critics buzzing.
Drama Series: The Night’s Biggest Winner
The Outstanding Drama Series category saw intense competition, with several fan-favorite shows vying for the top prize. HBO’s Succession, which concluded its final season in 2024, once again emerged victorious, claiming the award for the second consecutive year. This win further solidified Succession as one of the most critically acclaimed dramas of the decade, with its exploration of power, family dynamics, and corporate intrigue striking a deep chord with audiences.
However, the most buzzworthy moment of the night came in the acting categories. Many expected Brian Cox, who portrayed the domineering patriarch Logan Roy, to secure the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. But in a twist that few saw coming, it was Jeremy Strong, playing the conflicted Kendall Roy, who took home the coveted statue. Strong’s portrayal of Kendall’s emotional turmoil and ambition resonated deeply, and his victory highlighted the complexity of his character’s arc in the final season. This unexpected outcome sparked lively debates on social media, with fans split between those who celebrated Strong’s nuanced performance and those who felt Cox's powerful portrayal deserved more recognition.
In the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category, Succession continued its dominance with Sarah Snook’s win for her portrayal of Shiv Roy. Snook’s victory, though anticipated, was still met with widespread approval, with many praising her ability to bring depth and vulnerability to a character often navigating treacherous family waters.
Comedy Series: A New Champion Emerges
The Outstanding Comedy Series category, always one of the most anticipated of the night, saw Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building take home the top prize. The show, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, became an instant fan favorite thanks to its blend of mystery, comedy, and strong ensemble performances. This victory marked a shift in the comedy landscape, as the show's unique premise and charming cast outshone former juggernaut Ted Lasso.
While Ted Lasso had dominated the comedy category in previous years, its final season, though well-received, didn’t resonate with Emmy voters in the same way. Some industry analysts attributed this shift to Only Murders in the Building's fresher approach, as well as its clever integration of modern themes, including true crime fandom and social media’s role in investigations. The win also signaled the rise of more niche, genre-blending shows within the comedy space, where innovation is increasingly valued over traditional sitcom formats.
The acting categories brought further surprises. While both Steve Martin and Martin Short were nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, it was Donald Glover who claimed the award for his role in Atlanta. Glover’s win, for the final season of Atlanta, not only acknowledged his creative genius but also recognized the show’s broader cultural impact. Glover's unexpected victory left some viewers thrilled by the recognition of Atlanta's daring narrative, while others expressed surprise given the long shadow cast by Only Murders in the Building.
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Limited Series: The Rise of Understated Masterpieces
In the limited series category, HBO’s The White Lotus: Sicily took home the award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. The show, set against the stunning backdrop of Sicily, continued its trend of delivering sharp social commentary wrapped in a darkly comedic package. Its exploration of privilege, entitlement, and human nature proved once again to be a winning formula with both critics and audiences.
However, the category wasn’t without its upsets. Many expected Netflix’s Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story to secure at least one major win, especially considering its commercial success and the conversations it sparked about true crime content. Despite multiple nominations, Dahmer walked away empty-handed, which some attributed to the show's polarizing nature. While The White Lotus offered sophisticated commentary on wealth and morality, Dahmer faced criticism for its approach to depicting real-life trauma, possibly contributing to its snubbing.
A notable highlight of the evening was Jennifer Coolidge’s win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for her role in The White Lotus. Coolidge, now an Emmy favorite, received a standing ovation for her portrayal of the eccentric yet emotionally resonant Tanya McQuoid. Her victory continued the show’s impressive run, with Coolidge’s blend of humor and vulnerability drawing widespread praise.
Snubs and Surprises: Unpredictable Outcomes
While the night saw many well-deserved wins, there were a handful of upsets that left audiences and critics buzzing. One of the most significant surprises occurred in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category, where Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) secured the award over Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary). Brunson, who had become a fan and critic favorite for her work as both the creator and star of Abbott Elementary, was expected to triumph, making Brosnahan’s victory all the more unexpected. This decision prompted mixed reactions online, with some celebrating Brosnahan’s consistent excellence while others voiced their disappointment that Brunson’s groundbreaking work didn’t get top recognition.
Another major snub was Pedro Pascal’s loss in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category. Pascal, widely favored to win for his role in The Last of Us, had earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Joel, a hardened survivor in a post-apocalyptic world. Fans took to social media to express their frustration, noting that Pascal’s performance had been one of the highlights of the series. Instead, the award went to Jeremy Strong, further cementing Succession’s dominance of the evening.
And then there was Better Call Saul, once again overlooked despite being one of the most critically acclaimed shows of the past decade. With its final season airing in 2024, many hoped the show would finally receive the recognition it deserved. However, it was overshadowed by Succession and other heavyweight contenders. The show's persistent snubbing sparked renewed conversations about the Emmys’ tendency to overlook certain genres, particularly complex legal dramas like Better Call Saul.
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Conclusion: A Night of Triumphs and Twists
The 2024 Emmy Awards delivered a captivating mix of triumphs, upsets, and memorable moments that will be discussed for years to come. From Succession's final-season sweep to the rise of Only Murders in the Building and Donald Glover’s surprising victory for Atlanta, the night was filled with both expected wins and shocking snubs.
As television continues to evolve, the Emmy Awards serve as a reflection of the industry’s shifting dynamics. The emergence of fresh voices, like those behind Abbott Elementary and Only Murders in the Building, alongside the recognition of veteran shows like Succession, highlights the growing diversity and creative exploration within the medium. But for all its celebrations, the Emmys also reminded us that with every winner comes an equally passionate conversation about who didn’t take home the gold.
Whether it was the snubbing of Better Call Saul, the surprises in the acting categories, or the celebration of innovation in both drama and comedy, the 2024 Emmys captured the essence of a television landscape that is constantly evolving. As audiences eagerly anticipate the next wave of television excellence, this year’s ceremony will be remembered not just for its winners, but for the unpredictable and exciting twists that kept viewers hooked until the very end.
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