The telecast featured awards in 25 Emmy categories, plus the Governor's Award, presented by top talent from some of television's most acclaimed programs. Presenters and surprise guests included Amy Poehler, Angela Bassett, Anthony Anderson, Ariana DeBose, Ayo Edebiri, B.J. Novak, Bowen Yang, Chandra Wilson, Chris O'Donnell, Christopher Meloni, Diego Luna, Freddie Highmore, Gael García Bernal, Hannah Einbinder, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Jake Lacy, Jean Smart, Jeremy Allen White, Jimmy Kimmel, Juliette Lewis, Jung Ho-Yeon, Kelly Clarkson, Kerry Washington, Kumail Nanjiani, Lee Jung-Jae, Lizzo, Mariska Hargitay, Markella Kavenagh, Martin Short, Mindy Kaling, Molly Shannon, Natalie Zea, Paul Walter Hauser, Pete Davidson, Regina Hall, Rosario Dawson, RuPaul Charles, Sarah Paulson, Selena Gomez, Selma Blair, Seth Meyers, Shemar Moore, Shonda Rhimes, Sofía Vergara, Steve Martin, Taron Egerton, Vanessa Bayer, and Will Arnett.
One win stood out, Sheryl Lee Raph, who won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Abbott Elementary. Ms. Ralph gave the most inspirational speech; she sang "Endangered Species" by Dianne Reeves.
"To anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn't, wouldn't, couldn't come true, I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like.
This is what striving looks like. And don't you ever, ever give up on you."
With Ted Lasso taking home Best Comedy and Succession winning Best Drama, the 74th Emmys repeated last year's wins. The biggest disappointment was that Better Call Saul did not win a single award. Yep, that's right, not even Bob Odenkirk, who was legally dead on set and came back a few weeks later to finish the show. Not to say that the winner did not deserve it, but Odenkirk died and came back to life for Better Call Saul.
EGOT winner John Legend performed "Pieces" off his new album LEGEND for the "in memoriam" segment of the show. Also, GRAMMY Award-winning artist Zedd DJ'd for the evening; and comedian Sam Jay acted as the announcer.
"I was honored to be in the Media Room of the Emmys and along with several other press outlets for the first time. I want to express my gratitude for being among the best of the best in entertainment journalism."
