Emmy Awards 2021: All the nominees and winners

There were upsets and surprises at the 2021 Emmy Awards as fans lashed out at maskless celebrities.

Ted Lasso has swept the Emmys and Netflix finally reigned supreme, taking home the best drama statue for The Crown’s stunning fourth season.

Despite being due on set within of hours, the cast and crew in London were planning to party.

“We’re going to have a party now,” writer and creator Peter Morgan told the crowd as he accepted the award at the Emmys satellite event in London.

Jason Sudeikis from Ted Lasso, which took the Emmys by storm. Picture: Getty

Earlier, The Crown’s three main stars - Olivia Colman, Josh O’Connor and Gillian Anderson - took out top acting gongs.

Colman really has perfected her default shock face, employing it yet again as she was declared the outstanding actress in a drama series after missing out on the gong last year.

“I’d have put money on that not happening,” she said from London.

Gillian Anderson, who played Margaret Thatcher in The Crown, with her Emmy award for outstanding supporting actress for a drama series. Picture: Getty

Colman had to wrap up her speech quickly as she become emotional talking about her father, who died during the pandemic.

“He would have loved to see it,” the adored English actress said.

Fulfilling the predictions that The Crown would again be a big Emmys winning show this year, the outstanding actor (drama series) award went to Josh O’Connor who played Prince Charles.

Josh O’Connor was flying the flag for The Crown in Los Angeles. Picture: Getty

Olivia Colman with her Emmy. Picture: Getty Images

It was a case of checkmate as Netflix’s most watched series took home the top gong for outstanding series with The Queen’s Gambit.

ANGER OVER ‘MASKLESS’ EMMYS

Shocked viewers have taken to Twitter to express their outrage over the lack of masks at the Emmy Awards.

Fans criticised the fact that stars were sitting together in close proximity during the lengthy ceremony without face coverings.

Some stars donned face shields before removing them on the red carpet.

Emmy host Cedric the Entertainer even joked about the virus in his opening monologue.

“We had to vaxx to come here,” he said, noting the show’s precautions.

“I got vaxxed. I did not have a reaction like Nicki Minaj’s cousin’s friend.”

Seth Rogen joked about Covid-19. Picture: Getty Images

Seth Rogen, the evening’s first presenter, also joked about Covid-19. “I went from wiping my groceries to having Paul Bettany sneeze in my face,” Rogen said.

“No distancing, no masks,” one Twitter user said.

“Clearly a slap in the face for all the frontline workers that are still dealing with the pandemic,” another wrote. “Check your privilege.”

No Masks at the #Emmys because rules are for the little people. pic.twitter.com/dNi34YRCP5

— Eric Bott (@BottAFP) September 20, 2021

WINSLET WINS, SHOCK GONG FOR MCGREGOR

Kate Winslet has taken out an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a limited series for her role as a detective in the gritty Mare of Easttown.

Winslet, overcome with emotion, told herself to breathe as she acknowledged her fellow nominees.

“This great in a decade with women having each other’s back – I support you, I salute you and I’m proud of you.”

She said another joy of Mare of Easttown was bringing people together and giving them something to talk about other than a global pandemic.

“(Creator) Brad Ingelsby, you created a middle-aged imperfect flawed mother and you made us feel validated,” Winslet said.

Kate Winslet. Picture: Getty Images

She thanked her three children and husband.

“Ned, I get to hold hands with you for the rest of my life – yes, I am the winner!”

Ewan McGregor was a shock win for his turn as fashion legend Halston in the Netflix series, quipping it was quite difficult to follow Winslet’s lovely speech.

Ewan McGregor was a surprise winner for his role in Halston. Picture: Getty

He thanked the crew for getting them through the pandemic while working in New York City.

The proud new father paid tribute to his daughters with his ex-wife and acknowledged his new partner, actor Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

“I love so much, Mary. I can’t wait to bring this home to our new beautiful boy, Laurie.”

LONGEST EVER ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

The director and writer of Netflix hit The Queen’s Gambit was not having it with the music play-offs signalling his speech time had elapsed.

Winner of the directing award for a limited series, Scott Frank was defiant in ignoring the wind-up music.

Brandishing two sheets of his pre-written acceptance speech, Frank greeted the first swelling of strings with a disdainful “Really?” and then demanded “Seriously, stop the music” as it grew in volume.

Anya Taylor-Joy, star of The Queen’s Gambit, arrives at the Emmys. Picture: Getty

The play-off music did indeed halt as he continued but kicked back up again just as he was getting to the thank-you for the show’s leading actress Anya Taylor-Joy.

“I am almost done!” Frank said.

The winner of the writer’s award for a limited series was Michaela Coel for I May Destroy You.

“I dedicate this story to every single survivor of sexual assault,” she said.

Michaela Coel accepts her award from Sir Patrick Stewart. Picture: Getty Images

SMART’S EMOTIONAL WIN

The wildly acclaimed Jean Smart was definitely the peer choice for winner of the outstanding actress in a comedy for her role in Hacks, receiving a minute-long standing ovation.

She dedicated her award to her late actor husband Richard Gilliland - the pair met on the set of 80s comedy Designing Women - who died in March.

“Before I say anything else, I have to acknowledge my late husband Richard Gilliland who passed away six months ago yesterday. I wouldn’t be here without him putting his career on the backburner so I could take advantage of this opportunities I have,” she said through tears.

Jean Smart won an Emmy for Hacks. Picture: Getty Images

Jason Sudeikis was the popular winner of the Outstanding Actor award for his Ted Lasso series.

“So, heck of a year,” he said before a long list of thank yous was wound up by the play-off music.

THE CROWN ADDS TO EMMYS HAUL

Hot off the heels of picking up best writing and directing awards, The Crown added to its 2021 Emmys haul with Gillian Anderson picking up outstanding supporting drama actress for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher.

In a shock result, Tobias Menzies completed the Crown double act for the supporting actors category (drama) winning the gong for his role as Prince Philip.

Many pundits had predicted Michael K. Williams, who died on September 6, was the frontrunner for his performance in Lovecraft Country.

Television Academy chairman Frank Scherma struggled to get through his speech announcing the Governor’s Award as Conan O’ Brien catcalled and saluted him throughout.

Legendary multi-hyphenate Debbie Allen, who’s currently working on the 18th season of Grey’s Anatomy, was honoured for her years of work as a dancer, choreographer, actress, singer, songwriter, director and producer.

The legendary Debbie Allen was honoured. Picture: Getty Images

She’s been nominated for 20 Emmys in her time taking home five statues.

Jada Pinkett Smith, Michael Douglas, Ellen Pompeo joined Gayle King in welcoming Allen to the stage.

Allen, trembling with gratitude and trying not to cry, first chided the directors.

“Honey, turn that clock off, I am paying no attention to it” , she laughed before she thanked a plethora of people including Grey’s Anatomy Shonda Rhimes and the late basketball star Kobe Bryant.

“Let this moment resonate with women across the world from Texas to Afghanistan,” she said,

Allen called on young people to now take their moment.

“Claim your voice, tell your stories … it’s your turn.

OLIVER’S TOUCHING TRIBUTE

The team behind Last week Tonight with John Oliver took out its sixth consecutive Emmy.

Oliver said his win was bittersweet, paying tribute to retiring colleague Conan O’Brien.

“Thank you Conan for 30 years of inspiring comedy writers, You are the best,” he said.

Oliver also paid tribute to Saturday Night alumn Norm McDonald who passed way last week,

“No one was funnier than Norm on late night comedy – do what I did last week and spend time YouTubing clips of Norm and Conan.”

John Oliver, winner of the outstanding variety talk series and outstanding writing for a variety series awards. Picture: Getty

At first it appeared they had lost presenter Ken Jeong, turned out it was just a joke, with The Masked Singer host pretending to be kept out by security wanting to see his vaccination passport.

He then announced the winner from outside The Tent – Saturday Night Live.

The team also paid tribute to Norm McDonald, describing him as “one of the best cast members we ever had” .

TED LASSO SCOOPS EARLY WINS

The feelgood comedy of the year Ted Lasso took out the first Emmys of the show for best actor and actress in a supporting role.

English stage actress Hannah Waddingham was ridiculously excited about her win, letting fly with the classic “Jesus Christ on a bike!” before thanking the show’s leading man Jason Sudeikis: “You have changed my life with this.”

Hannah Waddingham wins Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy for Ted Lasso.

She called on Hollywood to give more on-screen work to stage performers saying “we won’t let you down.”

Her co-star Brett Goldstein demonstrated that the acting fraternity from across the pond got special instructions from the awards organisers.

“I was very, very specifically told I am not allowed to swear so this speech is going to be f...ing short,” he said.

Ted Lasso stars Brett Goldstein and Hannah Waddingham celebrate their wins. Picture: Getty

The supporting actor categories were introduced by the almost unrecognisable Seth Rogen, slim and clean-faced, who couldn’t resist a dig at the awards organisers for holding the event in a “hermetically-sealed tent.”

“There are way too many of us in this little room,” he said.

“They said it would be outdoors...I wouldn’t have come to this. It’s more important we have three chandeliers than we make sure we don’t kill Eugene Levy tonight.”

His “joke” clearly got to the organisers with awards DJ Reggie Watts having to reassure viewers the awards were being conducted according to strict CovidSafe protocols.

Evan Peters and Julianne Nicholson with their Emmys. Picture: AFP

Mare of Easttown star Julieanne Nicholson was the surprise winner in the best supporting actress in a limited series, beating the more highly fancied Wandavision star Katherine Hahn.

“Great material is hard to find,” Nicholson said as she thanked her Mare family, before paying tribute to lead Kate Winslet.

“Kate Winslet, you’re good at acting. But it also turns out you’re good at caring for a whole production, you lead us with such care and intelligence and love. I owe this to you and all the ladies out there in Philadelphia.”

Host Cedric the Entertainer opened with a song.

Nicholson’s castmate Evan Peters, as predicted by most experts, won for his turn as ill-fated Detective Colin Colin Zabel.

“Oh sh--, public speaking,” he laughed as he thanked his mum and dad for getting him to LA.

“And thank you Kate Winslet for being Kate Winslet. And anyone who watched the show - it wouldn’t be possible without you.”

HOST’S SONG KICKS OFF CEREMONY

Emmys host Cedric The Entertainer said he’d pay tribute to TV getting us through the pandemic and that he did with a song, rather than a monologue.

Singing an adaptation of Biz Markie’s Just a friend he was joined on stage by James Corden’s DJ Reggie Watts, while Rita Wilson and Mandy Moore, Billy Porter joined in from the much-smaller audience in a tent on The Event Deck, behind Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theatre.

“You know why I wanted to host the Emmys to thank TV for all it has done. My favourite TV memory growing up was sitting with Grandma watching programs together,” Cedric said.

AND THE AWARDS GO TO:

Drama series

The Boys

Bridgerton

The Crown

The Handmaid’s Tale

Lovecraft Country

The Mandalorian

Pose

This Is Us

Winner: The Crown

Comedy series

Black-ish

Cobra Kai

Emily in Paris

Hacks

The Flight Attendant

The Kominsky Method

PEN15

Ted Lasso

Winner: Ted Lasso

Limited series

I May Destroy You

Mare of Easttown

The Queen’s Gambit

The Underground Railroad

WandaVision

Winner: The Queen’s Gambit

Lead actress, Drama series

Uzo Aduba, In Treatment

Olivia Colman, The Crown

Emma Corrin, The Crown

Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale

Mj Rodriguez, Pose

Jurnee Smollett, Lovecraft Country

Winner: Olivia Colman

Lead actor, Drama series

Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us

Jonathan Majors, Lovecraft Country

Josh O’Connor, The Crown

Regé-Jean Page, Bridgerton

Billy Porter, Pose

Matthew Rhys, Perry Mason

Winner: Josh O’Connor

Lead actress, Comedy series

Aidy Bryant, Shrill

Kaley Cuoco, The Flight Attendant

Allison Janney, Mom

Tracee Ellis Ross, Black-ish

Jean Smart, Hacks

Winner: Jean Smart

Lead actor, Comedy series

Anthony Anderson, Black-ish

Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method

William H. Macy, Shameless

Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso

Kenan Thompson, Kenan

Winner: Jason Sudeikis

Lead actress, limited series or TV movie

Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You

Cynthia Erivo, Genius: Aretha

Elizabeth Olsen, WandaVision

Anya Taylor-Joy, The Queen’s Gambit

Kate Winslet, Mare of Easttown

Winner: Kate Winslet

Lead actor, limited series or TV movie

Paul Bettany, WandaVision

Hugh Grant, The Undoing

Leslie Odom Jr., Hamilton

Ewan McGregor, Halston

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton

Winner: Ewan McGregor

Supporting actress, Drama series

Gillian Anderson, The Crown

Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown

Madeline Brewer, The Handmaid’s Tale

Ann Dowd, The Handmaid’s Tale

Aunjanue Ellis, Lovecraft Country

Emerald Fennell, The Crown

Yvonne Strahovski, The Handmaid’s Tale

Samira Wiley, The Handmaid’s Tale

Winner: Gillian Anderson

Supporting actor, Drama series

Giancarlo Esposito, The Mandalorian

O-T Fagbenle, The Handmaid’s Tale

John Lithgow, Perry Mason

Tobias Menzies, The Crown

Max Minghella, The Handmaid’s Tale

Chris Sullivan, This Is Us

Bradley Whitford, The Handmaid’s Tale

Michael K. Williams, Lovecraft Country

Winner: Tobias Menzies

Supporting actress, Comedy series

Aidy Bryant, Saturday Night Live

Hannah Einbinder, Hacks

Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live

Rosie Perez, The Flight Attendant

Cecily Strong, Saturday Night Live

Juno Temple, Ted Lasso

Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso

Winner: Hannah Waddingham

Supporting actor, Comedy series

Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Hacks

Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso

Brendan Hunt, Ted Lasso

Nick Mohammed, Ted Lasso

Paul Reiser, The Kominsky Method

Jeremy Swift, Ted Lasso

Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live

Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live

Winner: Brett Goldstein

Supporting actress, limited series or TV movie

Renee Elise Goldsberry, Hamilton” (Disney+)

Kathryn Hahn, “WandaVision” (Disney+)

Moses Ingram, “The Queen’s Gambit” (Netflix)

Julianne Nicholson, “Mare of Easttown” (HBO)

Jean Smart, “Mare of Easttown” (HBO)

Phillipa Soo, “Hamilton” (Disney+)

Winner: Julianne Nicholson

Supporting actor, limited series, or TV movie

Thomas Brodie-Sangster, The Queen’s Gambit

Daveed Diggs, Hamilton

Paapa Essiedu, I May Destroy You

Jonathan Groff, Hamilton

Evan Peters, Mare of Easttown

Anthony Ramos, Hamilton

Winner: Evan Peters

Originally published as Emmy Awards 2021: All the nominees and winners