73rd Primetime Emmy Awards Highlights

By Corey Atad. 19 Sep 2021 11:57 PM

The 2021 Emmy Awards, which honoured the best of the year in television, was full of memorable moments. Here are some of our favourites.

Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

Photo: CBS

Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images

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Opening Rap
Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images
The night's host, Cedric The Entertainer, kicked off the show with an opening TV-themed rap set to the tune of Biz Markie's "Just a Friend" that featured Rita Wilson, LL Cool J and more.
Hannah Waddingham Wins
Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images
Winning the first award of the night, for Supporting Actress in a Comedy, "Ted Lasso" star Hannah Waddingham got huge laughs with her exuberant acceptance speech.

“Jesus Christ on a bike!” she said, after letting out a scream in reaction to her win.
'Schitt's Creek' Reunion
Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images
The cast of "Schitt's Creek", including Dan Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Annie Murphy and Eugene Levy, reunited at the Emmys to present the awards for comedy series directing and writing.

The foursome got funny with a bit in which nothing was appearing on the teleprompter, with Eugene hilariously admitting that he asked the Emmys writers to "lift the writing a little bit."
Michael K. Williams Remembered
Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS ©2021 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.
Presenting the award for Supporting Actor in a Drama, Kerry Washington paid tribute to late nominee Michael K. Williams, who died on Sept. 6 at age 54.

"Michael was...a brilliantly talented actor and a generous human being who has left us far too soon," Washington said. "Michael, your excellence and artistry will endure. We love you."
Conan's Salute
Photo: CBS
Conan O'Brien got huge laughs while interrupting Television Academy chairman Frank Scherma's speech with cheers and a standing salute.
Standing Ovation For Jean Smart
Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images
In one of the night's more emotional moments, "Hacks" star Jean Smart received a huge standing ovation from the audience after winning the award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy.

In her speech, Smart acknowledged her late husband, Richard Gillard, who passed away earlier this year.

“I would not be here if it wasn’t for him putting his career on the backburner,” she said.
Debbie Allen Won't Be Cut Off
Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images
While being honoured with the year's Governors Award for her contributions to television, iconic actress and choreographer Debbie Allen took a moment to hilariously call out the Emmys for playing off winners' speeches.

"Turn that clock off; I ain’t paying it no mind,”she said, waving at the camera.
A Very Long Speech
Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images
"The Queen's Gambit" writer and director Scott Frank got a lot of attention on social media, though not in the most positive way.

Winning the awards for both directing and Outstanding Limited Series, Frank delivered a pair of unusually long speeches that had viewers up in arms.

At one point, as the music swelled to play him off for a third time during his first acceptance speech, Frank told the producers, “Seriously, turn it off.”
Michaela Coel's Powerful Speech
Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images
After winning an award for her writing on the limited series "I May Destroy You", creator and star Michaela Coel, gave a powerful acceptance speech that won praise on social media.

"Write the tale that scares you, that makes you feel uncertain, that is uncomfortable. I dare you," she implored fellow writers.

"I dedicate this story to every single survivor of sexual assaults," Coel added.
RuPaul Makes History
Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images
Winning the award for Outstanding Competition Program award for "RuPaul's Drag Race", host RuPaul made Emmys history.

The award was RuPaul's 11th, making the drag icon the most decorated Black artist in Emmys history.

"This is for you and for you kids out there watching. You have a tribe that is waiting for you, we are waiting for you, baby," RuPaul said.

73rd Primetime Emmy Awards Highlights

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