LOS ANGELES – FX's "Shogun" made history at Sunday's 76th Primetime Emmy Awards with Emmys for the first two Japanese actors ever – best actor in a drama, Hiroyuki Sonada, followed by best actress, Anna Sawai.
And there was the best drama award for FX's most expensive series about 17th century feudal Japan, which won a show-leading total of 18 Emmys (14 at last week's Creative Arts Emmys).
Still, the most slamdunk-winning moment witnessed behind-the-scenes at the Emmy Awards was "Baby Reindeer" Scottish star and creator Richard Gadd trying to grapple with his three large trophies (best limited series, best actor, best writer) and keep his kilt on before posing with his co-star Jessica Gunning (who won best supporting actress). The feat required outside assistance – for both his kilt and the trophies – before Gadd was ready to face photographers with his awards.
Jennifer Aniston: Emmy ticket troubles melt away with Robert Downey Jr.
Jennifer Aniston's arrival on the Emmy's red carpet in a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown was a very big deal, worthy of an announcement on a loudspeaker. There was just one problem for the famed "Friends" actress, nominated for her role in "The Morning Show." Her tickets wouldn't scan through security for an eternal two minutes as Aniston stared away with a look of fixed serenity. Finally, an onlooker called out, "Why are you not letting her in? You know who this is!"
With that, Aniston sailed past security, posed perfectly for photos, and cruised straight into the theater. Any problems were forgotten after she ran into Robert Downey Jr. in the theater. The two embraced and agreed to take a superstar photo.
"Let's go," said Downey Jr. putting his arm around Aniston and grinning. "This one is going to travel."
'Ripley' star Dakota Fanning will wait in line and pay for nachos
Sure there was a velvet-curtained VIP area for celebs in the Peacock Theater. But the coolest ones waited in the concession line with the other guests, including Dakota Fanning. The "Ripley" star withstood a 50-person line to plunk down $8.50 for Tostitos chips and cheese. She enjoyed the chips with friends in her champagne Emmy gown, clutch under her arm.
Kiwi actor and director Taika Waititi also braved the masses to buy $17.50 premium cocktails for himself and girlfriend Rita Ora. As Ora cooled her high heels by the theater entrance, Waititi dealt with finagling ApplePay, holding multiple drinks, and frequent requests for selfies. "One second," he could be seen mouthing to Ora during one group photo request.
Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup: Emmy's cutest couple is 'quite competitive'
Naomi Watts and her husband Billy Crudup took the unofficial award for Couple of the Night. Crudup won best supporting actor in a drama series for “The Morning Show," calling Watts, during his acceptance speech, his "piece of eye candy." Watts was nominated, but lost out on the lead actress in the limited series award for her role in “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans.”
“We’re quite competitive, but like Scrabble,” Crudup said backstage. He added that the couple, who wed last year, are “very supportive of one another."
That was clear at the Emmy Awards gala afterparty as Watts looked after Crudup's Emmy while the trophy was being engraved, as Crudup gabbed nearby with "The Bear" winner Ebon Moss-Bachrach. When the house band played "Hold On, I'm Coming" the dancing Watts finally grabbed Crudup to take his trophy away. Crudup walked away with a smile, an Emmy award in one hand, and a Stella Artois beer in the other.
John Oliver thanks Emmy orchestra for interrupting his sad dog speech
John Oliver drew huge laughs for his sudden expletive during his TV speech. While accepting the award for scripted variety series for HBO's “Last Week Tonight,” the wry comedian told the orchestra to shut up (in stronger terms) when they played him off, just as he was thanking his family's recently deceased dog.
Backstage, Oliver revealed he was actually grateful for whoever started the playoff music. After all, they gave him an opportunity to make a joke out of a sad subject.
“I’m not well versed in sincerity as a British person and as a comedian, so I didn’t really want to get upset. And, thankfully, whoever was on that board was like, ‘You can’t carry this off,’” Oliver said. “I’m very grateful they gave me a parachute so I can avoid my feelings once more.”
