The 2024 Emmy Awards was a night filled with first-time wins for many actors and creators. Among the Emmy veterans, several stars experienced their career-defining moments on stage at L.A.’s Peacock Theatre. Here’s a full list of first-time winners and the nicest things they said about their big wins.
Liza Colon-Zayas
Liza Colón-Zayas won the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy. In surprise, she confessed that she had not prepared a speech, despite her husband’s suggestion. She expressed her deep admiration for her fellow nominees, saying, “How could I have imagined it would be possible to be in the presence of Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett?”
Lamorne Morris
Lamorne Morris won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. In his heartfelt and humorous acceptance speech, he thanked his mother and also thanked fellow nominee Robert Downey Jr., asking him to sign a poster that was put up at Morris’ home. “I want to thank God for allowing me to be here,” he began, mixing humor with gratitude.
Elizabeth Debicki
Elizabeth Debicki won Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Princess Diana in The Crown. “It’s a huge honor to play this role based on this unique, incredible human being,” she said, reflecting on the honor of playing such an iconic figure.
Jessica Gunning
Jessica Gunning was honored as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role in Baby Reindeer. Overwhelmed, she said, “I have tried so many times to put into words what working on Baby Reindeer meant to me and I have failed every time.” Although she joked about singing her speech, she kept it simple, thanking those who entrusted her with the role.
Richard Gadd
Baby Reindeer creator and star Richard Gad won the award for both Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. “You all are really crazy,” he said in surprise during his second acceptance speech. Gad jokingly admitted that he didn’t include his parents in his first speech, calling it “a big oversight.”
alan cumming
As the producer of The Traitors, Alan Cumming accepted the show’s first Emmy Award. He thanked the cast, crew, and his home country of Scotland, saying he was a “beautiful co-star.” Cumming also won the award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program.
jodie foster
Jodie Foster, who received her first Emmy Award for her work on True Detective: Night Country, called it “an incredibly emotional moment.” She expressed her gratitude to the Inupiaq and Inuit people of northern Alaska for sharing their stories with her. “It was love, love, love,” she said, emphasizing the deep connection and respect she felt during the project.
Alex Edelman
Comedian Alex Edelman, who won the award for writing for a variety special, joked, “Oh my God, I’m going to cry in front of Carol Burnett, brilliant.” He dedicated his award to his late friend and collaborator Adam Bress and expressed his joy at creating something funny together.
steven zallian
Steven Zaillian received the award for directing a limited anthology series or film for Ripley. He said that making the series in Italy was like a dream, adding, “This work is an award in itself. I still appreciate this honor.”
Hiroyuki Sanada
Hiroyuki Sanada won two Emmy Awards for his work on Shogun as both actor and producer. He described the series as an “East-West dream project” and emphasized the power of collaboration. He said, “When people work together, we can create miracles.”
Anna Sawai
Anna Sawai, who won the award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Shogun, described her role as “the role of a lifetime.” She emotionally said, “I was crying before my name was announced,” which shows the depth of her connection to the role.
These first-time Emmy winners not only showcased their extraordinary talent, but also heart and authenticity in their acceptance speeches. Their gratitude and humility made this year’s ceremony truly memorable, marking the start of a new chapter in their illustrious careers.
Also read: 76th Primetime Emmy Awards: Liza Colon-Zayas wins Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for The Bear; makes history by becoming the first Latina to win in the category
