The Emmy 2024 Awards celebrated their 76th edition this Sunday, honoring the very best of television in the United States and highlighting productions that have set the tone for contemporary storytelling.

Held in Los Angeles, the ceremony showcased fierce competition among high-profile titles and powerful performances that reaffirmed television’s cultural impact amid the ongoing streaming revolution. 

In the drama category, the night’s biggest winner was “Shōgun,” FX’s epic that transports viewers to feudal Japan and has become a global sensation.

Starring Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, the show captivated critics and audiences alike, taking the prize for Best Drama Series over strong contenders like The Crown, Fallout, and The Morning Show. Sanada also won Best Lead Actor, while Sawai triumphed as Best Lead Actress in Drama, sealing the show’s sweeping success. 

Comedy was dominated by a duel between heavyweights: FX’s “The Bear” and Max’s “Hacks.” While The Bear came in as the critics’ darling, it was Hacks that walked away with the Emmy for Best Comedy Series. Jean Smart secured Best Actress in Comedy, reaffirming her brilliance, while Jeremy Allen White snagged Best Actor for his acclaimed role in The Bear. 

In limited series, Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” emerged as the clear standout. The harrowing autobiographical story of writer-performer Richard Gadd about stalking and obsession resonated deeply with audiences.

Individual awards

The show won Best Limited Series, with Gadd himself taking home Best Actor and Jessica Gunning winning Best Supporting Actress. Its raw and unflinching narrative made it a cultural talking point and gave it an edge over competitors like Fargo and Ripley. 

Other highlights included Jodie Foster winning Best Actress in a Limited Series for True Detective: Night Country, further cementing her legacy in a career that spans decades. Meanwhile, Lamorne Morris earned Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Fargo, underscoring the anthology’s continued critical acclaim. 

Supporting categories in drama also delivered memorable wins: Elizabeth Debicki was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Princess Diana in The Crown, and Billy Crudup won Best Supporting Actor for The Morning Show. These awards confirmed the enduring strength of established productions. 

Reality TV had its share of recognition as well, with The Traitors winning Best Competition Series, surpassing genre staples like RuPaul’s Drag Race and The Voice. On the variety side, The Daily Show triumphed as Best Talk Show, showcasing the enduring relevance of late-night satire in politically charged times. 

Overall, the Emmy 2024 Awards painted a clear picture of today’s television landscape: bold storytelling, powerful performances, and the dominance of streaming platforms in shaping what global audiences watch. With the resounding victories of series like Shōgun, Hacks, and Baby Reindeer, the industry reinforced the idea that television remains a cultural powerhouse, capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with Hollywood blockbusters and theatrical movies.