The top comedy writers on TV for 2014 were stand-up comedians, according to the Emmy Awards. Take that, comedy writers.
In a telecast light on filler, viral videos or much in the way of surprises, the Emmy wins for Louis C.K. (writing, comedy series) and Sarah Silverman (writing, variety special) did provide at least two sincerely unexpected moments. CK had won Emmys before for his stand-up specials, but his award for writing an episode of FX’s Louie in what has been his show’s least funny season — and for an episode “So Did The Fat Lady” distinguished by Sarah Baker’s monologue on behalf of fat women — prompted him to deliver a heartfelt acceptance speech that thanked her as well as the comedians who gave him his start in show business. Silverman’s win for writing her HBO stand-up special, We Are Miracles, almost left her speechless and breathless as she ditched her heels to dash onstage and accept her Emmy.
The 2014 Emmy Awards, hosted by Seth Meyers on NBC, opened straightforward without any blockbuster video package or song-and-dance routine. Instead, Meyers delivered a humorous by-the-books monologue and got right down to business.
In fact, early presenter Jimmy Kimmel looked like he might deliver a full alternate monologue and steal the show from Meyers.
Meyers also gave time to Billy Eichner for the show’s on pre-taped bit, a special Emmys edition of Billy On The Street which proved just how little people pay attention to the Emmys.
Ricky Gervais wasn’t hosting, but the former Golden Globes host managed to make his time as a presenter all about himself, as is his wont.
Billy Crystal, meanwhile, was onstage for only one reason. Despite being nominated himself this year, Crystal was there to pay tribute to the late Robin Williams.
Here are this year’s Emmy Award winners in comedy.
- Comedy Series: Modern Family
- Lead Actor, Comedy: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
- Lead Actress, Comedy: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
- Supporting Actor, Comedy: Ty Burrell, Modern Family
- Supporting Actress, Comedy: Allison Janney, Mom
- Writing, Comedy: Louis CK, Louie
- Directing, Comedy: Gail Mancuso, Modern Family
- Variety Series: The Colbert Report
- Writing, Variety Special: Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles
Weird Al Yankovic’s new TV show theme lyrics was made funnier thanks to Andy Samberg’s backing moves.
And Jimmy Fallon delivered Stephen Colbert’s acceptance speech for The Colbert Report, for some reason. Then Colbert sort of apologized for only having one female writer on his staff, “for some reason.” ?
Earlier: Other comedy winners received their awards last weekend at the Creative Emmys.