LOS ANGELES — The Bear and Succession emerged as the big winners at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, honoring the best of television in 2023. Meanwhile, iconic musician Elton John achieved EGOT status with his latest win.
The FX series, The Bear, dominated the ceremony by securing six awards, including the prestigious Outstanding Comedy Series. The show also grabbed recognition for its talented supporting stars Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, along with lead actor Jeremy Allen White. Reflecting on the success of The Bear, White expressed his astonishment at the show’s reach, stating, We shot the show, we knew it was special, but I think we’ve all been blown away by the reach.
In a historic moment for Black actresses, Quinta Brunson took home the Lead Actress honor for her role in Abbott Elementary. She became the first Black actress to win this award in over 40 years, following in the footsteps of Isabel Sanford’s win for The Jeffersons. Brunson’s win highlighted the significance of diversity and representation in the industry.
On the drama front, Succession matched The Bear with six victories, including the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series. Matthew MacFadyen won the award for Supporting Actor, while Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook emerged triumphant in the lead drama categories. Snook expressed her gratitude for the love and camaraderie shared among the cast, as well as the impact Succession had on her career. She stated, I’ll take the love of my fellow cast members… yeah! And the writing and the challenges, and setting bars high for next projects.
The White Lotus star Jennifer Coolidge secured the Supporting Actress award in the drama category, adding to the show’s recognition. Another notable winner was the series Beef, which amassed five awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. The show also celebrated wins for Ali Wong and Steven Yeun.
Beyond the awards, the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards also paid tribute to television’s past. Presenters included stars from beloved shows like Ally McBeal, Martin, Cheers, All in the Family, and Grey’s Anatomy. These nostalgic moments brought back cherished memories for viewers and showcased the enduring impact of these classic series.
However, the highlight of the evening belonged to Elton John, who attained EGOT status with a win for his special, Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium. This accolade solidified his position as an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner, placing him among an elite group of artists who have achieved this historic feat.
The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards not only celebrated the best in television but also highlighted the industry’s progress in terms of representation and inclusivity. From the groundbreaking wins to the nostalgic reunions, this year’s Emmys exemplified the evolution of the medium while honoring its rich history. With The Bear and Succession leading the pack and Elton John’s momentous achievement, the power and influence of television were on full display.
