Baby reindeer among big Emmy winners – as Shogun makes history

British hit series Baby Reindeer is among the big winners at this year’s Emmy Awards – Shogun made history and The Bear and Hacks also took home big wins.

Richard Gadd, who created and starred in the popular but controversial drama Baby Reindeer, won awards for writing and leading role in the limited series category, while his co-star Jessica Gunning was named best supporting actress.

Japanese historical drama Shogun became the first non-English language series to be named Best Drama Series and also set a record for the most series in a single season. Emmy wins – taking home four awards on the night, bringing the total to 18, following previous awards at the creative arts event presented earlier this month.

The Bear took home four awards in the comedy categories, including wins for stars Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Liza Colon-Zayas, while Hacks took home the overall win for best comedy series.

Elizabeth Debicki also won her first Emmy for her portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales, in the fictional royal drama The Crown. In addition to her Oscars, Jodie Foster also won her first Emmy – for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series for her role in True Detective: Night Country.

In pictures: Emmy Awards Red Carpet Style

Onstage, Gadd, 35, said it was “the stuff of dreams” as he accepted awards for best limited or anthology series, best writing and best lead actor for Baby Reindeer, which is said to be inspired by his real-life experiences.

In the series, Donny Dunn’s character is stalked by a woman named Martha. After becoming a viral hit earlier this year, the show made international headlines after a woman claiming to be the inspiration behind Martha filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging the story was inaccurate.

In his acceptance speech for the writing award, Gadd said: “Ten years ago, I was at rock bottom. I never thought I would get my life back together… and here I am, a little over a decade later, receiving one of the biggest writing awards in television.

“I don’t want to sound arrogant. I say this to encourage anyone who is going through a difficult time right now to persevere… If you are struggling, keep going, keep going and I promise you that everything will be okay.”

Accepting her award for best supporting actress, Gunning said she was “incredibly proud” to be a part of the show. “Thank you for trusting me to be your Martha,” she told Gadd. “I’ll never forget you or this.”

“I’m in a terrible state today”

This year’s Emmy Awards, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, was also a huge success for Shogun. The show, which launched in February, is based on James Clavell’s best-selling novel, set in the 1600s.

Stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai became the first Japanese actors to win Emmys in the drama acting category.

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Sanada, who received a standing ovation, told the audience he was “beyond honored” and added: “Shogun taught me that when people work together, we can do miracles. We can create a better future together.”

Sawai, a first-time nominee, said through tears: “I was in tears before my name was announced. I am in a pitiful state today. I am addressing all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example to everyone.”

“This show changed my life”

And Baby Reindeer and Shogun aren’t the only series to receive multiple awards, with hit series The Bear also being a big winner.

In their opening monologue, father-son host duo Eugene and Dan Levy joked that the show — which depicts the stresses of working life in a professional kitchen and stars Jeremy Allen White as a chef running the family business after his brother’s death — would be better categorized as a drama.

Allen White described himself as “so, so, so lucky” after winning the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto.

“This show changed my life, it instilled in me the faith that change is possible, that change is possible if you are able to reach out, you are truly not alone,” he said in his acceptance speech.

His co-stars Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Liza Colon-Zayas also won best actor and best supporting actress in a comedy.

Despite The Bear’s success, the ceremony ended with a surprise triumph for Hacks – which fended off the reigning champion to be named best comedy series.

It was the second Emmys ceremony to be held this year, after the September 2023 event was postponed to January 2024 due to strikes by American writers and actors.

The Bear was also among the big winners of the time.with Succession and Beef.