2020 Primetime Emmy Awards Review
Despite the crazy year that 2020 has brought upon us, the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards was held last Sunday, September 20th. Due to COVID-19, the award show was done mostly over zoom calls and some pre-recorded segments. Technical difficulties were sure to be expected, but for the most part, the event went smoothly. The only person at the Staples Center was the host, Jimmy Kimmel though some presenters showed up throughout the night like Jennifer Anniston, Zendaya, and Anthony Anderson. Not only was this an unexpected event, but there were also some unexpected wins.
For those of you who may not know, the Emmys award the best television shows of the year. They are voted and chosen by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This year the Academy really seemed to love the Pop TV show Schitt’s Creek. For their last season, they were heavily rewarded, breaking a record and winning seven Primetime Emmys including all four acting categories and top prize for best comedy. Senior Sophia DiPrima says, “I guess I have to start watching this show now considering it won so many awards.”
HBO scored the most wins of any network and streaming service with their shows, Watchmen and Succession both winning big. HB0 won 30 awards in total including Primetime and Creative Arts Emmys. On Sunday night Succession took home five awards. They won the biggest award of the night, best drama series, beating out some big names like Stranger Things, The Mandalorian, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
The most talked about moment of the event is underdog Zendaya winning best actress in a drama for her role in the HBO show Euphoria. She is now the youngest to ever win an Emmy at just 24 years old and only the second African American to win Best Actress in a Drama. “She was incredible in her role and definitely deserved that win so much!” says senior Madelynn Murray.
Overall, the 2020 Emmys were the perfect culmination of 2020. Award recipients encouraged people to vote, some Coronavirus jokes and Jennifer Anniston putting out a fire on stage pretty much summed up the year so far. Sophomore Annie Forestiero says, “There was even an alpaca!” Despite 2020, the public is still very grateful to have something a little normal, like a cringey award show to make fun of every year.
If you want to see more footage of the night, click the link on the Rotten Tornadoes page or go to Vimeo.com/HFTornadonews.org to watch our own Lady-Nadoes (and special guests), predict, react, and review the whole show.