Hilarious Emmys Thank You Moments: When Acceptance Speeches Go Wrong (In the Best Way)
The Emmy Awards are a night of glitz, glamour, and of course, the coveted golden statues. But what truly makes the night unforgettable are the acceptance speeches – some heartfelt, some moving, and some downright hilarious. While most speeches are carefully planned, sometimes the best moments happen when things go hilariously wrong.
Here are some of the most memorable and funny Emmy thank-you moments that will make you laugh out loud:
1. "You're a Genius!": The Time Alec Baldwin Got Roasted by His Wife
Alec Baldwin's Emmy win for his portrayal of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live was a highlight of the 2017 ceremony. But it was his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, who stole the show during his acceptance speech.
As Alec expressed his gratitude to the cast and crew, Hilaria could be heard from the audience shouting, "You're a genius!" This spontaneous moment of praise, delivered with a touch of playful sarcasm, became an instant meme, with viewers speculating if it was genuine admiration or a subtle jab at her husband's portrayal.
2. The "F-Bomb" Heard Around the World: The Time Jimmy Kimmel Broke the Emmys Code
In 2016, Jimmy Kimmel, the host of the Emmys, delivered a hilarious and sometimes biting speech. But things took an unexpected turn when, during his closing remarks, he jokingly thanked "the Academy, and the F-word".
This unscripted moment, although edited out of the live broadcast, quickly went viral. The gaffe perfectly captured Kimmel's edgy sense of humor and added a touch of unexpected chaos to the evening.
3. "I'm Sorry, I Can't Hear You": The Time a Technical Glitch Created Pure Comedy
In 2019, actress Patricia Arquette was accepting her Emmy for her role in Escape at Dannemora when a technical issue occurred, rendering the orchestra's music overly loud.
Instead of panicking, Arquette, with a sly smile, simply said, "I'm sorry, I can't hear you!", before continuing her speech with impeccable grace. This quick wit and ability to adapt to a technical snafu turned a potentially awkward moment into a humorous highlight.
4. "I'm Just Really Happy to Be Here": The Time Acceptance Speeches Became a Meta Joke
In 2020, the Emmys were held virtually due to the pandemic. This unusual format led to some unexpected and funny moments, especially during acceptance speeches.
Several winners, including Zendaya, Aaron Sorkin, and Julia Garner, made light of the virtual setup by jokingly thanking their "wifi" and expressing their "joy" at being "in the same room" as everyone else. This meta commentary on the unusual circumstances created a shared sense of humor among viewers and winners.
5. "I'm So Drunk": The Time Reality TV Became Real
In 2010, the cast of the reality TV show The Real World: Skeletons won an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program. One of the cast members, Ryan Leslie, delivered a memorable speech that included the line "I'm so drunk right now".
This candid confession was a stark contrast to the usual polished speeches, and perfectly captured the real and unfiltered nature of reality TV. It also sparked a lot of laughter and a memorable moment for the show.
Hilarious Moments That Remind Us to Embrace the Unexpected
These moments showcase that even the most prestigious awards ceremony isn’t immune to the occasional slip-up, technical glitch, or hilarious outburst.
But that's what makes the Emmys so enjoyable. These off-script moments remind us that even in the realm of Hollywood, there's room for a little humor, genuine joy, and even a touch of awkwardness.
Ultimately, the most memorable Emmys moments are the ones that surprise, delight, and leave us laughing long after the show ends.
