Most Unusual Emmys Thank You Moments: From Singing to Slapstick, the Winners Get Creative
The Emmy Awards are a night of celebrating the best in television, but they're also a night for heartwarming speeches, unexpected moments, and sometimes, downright bizarre thank yous. While the usual suspects like thanking family and crew are always appreciated, some winners have gone above and beyond, making their acceptance speeches truly memorable.
Singing Their Hearts Out:
- Michael Douglas (1976): Who could forget this classic? After winning for Best Actor in a Drama Series for "The Streets of San Francisco," Douglas launched into a rendition of "The Sound of Music," ending with a hilarious, impromptu tap-dancing number.
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2016): Known for her comedic timing, Louis-Dreyfus made history with her sixth Emmy win for "Veep." In her speech, she delivered a powerful message about women in the industry, and then capped it off by singing the iconic "I Will Survive" – a truly fitting song for a character who's known for her perseverance.
The Unexpected Guest Stars:
- Matthew McConaughey (2014): McConaughey's acceptance speech for his win in "True Detective" was a wild ride. After a heartfelt tribute to his family, he launched into an anecdote about his 18-year-old self, referencing a book on "The Power of Positive Thinking" and encouraging everyone to "keep dreamin'," culminating in his now-famous "Alright, alright, alright" catchphrase.
- Cardi B (2018): The rapper, who was a nominee for her work on "Cardi Tries," caused a stir when she brought her daughter Kulture to the awards show. Her "Thank You" speech was a heartfelt tribute to her daughter and the support she received from her mother.
Unforgettable Gimmicks:
- Jimmy Fallon (2016): The comedian won for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series for "Saturday Night Live" and celebrated with a "Thank You" video featuring his castmates, including a surprise appearance from Tom Hanks.
- Jon Hamm (2015): Hamm, known for his role in "Mad Men," finally won an Emmy for his work after numerous nominations. He went on to thank the academy "for finally recognizing" him, and then went off-script to perform a perfect, silent, comedic interpretation of a person frantically searching for something – a hilarious and memorable moment.
Beyond the Speech:
- Ted Danson (1994): The actor won for his role in "Cheers" and famously thanked his wife, Mary Steenburgen, by saying, "You're the best woman I know. You're the best woman I know, and I've known a lot of them!" This spontaneous, and slightly risqué, moment became an Emmy legend.
These moments, along with many others, highlight the individuality and personality of those who win the prestigious Emmy Award. They remind us that beyond the glitz and glamour, there are genuine people who are just as thrilled, surprised, and sometimes even a little bit goofy, as everyone else. The unpredictable nature of these acceptance speeches makes the Emmys an exciting event, and the unexpected moments are often what people remember most.
