Oddball Emmys: Thank You Speech Moments That Made History
The Emmy Awards, a night of glitz and glamour, is also a platform for some of the most memorable and sometimes, downright bizarre thank you speeches. While most winners stick to thanking their families, colleagues, and the Academy, some have ventured into the realm of the unconventional, leaving audiences both amused and bewildered. Here are some of the most unforgettable "thank you" speech moments from the Emmys that defied expectations:
1. The "I'm Going to Disney World!" Moment
This iconic phrase is synonymous with winning, and it all started at the 1979 Emmys. John Travolta, after winning the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series award for his role in "Grease," uttered the now-famous words, "I'm going to Disney World!" This spontaneous proclamation sparked a tradition of winners expressing their excitement over winning by declaring their intent to visit the "happiest place on Earth."
2. The "I'm Not Going to Disney World!" Moment
While the "I'm Going to Disney World!" moment became a cultural phenomenon, one winner decided to break free from this tradition. Aaron Paul, after winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for "Breaking Bad" in 2014, took the opportunity to address a common misconception. He humorously declared, "I'm not going to Disney World! I'm not going to Disney World! There's nothing against Disney World! But I'm not going." This rebellious act, coupled with his witty delivery, quickly became a memorable moment.
3. The "I'm Drunk" Moment
In 2011, Jimmy Fallon won Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series for "Saturday Night Live," and his acceptance speech was anything but conventional. With a slightly slurred voice, he confessed, "I am drunk!" While some might have considered it unprofessional, his honest and unpretentious approach resonated with viewers, making it a moment that audiences still recall.
4. The "I'm a Giant Loser" Moment
When Jimmy Kimmel won Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special in 2003, he delivered a surprisingly self-deprecating speech. He thanked his wife for her unwavering support and humorously admitted, "I'm a giant loser. I should be doing something else." This ironic and surprisingly humble speech resonated with viewers, highlighting the fact that even successful people can still feel insecure.
5. The "I'm a Puppet" Moment
The 2018 Emmys saw a unique and unforgettable speech when Riz Ahmed won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for his role in "The Night Of." During his acceptance speech, he thanked the Academy and his team before delivering a powerful message about representation. He declared, "I'm a puppet, I'm a person, I'm a citizen, I'm a product of this nation." His words challenged the audience to think critically about identity and belonging, making it a powerful and moving speech.
These oddball moments from the Emmys highlight the unpredictable nature of live television and the human tendency to break from tradition. Whether it's a hilarious declaration of Disney World plans, a self-deprecating confession, or a powerful message about identity, these speeches have etched themselves in the Emmy history books as unforgettable moments that transcended the typical awards night rhetoric.
