Beyond the Thank You: Unconventional Emmys Thank-You Speeches That Made History
The Emmys are a prestigious night for celebrating the best in television, but what truly makes the ceremony memorable are the acceptance speeches. While the usual heartfelt thanks to family, friends, and colleagues are always touching, some actors, writers, and directors have taken the opportunity to use their platform for something more. Here are some unconventional Emmys thank-you speeches that went beyond the norm and made history:
1. Lena Waithe's Call for Representation
When Lena Waithe won the award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 2017 for "Master of None," her speech went viral. She became the first black woman to win the award in that category, and she used the moment to call for more representation in the industry. Waithe passionately spoke about the importance of including diverse voices and experiences in television, urging the industry to "give those people a chance" to tell their stories. Her words resonated with audiences and ignited a conversation about diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
2. Donald Glover's "This Is for Us"
In 2017, Donald Glover won Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for his work on "Atlanta." His acceptance speech was a simple yet powerful statement of solidarity and support for his community. Glover acknowledged the work and contributions of everyone involved in the show and declared, "This is for us." His words served as a reminder of the collective effort it takes to create art and the importance of supporting each other.
3. Michelle Williams' Plea for Equal Pay
Michelle Williams won the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role in "Fosse/Verdon" in 2019. In her acceptance speech, she used her platform to advocate for equal pay for women in Hollywood. She spoke about the pay gap between men and women in the industry, stating, "The women in this room are fighting for their fair share of the pie." Her powerful message sparked a conversation about gender equality and highlighted the need for greater transparency in Hollywood salaries.
4. Olivia Colman's Humorous Self-Deprecation
Olivia Colman won the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in "The Crown" in 2019. While her speech was filled with heartfelt thanks, she also injected humor and self-deprecation, poking fun at her own performance and acknowledging the absurdity of winning such a prestigious award. Her lightheartedness made the speech relatable and memorable, showing that even in such a serious setting, a little humor can go a long way.
5. The "Stranger Things" Kids' Collective Thank You
The young stars of "Stranger Things" have consistently delivered memorable acceptance speeches. When they won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2017, the cast delivered a collective thank-you speech that showcased their genuine camaraderie and mutual respect. Their youthful enthusiasm and humility made the speech heartwarming and memorable, highlighting the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the industry.
These are just a few examples of unconventional Emmys thank-you speeches that have made history. These speeches prove that the platform of an acceptance speech can be used not just to express gratitude, but also to advocate for social change, celebrate community, and entertain. As the Emmy Awards continue to evolve, we can expect even more memorable and unconventional speeches that will continue to shape the conversation around television and the entertainment industry.
