Unique Emmys Thank You Speeches: You Won't Believe
The Emmy Awards, the pinnacle of achievement in television, are a night filled with glamour, excitement, and – of course – acceptance speeches. While some speeches are heartfelt and sincere, others break the mold, leaving audiences speechless and the internet buzzing. Here's a look at some of the most unique and unforgettable Emmy thank-you speeches:
1. Michelle Williams' "This is for all the women"
Michelle Williams took home the Best Actress Emmy for her role in "Fosse/Verdon" in 2019. Her acceptance speech, however, was more than just a personal celebration. She used the platform to speak about the fight for gender equality and pay equity in Hollywood, saying, "This is for all the women who are constantly being told that they're not good enough, they're not strong enough, they're not pretty enough. This is for all the girls who are watching right now, who are dreaming of a future where they are not just tolerated, but valued." This powerful message resonated with viewers and garnered widespread praise.
2. Phoebe Waller-Bridge's "Fleabag" dedication
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creator and star of "Fleabag," delivered a touching speech when she won for Best Comedy Series in 2019. She acknowledged her late father, who was a key inspiration for the series, saying, "This is for my dad. Dad, this is for you. I love you." The emotional speech resonated deeply with viewers, connecting with those who have lost loved ones and finding a poignant connection with the show's themes of grief and family.
3. Bryan Cranston's "Breaking Bad" sign-off
Bryan Cranston, known for his iconic portrayal of Walter White in "Breaking Bad," had a memorable final speech in 2014 when the show won Outstanding Drama Series. He used the moment to bid farewell to the character and the show, saying, "It's been a remarkable journey, a wild ride. I'm proud of every one of you. And this is the end." This speech, infused with emotion and a touch of bittersweet nostalgia, brought a satisfying closure to the critically acclaimed show.
4. RuPaul's "I'm tired of skinny queens"
RuPaul, the legendary host of "RuPaul's Drag Race," won his first Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program in 2018. His acceptance speech was both humorous and powerful. He thanked his fellow drag queens, highlighting the diversity of talent and body types in the show. "I'm tired of skinny queens. I'm tired of the same ol', same ol'. I want big girls, I want fat girls, I want thin girls, I want pretty girls, I want ugly girls, I want short girls, I want tall girls, I want all kinds of girls!" This message of inclusivity and self-acceptance resonated with viewers and emphasized the importance of representation.
5. Billy Porter's "We are the people who tell the stories"
Billy Porter, known for his groundbreaking role in "Pose," made history as the first openly gay black man to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2019. He delivered an impactful speech, highlighting the power of storytelling and its impact on the world, saying, "We are the people who tell the stories. And the stories are about us. We are the people who tell the stories, and they matter. They matter because they are about us." This speech sparked conversations about representation, identity, and the transformative power of art.
These are just a few examples of unique and memorable Emmy speeches that went beyond the typical expressions of gratitude. They reminded us that the Emmy Awards are more than just a night of celebrating achievements; they are a platform for powerful messages and voices to be heard. These speeches, filled with passion, humor, and heartfelt emotion, have left a lasting impression on viewers and continue to inspire and spark conversations long after the night is over.
