8 Memorable Moments from the 2022 Emmys

From Zendaya’s win to Jennifer Coolidge’s acceptance speech, the 74th Emmy Awards did not disappoint this year. Here are 8 moments from the show that we all have stuck in our minds!

The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards took place last night, highlighting the best of the television industry from the past year. Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson headlined as host, managing to get plenty of laughs from both the audience and viewers. Opening with Michael Keaton’s win for Lead Actor in a Limited Series for Dopesick and ending with Succession winning for Outstanding Drama Series, the three-hour award show was filled with plenty of star-studded moments. Here are some of the standouts.

Zendaya’s Two-Time Historic Win

Zendaya’s second Emmy win for her role as Rue in Euphoria made two different types of history: the first Black woman to win lead actress in a drama series twice, and the youngest two-time lead actress winner. Her speech had everyone cheering for her—in-person and online—thanking the Rues out in the real world for their stories. The 26-year-old actress originally won for the same role in 2020, and she just improves with every new performance.

Sheryl Lee Ralph Receives A Standing Ovation for Her ‘Note’-worthy Speech

Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph takes home Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Ralph is only the second Black woman to win this category, after Jackee Harry in 1987. Before speaking, she broke out into song, singing a verse from Dianne Reeves’ “Endangered Species,” resulting in applause just as roaring as her powerful voice. She gave an empowering speech about following your dreams and not giving up on yourself, using her deserved win as an example. Ralph was overcome with emotions from her win just as the crowd was.

Actress Geena Davis Takes Home the Governor’s Award

Known for her roles in Thelma & Louise and A League of Their Own, Geena Davis was presented with the Governor’s Award—which recognizes individuals, companies, or organizations for making a profound impact on the arts and sciences of TV. Given by Sarah Paulson and Shonda Rhimes, the award rightfully acknowledges Davis’ contribution to making a balanced representation of women in media, thanks to the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. As she walked up to accept her award in a stunning yellow dress, multiple men rushed to her side to help her up the steps.

Law & Order Stars Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni Reunite

For a bit in between award announcements, actors Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni take up their Law & Order: Special Victims Unit roles together once more, flooding back many memories from the show’s 20+ year run. The skit depicted a fake robbery of an Emmy, which the two walk out with as Hargitay jokingly recalls how she already has two Emmys under her belt. Before presenting the award for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, the two nearly shared a kiss, teasing the audience and viewers back home with their undeniable chemistry.

Lizzo’s New Success

Alongside her Grammy, singer, and rapper Lizzo can now add an Emmy to her resume, taking one home for Outstanding Competition Program for Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls. This broke the category’s four-year streak held by RuPaul’s Drag Race. In a beautiful tulle red dress, she immediately tried inviting the stars of the show to come down, who was sitting on a balcony in the audience, acknowledging their hard work and dedication that made the show possible. Her smile made everyone watching reciprocate. Lizzo’s heartfelt speech and devoted talent deserve nothing but praise to be sung around her.

Jason Sudeikis’ Consecutive Win

For the second year in a row, Jason Sudeikis takes home the win for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Ted Lasso. The cast and crew won big last night, with Brett Goldstein winning Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy and the show winning Outstanding Comedy Series. Before giving his sincere speech, Sudeikis was notably seen briefly hugging fellow comedian, writer, and actor Bill Hader, a short and sweet moment for fans of both. Though he was humble and “surprised” about his win, Sudeikis’ success doesn’t shock fans of him and the show in the slightest.

Quinta Brunson Gets Her Deserved Recognition

Actress Quinta Brunson wins Best Writing for a Comedy Series for her work in the “Pilot” episode of Abbott Elementary, which is her first network show. Oozing with charisma and talent, Brunson was rightfully celebrated for her work, even by her cast, crew, and winning co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph. Though Jimmy Kimmel’s stunt of laying on the floor during her speech was mildly distracting, Brunson was lighthearted about it in an interview following the show, jokingly saying she might punch him while on his show this Wednesday. Nevertheless, it can’t take away from her earned win.

Jennifer Coolidge’s Entertaining Acceptance Dance

After winning Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for The White Lotus, Jennifer Coolidge garnered laughs from her comment about taking a lavender bath pre-award show, causing her to swell up and have a hard time speaking. The seasoned comedian called her win a “once-in-a-lifetime thing” as the music started playing during her “Thank yous” to cue her off the stage. She repeatedly says “Wait hold on,” the actress then stopped talking and turned to dance, deserving an Emmy all in itself. Against four of her co-stars, she proves yet again what a legend she is in the industry, and why she’ll be returning this October in season two, The White Lotus Sicily.

Congratulations to all the winners of the 74th Emmy Awards last night! What was your number one winning moment from last night’s Emmys? Let us know by Tweeting us @AfterBuzzTV!