So it be, so it is, as Cousin Greg would say: “Succession” had a fittingly successful sendoff at the Emmys, the addictive saga of the roiling Roy family dynasty winning best drama for a third time and five more awards, including three top acting prizes.
But “Succession” was not the only show to make a ludicrously capacious haul. “The Bear” had a bearish night indeed, fully dominating the comedy category in its first season, winning the top prize and three acting awards.
And the chaotic, darkly humorous “Beef” was the other big victor, winning best limited series, with leads Steven Yeun and Ali Wong becoming the first Asian Americans to win in their categories. Also making history: star Quinta Brunson of “Abbott Elementary,” the first Black winner in her category since 1981.
It was not a night of upsets, with most predictions holding. But it was not without pleasant surprises, including a series of cast reunions of beloved shows — some more effective than others — like “The Sopranos,” “Cheers,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Ally McBeal” and more. Natasha Lyonne and Tracee Ellis Ross filled their mouths with bonbons in a throwback to the classic “I Love Lucy” candy assembly line scene.
There was a lot of kid talk on the podium, with John Oliver beseeching the crowd to tell him where to buy Pokemon cards for his kids, Sarah Snook of “Succession” paying tribute to her own newborn daughter, and her co-star Kieran Culkin actually telling his wife he wanted more kids.
Hopefully those kids will be as nice to their mama as host Anthony Anderson, who knew just how to delegate, giving Mom Doris a key job.
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‘SUCCESSION’ COMES OUT ON TOP
It was a seemingly endless succession of “Succession” winners trooping to the stage on a final triumphant night for the HBO drama. Matthew Macfadyen, who played “human grease stain” Tom Wamsbgans, as he described his character at the Globes, won best supporting actor for a second time and kept his speech to thanking Snook and “my other onscreen wife,” Nicholas Braun, who played hapless Cousin Greg: “Acting with you has been one of the most wonderful things in my career.”
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A BIG BEAR HUG, ER, KISS
Could “The Bear” replicate its success from the Golden Globes? Yes, chef, with Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri winning for best actor and best supporting actress in a comedy, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach winning a supporting actor award.