The Primetime Emmys have given us unforgettable TV moments for over seventy years.
From emotional speeches and historical wins to hilarious bloopers and unexpected proposals, the Emmys have seen it all. There have been times when the show made us laugh till our sides hurt and moments that left us teary-eyed. Sometimes, the acceptance speeches were so awkward or funny that they became legendary.
Whether it was a big song and dance number or a comedy skit that either tickled our funny bones or made us cringe, the Emmys have had their share of ups and downs. Even though nothing quite matches the bizarre Rob Lowe/Snow White performance at the Oscars, the Emmys have had their own memorable bits.
Here’s a look back at some of the most iconic moments from the Primetime Emmys, complete with video links where available. Don’t forget to share your favorite memories!
1960: HARRY BELAFONTE MAKES HISTORY
At the 12th annual Emmy Awards, Harry Belafonte became the first Black performer to win an Emmy for Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program for “Revlon Review: Tonight with Belafonte”. (NO VIDEO AVAILABLE)
1970: PATTY DUKE SPARKS SPECULATION
When Patty Duke won the first-ever Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Made-for-TV Movie for “My Sweet Charlie,” her speech was so disjointed that it sparked rumors. She later revealed she was experiencing a serious mental breakdown and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982.
1975: OHHHH, LUCY!
Lucille Ball forgot her glasses when announcing the winner for Outstanding Comedy. What followed was an impromptu comedy act with Milton Berle trying to help her out.
1979: ALAN ALDA FLIPS OUT
A super excited Alan Alda did a cartwheel down the aisle when he won his first Emmy for writing an episode of “M*A*S*H”.
1991: KIRSTIE ALLEY GIVES HUSBAND ‘BIG’ PROPS
Kirstie Alley thanked her husband Parker Stevenson in her acceptance speech for best actress in a comedy by saying he gave her “the big one” for eight years.
2001: THE FIRST POST-9/11 EMMYS
Ellen DeGeneres hosted this twice-postponed ceremony with both heartfelt and humorous remarks. She joked, “What would bug the Taliban more than seeing a gay woman in a suit surrounded by Jews?” Later, she dressed up as Bjork in a swan costume. (WATCH HIGHLIGHTS ABOVE)
2006: WHAT ABOUT BOB?
Host Conan O’Brien joked that Bob Newhart was sealed in a glass chamber with only three hours of air to ensure the show stayed on time.
2006: THIS.
The “Apprentice” host, Karen Walker, and Green Acres theme song bit happened this year. Yeah.
2010: THE MOST GLEE-FUL OPENING EVER
“Glee” stars joined Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Jon Hamm, Nina Dobrev, and others for an unforgettable “Born to Run” singalong opening number that has yet to be topped.
2011: FUNNY LADIES’ FAKE BEAUTY PAGEANT
Amy Poehler, Melissa McCarthy, Tina Fey, Edie Falco, Martha Plimpton, and Laura Linney staged a hilarious beauty pageant-style moment when nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy were announced.
We all love these unexpected moments!
2014: BRYAN CRANSTON, KISSING BANDIT
Bryan Cranston surprised Julia Louis-Dreyfus with a passionate kiss as she went up to accept her Emmy for best actress in a comedy for “Veep”. This was planned as part of an earlier bit where she pretended not to remember him from “Seinfeld”.
2014: SEXIST… OR A SEND-UP?
Sofia Vergara stood on a turntable showing off her assets while TV Academy CEO Bruce Rosenblum talked about giving viewers something compelling to watch. Though some called it objectification, Vergara said it showed someone could be hot and funny too.
2014: ROBIN WILLIAMS, REMEMBERED
Billy Crystal gave an emotional tribute to his friend Robin Williams during that year’s In Memoriam segment. Not a dry eye in sight.
2015: FREE HBO FOR EVERYONE!
Host Andy Samberg shared his HBO GO login details on-screen after referencing HBO’s claim they didn’t mind account sharing. (NO VIDEO AVAILABLE)
2015: JON HAMMS IT UP
“Mad Men” star Jon Hamm finally won best drama actor after eight nominations and humorously crawled onto the stage before giving his acceptance speech.
2015: TRACY MORGAN IS WELCOMED BACK
A year after surviving a fatal car crash that left him in a coma, Tracy Morgan received a standing ovation when he appeared on stage to present an award. “Thank you so much,” he said warmly. “I missed you guys so much.”
2015: VIOLA DAVIS MAKES HISTORY
“How to Get Away With Murder” star Viola Davis became the first African American woman to win best actress in a drama. She said passionately, “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.”
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