The 76th Primetime Emmys dazzled at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles last night, a night co-host Dan Levy hailed as 'broadcast TV’s biggest night for honoring movie stars on streaming services.' One of the standout moments included Jodie Foster taking home an award for 'True Detective: Night Country,' a win that resonated with not just the audience, but also with the changing landscape of television.

Levy, joined by his father Eugene Levy, guided viewers through a ceremony that had its fair share of predictability yet offered surprising twists. Among the unexpected winners were Liza Colón-Zayas for ‘The Bear’ and Lamorne Morris for ‘Fargo,’ capturing awards that left audiences and winners alike astounded.

Despite a slow second hour, which featured an extended presentation from Television Academy chair Cris Abrego and a poignant 'In Memoriam' tribute to the late stars set to Jelly Roll’s emotional track 'I Am Not Okay,' the show bounced back in the third hour. 'Baby Reindeer' and the record-setting 'Shogun' dominated, with 'Shogun' claiming an impressive 18 awards in one season.

However, the biggest shock of the night came when the award for Best Comedy was surprisingly snatched from the favored 'The Bear' and awarded to 'Hacks.' With 'The Bear' raking in 11 awards—the most for a comedy in a single season—there was certainly a mix of jubilation and disbelief.

The hosts kicked off the comedy narrative right away, playfully addressing the debate around 'The Bear' not being a traditional comedy. Eugene Levy joked, “In the spirit of ‘The Bear,’ we will not be making any jokes,” though Selena Gomez and Candice Bergen chimed in with their clever takes on the topic of childless cat ladies.

Placement of nostalgia amidst a night of celebration included a poignant moment with John Leguizamo, who used the platform to scrutinize the past portrayal of Latino characters in television, advocating for greater diversity and reflecting on the industry’s need for introspection. He sparked a conversation on the importance of representation and speaking out against stereotypes.

Despite some cringeworthy moments, particularly an ill-received advertisement for Johnnie Walker infused into the proceedings, the ceremony successfully fostered laughter and genuine emotion. The Levys made a point to poke fun at each other, while a group of 'Saturday Night Live' stars offered lighthearted jabs at veteran producer Lorne Michaels.

Richard Gadd delivered an inspiring acceptance speech for 'Baby Reindeer,' emphasizing the need for risk-taking and authentic storytelling in today's television landscape. His rallying call resonated with many, urging creatives to push their limits and embrace innovative ideas.

Fashion also took center stage, with Liza Colón-Zayas’s heartfelt acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy. She was visibly taken by surprise, marking a historic win as the first Latina actress in her category. Lamorne Morris's similarly endearing moment when accepting his award was also a highlight, showcasing how genuine emotion is always a favorite in Hollywood. However, some stars were less fortunate, shining a bit too brightly due to a curious case of 'humidity chic' under the venue’s lights.

From unexpected wins to heartfelt speeches, this year's Emmy Awards balanced the line between celebration and reflection. As the evening came to a close, it was clear that the night would be remembered not just for the awards, but for the powerful messages and moments that defined the 2024 Emmys.