In Los Angeles, the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Saturday celebrated the inaugural victories of Judith Light from “Poker Face” and Sam Richardson from “Ted Lasso” in the realm of acting. Light, 74, secured her first Emmy in her extensive five-decade television career for her role in the Peacock comedy-mystery series, portraying a 1960s radical seeking refuge in a retirement home. Richardson, 39, clinched his maiden Emmy for his portrayal of a billionaire soccer enthusiast from Ghana in the Apple TV+ series “Ted Lasso,” which boasts a remarkable 21 nominations for the year’s most outstanding comedy.
Light, famed for her role in the 1980s and 1990s sitcom “Who’s The Boss?,” expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I’ve been in the business a long time, and this is quite a gift,” during a backstage interview. Richardson’s win came in a competitive field, surpassing renowned nominees such as Nathan Lane for “Only Murders in the Building” and Pedro Pascal, nominated for both hosting “Saturday Night Live” and for best actor in a drama series for “The Last of Us.”
The Creative Arts Emmy Awards spanned two evenings, honoring nearly 100 awards, and precede the main Emmy ceremony scheduled to air on Fox at 8 p.m. EST on January 15. Anthony Anderson, star of “black-ish,” will host the main telecast. This delayed event, a consequence of Hollywood’s writers and actors strikes, serves as a platform for lesser-known industry contributors, from hairdressers to stunt performers.
This weekend offers a spotlight for individuals in various categories to take the stage, with the anticipation of notable nominees receiving recognition. Among these, Barack Obama stands out, vying for the title of best narrator for his contribution to the Netflix documentary series “Working: What We Do All Day.” A star-studded category includes Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, and Pedro Pascal. Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey are also nominated for the best hosted nonfiction series or special for their Netflix show, “The Light We Carry.” The awards ceremony will continue on Sunday night, showcasing the diversity of talent within the television industry.