Baby Reindeer, the hugely popular but highly contentious British TV hit, has taken the Emmy Awards by storm, winning four trophies at the ceremony in Los Angeles. The show's creator and star, Scottish comedian Richard Gadd, won three of those - for acting in, writing and executive producing the show. His co-star Jessica Gunning, who played stalker Martha, was named best supporting actress in a limited series.
Controversial Show Wins Big
Gadd's account of being stalked by a woman for several years and being sexually abused by a male TV industry figure, has been the most talked about show of the year. However, its claim to be "a true story" has made it controversial, and the real-life woman who allegedly inspired Gunning's character is currently suing Netflix for defamation, negligence and privacy violations. Accepting his award for best writing writing for a limited series, Gadd told the audience: "Ten years ago, I was down and out. I never ever thought I'd get my life together. I never ever thought I'd be able to rectify myself for what happened to me and get myself back on my feet again. And then here I am, just over a decade later, picking up one of the biggest writing awards in television. I don't mean that to sound arrogant. I mean it as encouragement for anyone who's going through a difficult time right now to persevere."
Gadd, who also took home an Emmy for best actor in a limited series, also spoke out against the UK media’s focus on the show’s controversy. “You can't ignore the positive impact that Baby Reindeer has had. It's been number one in countries like Lebanon and Qatar and places where you never, ever thought it would break through. It's had a cross-cultural impact that very few shows have.”
The Bear, Hacks and The Crown
Baby Reindeer was not the only show to receive multiple prizes at the Emmy Awards. The Bear, a hit series set in a highly pressured restaurant kitchen, won four awards including best comedy actor for Jeremy Allen White. His co-stars Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Liza Colon-Zayas also picked up the awards for best supporting actor and actress in a comedy.
Despite The Bear's success, the ceremony ended with a surprise triumph for Hacks - which fended off the reigning champion to be named best comedy series. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Debicki won her first Emmy for her portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales, in fictionalised royal drama The Crown.
A Historic Win for Shogun
But perhaps the most notable victory of the night belonged to Shogun, the Japanese historical epic that took home a total of 18 Emmys. The show, based on James Clavell's best-selling novel, set during the 1600s, became the first non-English language show to be named best drama series. It also set an Emmy Awards record for the most single-season wins. Stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai became the first Japanese actors to win Emmys in the dramatic acting categories. Sanada said he was “beyond honoured” to receive the award and described Shogun as an “east meets west dream project with respect”. “Shogun taught me that when people work together, we can make miracles. We can create a better future together,” he added.
More First-Time Emmy Winners
The ceremony was also marked by first-time winners, including Oscar-winner Jodie Foster who won best lead actress in a limited or anthology series for her role in True Detective: Night Country. She thanked the indigenous people of Northern Alaska who “told us their stories”, describing it as “deep and wonderful”.
This year’s Emmys ceremony, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, featured a handful of TV reunions including father and son hosts Eugene and Dan Levy with their Schitt’s Creek co-stars Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy, as well as the cast of drama West Wing. The ceremony was also notable for its focus on diversity and inclusion with a number of first-time Emmy winners for performers of color and women.
Baby Reindeer’s Continued Success
Baby Reindeer’s success at the Emmys is likely to further fuel its popularity and controversy. The show’s frank and unflinching portrayal of stalking and sexual abuse has resonated with audiences around the world. However, the show has also been criticized for its blurring of fiction and reality. The lawsuit filed by the woman who claims to be the inspiration for the character Martha is a testament to the show’s power and its potential to cause harm. The show’s success also raises questions about the ethics of adapting true stories for television, and the responsibility that creators have to those involved in real-life events.
Emmy Awards: A Night of Triumph and Controversy
The 2024 Emmy Awards were a night of triumph and controversy. The ceremony celebrated the best of television, with some first-time Emmy winners and some shows winning multiple awards. However, the show also highlighted the ongoing conversations about diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, and the ethical challenges of adapting true stories for television. Baby Reindeer’s success is a testament to the power of storytelling, but it also raises questions about the responsibility that creators have to those involved in real-life events. The show’s success is sure to spark further conversation about the intersection of entertainment and reality, and the challenges of navigating the line between fiction and truth.
