The 76th annual Primetime Emmy Awards had a moment of unexpected awkwardness when John Oliver, who had won the award for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series for "Last Week Tonight With John Oliver," was played off the stage as he began a heartfelt tribute to his late dog. The Emmys producers have since apologized for the blunder, admitting they were "mortified" and didn’t know the canine companion had passed away.
The decision to play the music off during Oliver’s acceptance speech was made by executive producer Jesse Collins and his team, who were trying to keep the ceremony on schedule. But as the music started to play, Oliver revealed that his dog had recently died. "We had no idea that the dog that he was talking about had passed away!" said executive producer Dionne Harmon. "If you look back, you’ll notice that we turned the music down the moment he said the dog had passed. We didn’t know!"
In a subsequent interview with TheWrap, Collins expressed remorse for the oversight, saying, "I apologize to John and his family for playing the music — and the dog. We turned it off at his request and turned it back on when he said he wanted to be played off." He added that the producers did not receive the acceptance speeches ahead of time, so they were unaware of Oliver’s plans to dedicate his win to his dog.
The moment became a viral sensation on social media, with many viewers expressing sympathy for Oliver and criticizing the producers for playing off his speech. Oliver himself responded to the incident with an expletive-laden outburst that was caught on camera. The backlash was swift and widespread, leading to a public apology from the Emmys producers.
Beyond the controversial moment, the 76th annual Primetime Emmy Awards provided plenty of other noteworthy moments. Here are some of the highlights, including behind-the-scenes insights from the producers themselves.
The Emmy Awards Behind the Scenes
The “SNL” Tribute
The "SNL" tribute, which featured a roast of Lorne Michaels, was a highlight of the night. The producers revealed that the idea for the roast came from Seth Meyers, and that the entire cast had a hand in creating the segment.
The Johnnie Walker Ad
The integrated Johnnie Walker ad, which featured Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Taylor Zakhar Perez, was a source of some amusement, with some viewers finding it awkward. The producers acknowledged that the placement of the ad could have been handled better, and that the lack of lettuce on the burger was a missed opportunity.
The In Memoriam Segment
The In Memoriam segment featured a powerful performance by Jelly Roll, whose song "I Am Not Okay" provided a poignant soundtrack to the segment. Collins said he heard the song before it was released and knew it would be perfect for the In Memoriam. He added that Jelly Roll’s performance was a brave one, especially given that it was his first time performing in a blazer on stage.
A Touch of Chaos
The producers also addressed some of the technical hiccups that occurred during the show, such as the microphone issues and the envelope gaffe during the Best Comedy Series announcement. Collins said that the mic issues were due to mechanical mistakes, while O’Hara’s ripping up the envelope was a planned gag that caught some of the ABC execs off guard.
A Successful Ceremony
Despite the unexpected moments and technical glitches, the 76th annual Primetime Emmy Awards was considered a success by the producers. They praised the hosts, the presenters, the performers, and the winners, and expressed satisfaction with the overall experience. They also acknowledged the progress that has been made in Hollywood in terms of representation and inclusion, and noted that the awards ceremony reflected this shift.
The Emmys ceremony is always a whirlwind event, with its share of surprises, triumphs, and sometimes, even blunders. But despite the occasional misstep, the producers strive to create a memorable and meaningful experience for the viewers and the industry as a whole.
A Legacy of Moments
While the controversy surrounding John Oliver’s dead dog speech may have dominated the headlines, it’s important to remember that the Emmys are a celebration of excellence in television. The ceremony offers an opportunity for the industry to come together, acknowledge achievements, and look ahead to the future. And in the end, it’s those moments, both planned and unplanned, that create the legacy of the Emmys.
