The 70th Annual Emmy Awards were on this past Monday honoring the best in U.S. primetime television. Now you might be thinking, who cares? Well when we live in a world that is overpowered by a 24 hour political news cycle, sometimes television shows are a way to escape reality and be entertained or perhaps be educated, informed, or inspired.
I don’t watch every TV show, but I do watch quite a bit of them and for different reasons. I choose ones that I feel connected to personally based on my interests, if I like the storyline, and if I think it will actually be good. I do tend to watch ones that eventually receive Emmy nominations, but I’m also drawn to ones that are the under the radar and not necessarily mainstream that I think shouldn’t be overlooked. But once I start watching a show, I start analyzing the actors’ performances, the script and how it’s written, and of course costume design regardless if it’s a period piece or set in modern day. At times, costume design is seen as an afterthought, even though it’s an integral part in making a character come to life. And actors themselves portray a personal character of their own even when they are on the red carpet. I enjoy seeing how they express their personal style and represent who they are with their red carpet choices.
Now before I start discussing my favorite looks from the red carpet, here are some of my favorite highlights from the Emmys this year:
1) The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel won 5 Emmys including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
I’m so happy this show won because it’s a female led comedy series about a Jewish 50’s housewife in NYC who sees potential in herself as a stand-up comic after her husband leaves her for his secretary. It a phenomenal story about a woman who is finding her voice again in a time where women were told how to act, what to say, and to frankly serve their husbands. If you haven’t watched this show, please get on Amazon Prime and watch it!
Side Note: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel also won Emmys for Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Music Supervision
2) Game of Thrones won Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
GOT winning these two awards was obviously a given, even though some people wanted and thought Handmaid’s Tale should win. Outstanding Drama Series this year was tough category and I have watched all the nominees besides This is Us, and I still thought GOT deserved to win. I was a little bummed though that Diana Rigg didn’t win for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series as Lady Olenna Tyrell because I personally thought her last scene with Jamie Lannister should have solidified her win. You know what scene I’m talking about GOT fans. If not, check it out here!
Side Note: Game of Thrones also won Emmys for Outstanding Music Composition for a Drama Series, Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Piece or Fantasy Program, Outstanding Sound Mixing, Outstanding Special Visual Effects, Outstanding Stunt Coordination, Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes, and Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup
3) Matthew Rhys won Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for the Americans
Finally! This was a hard category as well, but I’m glad he finally won for The Americans since it was the final season. If you don’t know what the show was about, it was a story about two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple living in the Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C set in the 80’s Cold War era. I watched this show beginning to end and the chemistry between Matthew Rhys and Keri Russel (who are a real life couple) is superb. And it was a great show to see Keri Russel play a badass woman for once.
Side Note: The Americans also won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
4) USS Callister (Black Mirror) won Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series/TV Movie and Outstanding Television Movie
When I saw that this Black Mirror episode was nominated for writing and best TV movie, I had to watch it just to see what it was about; and it did not disappoint. Don’t want to give too much away if you haven’t seen it, but the plot twist is so eerie and bizarre along with certain societal themes displayed, including abuse of authority; that it keeps you captivated to the end. Head to Netflix and watch it!
Side Note: USS Callister also won Emmys for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series/Movie/Special, Outstanding Single Camera Editing for a Limited Series/Movie/Special
5) John Mulaney won Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special
Bottom line: John Mulaney is hilarious, especially when he talks about student loans and Catholicism. Go to Netflix and watch all of his stand-up specials. They are fantastic!
6) Claire Foy won Best Actress in a Drama Series for The Crown
I personally thought it was a toss-up between Claire Foy and Elisabeth Moss. Elisabeth Moss won Outstanding Lead Actress last year, but I’m glad Claire won since it was her last season playing Queen Elizabeth II before the next older generation takes over The Crown.
Side Note: The Crown also won Emmys for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Period Costumes, Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series
7) RuPaul’s Drag Race won Outstanding Reality-Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
This was the first time RuPaul won both of these awards in the same year and it was well deserved.
Side Note: RuPaul’s Drag Race also won Emmys for Outstanding Costume Design for Variety, Non-fiction, or Reality Programming, Outstanding Hairstyles for a Multi-camera Series or Special, and for Outstanding Directing for a Reality Program
8) Glenn Weiss, who won Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special for the Oscars, proposed to his girlfriend during his speech!
This guy stole the show by having the best speech and it finally made you want to pay attention to a category that normally people don’t tend to care about. I actually had to rewind it because I left the room for a brief second. Congrats to him because that was a bold, but memorable move!
NOW ONTO THE RED CARPET….
This year at the Emmys had a burst of colors and shine ranging from neons and pastels to sequins and metallic, even the men looked dapper. Read below for my Top 10 looks, Top 5 Honorable Mention, and Top 5 Men’s looks.
Top 10 Favorites (in no particular order)
1) Rachel Brosnahan – Oscar de la Renta; Tiffany jewels
I loved this scarlet color with its off-the shoulder draped gown and ombre effect. It complemented her fair skin perfectly along with a simple low chignon, red-orange lip, and silver jewels.
2) Mandy Moore – custom Rodarte, Harry Winston jewels
This gown looked flawless on her. The copper sequin color of the gown along with the fit n flare silhouette looked great on her body and complemented her darker hair color. Her beachy loose waves and her warm toned eyeshadow was the perfect choice since the dress itself was the statement piece.
3) Thandie Newton – Brandon Maxwell; Harry Winston statement earrings
I loved this pepto-pink color on her darker skin tone and the column silhouette fits her thin body impeccably. I also liked the touch of pink eyeshadow on her lids and low chignon was a great choice since the neckline was the statement of this gown.
4) Leslie Jones – Christian Siriano; Jordan Alexander jewels
This was my favorite pantsuit of the night! I just loved the iridescent pastel colors. I felt it matched Leslie’s cheery personality.
5) Michelle Dockery – Carolina Herrera
I adored this whimsical chiffon and tulle gown. The complementary colors of the lighter shades of blue and orange paired well with her fair skin tone and I liked her easy hairstyle and bangs.
6) Alexis Bledel – Delpozo
I liked this millennial pink column gown with neon yellow pleated front. It’s a unique twist on pastels. I love the pastel colors on her skin tone and its stark difference between what she wore last year at the Emmys.
7) Tiffany Haddish – Custom Prabal Garung
I really liked this bold rainbow color striped gown which was a homage to her Eritrean heritage. The flowy silhouette looked great on her and her sleek ponytail paired perfectly.
8) Sarah Paulson – Oscar de la Renta gown; Tiffany & Co. earrings
If I had to choose a favorite black dress, this would be it. I loved the feathered embellishment along with the neckline and ball gown silhouette that didn’t quite hit the floor; it was a very modern take on a retro silhouette. I liked her moody vibe of her makeup and hair with a dark red lip and sleek updo.
9) Constance Wu – Jason Wu; Harry Winston jewels
My favorite part about this gown was the cutout neckline and long sleeves. The gunmetal sequin also looked great with her skin tone and dark hair. Her sleek hairstyle added a sci-fi touch to this ensemble.
10) Tracee Ellis Ross – Valentino Haute Couture
This is one of those gowns that either people love or hate. I don’t mind it because I feel it matches her “go big or go home” bold personality. The hot pink color along with matching lips and coral eyeshadow looks great on her!
Top 5 Honorable Mention
1) Jessica Biel – Ralph & Russo; Harry Winston jewels
If I had to pick a favorite white gown, it would be Jessica’s. I liked the textured ruffles and statement train and the strapless neckline complemented her toned arms and shoulders. I also liked her loose messy waves and bold lip.
2) Dakota Fanning – Dior Haute Couture; Lorraine Schwartz jewels
I loved this soft green color of this silk pleated gown! It paired well with her fair skin tone. I liked how she complemented this ethereal dreamy look with a messy half up, half down hairstyle; emerald jewels, and a thick winged eye.
3) Regina King – Christian Siriano
My favorite part about this gown was the inverted scoop neckline and chartreuse color against her dark skin tone. Even though the gown itself was a simple silhouette, I think she had the best hairstyle of the night and it worked well with multi colored drop earrings.
4) Claire Foy – Calvin Klein; Kwiat earrings
I’ve seen this silhouette before from Calvin Klein so that’s why it wasn’t on my top 10, but I do think Claire still looks regal in this gown. I like her short, sleek hairdo and bold dark lip against the white hue of the gown and the bow on the back adds a girly touch.
5) Gwendoline Christie
This is another gown that I feel people will like or dislike. I personally think this golden yellow silk gown with deep plunging neckline looks great on her statuesque frame. She definitely stood out against her other female costars in GOT. I liked how she complemented the dress with a bold dark red lip along with her soft platinum blonde curls.
Memorable Men
1) Darren Criss – Emporio Armani
Darren looked great in this tux that featured a grey woven diamond pattern with gold brocade accents. I’m always a fan of a tux in a unique pattern or fabric.
2) Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Eidos
Nikolaj looked regal in this cognac velvet tux. I love the fall texture and color and he looked dashing!
3) Ru Paul – Calvin Klein
RuPaul always looks fabulous in anything he wears so of course I loved this double breasted suit with a print of the Statue of Liberty along with the bright orange shoes. RuPaul can obviously pull anything trendy off and look great!
4) John Mulaney
When I saw John Mulaney win his Emmy, I knew right he was going to be on my Top Men list because I love anyone who can pull off a pastel baby blue tux.
5) Noah Schnapp – Fendi
All the boys from Stranger Things looked dapper, but Noah’s look was my favorite. I liked his ensemble head-to-toe.
What were you favorite Emmy Red Carpet looks? Do you agree with my personal favorites or disagree?
Khameleon Magazine 