The host’s Last Week Tonight won the award for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series, beating Saturday Night Live, last night (September 15) at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater.
After accepting the trophy, John began by thanking his staff and HBO for “not canceling us over the last decade.”
Highlights
- John Oliver's Last Week Tonight won the Emmy for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series.
- He paid tribute to his recently deceased dog, thanking her for being part of his family through pregnancies, Covid, and his wedding.
- John was cut off by orchestra music during his speech, leading him to curse at the music director.
He also thanked his family, accidentally mispronouncing his son Hudson’s name as “husband.” “That’s going to come back and haunt me,” the late-night host quipped.
Image credits: Television Academy
John then took the time to pay tribute to his recently deceased pup, who accompanied his family through many memorable moments.
“In particular, I want to thank the silly odd dog,” John said. “We have the most fantastic dog, and she was at our wedding, and she got us through the pandemic. She was with us for two pregnancies…”
As often happens with winners who share an anecdote or express gratitude to many people, John was eventually cut off by the infamous orchestra music.
The British host thanked his family and HBO for "not canceling us over the last decade"
Image credits: Television Academy
“Perfect choice of music,” he responded before continuing. “We had to say goodbye to her. I feel like Sarah McLaughlin right now. She was an amazing dog.”
The music played on, but John still had more to say.
As he paid tribute to his recently deceased dog, John was cut off by the dreaded orchestra music
Image credits: Television Academy
He continued: “This isn’t just for her. This is for all dogs. All dogs, you are all very good girls. You are very good boys. You all deserve a treat.
“Play me off now! Thanks so much.”
Last Week Tonight has won a total of 30 Emmys since it began airing in 2014.
The comedian continued with his speech, cursing out the music director
Image credits: Television Academy
The show offers a satirical look at current political, social, and cultural events in the United States and around the world.
This was its second win under the relatively new category of Outstanding Scripted Variety Series after seven consecutive wins in the Outstanding Variety Talk Series category.
John previously served as a correspondent at Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, which won Best Talk Series for a second year in a row.
Listen to John Oliver's whole speech below
On X (formerly known as Twitter), many people took John’s side as they reacted to the funny moment.
“THEY ARE PLAYING OFF JOHN OLIVER WHILE HE DEDICATES HIS AWARD TO HIS DEAD DOG #EMMYS,” one user wrote.
“It always annoys me that someone wants to grieve for the loss of their loved ones, but then the music has to play the speeches off,” commented another.
Check out who won in the main categories at the 2024 Emmys
- Best Drama
“Shogun” (FX)
- Best Comedy
“Hacks” (HBO)
- Best Limited Series
“Baby Reindeer” (Netflix)
- Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Anna Sawai, “Shogun”
- Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Hiroyuki Sanada, “Shogun”
- Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”
- Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Jean Smart, “Hacks”
- Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series
Jodie Foster, “True Detective: Night Country”
- Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series
Richard Gadd, “Baby Reindeer”
- Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Liza Colon-Zayas, “The Bear”
- Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear”
- Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Elizabeth Debicki, “The Crown”
- Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”
- Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series
Jessica Gunning, “Baby Reindeer”
- Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series
Lamorne Morris, “Fargo”
- Best Comedy Guest Actress
Jamie Lee Curtis, “The Bear”
- Best Comedy Guest Actor
Jon Bernthal, “The Bear”
- Best Drama Guest Actress
Michaela Coel, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”
- Best Drama Guest Actor
Nestor Carbonell, “Shogun”
- Directing For A Drama Series
Frederick E.O. Toye, “Chapter Nine: Crimson Sky,” “Shоgun”
- Directing For A Comedy Series
Christopher Storer, “Fishes,” “The Bear”
- Directing For A Limited Or Anthology Series
Steven Zaillian, “Ripley”
- Writing For A Drama Series
“Negotiating With Tigers,” Will Smith, “Slow Horses”
- Writing For A Comedy Series
Steven Zaillian, “Ripley”
- Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series
Richard Gadd, “Baby Reindeer”