The 2024 Emmy Awards had some majorly gay moments, from iconic red carpet looks to tearful acceptance speeches. We’ve collected the highlights from Sunday’s broadcast for your gay viewing pleasure.
Laverne Cox and Nava Mau Get Emotional About Making Trans History
Cox was hosting with E! Network, catching up with stars on the red carpet before the 76th Primetime Awards. Things took an teary turn when Mau appeared, and the two actresses shared a long hug. They’ve both made LGBTQ+ history; Cox became the first out trans person EVER to be nominated for an Emmy in 2014 for Orange is the New Black. This year, Mau became the first trans woman to be nominated for best supporting actress in a limited series for Baby Reindeer.
“I hope that we continue to get to be all that we are as trans people on screen,” said Mau.
Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor Look Adorable on the Red Carpet
Holland Taylor and Sarah Paulson are putting everyone else’s date nights to shame! The power couple both received nominations at this year’s ceremony, with Taylor up for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Morning Show, and Sarah for Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The two showed up in coordinated outfits with similar white clutches and white pointed-toe heels. Paulson was in a layered Prada gown, offsetting Taylor’s Louis Vuitton slacks and cropped white jacket.
Hacks Wins Best Comedy Series
Hacks pulled out a surprising win in the final category of the night: Best Comedy Series. The show’s two main actresses, Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart, stared into each other’s eyes during the acceptance speech, causing sapphics to go crazy on social media.
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH JEAN SMART HANNAH EINBINDER pic.twitter.com/XX9IR22oBL
— pj (@seIinameyer) September 16, 2024
The show provides a look into the future of LGBTQ Hollywood with its majority-queer cast, including Carl Clemmons-Hopkins, Mark Indelicato, Johnny Sibilly, and Poppy Liu. Hacks earned a total of 16 Emmy nominations this year. The show also won best actress in a comedy series for Smart and best writing in a comedy series.
Jodie Foster Receives Her First-Ever Emmy Award and Shouts Out Her Wife
Jodie Foster, a two-time Oscar winner, took home her first Emmy Award last night for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in True Detective. After an enthusiastic standing ovation, Foster used her acceptance speech to shine a loving light on her wife of ten years, Alexandra Hedison.
Jodi Foster Thanks Indigenous People For Sharing Their Stories With ‘True Detective: Night Country’ In Her First Ever Emmy Win #Emmys | https://t.co/2PTbsJvnKZ pic.twitter.com/w3jR21LpSS
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) September 16, 2024
“Love of my life, Alex Hedison, my wife. Thank you so much,” said Foster, who also used her time to thank the Iñupiat and Inuit people of northern Alaska for sharing their stories.
Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 16 Stars Serve Looks
Although Rupaul’s Drag Race didn’t go home with an award last night, that didn’t stop the Season 16 cast from showing off on the red carpet. Our reining queen Nymphia Wind stepped out in an a-peeling look, complete with full banana peel layers opening up to reveal a neon green morph suit with a painted face. Plane Jane was dressed as artist as niche internet celebrity, Mary Magdalene, showing off some oversized assets and sleeves of tattoos in a red dress.
Morphine looked regal in a red headpiece dripping in jewels, and Dawn was giving alien princess realness with pink skin and her signature elf ears. Megami payed homage to Winona Ryder’s character in Beetlejuice. Let’s just say this group is one we always look forward to on the red carpet.
Baby Reindeer Star Jessica Gunning Takes Home Supporting Actress Award
Jessica Gunning, who came out as gay earlier this year, took home her first Emmy Award for her fantastic work in Netflix’s hit show Baby Reindeer. The 38-year-old actress, who plays Martha, smiled ear-to-ear while accepting her award for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series or movie.
“I’ll keep it simple and just say thank you for trusting me to be your Martha,” she said. “I will never, ever forget her or you or this. It really means a lot.”
Gunning also took time to thank Baby Reindeer‘s bisexual star and creator Richard Gadd, who won best actor and best writing for the series.
Baby Reindeer's Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning posing with their Emmys. (📸: Getty) pic.twitter.com/SMsnwCn3P3
— Netflix (@netflix) September 16, 2024
The Traitors‘ Alan Cumming Rocks a Trans Pin While Accepting Award
The Traitors claimed the award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program this year, beating out Rupaul’s Drag Race, which has won the award five times in the past six years. The murder-mystery compeition show is hosted by Alan Cumming, who showed up to the Emmys representing his trans brothers and sisters.
The Scottish star completed his plaid ensemble with a trans flag pinned to his chest. In a red carpet interview with Variety, Cumming discussed the recognition of queer artists.
“There’s so many laws…and politicians speaking out so hatefully against queer people,” he said. “But at the same time, the entertainment industry is really celebrating… queer people, queer characters, and the input that queer people have always had.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Alan! Cheers to all the queer representation at this year’s Emmys and all the LGBTQ+ wins to come.
