Emmys 2022: The 6 biggest talking points as Zendaya, Lee Jung-jae and Succession triumph

The 2022 Emmys saw a galaxy of stars gather in Los Angeles to celebrate the best in television.

Actor and Saturday Night Live comedian Kenan Thompson oversaw proceedings at the Microsoft Theater, bringing wit and charm to the role despite some lacklustre sketches.

The tight three-hour telecast produced plenty of memorable moments. Here are the biggest talking points from the 2022 Emmys:

The White Lotus reigns supreme

The night’s biggest winner was The White Lotus. The razor-sharp social satire won Outstanding Limited Series as well as two awards for creator Mike White (one for directing, another for writing). It also gave Murray Bartlett and Jennifer Coolidge their first Emmys with supporting actor nods. Coolidge delivered one of the night’s most entertaining speeches, culminating in her bursting into dance when they tried to play her off. White, meanwhile, referred to his time on reality show Survivor when he jokingly pleaded: “Don’t vote me off the island!”

Succession creator Jesse Armstrong fails to ‘keep it royalist’

Hotly-tipped Emmys favourite Succession had a good night, winning Outstanding Drama Series at the very end of the night as well as a writing award for creator Jesse Armstrong and a supporting actor gong for Matthew Macfadyen. Despite his writing accolades, Armstrong may end up wishing he’d polished his final acceptance speech a little more. “Big week for successions,” he said on stage. “New King in the UK, this for us. Evidently a little bit more voting for us than Prince Charles. I’m not saying we’re more legitimate in our position than he is, we’ll leave that to other people...” Armstrong’s words were met with uncomfortable sounds from the audience, with actor Brian Cox, who was also on stage, chiming in with the advice: “Keep it royalist! Keep it royalist!”

Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae and director Hwang Dong-hyuk make history

There were few winners in the brutal South Korean survival drama Squid Game, but the series produced a couple of historic ones at the Emmys. Star Lee Jung-jae became the first Asian actor to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, while director Hwang Dong-hyuk became the first Asian director to win in the Outstanding Drama Series category and the first ever director to win for a non-English language series.

Sheryl Lee Ralph shows off her vocal talents while delivering the ‘Greatest Emmy speech of all time’

Sheryl Lee Ralph delighted fans after winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard, a veteran teacher on Abbott Elementary. Howard belted out a snatch of “Endangered Species” by jazz singer Dianne Reeves before proclaiming that: “This is what not giving up on yourself looks like.” Watch her staggering speech here.

Unlike his girlfriends, DiCaprio jokes don’t get old

Jokes about Leonardo DiCaprio refusing to date anyone over the age of 25 have become something of an awards show staple over the last few years - but Kenan Thompson still drew a shocked response with his line: “Twenty-six is a weird age in Hollywood... You’re old enough to play a highschooler but too old to date Leonardo DiCaprio.”

Ted Lasso is still cream of the comedy crop

Football sitcomTed Lasso was once again celebrating after raising several trophies. As well as Outstanding Comedy Series, the night also saw acting wins for stars Jason Sudeikis and Brett Goldstein.

Here’s how the rest of the star-studded evening unfolded:

Useful links

• The full list of winners at the 2022 Emmys

• Who we think should win, and will win

• Everything you need to know, from how to watch the ceremony to who’s nominated

A look at the stars who are up for Emmys

Monday 12 September 2022 12:07 , Ellie Harrison

From The White Lotus star Sydney Sweeney to Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson, here’s a peek at some of the stars who are up for awards this year, hanging out at the Glamour x Tory Burch Luncheon on 10 September...

Succession leads the nominations with a whopping 25 nods

Monday 12 September 2022 12:29 , Ellie Harrison

HBO’s ferocious financial drama Succession leads the nominations this year with 25 nods.

The nominations for its third season include recognition for Outstanding Drama Series as well as acting nods for Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, J Smith Cameron, Sarah Snook, Nicholas Braun, Kieran Culkin, and Matthew McFayden.

The show was nominated for five Emmys in its first season and 18 in its second.

Here’s our review of season three...

Succession’s Logan Roy remains one of the most frightening characters on TV – review

A throwback to our interview with Sydney Sweeney

Monday 12 September 2022 13:00 , Ellie Harrison

This year, The White Lotus has five nods in the Supporting Actress in a Limited Series category alone, for Connie Britton, Jennifer Coolidge, Alexandra Daddario, Natasha Rothwell and Sydney Sweeney.

We interviewed Sweeney in January for our Rising Stars interview series. Check it out below...

Sydney Sweeney: ‘I’m proud of Euphoria but no one talks about it because I got naked’

An interview with Quinta Brunson

Monday 12 September 2022 14:04 , Ellie Harrison

Brunson is the first Black woman to be nominated for three comedy Emmys in the same year, for her show Abbott Elementary.

Read our recent interview with the star here...

Quinta Brunson: ‘Fans took to Abbott Elementary because it’s a true workplace comedy’

In praise of Better Call Saul

Monday 12 September 2022 14:30 , Ellie Harrison

Better Call Saul has three nominations at this year’s awards, including for Outstanding Drama Series.

Here’s what our writer Louis Chilton thought of the last ever episode of the show...

The Better Call Saul finale proved sometimes a whimper is better than a bang – review

An interview with nominee Hannah Einbinder

Monday 12 September 2022 15:00 , Ellie Harrison

This is the second year that Hacks star Hannah Einbinder has been nominated for her role as young comic Ava Daniels opposite Jean Smart’s veteran comedian Deborah Vance.

Read our interview with the star here...

Hacks star Hannah Einbinder: ‘A lot of bullies grew up to be comedians’

Hooray for Laura Linney

Monday 12 September 2022 15:30 , Ellie Harrison

Laura Linney has been nominated in the Lead Actress in a Drama Series category for her astonishing performance in the Netflix thriller Ozark.

Read our recent interview with the star....

Laura Linney interview: ‘There’s nothing more dangerous than ignorance and arrogance’

Our Emmy predictions

Monday 12 September 2022 16:00 , Ellie Harrison

Ever since the nominations were announced, fans have been speculating about who could be taking home each prize.

Find out what our writer Amanda Whiting sees in her crystal ball below...

Emmy Awards 2022: Who will win and who should win

Who will be appearing on stage at the Emmys?

Monday 12 September 2022 16:32 , Ellie Harrison

The Television Academy has made a video compilation of all the stars that will be appearing on stage throughout the ceremony.

Check it out below...

Eight hours to go!

Monday 12 September 2022 17:00 , Ellie Harrison

We are officially eight hours away from the 2022 Emmys ceremony kick-off.

Who are you rooting for?

Find the full list of nominees below...

Emmy nominations 2022 – the full list

Issa Rae appreciation time...

Monday 12 September 2022 17:30 , Ellie Harrison

Issa Rae is up for an Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her hit show Insecure.

Check out our recent interview with the star...

Issa Rae interview: ‘I was socially taught to shun female rappers’

Good luck Billy Crudup

Monday 12 September 2022 18:02 , Ellie Harrison

Billy Crudup is up for an award for his performance in The Morning Show opposite Jennifer Aniston and Reece Witherspoon.

Read our interview with him here, in which he talks about how he has struggled with the “lack of versatility” in the leading-man roles he has been offered over the years, and how he is instead attracted to “inscrutable characters”...

Billy Crudup interview: ‘Pouting is not the future’

Stars we can expect to see at the Emmys

Monday 12 September 2022 18:37 , Ellie Harrison

Here are some snaps of TV stars we’re hoping to see at the ceremony, from the Emmy Nominees Night event hosted by The Hollywood Reporter and SAG-AFTRA on 10 September...

Euphoric about Euphoria

Monday 12 September 2022 19:07 , Ellie Harrison

Overall, Euphoria landed 16 Emmy nominations this year.

Check out our interview with one of its biggest stars Sydney Sweeney here and read about the show’s sublime soundtrack below...

How UK artist Labrinth helped create Euphoria’s warped reality

Only Murders in the Building is up for numerous awards tonight

Monday 12 September 2022 19:40 , Ellie Harrison

Only Murders in the Building is up for a whopping 17 awards this year, an incredible feat for a first season.

Our writer Tom Murray was a fan straight from the off. Read about why he liked it so much, below...

Why everyone should be watching Only Murders in the Building in this anxious era

Will tonight’s Emmys serve up any iconic moments like this?

Monday 12 September 2022 20:20 , Ellie Harrison

As the Emmys kick-off draws ever closer, many have been reminiscing on their favourite bits from previous years. Just like this brilliant Amy Poehler moment...

Power to Will Poulter

Monday 12 September 2022 20:50 , Ellie Harrison

Will Poulter is one of the many British stars up for an Emmy tonight, for his performance as a pharmaceutical rep in the opioid drama Dopesick.

Read our recent interview with him here (ducks feature heavily)...

Will Poulter: ‘Method acting is no excuse for inappropriate behaviour’

All the Emmy nominees

Monday 12 September 2022 21:30 , Ellie Harrison

Need a refresher on who’s nominated tonight?

Check out the full list below...

Emmy nominations 2022 – the full list

The best-dressed stars on this year’s red carpet

Monday 12 September 2022 22:59 , Kevin Perry

The stars have started to arrive for this year’s Emmys, which means it’s time to bask in some award-worthy outfits. Our favourite look so far has been served by Orange Is the New Black actor Laverne Cox, whose long-sleeve statement mini dress seems to invoke Fritz Lang’s 1927 classic Metropolis. Check out more eye-catching ensembles here:

The best-dressed stars on the 2022 Emmys red carpet

Kate McKinnon reveals her cure for the SNL blues

Tuesday 13 September 2022 00:05 , Kevin Perry

Two-time Emmy winner Kate McKinnon is on the Emmys red (technically gold) carpet, and the departing Saturday Night Live star has just revealed how she plans to deal with the “FOMO” of no longer appearing on the weekly sketch show: “I have a bunch of seasons of Married At First Sight that I have not dug into yet, so that’s mostly my plan for Saturday nights,” she jokes, before adding that she’s: “So proud of everyone who’s taking over” on SNL.

Connie Britton hints she could return in a future series of ‘The White Lotus'

Tuesday 13 September 2022 00:10 , Kevin Perry

Connie Britton is up for the Emmy for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie this year for her magnificent turn in resort-based social satire The White Lotus. While she won’t be back for the forthcoming second season, she reveals on the gold carpet that she did hold discussions about bringing her character back - and hints she might yet return in a future season.

What’s inside the 2022 Emmys gift bag?

Tuesday 13 September 2022 00:17 , Kevin Perry

It’s not just a fun new trophy that winners get to take home after the Emmys: all presenters and winners will also get a swag bag full of luxurious goodies. What exactly is inside? Find out here:

What’s inside the 2022 Emmys gift bag? From luxurious vacations to skincare

No rest for the staff of ‘Abbot Elementary’

Tuesday 13 September 2022 00:23 , Kevin Perry

Abbot Elementary creator Quinta Brunson has revealed that her colleagues on the school-set sitcom will all be back at work tomorrow - they’d get more time off if they were real teachers! Brunson will also be appearing in the forthcoming Weird Al Yankovic biopic Weird. She describes her role as Oprah as: “What I was born to do”.

Zendaya back to make more history?

Tuesday 13 September 2022 00:55 , Kevin Perry

Two years ago, Zendaya broke a record when she won the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for Euphoria at just 24 years old. That makes her the youngest woman to ever take home that award, and this year - at the age of 26 - she becomes the youngest two-time lead actress nominee in Emmys history. Could she make it a double win tonight?

Kenan’s dance tribute to TV

01:09 , Kevin Perry

Host Kenan Thompson, or as he calls himself: “The Mayor of Television,” gets things started at the 2022 Emmys with a dance routine set to the theme tunes from a variety of classic shows including Friends, The Brady Bunch, Law & Order, Stranger Things and Game of Thrones. Considering this is supposed to be a tribute to television, a lot of viewers may be tempted to switch theirs off after seeing this...

Fans praise Elle Fanning as she reveals Emmys 2022 dress was inspired by Old Hollywood

01:13 , Kevin Perry

Fans have praised Elle Fanning’s look at this year’s Emmy Awards after she revealed that her outfit was inspired by Old Hollywood and created by the designer on her hit show, The Great. Read more about her eye-catching look here:

Fans praise Elle Fanning as she reveals Emmys dress was inspired by Old Hollywood

Michael Keaton wins first award of the night for ‘Dopesick'

01:14 , Kevin Perry

The night’s off to a flying start as TV icon Oprah Winfrey hands the award for Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie to Michael Keaton for his turn in Dopesick.

See a constantly updated list of winners here:

Emmys 2022: Full list of winners updated during Hollywood ceremony

Murray Bartlett wins Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for ‘The White Lotus'

01:19 , Kevin Perry

The second winner of the night is Australian actor Murray Bartlett, who takes home Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his stand-out role in Mike White’s social satire The White Lotus.

Matthew Macfadyen wins Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

01:32 , Kevin Perry

Matthew Macfadyen thanks Succession creator Jesse Armstrong and his “remarkable writing team” for the “bonkers gift of a role” that is Tom Wambsgans. He’s the first British winner of the night - and perhaps the first of many winners from Succession.

Julia Garner wins for ‘Ozark'

01:35 , Kevin Perry

Julia Garner wins Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her fan-favourite role as Ruth in crime drama Ozark. She’s nominated a second time for her leading role in Inventing Anna - is she on for a double?

Sheryl Lee Ralph wins Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

01:45 , Kevin Perry

Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler are here to award the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series to Sheryl Lee Ralph for her role as kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard on sitcom Abbott Elementary. She celebrates in spectacular fashion by singing Dianne Reeves’“Endangered Species” before delivering an impassioned speech.

Brett Goldstein wins Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (again)

01:55 , Kevin Perry

Ted Lasso star (and Marvel’s Hercules) Brett Goldstein becomes the second British winner of the night as he retains his crown as Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Just like last time, the feed is cut when he swears... but we think he did that on purpose!

‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’ wins Outstanding Variety Talk Series

02:03 , Kevin Perry

After perennial favourite Saturday Night Live wins Outstanding Variety Sketch Series, Only Murders In The Building stars Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez are on hand to award the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Talk Series to Last Week Tonight with John Oliver . Oliver thanks HBO show for letting his team make “exactly the show we want to.”

Hannah Waddingham praised as ‘iconic’ after revealing she is wearing sneakers under Emmys gown

02:05 , Kevin Perry

The Ted Lasso star says she made fashion choice because she didn’t ‘want to wear heels’. Read more here:

Hannah Waddingham praised after revealing she is wearing sneakers under Emmys gown

Jennifer Coolidge wins!

02:15 , Kevin Perry

Jennifer Coolidge wins Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for The White Lotus. Her speech is joyous. “Wow! Thank you! Gosh! What a night!” she gushes, before adding: “I just want to say, I took a lavender bath tonight and it made me swell up inside my dress. I’m having a hard time speaking.” When the music arrives to play her off, she responds by dancing.

Amanda Seyfried is a winner for ‘The Dropout'

02:17 , Kevin Perry

Amanda Seyfried takes home Best Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role in The Dropout. She barrels through a speech which thanks the whole family - including her dog.

Emmys host Kenan Thompson shocks audience with joke about Leonardo DiCaprio and Zendaya

02:21 , Kevin Perry

Leo has been mocked for his relationship history at many awards shows over the years, and this year’s Emmys are no different. Here’s more on a joke that was foreseeable - but still stunned the audience:

Emmys host Kenan Thompson shocks audience with Leonardo DiCaprio and Zendaya joke

Lizzo is an Emmy winner!

02:26 , Kevin Perry

Not content with dominating modern pop, Lizzo can now add an Emmy to her heaving awards shelf. She wins Outstanding Competition Program for reality show Watch Out for the Big Grrrls. In an emotional speech she says it was her childhood dream to see someone “fat like me, black like me, beautiful like me” on screen.

Who is Emmys 2022 announcer and DJ Sam Jay?

02:28 , Kevin Perry

How did Sam Jay land the role of annoucing this year’s Emmys? Here’s some background on the actor and comedian:

Who is Emmys 2022 announcer and DJ Sam Jay?

Geena Davis receives standing ovation as she collects the Governors Award

02:33 , Kevin Perry

Thelma & Louise star Geena Davis isn’t just a groundbreaking actor - she’s also the founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the leading organization on gender equality in popular culture. They receive the 2022 Governors Award Emmy in recognition of their work to encourage gender balance and inclusion throughout the entertainment industry.

Mike White wins twice for ‘The White Lotus’

02:48 , Kevin Perry

The White Lotus is rapidly turning into the night’s biggest success story. Creator Mike White is personally taking home two Emmys: One for directing and another for writing a limited or anthology series or movie. In his first speech he emotionally pays tribute to his parents, while in his second he makes reference to his appearance on reality survival show Survivor and jokingly pleads: “Don’t vote me off the island!”

Kenan reunites with Kel

02:54 , Kevin Perry

A fun moment: host Kenan Thompson reunites with Kel Mitchell, his Kenan & Kel and Good Burger co-star.

Jerrod Carmichael wins for ‘Rothaniel'

02:57 , Kevin Perry

Stand-up Jerrod Carmichael - shirtless and wearing Puff Daddy’s old fur coat - wins the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for his acclaimed HBO special Rothaniel, filmed at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City.

Sheryl Lee Ralph stuns viewers by singing ‘Endangered Species’

02:58 , Kevin Perry

They’re already calling it the ‘Greatest Emmy speech of all time’. Check out video of Sheryl Lee Ralph’s stunning rendition of jazz singer Dianne Reeves’ “Endangered Species”:

Sheryl Lee Ralph stuns Emmys crowd by singing ‘Endangered Species’ in winning speech

Jason Sudeikis wins for ‘Ted Lasso’

03:10 , Kevin Perry

A moustachioed Jason Sudeikis says he’s “surprised and flattered” after winning Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for the titular role in much-loved football sitcom Ted Lasso.

Quinta Brunson wins Outstanding Writing for ‘Abbot Elementary'

03:13 , Kevin Perry

Quinta Brunson takes home Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for her school sitcom Abbot Elementary.

Hwang Dong-hyuk is a ‘Squid Game’ victor

03:20 , Kevin Perry

Hwang Dong-hyuk wins Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for Squid Game. The director says that he hopes it’s not the last time a non-English language series wins at the Emmys - and that it’s not the last time he wins either.

Zendaya makes history!

03:22 , Kevin Perry

We told you earlier that Zendaya broke a record when she won Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria at the age of 24. She’s just won a second time, setting another record for youngest two-time winner at 26.

Jean Smart makes it a double

03:31 , Kevin Perry

Jean Smart wins her second Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy in a row for her starring role as a legendary Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance in Hacks. She concludes her tongue-in-cheek speech by thanking the person who did her botox.

‘Ted Lasso’ director wins

03:36 , Kevin Perry

The Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series goes to MJ Delaney for Ted Lasso. Tonight may not have been quite the British Invasion some predicted, but this award at least will be heading home to London.

Jesse Armstrong wins for ‘Succession’

03:43 , Kevin Perry

There’s been no clean sweep for Succession tonight, but creator Jesse Armstong does win Best Writing for a Drama Series. He uses his speech to send a message of encouragement to his fellow writers: “It didn’t necessarily feel good when I was writing it.” “

Lee Jung-jae wins Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series

03:44 , Kevin Perry

The brutal and brilliant Squid Game has produced another Emmy winner: Lee Jung-jae will take hom Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Fans shocked by Norm Macdonald and Olivia Newton-John’s absence from In Memoriam segment

03:48 , Kevin Perry

Emmys fans have been left surprised by Olivia Newton-John and Norm Macdonald’s absence from the Emmys 2022’s In Memoriam segment. Read more here:

Fans shocked Emmys 2022 In Memorian left out Norm Macdonald and Olivia Newton-John

‘The White Lotus’ is cleaning up

03:51 , Kevin Perry

Mike White is back on stage to collect the Emmy for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series for The White Lotus. The show has emerged as the night’s biggest winner.

‘Ted Lasso’ wins Outstanding Comedy Series

03:56 , Kevin Perry

Pete Davidson jokes that his presenting gig is just like Saturday Night Live: “Kenan is doing all the work and I’m refusing to say what the writers want.” He presents the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series to Ted Lasso, and Jason Sudeikis delivers a rapid, passionate speech that concludes with a promise to “See you for Season 3, at some point!”

‘Succession’ wins Outstanding Drama

04:06 , Kevin Perry

The final award of the night goes to Succession. Creator Jesse Armstong has to tread carefully after pointing out it’s been a “big week for successions” but that this award involved more voting than Prince Charles required. Behind him, Brian Cox suggests he: “Keep it Royalist.”