What happened at the 2022 Emmy Awards

The 74th Emmy Awards are here — and The Times has you covered throughout TV’s biggest night with our Emmys live blog. Join awards columnist Glenn Whipp and staff writer Meredith Blake as they break down the highlights and lowlights of Monday’s telecast on NBC, with on-the-ground reporting from staff writers Steven Vargas (inside the theater) and Ashley Lee (in the pressroom backstage).

Can “Abbott Elementary” knock “Ted Lasso” off its perch and return network comedy to the winner’s circle? Will Korean-language juggernaut “Squid Game” make Emmys history? Can anything slow down “The White Lotus” train? We’ll answer all of those questions, offer context and commentary on the ceremony’s most memorable moments, and possibly poke a little fun along the way. Keep it here for live updates throughout the night.

Highlights from the 2022 Emmy Awards ceremony: Kenan Thompson’s musical opening |Sheryl Lee Ralph sings | Jennifer Coolidge dances | “Squid Game” makes history

Read more of our 2022 Emmys coverage: The full list of Emmy winners | The best and worst of the Emmy red carpet

8:05 p.m. Well … kind of a predictable night, eh? I’m going to hold on to Sheryl Lee Ralph’s for-the-ages speech — and go take a lavender bath. Good night everyone! —GW

8:04 p.m. Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso” takes home a second straight Emmy for comedy series, beating another warm-hearted sitcom, “Abbott Elementary,” which would have been the first broadcast comedy to win in nearly a decade. Sigh. —MB

7:55 p.m. “The White Lotus,” which is returning for a second season later this year on HBO, continues a glorious HBO tradition of limited series that aren’t actually limited. Academy voters didn’t seem to mind: it pulled off a near-total sweep in its category, capped off with an Emmy for limited series. —MB

Mike White has won so many Emmys for “The White Lotus” that he has run out of things to say. —GW

7:49 p.m Three Emmys left — drama series, comedy series, limited series. Preemptive congrats to “Succession,” “Ted Lasso” and “The White Lotus.” —GW

7:47 p.m. Lee Jung-jae took us and his character on such an insane, emotional journey through “Squid Game’s” heart-wrenching first season. This lead actor drama Emmy feels like the least voters could do to say thank you. —GW

7:45 p.m. In a deeply relatable moment for all writers out there, Jesse Armstrong, accepting the Emmy for drama writing for “Succession,” tells his peers that if they can only see the flaws in their work, “It might just mean you’re a proper writer.” Now excuse me as I go flog myself. —MB

7:43 p.m. A sweet moment backstage: “The Dropout” star Amanda Seyfried tells reporters why she mentioned her kids in her acceptance speech. During a previous televised acceptance speech, “my daughter actually cried because she was confused about how I spoke to her through the TV,” she says. “I didn’t expect that to be the reaction, but I think in 10 years, she’ll appreciate it.” She says she made a point to talk about them onstage per the advice of her husband, who told her, “If you get up there, just got to talk to them, because those are the people that matter, and [they’re] what you’re doing it all for now.” —AL

7:36 p.m. Jean Smart keeps it real by thanking someone — a friend, perhaps, but hopefully a licensed aesthetician — for the Botox. We stan an Emmy winner who keeps it real. —MB

7:35 p.m. So happy that Jean Smart won again as lead actress in comedy series for “Hacks,” which leaned into her range as an actor even more during its second season. Also: Shout-out to Martin Short, ever ready to help people up the stage! —GW

7:34 p.m. Relatively late in the telecast, the night’s first winner — “Dopesick” star Michael Keaton, for lead actor in a limited series — has finally made it backstage. He told reporters that, unlike at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, where he nearly missed his award for being in the bathroom, he “drank very little water and took almost no vitamins, just to make sure that I’d be OK.” He’s also the night’s only winner who took a moment to salute the American Sign Language interpreter alongside him: “I wish I could do that. So great.” —AL

7:33 p.m. NBC keeps using the Emmys telecast to promote shows within the Kabletown family, even getting Emmy nominee Jake Lacy on stage not to present an award, but to plug his new Peacock series. How very “30 Rock” of them. —MB

7:32 p.m. After winning the writing award for variety special, Jerrod Carmichael walked backstage and immediately started posing for the reporters tuning in virtually. “Oh man, this coat was made for this!” he says. The inspiration behind the look, even amid the L.A. heat? “It’s fox, it’s vintage, Puff Daddy wore it in a music video. … I’m very happy in it, happy I won in it, and it goes well with gold.” One reporter asked about possibly rebooting “The Carmichael Show” sometime soon, and he joked, “I’m not old, bro! Like, Come on. It’s not time for reboots. I gotta go through a bunch of journeys, I don’t even have a coke problem yet.” —AL

7:31 p.m. I’ve yet to meet anyone who thought the second season of “Euphoria” was better than the first. But I also haven’t met anyone who doesn’t adore and worship Zendaya. So her drama actress Emmy was inevitable. Can’t complain. —GW

7:23 p.m. Nice win for “Squid Game’s” Hwang Dong-hyuk for drama director. Sets up a little suspense. Maaaybe “Succession” won’t win drama series?? —GW

7:19 p.m. In news that’s just fine I guess, Jason Sudeikis predictably wins a second Emmy for lead actor in a comedy series for “Ted Lasso.” It’s a bummer that Bill Hader got passed over for his performance this season in “Barry,” but maybe voters wanted something that was less … gut-wrenching to watch? Go figure. —MB

7:16 p.m. Quinta Brunson was the first Black woman to earn three Emmy nominations for comedy, recognized as a producer, actor and writer. The writing nod — for “Abbott Elementary’s” excellent, table-setting pilot — represented her best shot for a win. And it happened! With Sheryl Lee Ralph’s supporting actress win, there’s a strong possibility that the show might pull off an upset and beat reigning champ “Ted Lasso” for the comedy series Emmy. —GW

7:03 p.m. Jerrod Carmichael wins for writing for a variety special for “Rothaniel,” but deserves a thousand more awards for his outfit, a huge white fur coat worn over black pants and a bare chest. But his acceptance speech is more subdued than his look for the evening. Carmichael calls the special, in which he came out, “something that was of great personal consequence to me,” then gracefully exits the stage “because I can’t top this right now.” —MB

6:55 p.m. Oh my goodness, a “Good Burger” reunion! Millennials everywhere are rejoicing over Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell hugging. Excuse me while I search backstage for some orange soda. —AL

6:48 p.m. Mike White winning all the Emmys he should have won for “Enlightened”! Better late than never! —GW

Mike White wins back-to-back Emmys for writing and directing a limited series for his work on “The White Lotus,” continuing the show’s streak tonight. White, who once competed on “Survivor,” jokes that by winning two big prizes in a row, he has possibly made himself a target. “I just want to stay in the game!” he says. “Don’t vote me off the island, please!” —MB

6:44 p.m. Backstage, “Saturday Night Live” boss Lorne Michaels says four new people are joining the upcoming season of the sketch series — a bit of news that’s supposed to be announced Tuesday. —AL

6:43 p.m. After winning the award for variety talk series, “Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver tells reporters why he was so flummoxed onstage: He didn’t hear that his show had won, “then my staff started getting up and I thought, ‘I guess I should go with them.’ Then I met Steve f—ing Martin and everything left my mind. To be honest, I’ve never met him before so I totally blanked after. Martin Short coming at me with one of these [trophies] which is already weird, and then to have Steve Martin behind him, is very strange. If you grew up loving comedy to a genuine character fault, as I did, that is a pretty staggering moment. Yeah, my head was blank after that. … Honestly, any preparation that I had done was gone. I didn’t realize they were going to be presenting our award. That’s ridiculous!” —AL

6:40 p.m. Little did I know I was sitting behind the titular grrrls of “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” As Lizzo took the stage to accept her award for reality competition series, they all stood up and cheered, phone cameras on, hands up in praise for their den mother. “They’re not that unique, they just don’t get the platform,” Lizzo says of her cast. “When I was a little girl, all I wanted to see was someone who looked like me in the media.”

As Lizzo left the stage, the girls returned to their seats, in tears. “We won an Emmy!” they shout during the commercial. “We the best!” —SV

6:35 p.m. “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” scores a surprise win for reality competition series, and she delivers a barnburner of an acceptance speech talking about the importance of representation onscreen. “Growing up, all I wanted to see was someone fat like me, Black like me, beautiful like me,” she says. —MB

6:31 p.m. Backstage, Sheryl Lee Ralph explains why she sang Dianne Reeves’ “Endangered Species” song in her acceptance speech. “You know what? I’ve been singing that song for years because I think of myself as an artist, as a woman and especially as a woman of color, I’m an endangered species, and I don’t sing any victim song,” she says. “I’m a woman. I’m an artist, and I know where my voice belongs. There are so many young actors, artists, even kids that think they know what they’re going to do in life — find your voice and put it where it belongs.” —AL

6:20 p.m. I don’t know how you dare play off Jennifer Coolidge moments after she told you she … just … had … a … lavender… bath … and it made her swell up in her dress. Show a little empathy, people. —GW

6:18 p.m. As expected, Jennifer Coolidge wins for supporting actress in a limited series for her hilarious, bittersweet turn as lonely heiress Tanya McQuoid in “The White Lotus.” She gives a speech that’s as batty as its endearing, noting that she was having a hard time speaking because she had taken a lavender bath right before the ceremony “that made me swell up inside my dress.” More speeches like this, please. —MB

6:13 p.m. With his second Emmy win, “Ted Lasso” supporting actor Brett Goldstein tells the press that his first trophy is with his mother. “She says she’d look after it and then decided that six months ago, she’s never gonna give it back, so now I have one,” he explains. How sweet. —AL

6:12 p.m. For those keeping track, Bowen Yang cracks the second joke of the night about Top-Secret-Files-at-Mar-A-Lago-Gate. (That’s what we’re calling it, right?) —MB

6:10 p.m. Aaaaaand there’s the Oscars slap reference by none other than Bowen Yang. Honestly, we were all waiting for it. How long into the ceremony did it take? —SV

6:07 p.m. The rubber-stamping, especially in the sketch and late night categories, is one of the most tedious downsides of the Emmys every year. But at least we got Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez doing what they do best — taking gentle digs at one another. Though, frankly, any of us would be lucky to be mistaken for her royal highness, Angela Lansbury. —MB

6:04 p.m. Laziest instances of Emmy voting: “Saturday Night Live” winning variety sketch series and “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” taking variety talk series. Year after year … no matter the competition or, in the case of “SNL,” the (lack of) quality. —GW

6 p.m. Matthew Macfadyen is the first winner to speak to the press, and he’s making all the reporters laugh back here. “I tend to play a lot of buttoned-up Englishmen, sometimes in period costume, so to play a Midwestern guy who one critic described as a human grease stain, it’s really good fun and really good therapy as well.” He also teases that the next season of “Succession” begins after “a little bit of time has elapsed and just sort of settled a little bit, but not very much though.” —AL

5:55 p.m. Sheryl Lee Ralph was in shock. I was too; I had to put my phone down to fully take that in. Everyone stood up, even from up in the mezzanine. I remember a while back when nominations were first announced and her kid posted a TikTok of when she found out her mom was nominated and it was the sweetest, most heartwarming thing. And her kids are here today too. As Ralph took the stage, they shouted from the back, “We love you, mommy!” —SV

5:49 p.m. “To anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t come true, I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like, this is what striving looks like. And don’t you ever, ever give up on you.” What a helluva speech — thank you, Sheryl Lee Ralph! —AL

5:48 p.m. Ooooh … Sheryl Lee Ralph for supporting actress comedy for “Abbott Elementary”! Great surprise! And what a moment! The singing! THIS IS WHAT BELIEVING LOOKS LIKE! THIS IS WHAT STRIVING LOOKS LIKE! Lizzo’s face right after she finished … in that moment, we were all Lizzo! —GW

5:44 p.m. Presenting the Emmy for supporting actress in a comedy, Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler do a bit that reminds me of one of the benefits of having this awards show on NBC: lots of funny “SNL” stars will show up and do their darndest to make the onstage banter work — and sometimes succeed. —MB

5:40 p.m. I get wanting to give Julia Garner a proper sendoff for “Ozark.” But … that’s her third Emmy! And though I don’t want to go on another whinge about “Better Call Saul” and its perennial Emmy shutout and I know I should be thankful that Emmy voters finally nominated Rhea Seehorn after all these years, let me unleash another 1,000 words on why Seehorn … no … no … this is a live blog. Not the place. —GW

5:34 p.m. It feels oddly appropriate that Matthew Macfadyen got played off the stage during his well-deserved moment of glory. How very Wambsgansian. —MB

5:33 p.m. YES! Matthew Macfadyen! Most thought his “Succession” co-star Kieran Culkin would win for supporting actor drama. But Macfadyen had the juiciest storyline. Betrayal! Not sure why they played him off after 15 seconds when they let Michael Keaton talk for half an hour. Whatever. Great win. —GW

5:32 p.m. If there’s a theme I’m picking up from Kenan so far, it’s the battle of the streaming services. Going from his quip to NBC being the previous home of “The Office” to “Yellowjackets” being difficult to watch because it’s on Showtime, he’s really connected to everyone’s daily struggle to watch something good. As for me, I’ve made a pact with my friends and we each share a bit of what we have to expand the catalog. Highly recommend. —SV

5:29 p.m. Kenan Thompson jokes about this year’s crop of shows about loathsome, rich white people, joking that “Succession” is the only show that has “three brothers, but no brothers.” Jeremy Strong did not look amused, but then does he ever? —MB

5:27 p.m. Hannah Einbinder being shy around Zendaya is so relatable. And the cut to Zendaya’s chuckle was everything. As for the limited/movie supporting actor winner, Murray Bartlett, so deserved. And the Zendaya fan club continues with Kenan wishing her a belated birthday. Who else would like to join? —SV

5:20 p.m. Murray Bartlett wins for playing the world’s most stressed-out hotel manager in “The White Lotus,” a man who defiled the Pineapple Suite and won our hearts in the process. Bartlett prompts a collective “awwwwww” by thanking his mom in Australia. —MB

5:19 p.m. Michael Keaton had a lot to say! But we didn’t hear his message to his true believers. LET MICHAEL KEATON SWEAR! —GW

5:15 p.m. Michael Keaton essentially played three characters in “Dopesick” — the kind, decent doctor who gets duped by Big Pharma, then a desperate, hopeless, broken addict and, finally, a man in recovery trying to do some good for others. Richly deserved win. —GW

Oprah calls TV “the most successful broadcast medium in the world.” Take that, radio! —MB

5:13 p.m. Love a good top hat moment for Kenan. From a dancer’s perspective, this TV history medley is pulling all the stops. From jazz to break dancing to hints of litefeet. And Kenan showed he knows how to bust a move, too. During that “Game of Thrones” section, all I could think about was that meme from “Camp Rock” where Demi Lovato leads the troop to the opposing camp. —SV

5:10 p.m. Three hundred million to one to win an Emmy, Oprah says. Guess that’ll provide some solace to the “Better Call Saul” gang. —GW

5:08 p.m. Bravo to Kenan Thompson for paying tribute to TV’s most memorable theme songs, a great idea that I’m surprised hadn’t yet been done at the Emmys. Love the mix of nostalgia for “Brady Bunch” (with appearances by the original cast!), with nods to current shows like “Stranger Things.” I do wish we got some “Succession” and “White Lotus” in there too, because we’ve all definitely been dancing to those intros in our respective living rooms every week. Have to say, that “Game of Thrones” remix slaps. —AL

5:00 p.m. I missed most of the red carpet, but I do have an important update: My 4-year-old loves Zendaya’s dress — truly the only verdict that matters. —MB

4:57 p.m. For those watching at home wondering if your favorite celebrities are getting their drinks at the tall bar set up, stage left … “It’s fake,” says comedian and Emmys writer Chris Spencer. —SV

4:48 p.m. Hello from the inside! If the nominees survived the heat outside, they’re in for a treat in here where the AC is BLASTING. Hopefully the camera-ready looks survived. We’re getting ready for the ceremony to get rolling and I’m already amazed by the setup they have this year: greenery hanging from the ceiling, sprinkled with fairy lights, and a Los Angeles skyline replicated behind window panels. The stage, however, seems a bit small. Hope they don’t have a big performance lined up… —Steven Vargas

4:35 p.m. While you all are enjoying the show from the comfort of your homes, I’m reporting from the Emmys press room, which is actually a tent above a parking garage outside the Microsoft Theater. If any winners appear particularly weathered after giving acceptance speeches, talking to the media and returning to their seats, it’s because the air conditioning here seems to be aggressively testing the durability of everyone’s hair and makeup. Mine has already failed, but the thought of the “Abbott Elementary” folks potentially taking home trophies is keeping my spirits high. —Ashley Lee

4:20 p.m. It’s the 2022 Emmys! I have the TV on in the background and I just heard someone say the red carpet was on fire and, given the never-ending heat dome that has enveloped Southern California, I had to wonder if they meant this literally. It’s hot out there! But it’s cool here in my living room where I’ll be watching the Emmys and talking with Times TV writer Meredith Blake and keeping vigil for “Better Call Saul.” Will this be the year it finally wins an Emmy? Probably not, unfortunately. I may have to content myself with another Jean Smart win for “Hacks” and basking in “The Bear” reunion of stars Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri when they present later this evening. What are you looking forward to, Meredith? —Glenn Whipp

Greetings from the other side of the country where I, too, am sitting on my couch, wearing my finest sweatpants to celebrate the biggest night in TV this year (outside of next Friday, when “The Great British Baking Show” returns to Netflix). While I certainly wouldn’t be sad to see “Better Call Saul” take home a few well-deserved prizes, I am here as a “White Lotus” stan and am looking forward to watching Jennifer Coolidge and Murray Bartlett (probably) win. Speaking of terrible rich people, I also feel unhealthily invested in an Emmy for Tom Wambsgans, a.k.a. Matthew Macfadyen. And in my fantasy scenario, Steve Martin and Martin Short would win in a rare Emmys tie and give a shared acceptance speech for the ages. But, you know, it’s the Emmys. So I will temper my expectations. —Meredith Blake