10 talked-about moments from the 2014 Emmy Awards

MANILA, Philippines – It was American television’s biggest night, and boy, did some of the stunts, speeches, and red carpet gowns leave audiences talking. 

Here are 10 unforgettable moments from the show.  

1. Bryan Cranston and Julia Louis-Dreyfus kiss  

After winning the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Julia got a special surprise from none other than Bryan Cranston, who gave her a kiss on the lips in one of the evening’s most talked-about moments. 

 

Oh okay. #Emmys http://t.co/GCxjUFwn9w

— Huffington Post (@HuffingtonPost) August 26, 2014

 

2. Modern Family photobomb and big wins

The cast of Modern Family, showing its 6th season in the fall, has a lot to celebrate: a big win for Ty Burrell, who plays Phil Dunphy, and another Best Comedy Series win. The show picked up this award for the fifth year in a row, equaling a record set by Frasier between 1994 and 1998. 

During the ceremony, Scandal star Kerry Washington took a goofy break to photobomb the Modern Family cast in a funny group picture. 

The only thing that could make a @ModernFam #Emmys photo better is a @kerrywashington photobomb. http://t.co/v0bRbQuYse

— Scandal (@ScandalABC) August 26, 2014

3. Sherlock love 

Both Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch won Emmys for their roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson in the BBC’s Sherlock. Both weren’t present to accept their awards. 

This is a big deal for Benedict and Martin, who are collecting Emmys specifically for these roles for the first time. Sherlock writer Steven Moffat also collected the award for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special.

 

4. Controversial: Sofia Vergara on a rotating platform  

In one of the more surreal moments, “Modern Family” star Vergara introduced Television Arts and Sciences President Bruce Rosenblum – and then proceeded to stand on a rotating platform, displaying her figure-hugging dress, while he gave a speech.

The skit was presumably intended as an ironic comment on how boring such speeches are – it was difficult to concentrate on it with Vergara showing off her derriere.

But online critics immediately mauled it for being sexist. “She was treated like a literal object,” opined Jezebel, a website devoted to women’s interests, which highlighted a tide of tweets attacking it or questioning it. 

5. The Normal Heart team gets a standing ovation

Accepting the award on behalf of the team behind The Normal Heart for Outstanding Television Movie, Ryan Murphy gave a touching speech, urging young people to channel their passions and skills into causes they could see themselves fighting for, dying for. 

The Normal Heart is about gay activist Larry Kramer’s work to raise HIV/AIDS awareness during the early 1980s.

In the speech, Kramer, who is HIV positive – appeared on stage with the film’s makers, wrapped in a scarf and hat as he was applauded by the star-studded audience.

Netizens and celebrities, including actors Lea Michele and Zachary Quinto tweeted their support for the film. 

thrilled for NORMAL HEART and moved by the eloquence of @MrRPMurphy calling young people to stand up to FIGHT for something! heed his words!

— Zachary Quinto (@ZacharyQuinto) August 26, 2014

6. Billy Crystal’s tribute to Robin Williams 

With emotions still raw, his friend and fellow actor-comedian Billy Crystal paid tribute to the Oscar winner during the “in memoriam” part of the primetime program.

“He made us laugh. I spent many happy hours onstage with Robin. His brilliance was stunning, the relentless energy breathtaking,” said Crystal, adding Williams’ star remained undimmed. Read the full story here. 

7. Breaking Bad wins big

With acting awards for Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, and Bryan Cranston plus an Outstanding Drama Series win, it was clear that Breaking Bad, about chemistry teacher-turned-drugs-kingpin Walter White, was the night’s big winner. 

“This is… a wonderful time to be working in television,” said Breaking Bad director Vince Gilligan, accepting the top prize – best drama – at the climax of the three-hour show.

Fans of Breaking Bad may be happy, but another passionate fandom is likely up in arms: royal feud saga Game of Thrones, which had garnered the most nominations, went home with none of the big prizes.  (LIST: Winners at the 2014 Emmy Awards)

8. Bryan Cranston’s emotional speech

This was the last time Breaking Bad would make Emmy rounds, as the show wrapped its 5th and final season earlier this year. Bryan Cranston couldn’t help but turn emotional as he accepted his award for Outsanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. 

Our #Emmys winner for Lead Actor, Drama Series: @BryanCranston, @BreakingBad_AMC pic.twitter.com/ZOyj0WWqfU

— Television Academy (@TelevisionAcad) August 26, 2014

“I love to act and it is a passion of mine, and I will do it until my last breath,” he said in his speech. 

“I’d like to dedicate this award to all the ‘Sneaky Petes’ of the world who thought that maybe settling for mediocrity was a good idea because it was safe,” he continued. “Don’t do it. take a chance. Take risk. Find that passion, rekindle it. It’s really worth it. God bless you.”

Of course, being Bryan Cranston, he had to slip in a sly joke, even as he thanked his co-stars. “”My dear friend Aaron Paul – I love you so much,” he said, then said to his on-screen wife Anna Gunn: “I love you, and especially those scenes in bed.”

9. Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel’s ribs 

Netizens appeared to be generally happy with host Seth Meyers’ jokes. The Saturday Night Livestar and comedy writer had the audience giggling at several points of the night. Here’s one of his jokes: “HBO is like the kid you grew up with who ended up doing way better than you expected. 99 nominations? When I first met HBO, all he had was Grease 2 and Fraggle Rock.”

And this: “This year, we’re doing the Emmys on a Monday night in August, which if I understand television, means the Emmys are about to get canceled.”

Funnyman Jimmy Kimmel also drew laughs, joking that Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey – nominated for bleak cop drama True Detective – was too handsome for television.

“Beautiful son of a bitch. That’s not a television face, that’s a movie star face,” Kimmel joked, adding: “You don’t belong here. And take Julia Roberts with you while you’re at it,” said the late-night talk show host.

10. Weird Al’s performance + Andy Samberg as King Joffrey 

Master of parody Weird Al has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, having recently released new material. His performance at the Emmys focused mainly on television shows’ theme songs, including jokes about Modern Family, Mad Men, Homeland, and Scandal. The parody ended with a nod to Game of Thrones, featuring comedian Andy Samberg dressed as the teenaged character fans loved to hate, King Joffrey. 

All in all, these are just a few moments from the memorable show. Which were your favorites? Let us know in the comments below! – with reports from Michael Thurston/ Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com