Liza Colon-Zayas

Liza Colón-Zayas was so surprised to win Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy that she admitted she had not written a speech, despite her husband’s suggestion.

“Thank you to my husband, David Zayas. He told me to write a speech, but I didn’t because I didn’t think it was possible,” she explained. “How could I have thought it was possible to be in the presence of Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett and Janelle and Sheryl Lee Ralph? I love you all. I adore you from the bottom of my heart.”

Lamorne Morris

When Lamorne Morris took the stage to accept his award for outstanding supporting actor in a miniseries, anthology series or movie, he immediately thanked his mother in his heartfelt – and comedic – speech.

“I want to thank God for allowing me to be here,” he began. “I also want to thank God for my wonderful mother who raised me. She’s been my biggest advocate since I, you know, fell out of her – out of her butt. Whatever. I know where babies come from.”

He later praised Robert Downey Jr., another nominee, and shared that he had a poster of the Iron-Man Star in his home.

“I have a poster of you at my house. Please sign it, seriously,” he added.

Elisabeth Debicki

She was nominated for her portrayal of Princess Diana for the second year in a row. The CrownElizabeth Debicki took home the award for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series at Sunday’s ceremony.

“It was a great honor to play the role of this incomparable, incredible human being. It was a gift,” she said. “Thank you very much.”

Jessica Gunning

Sunday was a big night for the cast of Baby reindeerstarting with Jessica Gunning, who won the trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie.

“I have tried so many times to put into words what the work on Baby reindeer means to me and I fail every time,” Gunning said, among other things. “So I’m going to sing! No. No, I’m going to keep it simple and just say thank you for trusting me to be your Martha. I will never, ever forget her or you or this. It really means a lot to me.”

Richard Gadd

Baby reindeer Creator and star Richard Gadd – who wrote the show’s script based on his own true life experiences – won both the award for outstanding screenplay in a miniseries or movie category and the award for outstanding actor in the same category.

As he took the stage to accept his second award, he said, “Oh, you’re all crazy, honestly. Thank you so much, honestly. I was not expecting this at all and I did not prepare. I mean, this is not… Jon Hamm. I am your biggest fan! And I told you this over and over again last night. Like, this is nothing in the world.”

He then thanked his parents and admitted that it had been a “glaring omission” not to mention them in his first speech.

“They are the best,” he added.

Alan Cumming

As producer of the show, Alan Cumming accepted The traitors‘ first ever Emmy on Sunday.

After thanking Peacock and the cast and crew, Cumming was sure to think of his home country as well.

“I would also like to thank Scotland, I owe it everything and it is such a wonderful co-star,” said Cumming.

He was also named Best Host of a Reality or Reality Competition Show this year.

Jodie Foster

When Jodie Foster took the stage to accept her first-ever Emmy, she admitted it was “an incredibly emotional moment” and thanked everyone who contributed to it. True Detective: Nightland possibly including the Inupiaq and Inuit of northern Alaska.

“They just told us their stories and allowed us to listen, and it was just a blessing,” she said. “It was love, love, love, and when you feel that, something amazing happens. It’s deep and wonderful and it predates this place in this time. That’s just the message, which is love and work equals art.”

Alex Edelman

“Oh God, I’m going to cry in front of Carol Burnett, fantastic,” joked comedian Alex Edelman as he took the stage to accept the award for screenplay for a variety special.

He later thanked his friend and collaborator Adam Brace, who died shortly before Edelman’s show opened on Broadway.

“I got to do something really fun with my friend,” he said. “So, thank you very much for that. I really appreciate it.”

Steven Zaillian

“Production Ripley in Italy was a reward in itself, it was like a dream, after that I didn’t need anything else,” said Steven Zaillian as he accepted the award for directing a limited anthology series or film. “I know the other directors, they know what I’m talking about. The work is its own reward. I’m still very grateful for this honor.”

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada won two Emmys this year for his work as an actor and producer in ShogunWhen Sanada accepted the award for Best Actor in a Drama Series, he said: “It was a dream project where East and West meet. And Shogun taught me that when people work together, we can do wonders. Together, we can create a better future. Thank you.”

Anna-Lena Schröder

Sanada’s co-star Anna Sawai was also honored with the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in the FX series.

“I cried before my name was announced. I feel bad today,” Sawai said in her speech, while also describing her role as “the role of a lifetime.”