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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Entertainment
Morwenna Ferrier in London, Brian Moylan, Lanre Bakare, Ruth Spencer , Ryan Kincaid andAlex Needham in New York

Emmys 2015: winners and performances – as it happened

Viola Davis gives a stirring speech after becoming the first woman of color to win the best actress in a drama series award

Alright, here is a quick rundown of my Top 10 Moments from this Year’s Emmys.

10. Allison Janney’s hot Emmy date.

9. Jon Hamm, Emmy Winner.

8. The Apple Music commercial with Taraji P. Henson, Mary J. Blige, and Kerry Washington.

7. Jill Soloway’s polka dot suit.

6. Whoever gave Amy Schumer that smokey eye.

5. Amy Poehler’s swag during the Lead Actress in a Comedy nominations.

4. Modern Family and The Amazing Race lost! We might have to give the Emmys credit for choosing some new winners.

3. Tracey Morgan brings laughter and tears.

2. Andy Samberg’s truly hilarious and joke-packed opening number, “I watched every show.”

1. Viola Davis’s incredibly moving acceptance speech.

More on that Viola Davis speech. Here’s a transcript of the first half:

WINNER: Outstanding Drama - Game of Thrones

Emmys are coming
Emmys are coming Photograph: Helen Sloan/AP

Game of Thrones. A huge upset for Mad Men and it now won 12 trophies this year on 24 nominations. One of TV’s biggest shows is now one of its most decordated.

He gives a heartfelt and funny speech before Drama series: Better Call Saul; Downton Abbey; Game of Thrones; Homeland; House of Cards; Mad Men; Orange is the New Black

Tracy Morgan is here!

Updated

WINNER: Outstanding Comedy Series - Veep

That’s what winning looks like
That’s what winning looks like Photograph: Lacey Terrell/Home Box Office

Veep! Finally someone breaks Modern Family’s spell over Emmy voters. Veep Sweep.

Updated

For those who missed it/can’t see here was Jeffrey Tambor’s speech

Jeffrey Tambor

Mel Brooks strides out on to the stage and fires out the noms for Comedy series: Louie; Modern Family; Parks and Recreation; Silicon Valley; Transparent; Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt; Veep

Viola Davis is going for it here in her speech. She starts by quoting Harriet Tubman and goes on to thank Shonda Rhimes and the other showrunners who’ve redefined what it means to be beautiful and a leading lady. She did something very similar at the SAG awards. Powerful.

Updated

Viola Davis gives the best speech of the night, quoting Harriet Tubman, and thanks actresses of color and those who write and direct for them. I still have goose bumps.

WINNER: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Viola Davis

Viola Davis wins
Viola Davis wins Photograph: Phil McCarten/Invision for the Television Acad

Viola Davis for How to Get Away with Murder. She is the first woman of color to win in this category.

Updated

Adrien Brody to give the all important Drama, actress:

Claire Danes, Homeland; Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder; Taraji P Henson, Empire; Tatiana Maslany, Ophan Black; Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men; Robin Wright, House of Cards

Jon Hamm is keeping it together well in his speech. He’s had a well reported tough time of late and he thanks his family for their support which got him here …

WINNER: Outsanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Jon Hamm for Mad Men finally wins his well deserved award, and trips on his way to the podium. He gets a standing ovation. This is your second reminder of the night that Jon Hamm is now single.

Tina Fey is up now talking about “a baby praying to be an alcoholic President” and to present Drama, actor (i.e the big one!):

Kyle Chandler, Bloodline; Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom; Jon Hamm, Mad Men; Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul; Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan; Kevin Spacey, House of Cards

Updated

Here’s our news story on Amy Schumer’s victory

For those keeping track in the Mad Men v Game of Thrones battle, in the two acting categories GoT isn’t nominated, so they’ll only face off in the Best Drama category. Still Elizabeth Moss and Jon Hamm could take home their first trophies ever and the first for the show tonight.

Updated

WINNER: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama - Peter Dinklage

 Peter Dinklage (L), Erica Schmidt (C) and Fred Armisen
Peter Dinklage (L), Erica Schmidt (C) and Fred Armisen Photograph: FOX/FOX Collection/Getty Images

Peter Dinklage for Game of Thrones. It’s Emmy tally is now at 11. Ok, maybe a Best Drama win is in the cards.

Updated

Viola Davis is on stage to present supporting actor in a drama series: Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul; Ben Mendelsohn, Bloodline; Jim Carter, Downton Abbey; Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones; Alan Cumming, The Good Wife; Michael Kelly, House of Cards

If you want to look at the happy faces of winners then you can take a gander at our winners’ gallery

COMMERCIAL BREAK ANALYSIS: Game of Thrones, now the record holder for most Emmys in a single season, has beaten Mad Men in the writing and directing categories. Is this its year for Best Drama? I doubt it. Mad Men seems like a lock. However, Game of Thrones is much more popular with viewers, so maybe it can pull out an upset.

WINNER: Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series - Game of Thrones (Mother’s Mercy)

Samberg riffed on Mother’s Mercy earlier in the show
Samberg riffed on Mother’s Mercy earlier in the show Photograph: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

David Nutter for Game of Thrones. The show now won 10 Emmys this year, holding the record for most awards won in a single year.

Updated

Right we’re on to Directing for a drama series: Tim Van Patten, Boardwalk Empire (Eldorado); David Nutter, Game of Thrones (Mother’s Mercy), Jeremy Podeswa, Game of Thrones (Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken); Lesli Linka Glatter, Homeland (From A to B and Back Again); Steven Soderbergh, The Knick (Method and Madness). This is rapid

WINNER: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama - Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba
Uzo Aduba Photograph: Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Acad

Uzo Aduba wins for Orange Is the New Black. Last year she won Best Guest Star in a Comedy for the same role. Too bad Christina Hendricks will never win an Emmy for Mad Men.

Updated

Back to business … Supporting actress in a drama series: Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey; Lena Headley, Game of Thrones; Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones; Christine Baranski, The Good Wife; Christina Hendricks, Mad Men; Uzo Aduba, Orange is the New Black

We are cruising through the awards. There are only a handful left and there is still 45 minutes left in the show. All those short Frances McDormand acceptance speeches really add up.

WINNER: Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series - David Benihoff and D.B. Weiss (Game of Thrones)

You won!<br>
You won!
Photograph: Macall B. Polay/AP

David Benihoff and D.B. Weiss win for Game of Thrones. If the show wins one more award tonight, it will beat the record for the most Emmys won by a show in one year. They are currently tied at 9 with The West Wing.

Updated

And now … Writing for a drama series: Joshua Brand; The Americans (Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep); Gordon Smith, Better Call Saul (Five-O); David Denioff and DB Weiss, Game of Thrones (Mother’s Mercy); Semi Chellas and Matthew Weiner, Mad Men (Lost Horizon); Matthew Weiner, Mad Men (Person to Person)

Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress in a Drama went to Reg E. Cathey for House of Cards and Margo Martindale for The Americans.

Updated

Reg E Cathey
Reg E Cathey Photograph: Buchan/Variety/REX Shutterstock/Buchan/Variety/REX Shutterstock

Onward we march into Drama and the categories for

Guest actor in a drama series: Alan Alda, The Blacklist; Michael J Fox, The Good Wife; F Murray Abraham, Homeland; Reg E Cathey, House of Cards; Beau Bridges, Masters of Sex; Pablo Schreiber, Orange is the New Black

winner: Reg E Cathey, House of Cards

Guest actress in a drama series: Margo Martindale, The Americans; Diana Rigg, Game of Thrones; Rachel Brosnahan, House of Cards; Cicely Tyson, How to Get Away With Murder; Allison Janney, Masters of Sex; Khandi Alexander, Scandal

winner: Margo Martindale, The Americans;

Updated

“I have been off of TV in seven weeks. This is the first applause I’ve heard. It’s a barren wasteland out there.” Jon Stewart accepting his final award for The Daily Show.

WINNER: Outstanding Variety Talk Series - The Daily Show

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart: never can say goodbye (without loads of awards)
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart: never can say goodbye (without loads of awards) Photograph: Brad Barket/Getty Images

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Sorry Dave. Sorry Steven. The Emmys just like Jon the best.

Updated

This is non-stop. LL Cool J is here now to give out the award for Best variety series:

The Colbert Report; The Daily Show; Jimmy Kimmel Live!; Last Week Tonight; Late Show with David Letterman; The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

WINNER: Outstanding Directing of a Variety Show

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart cleans up
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart cleans up Photograph: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Chuck O’Neil wins for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. It looks like Stewart is going to get a victory lap and Colbert has to wait for next year to duke it out with John Oliver.

Updated

Colin Hanks and Will Forte are here for the variety directing award.

The Colbert Report; The Daily Show; Inside Amy Schumer; Last Week Tonight; Late Show with David Letterman; The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Emmys tally …

Updated

“Thanks to the girl who gave me this sort of smokey eye. I love it.” God, Amy Schumer is just the damn best. Smokey Eye will be trending on Twitter internationally in five minutes.

Updated

WINNER: Outstanding Variety Sketch Series - Inside Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer gets ready to pick up her Emmy
Amy Schumer gets ready to pick up her Emmy Photograph: Buckner/Variety/REX Shutterstock/Buckner/Variety/REX Shutterstock

Inside Amy Schumer wins the category’s first Emmy ever. It’s been quite a year for Amy.

Updated

Ok, straight onto … Outstanding variety sketch series: Drunk History; Inside Amy Schumer; Key & Peele; Portlandia; Saturday Night Live

WINNER: Outstanding Writing for a Variety Show - the Daily Show

Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart Photograph: Lauren Victoria Burke/AP

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart wins its ninth and final award. We’ll miss you Jon.

Updated

Mindy Kaling and Zachary Levi are here to give out the gong for writing in a variety comedy: it’s between Colbert Report, Key & Peele, Colbert Report, the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Last Week Tonight

Why is George RR Martin at the Emmys? #FinishTheBook At least he confirmed Jon Snow is alive.

“It started as a book. OK, Andy.” --Frances McDormand letting Andy Samberg that books don’t have to suck it.

WINNER: Outstanding Limited Series - Olive Kitteridge

Frances McDormand accepts the award for Outstanding Limited Series
Frances McDormand accepts the award for Outstanding Limited Series Photograph: Phil McCarten/Invision for the Television Acad

Olive Kitteridge, who won every award in this category. Can’t we spread it around a bit?

Updated

Ok, after that spoiler fest we’ve got Outstanding miniseries: American Crime; American Horror Story: Freak Show; Olive Kitteridge; The Honorable Woman; Wolf Hall

Spoiler Alert, the Emmys just ruined the ending for all of those who want to binge watch Nurse Jackie, Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men, and The Newsroom. Just joking. No one wants to binge watch The Newsroom.

Updated

I hope no one was looking forward to finding out how Boardwalk Empire ends because the Emmys just ruined it

Is it just me or does Fred Savage still look 12 years old? He’s like the opposite of Benjamin Button.

WINNER: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie - Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins and Sharon R Friedrick<br>
Richard Jenkins and Sharon R Friedrick
Photograph: Powers Imagery/Invision

Richard Jenkins for Olive Kitteridge. The only American nominated in the category. You’ll get them next time, Mark Rylance.

Updated

Ohhhhh, Lady Gaga is here to present Lead actor in a miniseries or movie:

Adrien Brody, Houdini; Ricky Gervais, Derek; Timothy Hutton, American Crime; Richard Jenkins, Olive Kitteridge; David Oyelowo, Nightingale; Mark Rylance, Wolf Hall

The good will Andy Samberg generated with his hilarious opening has been squandered with a long bit about Lorne Michaels and that stupid video thing where Tatiana Maslany ate a can of beans on the red carpet.

WINNER: Oustanding Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie - Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand
Frances McDormand Photograph: HO/REUTERS

Frances McDormand, of course, for Olive Kitteridge. She gave a wonderfully brief acceptance speech.

Updated

Rob Lowe and Kerry Washington are here to award Lead actress in a miniseries or movie …

Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Honorable Woman; Felicity Huffman, American Crime; Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Freak Show; Queen Latifa, Bessie; Frances McDormand, Olive Kitterige; Emma Thompson, Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Live from Lincoln Center

Updated

Andy Sanberg just let us know that Emmy’s can kill. Too bad his Mad Men bit didn’t.

WINNER: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie - Bill Murray

Bill Murray with an illegal selfie stick
Bill Murray with an illegal selfie stick Photograph: Wu Hong/EPA

Bill Murray for Olive Kitteridge. Bill Murry is watching the Emmys at Maggie Smith’s house, so Liev Schrieber stole his award and will never give it back.

Updated

Liev Schreiber and Maggie Gyllenhaal are here to present supporting actor in a limited series or movie:

Richard Cabral, American Crime; Denis O’Hare, American Horror Story; Finn Wittrock, American Horror Story: Freak Show; Michael Kenneth Williams, Bessie; Bill Murray, Olive Kitteridge; Damian Lewis, Wolf Hall

Updated

WINNER: Best Directing for a Limited Series or TV Movie

Lisa Cholodenko for Olive Kitteridge. It’s not a surprise at all that HBO is going to sweep this category.

Jeffrey Tambor
Jeffrey Tambor Photograph: Phil McCarten/Invision for the Television Acad

So that Tambor moment did materialise and it was pretty impressive when it did arrive. Here’s our news story on it:

So apparently the log-in that Andy Samberg just gave out for HBO Now is legit

Now John Oliver is here to bring some jokes about Jeopardy and present the award for … directing in a limited series or movie. Again, no list of noms this time (there are a lot!)

“Oh look,” America says as John Oliver takes the stage, “A British person we recognize.” Sorry James Corden.

Updated

WINNER: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie - Regina King

Regina King
Regina King Photograph: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Regina King for American Crime! Quite a surprise but a well deserved win.

Updated

And they’re getting their mileage out of these two. They’ve stuck around to present the Emmy for Supporting actress in a limited series or movie:

Regina King, American Crime; Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Freak Show; Angela Bassett, American Horror Story: Freak Show; Kathy Bates, American Horror Story: Freak Show; Mo’Nique, Bessie; Zoe Kazan, Olive Kitteridge

Andy Samberg lied to us, they just played Jane Anderson off. There was no mean Game of Thrones nun to scream SHAME SHAME SHAME.

WINNER: Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series or TV Movie - Jane Anderson

Jane Anderson
Jane Anderson Photograph: Buchan/Variety/REX Shutterstock/Buchan/Variety/REX Shutterstock

Jane Anderson for Olive Kitteridge who is leaping and dancing her way to the podium like a little bird.

Updated

Taraji P Henson and Terence Howard are presenting the award for best writing in a limited series or movie. No list of nominees this time …

Updated

Is the band playing the Ghostbuster’s theme song while introducing James Corden because he’s so pale? America is still wondering just who this weird English person who is not on Downton Abbey is.

Updated

WINNER: Outstanding Reality Competition Program - The Voice

The Voice, making themselves heard at the Emmys
The Voice, making themselves heard at the Emmys Photograph: NBC/Getty Images

The Voice! Orange you glad they didn’t say The Amazing Race?

Updated

Key & Peele are here to dish out the Emmy for Best reality show: The Amazing Race; Dancing With the Stars; Project Runway; So You Think You Can Dance; Top Chef; The Voice

Amy Poehler did steal the show there …

WINNER: Oustanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series - Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus: the Veep Sweep has happened
Julia Louis-Dreyfus: the Veep Sweep has happened Photograph: Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Acad

The greedy Julia Louis-Dreyfus once again. It’s looking more and more like a Veep sweep.

Updated

Seth Meyers is here to do a skit about Lorne Michaels and present the award for Comedy, actress. Here are the nominees:

Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie; Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback; Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep; Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation; Amy Schumer, Inside Amy Schumer; Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie

Updated

COMMERCIAL BREAK ANALYSIS: So far both Veep and Transparent have netted two awards each and perpetual winner Modern Family has been shut out. This seems like it could mean the streak is coming to an end and one of these shows could break Modern Family’s five-year streak. Or not. But let’s hope.

Updated

“A teacher told me to act like your life depended on it. I’ve been given the opportunity to act because people’s lives depend on it.” Inspiring quote from Tambor’s acceptance speech.

“I’d like to dedicated my performances and this award to the transgender community. Thanks for letting us be part of the change.”

Updated

WINNER: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy - Jeffrey Tambor

Kasia Ostlun and Jeffrey Tambor
Kasia Ostlun and Jeffrey Tambor
Photograph: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Jimmy Kimmel decided that it should go to Jeffrey Tambor for Transparent. History is made!

Updated

Jimmy Kimmel is on duty for Comedy, actor:

Anthony Anderson, Black-ish; Louis CK, Louie; Don Cheadle, House of Lies; Will Forte, The Last Man on Earth; Matt LeBlanc, Episodes; William H Macy, Shameless; Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent

WINNER: Outstanding Directing on a Comedy Series - Jill Soloway

Jill Soloway wins the first of Transparent Emmys
Jill Soloway wins the first of Transparent Emmys Photograph: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Jill Soloway for Transparent. The show’s first win for the night.

Updated

And we’re quickly on to Directing for a comedy series with cameos from Louis CK, Armando Iannucci and others …

Christopher Miller, The Last Man on Earth (Alive in Tucson); Louis CK, Louie (Sleepover); Mike Judge, Silicon Valley (Sand Hill Shuffle); Jill Soloway, Transparent (Best New Girl); Armando Iannucci, Veep (Testimony)

WARNING!! Bradley Whitford is wearing an inappropriatly ugly hat on the Emmys. WARNING!!

WINNER: Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress in a Comedy - Bradley Whitford (Transparent) and Joan Cusack (Shameless)

Joan Cusack: a winner
Joan Cusack: a winner Photograph: Variety/REX Shutterstock/Variety/REX Shutterstock

The winners for Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress in a Comedy were Bradley Whitford for Transparent and Joan Cusack for Shameless. They were given out last week at the Creative Arts Emmys.

Updated

Gina Rodriguez and John Stamos are here to give to Emmy for … this little lot

Guest actor in a comedy series: Mel Brooks, The Comedians; Paul Giamatti, Inside Amy Schumer; Bill Hader, Saturday Night Live; Louis CK, Saturday Night Live; Bradley Whitford, Transparent; Jon Hamm, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Guest actress in a comedy series: Christine Baranski, The Big Bang Theory; Gaby Hoffmann, Girls; Pamela Adlon, Louie; Elizabeth Banks, Modern Family; Joan Cusack, Shameless; Tina Fey, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

WINNER: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Tony Hale

Tony Hale part of the Veep Sweep
Tony Hale part of the Veep Sweep Photograph: Paul Buck/EPA

Tony Hale wins for Veep, yet again. There have been three awards handed out so far and two have gone to Veep.

Next up … Supporting actor in comedy series

Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Adam Driver, Girls; Keegan-Michael Key, Key & Peele; Ty Burrell, Modern Family; Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt; Tony Hale, Veep

Oh, now Ricky Gervais is here making jokes about himself not winning …

WINNER: Best Writing for a Comedy Series - Veep

Armando Iannucci clearly annoyed he’s at the Emmys rather than reading about that other story doing the rounds tonight …
Armando Iannucci clearly annoyed he’s at the Emmys rather than reading about that other story doing the rounds tonight … Photograph: Murdo Macleod for the Guardian

Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, and Tony Roach for Veep. Could this be the start of a Veep Sweep?

Updated

Next up is the Emmys for … Writing for a comedy series

David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, Episodes (409); Will Forte, The Last Man on Earth (Alive in Tucson); Louis CK, Louie (Bobby’s House); Alec Berg, Silicon Valley (Two Days of the Condor); Jill Soloway, Transparent (Pilot); Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci and Tony Roche, Veep (Election Night)

Updated

WINNER: Supporting Actress in a Comedy - Allison Janney

Allison Janney
Allison Janney Photograph: Dan Steinberg/Invision for the Television Acad

Allison Janney wins for Mom. She is now tied with Ed Asner for the most wins in the acting categories.

Updated

Amy Poehler and Amy Schumer are here to present the award for: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series …

Mayim Bialik - The Big Bang Theory
Niecy Nash - Getting On
Julie Bowen - Modern Family
Allison Janney - Mom
Kate McKinnon - Saturday Night Live
Gaby Hoffmann - Transparent
Jane Krakowski - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Anna Chlumsky - Veep

Amy Poehler and Amy Schumer together right off the bat. What have we done to deserve this?

Critics use ALL CAPS to describe Andy Samberg's edgy jokes

This is just your first reminder of the evening that Jon Hamm is now sober and single.

Yep, I’m doing really well!
Yep, I’m doing really well! Photograph: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

So far Samberg has made a joke about Justin Timberlake, diversity in Hollywood, Bill Cosby, Bernie Sanders, the ridiculous re-categorisation of certain shows and that mean nun from Game of Thrones. This is looking pretty good …

Wow, I was not expecting Jane Lynch to be dressed as the angry nun from Game of Thrones, but I can’t be happier that she is.

We've all been there…

Host Andy Samberg on his way to watch another show (probably)
Host Andy Samberg on his way to watch another show (probably) Photograph: FOX/FOX Collection/Getty Images

This opening song is looking like a success. The sentiment: ie there’s too much TV at the moment, is something lots of people have struggled with - including our very own Rebecca Nicholson.

It’s hard to knuckle down to an earnest essay about the thematic concerns of a slow-moving meditative cable drama without wondering when TV stopped, well, being fun. I knew there was a problem when I finally got through all 13 episodes of Netflix’s amiable comedy The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, then instantly started Googling for interviews and articles around it (the brilliant New Yorker critic Emily Nussbaum provided, as always, a review that discussed the show’s incredible sleight of hand, which is that it’s “a sitcom about a rape survivor”).

I’ve laughed to the point of tears at Broad City – by far the best new comedy of recent years – then gone straight to an LA Review of Books piece asking viewers to consider its racial insensitivity. I spent this week carefully curating what I see on the internet, just so I don’t run into any spoilers about Mad Men’s final stretch. I have shushed friends discussing Louis Theroux; I have stared at a DVR full of Wolf Halls and wondered if I’ll ever get to it. I’m behind and I need to catch up and it’s all becoming so stressful that I go into avoidance mode, and sink into another Come Dine With Me repeat instead.

Congratulations to Andy Samberg for doing an actually funny opening song/Les Miz mash up about how difficult it is to watch all of the television in the world (including 50 shows about wives).

It's the last tranche of the fashions!

Claire Danes: lilac chainmail.
Claire Danes: lilac chainmail. Photograph: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Homeland’s Claire Danes has come in a bob (hair trend klaxon!) and lilac Prada chainmail, presumably repping Game of Thrones.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the new black ... black.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the new black ... black. Photograph: REX Shutterstock/REX Shutterstock

Here’s Julia Louis-Dreyfus from Veep who has arrived in asymmetric – hold the press – black by British brand Safiyaa. Still, it works a treat.

Kerry Washington: straight off the runway.
Kerry Washington: straight off the runway. Photograph: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

All eyes on Scandal power dresser Kerry Washington whose sheeny shiny silver Marc Jacobs number with a fun little loin cloth is straight-off-the-catwalk. Delightful. If sweaty. And not black.

So that’s it from Guardian Fashion and the red carpet looks. To surmise: no one looked worse than Heidi Klum, Empire’s Cookie dresses even better IRL, if you have hair it needs to be cut into a bob and black is the new black. Not orange. Even in LA’s sweltering heat.

James Corden is currently talking to Ryan Seacrest on E. He is presenting an award tonight to once again befuddle American audiences wondering when Conan O’Brien got so short, pudgy, and British.

Key battles


Taraji P Henson is in one of the most competitive categories
Taraji P Henson is in one of the most competitive categories Photograph: FOX/FOX Collection/Getty Images

Mad Men: will Jon Hamm finally get an Emmy?

After seven years of being nominated for his role as Don Draper, John Hamm hasn’t managed to walk away with one of those little gold fellas yet. Tonight is his last chance. Will he finally take home a trophy? After a strong season, the odds are good, but he’s up against some pretty stiff opposition: Kyle Chandler in Bloodline; Jeff Daniels in The Newsroom; Bob Odenkirk in Better Call Saul; Liev Schreiber in Ray Donovan; Kevin Spacey and House of Cards.

Variety sketch comedy show: Amy Schumer v Key and Peele

The biggest weights in sketch comedy are all up against each other in this brand new award category, but the clear battle (sorry SNL and Drunk History) is between Inside Amy Schumer and Key and Peele. Both shows have had great seasons with plenty of viral hits, but critics seem to be betting on Schumer.

Late Night battle royale: John Oliver v the Colbert Report

Even though three of the five nominees in this category are no longer on television, this award may be the most competitive of the night: Stewart, Fallon, Letterman and Oliver are all facing off. The question is: despite the mass appeal of Stewart’s satire, and the palpable impact of Oliver’s first year, will the academy feel compelled to give it to Letterman, who capped off his 33-year career hosting The Late Show this year?

Lead actress in a drama: will tonight make history?

There’s a good chance that tonight we will see the best actor in a television drama go to a black woman for the first time. Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder) and Taraji P Henson (Empire) are both nominated in this insanely competitive category, which also features Claire Danes, Elizabeth Moss, Robin Wright and Tatiana Maslany. Though Taraji seems to be the favorite, Moss also has a good chance of winning it, seeing as Peggy carried so much of Mad Men’s final season – and there’s a lot of buzz behind Maslany finally being nominated for the first time.

Updated

More fashion!

Amy Poehler: two trends for the price of one.
Amy Poehler: two trends for the price of one. Photograph: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Monopolising the red carpet tonight isn’t, oddly, American Horror Story’s ensemble cast but the colour black. No idea why everyone’s wearing it given the heat but as yet, no one’s got it wrong. Parks and Recs’ Aubrey Plaza has come in Alexandre Vauthier and is cementing the bob trend on the red carpet tonight. Amy Poehler has ticked two trend boxes tonight with ombre hair and the cut-out (see also Amanda Peet who’s showing us her tummy through a triangle, cheers Amanda).

Jessica Lange: we die.
Jessica Lange: we die. Photograph: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

The Supreme! Obvs we mean American Horror Story’s Jessica Lange in a navy bardot dress and frankly the chicest sunglasses we’ve ever seen. She’s up for a nomination. Of course she is. We die.

Lady Gaga: none more black.
Lady Gaga: none more black. Photograph: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Disappointing to see Lady Gaga miss the opportunity to come as a fried egg but props for getting the memo about black.

Updated

Jeffrey Tambor's moment?

Jeffrey Tambor and Kasia Ostlun arrive at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards
Jeffrey Tambor and Kasia Ostlun arrive at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards Photograph: Dan Steinberg/Invision for the Television Acad

We’re just over 20 minutes away from kick off so as things hot up (seriously, every nominee has talked about how hot it is on the red carpet) we’ve got some analysis. First up, Jeffrey Tambor.

Jill Soloway told Brian Moylan about the scene when Transparent was nominated for 11 Emmys:

“We’re together and we’re shooting episode four of season two and we were gathered around a big TV monitor and we were so glad to hear Jeffrey got nominated and then we heard that the show got nominated and it was amazing. Then we all got on our phones and figured out there were 11 nominations and we were like, “Oh my god, 11!”

It’s a huge moment for Amazon Prime which along with Netflix have taken streaming show head to head with the networks and cable. Transparent was declared the biggest winner at the Golden Globes, taking two gongs along with other debut shows The Affair and Fargo, but cleaning up here would arguably be an even bigger coup.

Tambor is up against some serious competition in his category:

Comedy, actor: Anthony Anderson, Black-ish; Louis CK, Louie; Don Cheadle, House of Lies; Will Forte, The Last Man on Earth; Matt LeBlanc, Episodes; and William H Macy, Shameless

He is the favourite but it wouldn’t be surprising if Anthony Anderson or Louis CK stole it. Expect a “moment” if he does win.

Nazanin Boniadi: so last season.
Nazanin Boniadi: so last season. Photograph: Jen Lowery/Splash News/Corbis

Here’s Homeland’s Nazanin Boniadi has come in Stephane Rolland. Apparently - awkward! - it’s spring/summer 2014. Not convinced about the Tetris neckline either. Never mind, great show.

Fred Armisen and Natashia Lyonne: nightmare on the red carpet.
Fred Armisen and Natasha Lyonne: nightmare on the red carpet. Photograph: Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Acad

Portlandia’s Fred Armisen and Orange Is the New Black’s Natasha Lyonne have gone quasi matchy matchy except with the addition of Armisten’s Freddy Krueger tie ... and claws.

Sarah Paulson: she doesn’t mind you asking who she’s wearing.
Sarah Paulson: she doesn’t mind you asking who she’s wearing. Photograph: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

American Horror Story’s Sarah Paulson is WELCOMING questions about her dress, despite the apparent ban on asking women where their dresses are from. It’s by Prabal Gurung, by the way. Pra-Bal. Gu-Rung.

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So who is up for what?

William H Macy turns up to the Emmys
William H Macy turns up to the Emmys Photograph: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Jimmy Fallon and Ryan Seacrest are talking about birthday cakes. So while that insightful chat carries on we’ll give you some helpful information.

Here’s a guide to who is nominated for what. For those who are interested, earlier in the week we ran a piece about the Brits who are up for a gong tonight.

Outstanding drama series

Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Mad Men
House of Cards
Orange is the New Black
Homeland
Better Call Saul

Outstanding comedy series

Louie
Modern Family
Parks and Recreation
Veep
Silicon Valley
Transparent
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Outstanding lead actor in a drama series

Kevin Spacey – House of Cards
Jon Hamm – Mad Men
Jeff Daniels – The Newsroom
Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul
Kyle Chandler – Bloodline
Liev Schreiber – Ray Donovan

Outstanding lead actress in a drama series

Claire Danes – Homeland
Viola Davis – How to Get Away With Murder
Taraji P Henson – Empire
Tatiana Maslany – Orphan Black
Elisabeth Moss – Mad Men
Robin Wright – House of Cards

Outstanding lead actor in a limited series or a movie

Richard Jenkins – Olive Kitteridge
Adrien Brody – Houdini
Mark Rylance – Wolf Hall
Timothy Hutton – American Crime
Ricky Gervais – Derek: The Final Chapter
David Oyelowo – Nightingale

Outstanding lead actress in a limited series or a movie

Frances McDormand – Olive Kitteridge
Maggie Gyllenhaal – The Honorable Woman
Queen Latifah – Bessie
Emma Thompson – Sweeney Todd: Live From Lincoln Center
Jessica Lange – American Horror Story: Freak Show
Felicity Huffman – American Crime

Outstanding lead actor in a comedy series

Matt LeBlanc – Episodes
Don Cheadle – House of Lies
Louis CK – Louie
William H Macy – Shameless
Jeffrey Tambor – Transparent
Anthony Anderson – Black-ish
Will Forte – Last Man on Earth

Outstanding lead actress in a comedy series

Lisa Kudrow – The Comeback
Edie Falco – Nurse Jackie
Amy Poehler – Parks and Recreation
Julia Louis-Dreyfus – Veep
Amy Schumer – Inside Amy Schumer
Lily Tomlin – Grace and Frankie

Outstanding supporting actor in a drama series

Jonathan Banks – Better Call Saul
Ben Mendelsohn – Bloodline
Jim Carter – Downton Abbey
Peter Dinklage – Game of Thrones
Alan Cumming – The Good Wife
Michael Kelly – House Of Cards

Outstanding supporting actress in a drama series

Joanne Froggatt - Downton Abbey
Lena Headey - Game Of Thrones
Emilia Clarke - Game Of Thrones
Christine Baranski - The Good Wife
Christina Hendricks - Mad Men
Uzo Aduba - Orange Is The New Black

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Andre Braugher - Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Adam Driver - Girls
Keegan-Michael Key - Key & Peele
Ty Burrell - Modern Family
Tituss Burgess - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Tony Hale - Veep

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Mayim Bialik - The Big Bang Theory
Niecy Nash - Getting On
Julie Bowen - Modern Family
Allison Janney - Mom
Kate McKinnon - Saturday Night Live
Gaby Hoffmann - Transparent
Jane Krakowski - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Anna Chlumsky - Veep

Outstanding Variety Talk Series

The Colbert Report
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Jimmy Kimmel Live
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Late Show With David Letterman

Outstanding Limited Series

Olive Kitteridge
American Crime
The Honorable Woman
American Horror Story: Freak Show
Wolf Hall

Outstanding Variety Sketch Series

Drunk History
Inside Amy Schumer
Key & Peele
Portlandia
Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Television Movie

Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Curtain, Poirot’s Last Case
Bessie
Grace Of Monaco
Hello Ladies: the Movie
Killing Jesus
Nightingale

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program

The Amazing Race
Dancing With the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef
The Voice

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Alan Alda - The Blacklist
Michael J Fox - The Good Wife
F Murray Abraham - Homeland
Reg E Cathey - House Of Cards
Beau Bridges - Masters Of Sex
Pablo Schreiber - Orange Is The New Black

The full list of winners, including those that have already been given out, will be up soon so you can keep fully updated with absolutely EVERYTHING Emmy related.

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We have an awe-inspiring first comment, alluding to the night’s other big story:

If lady gaga comes dressed in bacon, the Internet would explode right now

If I were Lady Gaga I’d be rushing home to change right now.

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Shots fired!

In between the endless train of celebs being asked about their threads there’s been a bit of shade thrown on to the otherwise well-lit red carpet …

Evan Peters: suitably morbid.
Evan Peters: suitably morbid. Photograph: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

American Horror Story’s Evan Peters has gone for a slightly deranged all-black tux with slicked-back (sweaty) hair. Suitably morbid given he’s due to play the villain in the new series.

Danielle Brooks: fashion fandango.
Danielle Brooks: fashion fandango. Photograph: Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Acad

Self-proclaimed #voiceofthecurves Danielle Brooks (OITNB) has polarised social media with her multi-colour fan dress. For shame, we think she looks great in custom Siriano.

Sarah Hyland in Zac Posen: safe but pretty.
Sarah Hyland in Zac Posen: safe but pretty. Photograph: FOX/FOX Collection/Getty Images

Here’s Modern Family’s Sara Hyland has gone safe but pretty in burgundy Zac Posen while the unstoppable Amy Schumer has teamed Jennifer Lawrence hair (the mussy up-do, it’s A Thing, trust us) with a charcoal bustier dress. Let’s see what the Daily Mail say about THAT!

Amy Schumer: unstoppable in charcoal.
Amy Schumer: unstoppable in charcoal. Photograph: Dan Steinberg/Invision for the Television Acad

Kevin Spacey is trying to shut down interviewers asking about what he’s wearing. However, due to the fact he’s probably contractually obliged to say so, “it’s Hugo Boss”.

Meanwhile at the ceremony, the Hollywood Reporter, er, reports, selfie sticks are banned due to them being a safety concern. Anyone bringing them in will have to surrender them to security.

Gwendoline Christie: great hair.
Gwendoline Christie: great hair. Photograph: Mark Davis/Getty Images

Gwendoline Christie from Game of Thrones is, apparently, en route to her wedding. Not entirely sure about the dress but she’s the only one dressed for the weather, presumably because being British she’s not used to the heat. Great Marcel wave though.

Zoe Kazanin Miu Miu: the best look so far.
Zoe Kazanin Miu Miu: the best look so far. Photograph: Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Acad

Special mention to Mayim Bialik from The Big Bang Theory who compared her dress to a giant sausage casing and Zoe Kazan in candy-striped Miu Miu, the best look so far.

Taraji Henson: nailing it.
Taraji Henson: nailing it. Photograph: Jen Lowery/Splash News/Corbis

No we take that back. Here’s woman of the hour, Empire’s Taraji P Henson aka Cookie. She could be wearing a sack for all we care, but she’s nailed it in semi-sheer Alexander Wang.

More fashion!

Laura Prepon: what a honey.
Laura Prepon: what a honey. Photograph: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for TNT LA

Laura Prepon from OITNB has arrived. What a honey in red custom-made crepe, a gold brocade collar and her real eyebrows.

Tituss Burgess: off-piste.
Tituss Burgess: off-piste. Photograph: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Over to the men and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s Tituss Burgess who is up for a nomination tonight. It’s hard for the men, what with the red carpet meaning – yawn – black tie blah blah, but Burgess has gone off-piste with a predictably wacky bow-tie and patterned charcoal suit.

Kiernan Shipka: dress and pants win.
Kiernan Shipka: dress and pants win. Photograph: Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Acad

It’s always a little unnerving to see a teenager wear a dress better than you, but what can you do. Mad Men’s Kiernan Shipka has gone for a yellow and black dress-and-pants-look by Dior. Let’s call it a DAP. OK let’s not, still, very cool, very Emma Watson.

Joanne Froggatt from Downton Abbey is on the red carpet, promising that the final season of the show - which started in the UK tonight but isn’t on it the States until January - will include “a little bit of tragedy but not too much.”

“Is that a spoiler?” asks the interviewer Juliana Ranchic, hopefully. Umm ...

We're rating the looks

Hello! Guardian fashion desk, on hand to rate and slate the red carpets looks at the Emmy Awards this year.

Heidi Klum attends the 67th Emmy Awards, September 20, 2015 at the Microsoft Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. AFP PHOTO / MARK RALSTONMARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty ImagesCelebritiesTelevision Show
It was all yellow: Heidi Klum. Photograph: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

First up, Heidi Klum has broken the internet in a horror-show of asymmetric lemon Versace. Sorry to start things off on a bum note, but with the netting and the platforms, there’s a lot going on here and none of it’s good. Twitter is pretty undivided on this. But what did she say about it? “I love fashion.” Right oh, Heidi! Best of luck tonight.

Jamie Lee Curtis: sweaty minimalism.
Jamie Lee Curtis: sweaty minimalism. Photograph: Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Acad

Meanwhile Scream Queens’ Jamie Lee Curtis has played it safe in a black tower dress. We think this is known as sweaty minimalism. Orphan Black’s Tatiana Maslany has also kept it low-key in her Pharrell-inspired cream lady-tux. Fair play to them, they both look ace.

Laverne Cox: snubbed in the awards, but wins in the fashion stakes.
Laverne Cox: snubbed in the awards, but wins in the fashion stakes. Photograph: Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Acad

And here’s OITNB’s Laverne Cox, who was snubbed in the nominations but wins the red carpet in teal cut-out bodycon which, frankly, is what really matters (disclaimer: we’re Fashion so we’re biased).

Edie Falco on the red carpet
Edie Falco on the red carpet Photograph: Jim Smeal/REX Shutterstock/Jim Smeal/REX Shutterstock

Ryan Seacrest is currently talking to Mindy Kaling about memoirs, because she has one out obviously …

Moments before Edie Falco was being grilled on how to run an awards show, unsurprisingly for someone who acts rather than, you know, hosts awards shows she doesn’t have much to say.

Kevin Spacey refused to give away any spoilers when Seacrest asked what was going to happen on the next season of House of Cards, and Don Cheadle is here now looking dashing. They are really firing through these celebrities - without saying anything that interesting at all. We’re about an hour away from the show starting. Fashion updates on the way.

It’s the Emmy awards and the celebrities are walking down the red carpet

It’s the start of the new TV season here in America, so before an onslaught of new shows hits our screens, it’s time to celebrate the previous year. The Emmy awards aim to reward the best TV shows of the previous 12 months, though they are notorious for giving gongs to the same show year after year (Modern Family, for instance, has won outstanding comedy series for the past five years. This year however, as Brian Moylan wrote on Friday, promises to be different. Some of the rules have been changed, there are new categories including outstanding variety sketch series, which Amy Schumer will be keeping a very keen eye on. Game of Thrones has the most nominations - 24 - and it’s Mad Men’s final chance to take home a haul of gongs. Will Jon Hamm finally win for his role as Don Draper?

But even more excitingly, there are a host of innovative new shows like Empire and Transparent which tell stories beyond the white American mainstream which has dominated TV and showbusiness for so long.

Andy Samberg is hosting - AKA Dick in a Box man - who Fox will be hoping can provide a few similarly viral moments. For now however, we’re watching the stars parade down the red carpet, with our Morwenna Ferrier commenting on the fashions.

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