The Emmys 2024: A Night of Controversy, Celebrations, and Unforgettable Moments

The 2024 Emmy Awards were a night to remember, filled with moments that sparked laughter, controversy, and heartfelt celebrations. One of the most talked-about incidents of the evening involved actors Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney, who made a daring joke about Meryl Streep. The couple, who are not only co-stars on the hit show ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ but also married in real life, took to the stage to present the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series. What followed was a moment that would set social media ablaze and divide viewers across the globe.

As McElhenney began his speech, he drew a comparison between comedic performances and something that ‘holds everything in place.’ Olson, quick on her feet, responded with the punchline, ‘much like a jockstrap.’ Initially, McElhenney denied the comparison, but after a brief pause, he conceded that it did indeed sound like a jockstrap. The camera then cut to Meryl Streep, who was seated in the audience. Her reaction was priceless; she looked shocked and seemed to mouth ‘oh god’ to herself. McElhenney quickly apologized to Streep, though it remains unclear if she was aware of the joke beforehand.

Today.com reached out to all parties involved for comment but did not receive a response. The joke also referenced legendary comedian Carol Burnett, with Olson asking if they were calling her a jockstrap as well. McElhenney vehemently denied this comparison, expressing his deep admiration for Burnett. Despite his clarification, the moment had already ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media. Some fans found the joke to be ‘cringe’ and awkward, while others couldn’t believe that McElhenney had actually called Meryl Streep a jockstrap.

Streep’s facial reactions became a focal point of discussion online. One user tweeted that her face during the joke was ‘amazing,’ capturing a range of emotions from shock to amusement. The joke received mixed reactions from viewers; some found it inappropriate and disrespectful to joke about a legendary actress like Streep, while others saw it as a lighthearted moment that added a bit of spice to the evening. It remains unclear whether the joke was scripted or improvised by McElhenney, but one thing is certain: it caused quite a stir.

Beyond the controversial joke, the 2024 Emmy Awards were a night of significant achievements and memorable moments. Jeremy Alan White and Liza Colón-Zayas were among the many stars who attended the ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The lobby of the theater was a bustling hub of activity, with the cast of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and ‘Reservation Dogs’ seen taking pictures and celebrating their nominations. British actor Richard Gadd, star of ‘Baby Reindeer,’ had trouble getting back into the theater during an ad break as fans stopped him for selfies. Gadd would go on to receive several Emmys for his work in the limited-series show.

Unlike other award shows, the Emmys do not provide food or drinks for attendees, leading to long lines for snacks. Even nominees and top executives had to wait in line, as seen with actors Kristen Scott Thomas, Jack Lowden, Saoirse Ronan, and Andrew Scott. The first few rows of the theater were filled with nominees, giving them the chance to socialize during commercial breaks. Actors like Ramy Youssef, Stephen Colbert, and Brie Larson were spotted interacting with each other, adding to the camaraderie of the evening.

The first standing ovation of the night was for ‘Hacks’ star Jean Smart, who won for lead actress in a comedy. The audience was generally stingy with their standing ovations, only getting up a few times during the night. Producer Greg Berlanti and actress Jodie Foster also received standing ovations, highlighting their significant contributions to the industry. The final award of the night, best comedy series, went to ‘Hacks,’ causing a shocked reaction from the audience. The win was unexpected, and the creators of the show, Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs, were seen smiling and celebrating their triumph.

After the show, guests headed to the Governors Gala for food, drinks, and dancing. FX had the most wins of the night, with 36 awards for shows like ‘Shōgun’ and ‘The Bear.’ Cast members from these shows were seen celebrating at the gala, with newly-minted Emmy winner Liza Colón-Zayas enjoying dinner with her castmates. ‘Baby Reindeer’ stars Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning also attended the Governors Gala, looking shocked and happy about their wins. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone reveling in the successes of the night.

Disney hosted a post-Emmy party where attendees from Disney-owned networks like ABC, FX, and Hulu gathered. The cast and crew of ‘Reservation Dogs’ and ‘Shōgun’ were seen mingling and dancing at the party, with the celebration going on late into the night. The post-award festivities provided a perfect opportunity for industry professionals to unwind and enjoy each other’s company after a night of intense competition and high emotions.

Meryl Streep’s attendance at the Emmys added another layer of intrigue to the evening. Although she did not win any awards for her role in ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ her reaction to the jockstrap joke became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. Streep was seated next to her co-star Martin Short, sparking rumors of a romance. However, Short’s rep clarified that they are just good friends. Short’s wife, Nancy Dolman, passed away in 2010, and Streep has reportedly been separated from her husband, Don Gummer, for more than six years.

‘Only Murders in the Building’ was nominated for 21 Emmys, including outstanding comedy series. Selena Gomez, who also stars in the show, was nominated for her first acting Emmy but lost to ‘Hacks’ star Jean Smart. Steve Martin, another co-star, was also nominated for his role. Despite not taking home any awards, the show’s presence at the Emmys was strong, and its cast members were seen enjoying the evening’s events. Jeremy Allen White, star of ‘The Bear,’ ultimately won for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series, adding to the show’s impressive tally of awards.

The hosts of the evening, Dan and Eugene Levy, brought their unique brand of humor to the ceremony. They even pointed out that ‘The Bear’ is not a traditional comedy, adding a layer of irony to White’s win. The father-son duo kept the audience entertained throughout the night, balancing moments of levity with the seriousness of the awards being presented. Their chemistry and comedic timing were highlights of the evening, making them memorable hosts for the 2024 Emmys.

As the night came to a close, the internet was abuzz with discussions about the various moments that had unfolded. Meryl Streep’s reaction to the jockstrap joke remained a hot topic, with fans and critics alike debating whether it was in poor taste or simply a harmless bit of fun. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, there’s no denying that the 2024 Emmy Awards were a night filled with unforgettable moments, both on and off the stage. From the controversial jokes to the heartfelt celebrations, this year’s Emmys will be remembered for a long time to come.