The National Times - Five key moments from Emmys night

The brightest stars of the small screen gathered in Los Angeles for the gala, the biggest night in television.

Here are a few other memorable moments from the ceremony:

- 'It always gets better' -

Netflix's smash word-of-mouth hit "Baby Reindeer" has been controversial because of the streamer's claim that it is a "true story."

Comedian Richard Gadd, whose dark story is the basis of the series, won a writing award for his efforts -- one of three statuettes for him overall -- and used his acceptance speech to encourage others going through difficulty.

"Ten years ago, I was down and out, right? I never ever thought I'd get my life together. I never ever thought I'd be able to rectify myself for what had happened to me, and get myself back on my feet again.

"And then here I am, just over a decade later, picking up one of the biggest writing awards in television.

"I don't know much about this life... but I do know that nothing lasts forever, and no matter how bad it gets, it always gets better."

- No rest for the winners -

When "Hacks" scored a surprise win as best comedy, beating out "The Bear," showrunner Lucia Aniello revealed the cast and crew did not have much time to luxuriate in their victory.

"Please support comedy. It speaks truth to power. It really does," she said, as the music began to play her off the stage.

"So support your local comedian, and we have to go because we start shooting the next season in five days."

- The election -

Just a few weeks out from a hotly contested presidential election pitting Democrat Kamala Harris against Republican former president Donald Trump, it's no surprise that a few of those present dived into politics.

Candice Bergen, who played a TV journalist in the long-running US sitcom "Murphy Brown," recalled how her character was attacked by former Republican vice president Dan Quayle for raising a child as a single mother.

"Oh, how far we've come. Today, a Republican candidate for vice president would never attack a woman for having kids," she quipped, a reference to Trump's running mate JD Vance, who has lashed out at "childless cat ladies."

"So as they say: my work here is done. Meow!"

- 'I come in peace' -

There have been few awards gala moments in recent years as memorable as when Will Smith barged on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

So when another Will Smith took to the stage on Sunday to receive his Emmy for best writing for a drama series with "Slow Horses," which stars Gary Oldman, he acknowledged the moment.

"First of all: relax," he told the audience.

"Despite my name, I come in peace."

- Who's a good boy? -

Comedian John Oliver, whose "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" scooped the Emmy for best scripted variety series, began his acceptance speech with the usual litany of thanks to cast and crew, but then took a sharp turn.

First he bungled the name of his son -- calling the boy "husband" before correcting himself to "Hudson," noting: "That's going to come back to haunt me."

Then he veered into the topic of pets.

"I also want to thank... our dog. We had the most fantastic dog, and she was at our wedding, and she got us through a pandemic. She was with us for two pregnancies, and... perfect choice of music," he said as a funereal-sounding tune started up to encourage him to finish up.

"We had to say goodbye to her."

"This isn't just for her. This is for all dogs. All dogs, you're all very good girls. You're very good boys. You all deserve a treat."

T.Ward--TNT