Rolling out the red carpet for the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, television’s most celebrated night returned in golden glamor Sunday.

The Television Academy honored television’s most critically acclaimed creatives at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on Sunday night. The ceremony opened with hosts – and father-son duo – Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, who comically reflected on their personal and professional relationships throughout their time on the Emmy-winning series “Schitt’s Creek.” The distribution of awards kicked off with recognition for two supporting actors as Ebon Moss-Bachrach scored his second consecutive win for his portrayal of Richie Jerimovich in FX’s “The Bear.” Following suit, Billy Crudup took another trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Cory Ellison on “The Morning Show.”

Soonafter, Jeremy Allen White accepted his second straight Emmy award in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. The performer, who stars as Carmy Berzatto in “The Bear,” gave a heartfelt and impassioned speech about his triumphs as an actor thus far.

“This show has changed my life,” White said. “It has instilled a faith that change is possible. If you are able to reach out, you are really, truly, never actually alone.”

Continuing with the victories of “The Bear,” which earned 23 total nominations this year, Liza Colón-Zayas went on to accept her statuette for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Tina Marrero, becoming the first Latina actress to win the award. Series creator Christopher Storer received his fourth Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series later that night, promising a triumphant ceremony for the show. 

Later taking the crown, Elizabeth Debicki accepted her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Princess Diana in the historical drama “The Crown.” 13-time nominee Jean Smart then went on to receive her sixth Emmy award under Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Deborah Vance on Max’s “Hacks,” poking fun at the recent influx of streaming services in her speech.

Next, Jessica Gunning accepted her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her breakout role as Martha in “Baby Reindeer,” thanking costar and creator Richard Gadd for his trust in her portrayal of the character. Gadd later also received three Emmys for his work on the show, including his writing, executive production and performance as the semi-autobiographical character of Donny Dunn. The comedian and actor unveiled his immense thanks for the recognition in an emotional address.

“10 years ago, I was down and outright,” Gadd said. “I never ever thought I’d get my life together. I never ever thought I’d be able to rectify myself with 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 on television.”

Transitioning into a new category with a playful speech, 24-time nominee Billy Crystal announced “The Daily Show” as the winner of Outstanding Talk Series. Lamorne Morris then entered the spotlight to claim his first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his character Deputy Witt Farr on the FX drama “Fargo,” declaring his gratitude for the recognition in a witty and quick speech.

John Leguizamo next took time to honor and applaud the Latinx representation amongst the evening’s nominees. The comedian and actor specifically recognized Mexican actress Nava Mau as the first transgender nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Leguizamo then introduced Cris Abrego, the first Latino Chair of the Television Academy, who shared his earnest appreciation of the organization’s current expansion of diversity. Producer and Governors Award recipient Greg Berlanti also expressed his delight with the monumental growth in representation on television, sharing personal experiences of growing up feeling apprehensive to freely show his love as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

“I wanted to be a part of television even before I knew how that was possible,” Berlanti said. “There wasn’t a lot of gay characters on television back then and I was a closeted gay kid. It’s hard to describe how lonely that was at the time. There was no internet to connect with other queer kids, no LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in schools. … When I think about how much the world had to change to make the life I’m living now possible even in hindsight, it’s unimaginable to me.”

Accepting the first award for FX’s “Shogun,” which led the year with 25 nominations, Frederick E.O. Toye received his first Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. The ceremony then took a sentimental turn, acknowledging the many industry contributors who died in the past year with a cathartic melody from Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jelly Roll, projecting a list of names and corresponding images onto the screen.

“Baby Reindeer” proved to be the winner-takes-all of the ceremony, landing their final victory for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, giving the program six total wins. Following suit with two major recognitions for Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series, Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai accepted their first Emmys of the night for their respective roles in “Shogun.”

Preceding their 14 Emmy wins at the Creative Arts ceremony, “Shogun” received the penultimate award for Outstanding Drama Series, closing the night with 4 Emmys and the most nominations amongst the contenders. Sanada voiced his deepest gratitude for the acclaim the show has received so far. Concluding the evening with the most anticipated award, “Hacks” earned the victory for Outstanding Comedy Series, sealing the night with sudden victory.

As the curtains closed on Emmys season, revered television leaders and first-time honorees embraced their recognition reflecting on an expansive year of television milestones.