CNN
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If you had a “historic night” in your Emmy predictions, congratulations.

It was indeed an evening for the history books, for people who enjoy emotional words of thanks, interspersed with subtle, mostly staged jokes.

From historic winners to cat and dog mentions, here are the highlights from the 76th Annual Emmy Awards:

The music began playing for the cast and producers of the acclaimed costume drama “Shogun” after its win for Best Drama, but stopped when star and new Emmy winner Hiroyuki Sanada took the microphone and announced his intention to deliver his short speech in Japanese. In his native language, he thanked the crew, directors and masters “who have inherited and supported our Samurai costume dramas thus far.” He added: “The passion and dreams we have inherited from you have crossed oceans and borders.”

That’s true of “Shōgun” itself in many ways. The success of the show, the first non-English-language program to win best drama and only the second to be nominated in the category (the first being “Squid Game” in 2022), underscores the point that many creatives shout from rooftops (and award show stages) every chance they get: Take risks. If the story is compelling, viewers and success will follow.

In total, the series won four awards, including historic individual acting awards for the two stars Sanada and Anna Sawai.

After her win, which made her the first actress of Asian descent to win an award in the Best Actress in a Drama category, Sawai said on stage: “This is for all the women who expect nothing and remain an example to everyone.”

Richard Gadd took the stage three times on Emmy night, but he treated his first speech – for outstanding work on a limited series – as if it were his only one, leaving the audience moved.

“Ten years ago, I was in the pit. I never thought I would get my life back. I never thought I could recover from what had happened to me and get myself back on my feet, and here I am, over a decade later, winning one of the biggest writing awards on television,” he said, referring to the abuse and trauma he endured that is recalled in parts of “Baby Reindeer.” “I don’t know much about this life, I don’t know why we’re here — none of it. But I do know that nothing lasts forever and no matter how bad it gets, it always gets better. So if you’re struggling, keep going. Keep going and I promise you, everything will be OK.”

Not a single viewer finished the powerful Tina origin story episode of FX’s “The Bear,” titled “Napkins,” questioning whether Lisa Colón-Zayas’ performance was worth less than Emmy gold. Voters agreed, awarding her the statuette for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy.

Onstage, the actress was again moved to tears as she appeared shocked and humbled to receive the honor, and she immediately paid tribute to her fellow nominees with heartfelt respect. “I love you all. I honor you all to the bottom of my heart,” she said, referring to Meryl Streep, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Carol Burnett. She ended with an acknowledgement of the upcoming election, saying, “To all the Latinas watching me, keep the faith and vote. Vote for your rights.”

Candice Bergen: ‘Meow’

When she played outspoken TV host Murphy Brown, Candice Bergen was never afraid to ruffle feathers—and she still isn’t. Onstage to present an award, Bergen spoke about her time as the character, getting political with a sarcasm-laden monologue: “I was surrounded by brilliant, funny actors, had the best scripts to work with, and in a classic moment, my character was attacked by Vice President Dan Quayle, when Murphy got pregnant and decided to raise the baby as a single mother. Oh, how far we’ve come. These days, a Republican candidate for vice president would never attack a woman for having children, so as they say, my work here is done. Meow.”

Notably, Selena Gomez also referenced the phenomenon of “childless cat ladies” when she was on stage with her “Only Murders in the Building” co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short.

Was it wrong to laugh? Maybe, but it was impossible not to laugh when John Oliver poignantly tried to thank his late dog in his acceptance speech for the excellent scripted variety series, but the heartfelt moment came just as the music announced the team’s departure.

“I feel like Sarah McLachlan right now,” Oliver said, responding to laughter from the audience, adding, “She was an amazing dog. This isn’t just for her — this is for all the dogs. You’re all great girls, you’re all great boys, and you all deserve a treat!”

John Leguizamo Stands Up for Progress

John Leguizamo took the Emmy stage with a reminder to Hollywood about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI): “The D is for diligence, the E is for excellence, the I is for imagination,” he said, before calling this year’s nominees “the most diverse slate of nominees in Emmy history.”

He named several performers, including Selena Gomez, who was visibly moved when Leguizamo referenced her nomination for “Only Murders in the Building.” “She’s been wearing Steve Martin and Martin Short for three seasons,” he joked. Leguizamo, who took out a full-page ad in the New York Times earlier this year urging Emmy voters to recognize diverse nominees, later added, “We need more stories from marginalized groups.”

“Do you know how hard it was to get a date after ‘Misery’?” – Kathy Bates

“First of all, relax. Despite my name, I come in peace.” – Will Smith, an English writer and producer and winner of the award for best writing for a drama series for “Slow Horses,” referring to That moment of the Oscars.

“When I see an actor I don’t know, I just say, ‘I love your scene with Nicole Kidman. Nine times out of 10, I’m right.” – Steve Martin

“Welcome everyone to the 76th Annual Emmy Awards, otherwise known as the biggest night on television to honor movie stars on streaming services.” – Dan Levy, who co-hosted a solid – if not safe – show with his father Eugene