mainstream misandry

Women Were the Best Thing About the Emmys

Photo: Lester Cohen/WireImage

Tonight’s Emmys did what all major awards shows do every year: acknowledge the fact that Hollywood is a playground in which white men gallivant freely while simultaneously awarding this fact over and over throughout the evening. Tonight more than ever, jokes and commentary about gender and inequality in TV — some more lighthearted than others — were there for the world to stomach. Between Jill Soloway’s thanks to the goddess and Viola Davis’s unforgettable Harriet Tubman–quoting speech, here are some of the best moments that you may have missed.

Andy Samberg, during his opening monologue:
“The wage gap between men and women hired for major roles in Hollywood is still an issue. Wait, I’m sorry, I misread that. The age gap between men and women hired for major roles in Hollywood is still an issue. Wait, I misread that. It’s both. Still both. So crappy on two fronts.”

Amy Poehler and Amy Schumer, presenting the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:
“What an exciting two to four hours for women in comedy.”

Jill Soloway, on winning Best Directing for a Comedy Series:
“Thank you, goddess, I promised the goddess I’d thank her. And Amazon.”

Jimmy Kimmel, while presenting the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
“Maybe it’s time a woman got this award. A woman has never been nominated for best lead actor.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, on winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:
“I love funny women. I love powerful, funny women. I love you gals so much. I do, in fact.”

Amy Schumer, during her acceptance speech for Variety Sketch Series:
“[Thank you to] all of the suits that represent me.”

Uzo Aduba, during her acceptance speech for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:
“I love you mostly because you let me be me.”

Viola Davis, accepting her award for Best Actress in a Drama Series (making her the first African-American woman to do so):
“The only thing that separates women of color from everyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.”

And lastly, Taraji P. Henson, all night long — clapping, hugging, and screaming with joy for her fellow female winners.

Women Were the Best Thing About the Emmys