The Roy family may be fictional, but their grip on Hollywood seems very real after a triumphant night at the 75th Emmy Awards. HBO’s biting satire “Succession” cemented its dynasty as the undisputed king of television drama, sweeping the category and etching its name onto coveted statuettes for acting, writing, and directing.
Succession:
Its victory lap began with the biggest prize of the night: Outstanding Drama Series. Showrunner Jesse Armstrong, accepting the award with characteristic dry wit, quipped, “It’s been a strange year, with the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, but luckily at this awards show we get to pretend those things don’t exist.” While lighthearted, his comment underscored the show’s unique ability to hold a mirror to society’s elite, even during times of global crisis.
The Roy siblings, those dysfunctional heirs vying for their father’s media empire, also saw their performances lauded. Jeremy Strong, the Emmy-nominated but perpetually overlooked Kendall Roy, finally took home the gold for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. His poignant acceptance speech, thanking his “imaginary siblings” and the show’s writers for “giving me something to chew on,” was a fitting tribute to the character’s complex emotional journey.
Not to be outshone, Sarah Snook, who plays the cunning and ambitious Shiv Roy, won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Her fiery portrayal of Shiv, constantly navigating the treacherous waters of family politics and corporate machinations, earned her a well-deserved standing ovation. And Kieran Culkin, the scene-stealing Roman Roy, delivered a hilarious (and slightly unhinged) turn as he accepted the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
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Beyond the acting accolades, “Succession” even managed to turn its props into profit. A post-awards auction saw items like Kendall’s “L to the OG” rap lyric notepad and Roman’s “Roy Orb” stress ball fetching surprisingly high prices, further solidifying the show’s cultural cachet.
But “Succession’s” Emmy dominance isn’t just about awards and accolades. It’s a testament to the show’s sharp writing, which dissects the underbelly of wealth and power with ruthless wit and unflinching honesty. It’s about the performances, which breathe life into these deeply flawed characters, making us both despise and strangely admire them. And ultimately, it’s about the universality of the themes it explores: family dysfunction, the ruthless pursuit of power, and the intoxicating allure of the American Dream, even when it’s as twisted as the Roys’ version.
As the curtain closes on the 75th Emmys, one thing is clear: “Succession” isn’t just a television show; it’s a cultural phenomenon. And with its reign now firmly established, there’s no doubt the Roys will continue to captivate and provoke audiences for seasons to come. So brace yourselves, Emmy voters, because the next year might just see another Roy sweep. Just don’t ask them to share the spotlight. After all, in the Roy family, winning is a lonely business.
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