Everyone loves an underdog! Over the years, award shows have been known to deliver surprising wins, losses, or snubs. But, there was never a more surprising night. Streaks than the 2007 Emmy Awards.
Even though the evening was full of entertaining plot twists and turns, viewers were left more stunned than ever. The SopranosDespite receiving 15 nominations, the Outstanding Drama Series win was the only one that was awarded.
The final season of the crime drama was airing. James Gandolfini was the favorite to take home the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama — delivering what critics referred to as one of the best performances in the history of television. The win went to however. James SpaderFor Boston Legal.
Edie Falco, who portrayed Carmela on the HBO series, didn’t fair any better, losing Outstanding Lead Actress to Sally FieldFrom Brothers & Sisters. Aida Turturro Lorraine BraccoThey were beaten in the Supporting Actress category, for their part. Katherine HeiglIn Grey’s Anatomy — something that left even Heigl herself speechless.
Comedy groups were subject to a variety of challenges. Streaks that same year too. When viewers saw this, they were stunned. Ricky GervaisHe was named the Outstanding Lead Actor in Comedy Series for his role on Extras, besting 30 Rock’s Alec Baldwin Two and a Half Men’s Charlie Sheen. However, the win was also accompanied by a loss The Office’s Steve Carell for his portrayal of Michael Scott — a role that initially was Gervais’ in the British version four years prior.
Carell’s loss was such a twist that Gervais didn’t even show up to the ceremony. In the England native’s absence, however, the Anchorman star ran on stage to accept the award from presenters Stephen Colbert Jon Stewart instead.
Gervais was present at the 2008 Emmys as a presenter, referencing the previous year’s hijinks in his speech.
“It’s great to be here at the EmmysThe most prestigious awards show in the world. I couldn’t come last year, which is a shame. But I won. Do you remember?” he quipped. “Thanks for that. The press called it a ‘major upset’ which means they thought I shouldn’t have won.”
Gervais then showed Gervais an excerpt of the40-Year-Old Virgin star accepting the accolade in his place, saying, “Look at his stupid face. He couldn’t actually win one of his own so he stole someone else’s. I don’t think that is the original Emmy, I think that’s a shoddy remake,” the BoJack HorsemanThe incident was described by an alum.
“I made you what you are and I get nothing back,” he joked, referring to portraying the role of Scott prior to Carell. “I sat through [your film] Evan AlmightyPlease give me your Emmy [back].”
Carell was nominated each year from 2006 to 2011. However, he never won an award. Emmy for his cringe-worthy performance as Dunder Mifflin’s regional manager.
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