Creative Arts Emmy Awards Night 2: Winners List (Updating Live)

The second evening of the 78th Emmy Awards ceremony, held on September 5, spotlighted outstanding achievements across 53 categories, primarily focusing on scripted television crafts and performances. Apple TV+ emerged as the leading platform, propelled by the success of its comedy series Widow’s Bay, which secured eight awards, positioning it as a frontrunner among comedy contenders ahead of the main Primetime Emmys broadcast on September 14.

Widow’s Bay’s accolades encompassed a range of technical and performance categories, including guest actress in a comedy series awarded to Betty Gilpin. The show was also honored for its casting, music supervision, cinematography, and sound editing and mixing in half-hour formats, alongside recognition for its original dramatic score and production design. This robust haul contributed to Apple TV+ amassing a total of 18 Emmys on the night, surpassing all other outlets.

Following closely was HBO Max’s limited series DTF St. Louis, which earned six awards. Among its triumphs were the supporting actor and actress in a limited or anthology series, awarded to David Harbour and Linda Cardellini respectively, both marking their first Emmy wins. Additionally, the series garnered accolades for directing and writing, attributed to Steve Conrad, highlighting the creative strength behind the production.

Prime Video’s Spider-Noir, despite its recent cancellation announcement, secured five Emmys, signaling critical acclaim that transcended its unexpected end. The series was recognized for stunt performance, sound editing, title design, special visual effects, and cinematography in an hour-long format. This bittersweet success underscored the dedication of its stunt coordination team and the creative freedom they experienced during production.

The ceremony also featured poignant moments, such as the posthumous Emmy awarded to Rob Reiner for his guest role in The Bear, which was met with a standing ovation. Shailene Woodley received the guest actress in a drama series award for Paradise, expressing enthusiasm for contributing to the show's impactful storytelling. Ernest Harden Jr. was honored for guest actor in a drama series for The Pitt, dedicating his win to late icon Bette Davis and reflecting on his longstanding career in the industry.

Veteran performer Julie Andrews achieved her fourth Emmy, winning in the character voice-over performance category for the second time and extending her record as the oldest Emmy winner at age 90. In animation, Comedy Central’s South Park garnered the Emmy for outstanding animated program, its first since 2013, with recognition for the episode "Sermon On The ‘Mount."

Netflix’s Remarkably Bright Creatures triumphed in the outstanding movie category, adding to the evening’s diverse array of winners. The Television Academy introduced a new Legacy Award, bestowed upon the groundbreaking series I Love Lucy for its enduring influence on television comedy and syndication practices. The honor emphasized the show's foundational role in shaping the sitcom genre.

Throughout the night, multiple winners highlighted the significance of Los Angeles as a production hub. Costume designers and casting directors praised the city's resources and workforce, noting its importance in revitalizing local industry and supporting ancillary businesses amid challenging times. This emphasis on production locality underscored ongoing efforts to sustain and grow television creation within the city.

Noah Wyle, star and executive producer of The Pitt, delivered the opening monologue, reflecting on the labor-intensive nature of television production and the dedication of all professionals involved, whether in front of or behind the camera. He underscored the collaborative artistry that defines the medium and encouraged ongoing commitment to craft.

The event marked a shift in the Emmy Awards' structuring, with several traditionally Primetime categories, such as supporting acting and writing for limited series or movies, awarded during Night 2 to streamline the upcoming televised ceremony. Consequently, the Television Academy retired the "Creative Arts" label for its initial ceremonies, referring to all three events simply as the Emmys.

Cumulative Emmy tallies after the first two nights place Widow’s Bay at the forefront with eight wins, followed by The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny with seven, and both DTF St. Louis and The Traitors with six each. The upcoming Primetime Emmys broadcast is anticipated to further recognize outstanding achievements across the television landscape, continuing to celebrate excellence in the medium.