January 16, 2024
Kevork Djansezian/USA Today
Quinta Brunson won outstanding lead actress in a comedy series at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance in the second season of 'Abbott Elementary.'
Quinta Brunson and Rob McElhenney were among the winners at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday night.
Brunson, the creator of "Abbott Elementary," took home her second Emmy, winning outstanding actress in a comedy series. She previously won an Emmy for writing the pilot episode of "Abbott Elementary."
"Welcome to Wrexham," the sports documentary featuring McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, won five Emmy Awards, including outstanding unstructured reality program.
Hilariously, McElhenney watched the ill-fated Eagles-Buccaneers playoff game on his phone during the ceremony, posting a picture taken by his wife Kaitlin Olson on social media. But attending the Emmys appeared to be worth it for the "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" star, as he went home with a trophy and the Eagles went home in defeat.
Who schedules the Emmys the same night as the @eagles #gobirds #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/qaRiD0ZFHx
— Rob McElhenney (@RMcElhenney) January 16, 2024
Brunson, who grew up in West Philly, made a brief but emotional acceptance speech after receiving her Emmy Award from legendary comedy actress Carol Burnett. "I love making 'Abbott Elementary' so much, and I am so happy to be able to live my dream and act out comedy," Brunson said while tearing up.
After admitting that she hadn't prepared a speech, Brunson listed her family members before thanking the audience and exiting the stage. The speech was a far cry from Brunson's last Emmy Awards acceptance speech, which was marred by presenter Jimmy Kimmel doing a comedy bit as Brunson gave her remarks.
The other nominees for outstanding lead actress were Christina Applegate for "Dead to Me," Rachel Brosnahan for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," Natasha Lyonne for "Poker Face" and Jenna Ortega for "Wednesday."
"Abbott Elementary," a sitcom about a fictional Philadelphia public school, was nominated for eight Emmys, including outstanding comedy series. Brunson's Emmy was its only victory.
Brunson also was up for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series for her "Saturday Night Live" hosting gig, but lost to Judith Light for "Poker Face."
This was the first major accolade for Brunson this awards season; at the Golden Globes, the prize of best actress in a comedy or musical went to Ayo Edebiri for "The Bear." Edebiri has a recurring role in "Abbott Elementary" as the sister of Brunson's character. At the Emmys, Edebiri took home outstanding supporting actress in a comedy. Both Brunson and Edebiri are up for the Screen Actors Guild award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series.
All of the winners and nominees can be found on the Emmys website.
