Regina King won an Emmy Award for best lead actress in a movie or limited series for her role as Angela Abar (also known as the masked hero Sister Night) in Watchmen (2019).
Credit: © HBO

On Sept. 20, 2020, the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards were held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. But, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, very few people were in attendance. Nominees watched, celebrated, and accepted awards at either their homes or watch parties. They were sent such equipment as a microphone, camera, and laptop, to ensure the broadcast would go smoothly. Winners received their awards from presenters in protective hazmat (hazard materials) suits made to look like tuxedos. The American television host Jimmy Kimmel hosted the event, sharing the stage with such actors as Jennifer Aniston, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Jason Sudeikis.

The Canadian sitcom “Schitt’s Creek” dominated the comedy categories, making history for winning the most Emmys ever for a comedy in a single year. The show centers on the Rose family, a once-wealthy family that, because of a financial downturn, moves to a small town. The show ended its six-season run in April 2020. The Canadian actor Daniel Levy both created the show and played the family’s son, David Rose. Levy accepted several awards. In addition to outstanding comedy series, the accolades included outstanding writing for a comedy series, outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series, and outstanding director for a comedy series. The Canadian actors Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara play the Rose parents, Johnny and Moira. They won for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series and outstanding lead actress in a comedy series, respectively. The Canadian actress Annie Murphy, who plays Alexis Rose, won outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series. “Schitt’s Creek” took home several other awards during the night.

“Watchmen” was the night’s other big winner, taking home more Emmys than any other show. Adapted from the DC comic series “Watchmen” (1986), the limited series explores such themes as racism and police brutality. The American actress Regina King plays the show’s main character, Angela Abar—also known as Sister Night. King won outstanding lead actress in a limited series or TV movie. The American actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays Abar’s husband. Abdul-Mateen II won for supporting actor in a limited series or movie. “Watchmen” also took home the award for outstanding limited series.

Other notable wins included the drama “Succession” winning outstanding drama series. The American actress, singer, and dancer Zendaya, at age 24, became the youngest person to win the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series. In “Euphoria,” Zendaya plays Rue, a 17-year-old girl struggling with addiction.

The winners used their speeches to bring attention to such themes as racism, police brutality, and voting. For instance, King wore a shirt with the face of Breonna Taylor on it. In March, Taylor, an African American woman, was shot and killed by police officers executing a botched search. Other participants wore clothing with the words “Black Lives Matter.” Many winners encouraged people to vote in the upcoming elections.