Richard Gadd urged TV networks to "take risks" as he picked up the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series Emmy Award for 'Baby Reindeer'
The 35-year-old actor insisted his Netflix show - which was based on his own experiences - is proof that there is no "set formula" to what will do well so ex ecutives should just focus on "good storytelling" and not be afraid to "push boundaries".
19 September 2024
Accepting the award at Los Angeles' Peacock Theatre, Richard said: "Thank you so much, this is unbelievable...
"I know the industry is in a slump right now and it might put pressure on networks to tighten the purse strings and broaden the slate but I do believe no slump was ever broken without a willingness to take risks.
"I think if 'Baby Reindeer' has proved anything, it's that there's no set formula to this. You don't need big stars, proven IP long-running series, or catch-all storytelling to have a hit.
"But really the only constant across any success in television is good storytelling that speaks to our times, so take risks, push boundaries, explore the uncomfortable, dare to fail in order to achieve. Thank you so much for this award."
The show won the award ahead of 'Fargo', 'Lessons in Chemistry', 'Ripley', 'True Detective: Night Country'.
And it was Richard's third win of the night as he also picked up Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Anthology or Movie and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, for which he beat off competition from Matt Bomer ('Fellow Travelers'), Jon Hamm ('Fargo'), Tom Hollander('Feud: Capote vs. The Swans') and Andrew Scott ('Ripley').
He admitted the latter win came as a shock.
He said: "You're all crazy. Thank you so much, I wasn't expecting this one at all, I didn't prepare.
"John Hamm, I'm your biggest fan as I told you for ages last night over and over again, but thank you directors Veronica and Josephine for bringing out the best of me, thank you to Matthew. "
Richard also paid tribute to his parents.
He said: "I'd like to thank my mum and dad, they're the best. We've had some trying times as a family and they've been through there for me, a constant source of love and support.
"The thing I'm most grateful for is they never, ever told me what I needed to do with my life and they never told me who I needed to be and I think that's the greatest gift a parent can give a child. They said follow your heart and the rest will fall into place, and I think that's good advice."
Meanwhile, the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie prize went to 'True Detective: Night Country' star Jodie Foster, who hailed her victory an "incredibly emotional moment".
She said: " Well this is an incredibly emotional moment for me because 'True Detective: Night Country' was just a magical experience and it all comes from the top."
Jodie took the award ahead of Brie Larson ('Lessons in Chemistry'), Juno Temple ('Fargo'), Sofía Vergara ('Griselda'), and Naomi Watts ('Feud: Capote vs. the Swans').
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