The 76th iteration of the Primetime Emmy Awards was a characteristically glamorous evening full of gowns, first-time wins and... speeches about dead dogs.
Comedian John Oliver, host of the long-running satirical news show Last Week Tonight, scooped the Emmy Award for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series last night (15 September).
Oliver's acceptance speech has since become memorable for perhaps all the wrong reasons as he was talking about his family's dog, who has recently died - and he was cut off before he could finish.
Oliver said: “In particular, I want to thank the silly odd dog. We have the most fantastic dog, and she was at our wedding and she got us through the pandemic. She was with us for two pregnancies…”
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End of speech music, in this case orchestral, then began to play, forcing him to make a quip.
The comedian said: "Perfect choice of music.”
Oliver then added: “We had to say goodbye to her. I feel like Sarah McLaughlin right now. She was an amazing dog.”
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The music showed no signs of letting up and it was clear Oliver would have to leave the stage.
He then joked: "F**k you! There you go."
To the delight of guests, he chimed: "This isn’t just for her. This is for all dogs.
"All dogs, you are all very good girls. You are very good boys. You all deserve a treat. Play me off now! Thanks so much."
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Oliver's show Last Week Tonight is incredibly popular, having kicked off in 2014 and is now well into its 11th season.
Last Week Tonight has won 30 Emmys over the course of broadcast and clips often go viral on social media due to Oliver's dry delivery style.
Prior to his win last night, Oliver told an interviewer on the red carpet that should Kamala Harris win the upcoming election, he wouldn't miss telling jokes about her opponent, Donald Trump.
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He explained: "[If Trump doesn’t win] I don’t lose any material that I’m not happy to throw overboard."
He added: “The whole ‘he’s been a gift to comedy’ - it’s not a gift any of us really wanted and we’re happy to return it for store credit down the line.”
Putting his two pence in on the forthcoming election, Oliver predicted it was going to be 'very, very close' for the two candidates.
He theorised: "If Trump loses he’s not going to accept it, making the fact that it’s going to be that close more ridiculous.
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"It’s going to be bumpy. It’s going to be close and historically he’s not handled loss well. If you’re not concerned, then you haven’t been watching. There’s plenty to be concerned about."
Topics: TV And Film, Celebrity, Dog
Kya Buller