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Emmys 2022: Kenan Thompson kicks off show as ‘Dopesick,’ ‘The White Lotus’ score early

The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards returned to Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles on Monday evening – and the stars were beaming ahead of the show on the gold carpet.

The show was hosted by “Saturday Night Live” and “Kenan” star Kenan Thompson, a four-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee himself.

“It’s finally here, folks, TV’s most special night,” Thompson said as he kicked off the show. Utilizing his sketch comedy skills, he turned the opening monologue into an elaborate song and dance with costume changes as he and a team of dancers hoofed along with several TV show themes including “Friends” “The Brady Bunch” “Law & Order, “Stranger Things” and “Game of Thrones.”

A bit later, Thompson thanked all those in attendance and the fans watching at home.

“I am so grateful to be welcomed into your living room for the past 30 years,” he said.

While awards for artistic and technical achievements were given out Sept. 3 and 4 during the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony also at Microsoft Theater, this year’s main event had several history-making awards up for grabs. There were 50 first-time nominees across all performer categories.

HBO’s drama “Succession” received a total of 25 nominations, Apple TV+ comedy “Ted Lasso” and the HBO limited series “The White Lotus” each garnered 20 nominations, while “Only Murders in the Building” and “Hacks” earned 17 nominations, HBO’s “Euphoria” was nominated 16 times and “Severance,” “Squid Game,” “Barry” and “Dopesick,” each got 14 nominations.

The first award was given out by Oprah Winfrey and it went to Michael Keaton “Dopesick” for leading actor in a limited or anthology series or movie.

“You have about 90 of these, don’t you,” Keaton jokingly asked Winfrey. He went on to thank his family for never making fun of him for acting out characters he saw on television when he was a kid, thanked the fans and had a special message for the haters. “I’m glad I’ve made a fool of myself over and over again,” he continued. “There’s been some doubters … I’ve had some doubters and, you know what, we’re cool.” (Then Keaton added something that was bleeped out, so…that’s cool.)

Murray Barlett scored the trophy for supporting actor in a limited anthology series or movie for his role in “The White Lotus.”

“I’m truly honored,” he said before thanking show creator Mike White, who was in the audience. “Mike White, my God, thank you for giving me one of the best experiences of my life.”

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