Watch Richard Gadd's inspirational acceptance speeches

Richard Gadd has collected three gongs for writing, producing and starring in Baby Reindeer at this year’s Emmy Awards.

Gadd gave an emotional speech after collecting his first award, for writing the hit Netflix series.

‘This is the stuff of dreams,’ he told the audience at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. ‘Ten years ago, I was down and out. I never, ever thought I'd get my life together. I never, ever thought I'd be able to rectify myself with what had happened to me and get myself back on my feet again.

‘And then here I am, just over a decade later, picking up one of the biggest writing awards in television. 

‘I don't mean for that to sound arrogant. I mean it as encouragement for anyone who's going through a difficult time right now to persevere. 

‘I don't know much about this life. I don't know why we're here. None of that. But I do know that nothing lasts forever. And no matter how bad it gets, it always gets better. So if you're struggling, keep going, keep going. And I promise you, things will be OK.’

He went on to take the Emmy for lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie for his semi-autobiographical portrayal of struggling comedian and stalking victim Donny Dunn.

Accepting this award he thanked his  mum and dad– ‘a glaring omission’ from his previous speech. He said: ‘We have some trying times as a family and they've been there for me, a constant source of love and support. The the thing I'm most grateful for is they've never ever told me what I needed to do with my life… that’s the greatest gift a parent can give a child. 

‘They always said follow your heart and the rest will fall into place and I think it's good advice. Follow your heart and the rest will fall into place.’

His co-star Jessica Gunning also won the Emmy for best supporting actress in a limited or anthology series for playing Martha Scott, who stalks Gadd’s character in the show.

She said: ‘I am so incredibly proud to be a part of Baby Reindeer," she said on stage.

‘My biggest thanks has to go to Mr Richard Gadd. I tried so many times to put into words what working on Baby Reindeer meant to me and I fail every time. So…’ she joked. ‘I’m going to sing.’

Baby Reindeer, which received a total of 11 Emmy nominations, also took home  the award for best limited or anthology series or movie.

In his third speech of the night, Gadd said: ‘I know the industry is in a slump right now and I know that might force or 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. That you don't need big stars, proven IP, long-running series, catch-all storytelling to have a hit.

‘Really the only constant across any success in television is good storytelling, good storytelling that speaks to our times. So take risks, push boundaries, explore the uncomfortable, dare to fail in order to achieve.’

With its four awards, Baby Reindeer was the joint most successful winner on the night  with  The Bear also taking home four accolades.

The 76th annual awards were hosted by the Eugene and Dan Levy, the father-and-son  stars of  Schitt’s Creek, who joked about The Bear being categorised as a comedy programme when in would probably best be considered a drama.

In the end the show lost the best comedy Emmy to Hacks.

John Oliver's ’s Last Week Tonight show won the Emmy for outstanding scripted variety series, and in a slightly shambolic speech fumbling his son’s name.

He said: 'I’d like to thank my wife, Kate and our kids, husband — "husband!" — Hudson, his name is Hudson. Ouch. That’s gonna come back to haunt me.'

An as he paid tribute to his late dog, music started swelling to cut him off as he was speaking for too long... 

And British comedian turned scriptwriter Will Smith joked that he wasn't his more famous namesake when he collected his Emmy for drama writing on Apple TV+'s Slow Horses, which he created.
 

Published: 16 Sep 2024