The 68th Emmy Awards began with a funny nod to some of TV’s biggest pop culture moments of the past year.
Host Jimmy Kimmel reenacted the famous O.J. Simpson chase down the 405 with Malcolm Jamal Warner, who played Al Cowlings in “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
“If I’m late they’ll let Tom Bergeron host,” Kimmel joked.
What followed was Kimmel catching rides with everyone from late night host James Corden to politician Jeb Bush and even a dragon from “Game of Thrones.”
It’s the TV industry’s biggest night and viewers will be watching closely to see if two of the shows from that opening video, “Game of Thrones” and “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” sweep. They scored 23 and 22 Emmy nominations respectively.
There were plenty of O.J. jokes in Kimmel’s monologue. Nominated actress Sarah Paulson brought Simpson prosecutor Marcia Clark as her date.
“Because everyone in L.A. knows if you want to win, sit next to Marcia Clark,” Kimmel said. Then, turning to Clark, he said, “This must be very strange for you… are you rooting for O.J. to win?”
The first award of the night went to Louie Anderson, for best supporting actor in a comedy for “Baskets.”
He dedicated his award to his mother, who he said he modeled his female character after.
“I have not always been the best man, but I play a hell of a woman,” he said.
There is potential for history to be made Sunday night.
Tracee Ellis Ross is the first black woman in 30 years to receive an Emmy nomination for outstanding leading actress in a comedy series. Ross plays Dr. Rainbow “Bow” Johnson on the ABC sitcom “Black-ish.”
Her nod comes at a time when TV is being hailed for improved inclusivity — compared to the film industry — in both its recognition and hiring of minorities.
About 25% of this year’s Emmy nominations in the acting categories went to people of color.
“Hollywood is doing good, but I’ll tell you women of color are doing even better,” nominee Viola Davis said on the red carpet. “We’ve gotten to the point where women are saying ‘You know what, I’m going to ask for what I want’ and I love it. A closed mouth don’t get fed.”
Kimmel acknowledged the diversity in his monologue.
“Here in Hollywood the only thing we value more than diversity is congratulating ourselves on how much we value diversity,” Kimmel joked during his opening. “The Emmys are so diverse this year the Oscars are now telling people we’re one of their closest friends.”