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Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy and Dan Levy pay tribute to Catherine O’Hara during the 78th Emmy Awards.Chris Pizzello/The Associated Press
Throngs of Hollywood’s A-list television actors descended on Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater to celebrate their craft at the 78th edition of the Emmys last night. In true award show fashion, the evening spurred touching tributes, cringey jokes, meme-able stills (we’re looking at you Michelle Pfeiffer) – and some truly Canadian moments.
Against the political backdrop of an intensifying trade war between Canada and the United States, the night of pop culture largely celebrated American talent. But a few noteworthy moments in the spotlight ensured Canada didn’t go unnoticed.
From Michael J. Fox receiving the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award to Sally Field praising “blessed Canada, our neighbours, our friends,” here were the top Canadian moments from the show.
Sally Field loves Canada
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Sally Field accepts the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ during the Television Academy’s 78th Emmy Awards on Sept. 14.Phil McCarten/The Associated Press
The California-born actress was all about Canada last night, both on the red carpet and on stage. While accepting her award for outstanding lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movie for Netflix’s Remarkably Bright Creatures, she expressed admiration for her northern neighbours. It was a fitting remark considering the movie was filmed in several British Columbia locations including Vancouver, Richmond and Lions Bay.
Field shared more about her love for the country in a red carpet interview with Canadian entertainment program Etalk preceremony, even holding and waving a Canadian flag that was handed to her off screen. During the segment, she called Vancouver “one of the most spectacular cities on Earth.”
Heated Rivalry gets a mini mention
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Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams in Toronto on Nov. 24. Despite Heated Rivalry’s global success, the show’s Canadian financing ruled it out of Emmy contention.Harold Feng/Getty Images
Save for a small mention in host Mariska Hargitay’s introductory segment, the Canadian juggernaut series – based on the novel by Nova Scotian author Rachel Reid – was passed over throughout the night. It didn’t receive any nominations, though Connor Storrie was nominated for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for his Saturday Night Live hosting earlier this year.
Despite its global success, the show’s Canadian financing is what ruled it out of Emmy contention: Productions wholly financed outside of the U.S. are ineligible for nomination, according to the Television Academy’s rules.
Nonetheless, Canadian actor Stephen Amell, who presented at the ceremony with some of his castmates from the upcoming Baywatch reboot, reflected on the snub in a red carpet interview. “The Emmys should be a snapshot of what was relevant in television. And there was nothing more relevant in television this year than Heated Rivalry,” he said.
Catherine O’Hara is memorialized
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Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy and Dan Levy, who all starred alongside Catherine O’Hara, praised the Toronto-born actress for her warmth and sharp humour.Chris Pizzello/The Associated Press
Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy and Dan Levy delivered a heartfelt tribute to the actress ahead of the larger in memoriam segment. The trio, who all starred alongside O’Hara (Culkin in Home Alone and Murphy and Levy in the homegrown hit series Schitt’s Creek) collectively praised the Toronto-born actress for her warmth, encouragement and sharp humour.
Read more: Catherine O’Hara was a comedic genius who played the person, not the joke
Murphy specifically injected a few hits of Canadiana into her portion of the tribute, remembering a time she was passed a note of condolences on an Air Canada flight and recalling “a drive up north” when she was embraced by a gas station attendant grieving O’Hara’s death. The LCBO also popped up in Murphy’s address when she detailed a shopping trip interrupted by a passerby impersonating character Moira Rose by combining her “where’s the bébé” line with the show’s iconic “ew, David” phrase.
Michael J. Fox receives a special honour and two standing ovations
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Michael J. Fox accepts the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, in Los Angeles.Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Perhaps the most touching moment of Canadian pride was when Michael J. Fox took the stage to receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, becoming only the sixth person to ever receive the honour since its inception in 2002. Fox was given the award for his philanthropic efforts toward Parkinson’s research, made possible through his foundation dedicated to the cause, the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
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Michael J. Fox poses for a photo at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.Mike Blake/Reuters
With Fox’s Order of Canada pin fixed to his lapel, the Alberta-born actor and philanthropist received not one but two standing ovations during his acceptance speech. Along with thanking the Television Academy, his foundation partners, donors, staff and patient community, Fox thoughtfully remarked on Hope’s military support and championing of “military families like mine.”
Remembering his father’s time spent in the Canadian Armed Forces, Fox highlighted what he learned: “When it starts to get tough, you show up. You help. And if you can add a little joy while you’re doing it, that’s even better.”
Fox closed his acceptance remarks by thanking his wife and children, mom and dad, members of his family living in Canada, “army brats and Bob Hope fans.”