Uzo Aduba came out as the big winner at Saturday’s Creative Arts Emmys, honoring the best in technical and other achievements in television. The “Orange is the New Black” actress scored an Emmy for her breakout role as “Crazy Eyes” in Netflix’s hit series.
Aduba, 33, beat out castmates Laverne Cox and Natasha Lyonne in the category of Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. She also bested Tina Fey (“Saturday Night Live”), Melissa McCarthy (“Saturday Night Live”) and Joan Cusack (“Shameless”).
“I don’t know how to say how incredibly impressed I am to be a part of this show day in, day out,” a teary-eyed Aduba said after being handed her award by Morgan Freeman. She went on to thank her family, producers and others for a show “that lets everyone be represented in such a beautiful way.”
She further expressed her joy backstage, stating, “I feel so full, that’s why the tears came out […] I’m stuffed. My cut runneth over right now. Mission accomplished, thank you.”
In total, “Orange is the New Black” has collected 12 nominations in categories such as Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Taylor Schilling), Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series and more.
Additionally, Joe Morton scored his first Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role on “Scandal.” He beat out Dylan Baker (“The Good Wife”), Reg E. Cathey (“House of Cards”), Paul Giamatti (“Downton Abbey”), Robert Morse (“Mad Men”) and Beau Bridges (“Masters of Sex”).
“It’s an incredible feeling to have been in the business this long. This is the first time I’ve been up for one of these things and, given who I was quote unquote up against, it’s terrific,” Morton said in his acceptance speech. “My head is in the clouds somewhere and my feet are trying to touch the ground.”
Photo courtesy of The Associated Press
The remainder of the awards will be handed out at the 66th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, airing Monday, Aug. 25 on NBC.