Emmys: SNL Stars Playfully Roast Lorne Michaels

At the 2024 Emmys, some of the most prominent stars from Saturday Night Live came together to honor the show’s upcoming 50th anniversary, and they had playful comments for Lorne Michaels, the long-time executive producer.

Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Seth Meyers, and Bowen Yang teamed up to present the award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. Before announcing the winner, they turned their attention to Michaels, who was smiling in the audience at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Meyers began with a brief introduction but was interrupted by Rudolph, who said they needed to address something they heard backstage. Wiig added that their mentor, Michaels, had been nominated for an Emmy 85 times without ever winning.

Yang chimed in, stating, "Never. Eighty-five times. It’s just wrong," and they wanted to share some supportive words. Wiig encouraged Michaels, telling him he is worthy and not a loser, despite his record.

Rudolph playfully urged him to listen, asserting that he had been "robbed" each time he lost. Yang added a humorous touch by mispronouncing Michaels' name as "Lauren," prompting Meyers to correct him. Yang continued with a light-hearted message about not losing hope for future projects.

However, Meyers soon provided context, revealing that Michaels has actually won 21 Emmys, and SNL has received over 200 awards in total. The group expressed surprise at the numbers, with Wiig suggesting that Michaels should stop complaining.

Ultimately, the award for Outstanding Writing went to Alex Edelman for Just For Us, surpassing nominees like Jacqueline Novak and the writers of the Oscars.

The presenters have notable ties to SNL: Wiig was a cast member from 2005 to 2012, Rudolph from 2000 to 2007, Meyers joined in 2001, and Yang has been with the show since 2018, also receiving a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor this year.

The segment kicked off with a collage of famous SNL performers, including Eddie Murphy, Kate McKinnon, and Will Ferrell.

SNL’s cast and crew have been teasing the upcoming 50th anniversary special, set for February 16. Additionally, Jason Reitman’s biopic, Saturday Night, which depicts the lead-up to SNL’s first broadcast in 1975, is scheduled for release on October 11, marking the 49th anniversary of the show's debut.