Many TV critics praised this year's Emmy nominees for more inclusiveness but for the few deserving programs and talent overlooked, the Television Critics Association rectified the mistakes at the 31st Annual TCA Awards on Saturday.
James Corden, the new host of "The Late Late Show," emceed the awards ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hilton and couldn't resist the chance to poke fun at being in a room full of TV critics.
"This is the big one," Corden joked. "When I got asked to host the TCA Awards, I thought I was hosting the Teen Choice Awards. But then critics and teenagers are not that different, both just stay up all night writing mean blogs."
Amy Schumer was the only winner to take home two prizes including Individual Achievement in Comedy and Outstanding Acheivement in Comedy for her Comedy Central show, "Inside Amy Schumer."
"I thank you so much. People hate you but I don't," Schumer said in a pre-taped acceptance speech.
"Inside Amy Schumer" writer Christine Nangle accepted the award for the show on behalf of Schumer. "Amy couldn't be here. She's being treated for over exposure," Nangle joked.
Following its incredible first season, Fox's hip-hop drama "Empire" walked away with Program of the Year. Co-creator Lee Daniels expressed his gratitude for all the recognition the show has received despite the Emmys overlooking the show as an Outstanding Drama.
"Critics don't like me. I stopped reading reviews after "Shadow Boxer" so for you to like me is everything my dad said would never happen in my life," Daniels said in an emotional acceptance speech.
The critics also showed Jon Hamm some love for his performance in the last season of "Mad Men." The eight-time Emmy nominee revealed that he had auditioned eight times for the role of Don Draper "as no one wanted to cast me."
The night's other winners included "Better Call Saul" for Outstanding New Program and "The Americans" for Outstanding Achievement in Drama. The FX drama only received two Emmy nominations for writing and special guest star.
The TCA also paid tribute to David Letterman for his career in late night as well as the prolific producer James L. Brooks, the man behind "The Simpsons" and "Mary Tyler Moore."
See the full list of the TCA Award winners below.
- Individual Achievement in Drama: Jon Hamm for "Mad Men," on AMC
- Individual Achievement in Comedy: Amy Schumer for "Inside Amy Schumer" on Comedy Central
- Outstanding Achievement in News and Information: "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" on HBO
- Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming: "The Chair" on Starz
- Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming: "The Fosters" on ABC Family (its second consecutive win)
- Outstanding New Program: "Better Call Saul" on AMC
- Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials: "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst" on HBO
- Outstanding Achievement in Drama: "The Americans" on FX
- Outstanding Achievement in Comedy: "Inside Amy Schumer" on Comedy Central
- Career Achievement Award: James L. Brooks
- Heritage Award: "Late Show/Late Night with David Letterman" on CBS/NBC
- Program of the Year: "Empire" on Fox
