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At the 2024 Emmys, Richard Gadd left an indelible mark with his groundbreaking work,Baby Reindeer—a series that defied conventional norms and resonated deeply with audiences. Emerging from the shadows of established stars and popular spectacles, Gadd’s show, based on his own harrowing experiences, earned him the award for Best Actor and more.

As Richard Gadd took to the spotlight, his acceptance speeches became the night’s most talked-about moments. Dropping a profound message about the nature of success in the entertainment industry, Gadd reflected on how his daring risk to be different, worked wonders for him in the industry where predictability often reigns supreme.
Richard Gadd’s Tribute to Jon Hamm During His Emmys Triumph
On the night of Emmys 2024, Netflix’sgripping stalker dramaBaby Reindeermade a huge splash, winning several awards. Based on the real-life experiences of its creatorRichard Gadd, the show resonated with audiences and triumphed in multiple categories, including Outstanding Writing For A Limited or Anthology Series or Movie and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
“Why aren’t you telling the authorities”: Piers Morgan Blasts Industry Insiders Withholding the Identity of Baby Reindeer Creator Richard Gadd’s Alleged Abuser
But surprisingly, during his acceptance speech Richard Gadd revealed that he had never expected to win the Emmy, after finding himself competing againstFellow Travelers’Matt Bomer,Fargo’s Jon Hamm,Feud: Capote vs. the Swans’Tom Hollander, andRipley’s Andrew Scott. Therefore, standing on the Emmys stage clutching the Best Actor award, Gadd paid his heartfelt tribute to Hamm.
Jon Hamm, I’m your biggest fan, as I told you for ages last night, over and over again, but like, this is not the world.(ViaTHR)

Richard Gadd, whose portrayal of an aspiring comedian tormented by a stalker hadcaptivated audiences inBaby Reindeer, admitted that he hadn’t prepared any remarks, because he wasn’t expecting to win. Therefore, with a mix of humor and humility, he began by honoringJon Hammand then transitioned to a tribute to his parents.
I’d like to thank my mom and dad — a glaring omission from the previous one as well. They’ve been there for me, a constant source of love and support. The thing I’m most grateful for is they’ve never, ever told me what I needed to do with my life, and they never, ever told me who I needed to be. And I think that’s the greatest gift a parent can give a child.

They always said: ‘Follow your heart, and the rest will fall into place.’ I think it’s good advice: Follow your heart, and the rest will fall into place.
The actor/creator’s words resonated deeply, reflecting a journey of artistic integrity and personal growth that had culminated in this coveted accolade. But the true magic happened when he went on stage to accept the third award of the night.

Richard Gadd’s Call for Innovation and Courage at the Emmys
When Richard Gadd returned to the stage to accept the award for another category, he dropped a message both bold and inspiring. Perhaps for that particular category, Gadd had indeed prepared a speech. Therefore, appearing on stage, the actor reflected on the state of the entertainment industry while calling for innovation and courage.
“I told him I was interested in auditioning”: Baby Reindeer Creator Richard Gadd’s Professional Ethics Questioned as Actor Dated Trans Actress Who Auditioned for the Role
Delivering a powerful message on risk-taking, Richard Gadd spoke from experience when he noted that the industry doesn’t need to rely on star power and established franchises. Emphasizing storytelling and endorsing creative bravery, Gadd revealed how his dare to take risk, broughtBaby Reindeerto the forefront and earned it critical acclaim.
I know the industry is in a slump right now. And I know that might force or put pressure on networks to tighten purse strings and broaden the slate, but I do believe no slump was ever broken without a willingness to take risks.

I think if Baby Reindeer has proved anything, it’s that there’s no set formula to this. You don’t need big stars, IP, or a long-running series with catchall storytelling to have a hit. The only constant across any success in television is good storytelling. Good storytelling speaks to our times. So take risks, push boundaries, explore the uncomfortable, dare to fail in order to achieve.(ViaDeadline)
The limited seriesBaby Reindeer, born fromRichard Gadd’s own life experiencesand adapted from his acclaimed stage play, was up for a total of 11 nominations and garnered 6 for categories that included cast and technical wins for Jessica Gunning for Outstanding Supporting Actress in A Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
Baby Reindeeris currently available to watch on Netflix.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.