Kate Winslet

Whether you’re a fan of Kate Winslet or not is pointless to dwell over. If you’ve managed to catch the actor as Mare in Mare of Easttown, you will realise by the end of the limited series that this was something special. Visceral and human, it’s one of Kate’s best performances since The Reader. Though competing with some heavy weights, Winslet did win an award in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. The only thing more outstanding than her victory was her speech, during which she spoke from the heart and humbly acknowledged the rest of the nominees: “In this decade that has to be about women having each other’s backs, I support you, I salute you. I’m proud of all of you.”

This kind of acknowledgment over judgment of peers is what needs to change in Pakistan for the good of the industry across the board.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel destroyed us with her speech just as she has stunned, surprised and moved audiences around the world with her series I May Destroy You, a production of BBC and HBO. She got the world’s attention with her series and her acceptance speech in the category of best writing in a television limited series or movie.

"Write the tales that scare you, that make you feel uncertain that isn't comfortable. I dare you," she said. "In a world that entices us to browse through the lives of others to help us better determine how we feel about ourselves and to in turn feel the need to be constantly visible -- for visibility these days seems to somehow equate to success -- do not be afraid to disappear. From it, from us, for a while and see what comes to you in the silence," before dedicating the show "to every single survivor of sexual assault."

Jean Smart

The terrific Jean Smart, who won her fourth Emmy, this time for a series called Hacks, made an honest and moving tribute to her late husband who died earlier this year. She said in her speech, "I would not be here without him, without his sort of putting his career on the back burner so that I could take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that I've had."

Debbie Allen

We’ve been admirers of Debbie Allen since she started appearing in modern medical drama, Greys Anatomy. Through the series, we learnt a bit about Debbie Allen but it is only by Googl-ing her will you realise how accomplished she is. Though the Emmys are simply prone to snubbing one too many merit-worthy performances, the recognition of Debbie Allen during the 2021 edition of the Emmys was well worth it. Receiving the Governor’s Award, Debbie took the opportunity to speak to Americans and all those who would have been watching the Emmys. “Let this moment resonate with women across the world - across this country and across this world - from Texas to Afghanistan. Also the young people who have no vote, who can't even get a vaccine - they're inheriting the world that we live in and that we lead in. It's time for you to claim your power. Claim your voice, sing your song, tell your stories. It will make us a better place. Your turn."