Game of Thrones wins big, Viola Davis makes history: What you missed at The Emmy Awards

There weren't many surprises or meme-able moments at this year's Emmy Awards, which was hosted by comedian Andy Samberg.

But that doesn't mean that the ceremony, which took place on Sept 21 (Monday) morning didn't have its fair share of memorable moments.

History was made as Viola Davis, from the hit TV series How to Get Away with Murder, became the first African-American actress to win the Best Lead Actress award.

Mad Men, a critically acclaimed series about advertising men in New York that has ended its run, finally saw an award for its lead Jon Hamm, who had previously been nominated seven times.

Meanwhile, Game of Thrones was the biggest winner as they won 12 Emmy awards this year including best drama and best supporting actor.

The popular fantasy series broke the record for winning the most awards in a single year.

Previously, The West Wing held the record for the most awards a series has won in a single year - it won nine for its first season.

Here are the other memorable moments from the awards ceremony earlier this week.

1. Andy Samberg as host

Samberg may not have poked fun at many celebrities - but he offered plenty for TV viewers at home.

First, he filmed a public service announcement about what happens when you watch "too much TV".

Answer? There is a chance that you'll be smelly, you'll grow an unruly beard (not the trendy kind) and celebs like Jon Hamm and Kerry Washington will not want to be near you.

 

 

That said, Samberg ironically gave TV viewers more reason to stay in.

He announced the username and password of his HBO Now account, which is a streaming service. And it actually works!

 

 

But Samberg also drew the ire of TV viewers after a montage showing key scenes from various TV series that ended over the past year was aired.

Fans took to social media to air their frustrations about these spoilers.

 

 

 

 

2. Amy Poehler's smart girls

Red carpet interview questions often start and end with superficial and meaningless questions like "who are you wearing?"

But actress Amy Poehler is aiming to change that.

Poehler's Smart Girls organisation partnered with Twitter and the Television Academy for a campaign, that uses the #SmartGirlsAsk that lets Twitter users ask celebrities intellectually stimulating questions - that go beyond the surface.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Creating history 

A lot of history was made including Game of Thrones' record-breaking win. 

But the most emotional and inspirational moment of the night was undoubtedly Viola Davis' acceptance speech who addressed diversity in Hollywood.

 

 

She said: "The only thing that separates women of colour from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there."

4. Jon Hamm finally wins

After 16 Emmy nominations, Jon Hamm finally won his first Emmy for his role as ad man Don Draper on Mad Men, which concluded earlier this year.

 

 

He joked on stage: "There has been a terrible mistake, clearly."

He had previously been nominated for his guest-starring roles on 30 Rock, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

5. John Oliver: "Ding Dong Tony is Dead"

Talk show host John Oliver is clearly happy about the ousting of former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

When interviewed by an Australian presenter, John Oliver compared Mr Abbott to heroin.

 

 

6. Tracy Morgan's comeback 

After being seriously injured in a car accident more than a year ago, comedian Tracy Morgan received a standing ovation from his peers as he presented the award for best Drama series.

It was emotional as he recalled the people who helped him get back on his feet.

 

 

But there was also a taste of the humour he is best know for.

Morgan said: "It's only recently that I've started to feel like myself again, which means a whole lot of women, ya'll gonna get pregnant at the after-party."

7. List of winners

These are the winners in the major categories.

Outstanding Drama Series: Game of Thrones

Outstanding Comedy Series: Veep

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Jon Hamm, Mad Men

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Uzo Aduba, Orange is the New Black

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Tony Hale, Veep

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a comedy Series: Allison Janney, Mom

Outstanding Limited Series: Olive Kitteridge

​Outstanding Actor in a Mini-series or Movie: Richard Jenkins, Olive Kitteridge

​Outstanding Actress in a Mini-series or Movie: Frances McDormand, Olive Kitteridge

​Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie: Bill Murray, Olive Kitteridge

​Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie: Regina King, American Crime