This year’s Emmys were much more than just glamour, statues and self-congratulations. The impact of this year’s national election, with all its divisiveness and acrimony, received more than its share of attention.
Host Jimmy Kimmel got the political ball rolling right away in the ceremony’s pre-taped opening. Hitching a ride to the show, Kimmel bounced among rides including the white Bronco from “The People v. O.J. Simpson” and James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke” vehicle before winding up in the passenger seat beside a “between jobs” Jeb Bush, playing a chauffeur.
“Here’s what I know: If you run a positive campaign, the voters will make the right choice,” the former Republican presidential candidate told Kimmel. When the host exited the car, Bush proclaimed “Jeb, exclamation point!” and pumped his fist as he peeled away with a shot of his familiar “Jeb!” bumper sticker in view.
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D.B. Weiss at the microphone and David Benioff, at left of Weiss, accept the Emmy for Drama Series for “Game of Thrones” with the cast and crew.
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The cast and crew of “Veep” celebrate their win for comedy series
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Ryan Murphy, left, and John Travolta accept the award for limited series for “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
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Tatiana Maslany accepts the award for lead actress in a drama series for “Orphan Black.”
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Rami Malek accepts the award for lead actor in a drama series for “Mr. Robot.” (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times )
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The ‘In memoriam’ sequence shows Gary Marshall during the show at the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Henry Winkler honors “Happy Days” creator Garry Marshall.
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Tori Kelly performs “Hallelujah” during an In Memoriam tribute at the Emmy Awards.
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“Fresh off the Boat” stars Randall Park and Constance Wu.
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“Empire” star Taraji P. Henson
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Host Jimmy Kimmel walks away with Maggie Smith’s Emmy, which had been announced by “Speechless” star Minnie Driver and “NCIS” star Michael Weatherly.
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“Mr. Robot” star Rami Malek and “Suits” star Abigail Spencer.
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus
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Jeffrey Tambor accepts the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in “Transparent.”
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Directors Thomas Kail, left, and Alex Rudzinski accept the award for directing for a variety special for “Grease: Live.”
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“Orange Is the New Black” star Laverne Cox.
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Patton Oswalt accepts the award for writing for a variety special for “Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping.”
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Jimmy Kimmel hands out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made by his mother during the show.
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“Braindead” star Margo Martindale and “The Simpsons” star Hank Azaria.
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Tim Carvell, left, and John Oliver accept the award for outstanding variety talk series for “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver.”
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David Benioff, left, and D.B. Weiss accept the award for writing for a drama series for “Game of Thrones.”
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Matt Damon, left, and Jimmy Kimmel.
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“Downton Abbey” star Michelle Dockery and “Bloodline” star Kyle Chandler.
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“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” creator Tina Fey, left, and “Maya and Marty” star Amy Poehler.
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Courtney B. Vance accepts the award for lead actor in a limited series or movie for “The People vs. O.J. Simpson.”
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Leslie Jones, right, on stage with Ernst & Young employees.
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Sarah Paulson accepts the award for lead actress in a limited series or movie for “The People v. O.J. Simpson. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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“Homeland” star Claire Danes and “All the Way” star Bryan Cranston.
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“Superstore” star America Ferrera and “This Is Us” star Mandy Moore.
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“American Crime” actress Regina King celebrates her win for supporting actress in a limited series or movie.
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“American Crime” actress Regina King celebrates her win for supporting actress in a limited series or movie.
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“Quantico” star Priyanka Chopra and “The Night Manager” star Tom Hiddleston.
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Susanne Bier wins directing for a limited series, movie or special for “The Night Manager.”
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Producer Mark Burnett, center, and the production team for “The Voice” accept the award for reality competition program.
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“Stranger Things” actor Gaten Matarazzo passes out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the audience during the Emmy Awards.
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Jill Soloway accepts the award for directing in a comedy series for her work on “Transparent.”
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Jeffrey Tambor accepts the award for lead actor in a comedy series for “Transparent.”
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“Transparent” actor Jeffrey Tambor, left, accepts the award for lead actor in a comedy series from TV personality James Corden.
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Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang accept the award for writing for a comedy series for “Master of None.”
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“Difficult People” actor Joel McHale and “The Good Place” actress Kristen Bell present the award for supporting actress in a comedy.
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“Episodes” star Matt LeBlanc and “Modern Family” star Julie Bowen
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Kate McKinnon accepts the award for supporting actress in a comedy series for her work on “Saturday Night Live.”
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“Baskets” actor Louie Anderson accepts the award for supporting actor in a comedy series.
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ABC’s “black-ish” stars Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross.
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Actors Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo perform.
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Jimmy Kimmel opens the 68th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 18, 2016 in Los Angeles.
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The scene inside the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) FULL COVERAGE: Memorable moments | Red carpet |Show highlights | Winners |Best & worst dressed | Candid photos | HBO after-party
Kimmel later jokingly chastised reality show producer Mark Burnett, contending that Burnett was responsible for the creation of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump due to Trump’s role on NBC’s “The Apprentice,” which Burnett created.
“Thanks to Mark Burnett, we don’t have to watch reality shows anymore — we’re living one,” Kimmel said. “If it wasn’t for television, would Donald Trump be running for president?”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, however, was more pointed after winning for lead actress in a comedy for the HBO series “Veep.”
“I think that ‘Veep’ has torn down the wall between comedy and politics,” said a straight-faced Louis-Dreyfus. “Our show started out as a political satire, but it now feels more like a sobering documentary.”
She then quipped, “So I certainly do promise to rebuild that wall and make Mexico pay for it.”
Aziz Ansari, who won for comedy writing with Netflix’s “Master of None,” offered a surprise endorsement while presenting an award later in the show.
“After careful consideration, I’ve decided I’m going with Trump,” the comedian said. “Which is why I’m also recommending we get rid of all Muslim and Hispanic nominees from the ceremony immediately.”
Pointing to his parents in the audience, Ansari said, “Mom, Dad, I know I just thanked you, but I’m sorry, you have to be escorted out right now.”
chris.barton@latimes.com
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