Who’s the greatest reality show host working today?
According to the Creative Arts Emmys, it’s Logo’s RuPaul Charles, who on Sunday accepted his first winged statuette from the Television Academy, for outstanding host of a reality or reality competition series. The ceremony, which was held in Los Angeles ahead of next week’s Primetime Emmy Awards, marked Charles’ first Emmy nomination after eight seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The host topped an impressive list of finalists in the category, including American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest, Dancing With the Stars’ Tom Bergeron, Hollywood Game Night’s Jane Lynch, Little Big Shots’ Steve Harvey, and Project Runway’s Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn.
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 11: RuPaul poses in the press room at the 2016 Creative Arts Emmy Awards held at Microsoft Theater on September 11, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/WireImage)
“I really didn’t expect this,” Charles told The Hollywood Reporter backstage after receiving his award. “I came here thinking I got invited to the prom and I’m going to dance my ass off tonight, but i didn’t expect that I would have this in my hand while I was dancing. It’s a very special night not just for me but for all the young people around the world who dance to the beat of a different drummer.”
What makes Charles such a compelling presence? Just watch:
This is Logo’s second nod from the academy this year: the documentary Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine earned a Daytime Emmy in May.
A number of other Viacom brands also earned Creative Arts Emmys over the weekend. Check out the winners and a few program highlights below.
Comedy Central
@midnight: Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media – Social TV Experience
Inside Amy Schumer: Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series (Ryan McFaul) for Madonna/Whore
Key & Peele: Outstanding Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special for Y’All Ready For This
Comedy Central is nominated in three additional Emmy categories. The winners will be announced on Sunday, Sept. 18.
MTV
America’s Best Dance Crew: Outstanding Choreography (Quest Crew)
Paramount Television (in collaboration with Fox)
The spectacular Grease: Live, produced by Paramount Television, drew more than 12 million viewers when it aired on Fox early this year. The special scooped up four Emmys over the weekend:
Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction – Variety Special
Outstanding Production Design – Variety, Nonfiction, Event or Award Special
Outstanding Technical Direction, Cameraworork, Video Control – Limited Series, Movie or Special
Outstanding Special Class Program
You can view all of Viacom’s 2016 Emmy nominations here. The 68th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on Sunday, Sept. 18 on ABC.