The 2024 Emmys witnessed a nostalgic reunion of The West Wing cast, with Martin Sheen, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, and Richard Schiff appearing in a replica of the Oval Office to present the award for Best Drama Series.
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Sheen reminisced, “From 1999 to 2006 I had the honor of playing the President of the United States on an extraordinary series created by Aaron Sorkin and produced by John Wells.” Hill added, “The name of that series is The West Wing, and we all had the honor of serving your administration.”
Janney reflected, “It’s hard to believe that 25 years ago, Aaron and the writers actually had to use their imaginations to create interesting plot lines for The West Wing.” Schiff commented, “Unlike today, where storylines can be plucked right off the news, storylines that writers would have deemed a bit far-fetched, if not utterly ridiculous 25 years ago.”
Moloney concluded, “Our political landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. But two things have not changed: the importance of everyone making sure to be registered to vote.” Sheen added, “And the quality of drama.”
The reunion marked the 25th anniversary of The West Wing's debut on NBC on September 22, 1999. Notably absent from the reunion was Bradley Whitford, who played Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman, due to filming commitments in Budapest.
The acclaimed series, which aired for seven seasons until 2006, was a major Emmy contender, earning 95 nominations and winning 26 awards. Despite his six nominations, Martin Sheen never won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, losing to James Gandolfini, Michael Chiklis, James Spader, and Kiefer Sutherland.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster clinched her first Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Limited Series or Movie at the 76th Annual Emmy Awards. In other notable wins, Jessica Gunning took home the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role in Baby Reindeer. Elizabeth Debicki won her first Emmy for portraying Princess Diana in The Crown, earning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Jeremy Allen White was honored with Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for The Bear, marking his second consecutive win. “My heart is just beating outside of its chest,” he said. Jean Smart won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.