Cristin Milioti won an Emmy Award for Actress in the Lead Limited Series on Sunday, acknowledging her portrayal of Sofia Gigante in HBO’s “The Penguin.” This was her first Emmy nomination and won.
“I’m sorry, but I wrote this on the back of a memo I took with therapy the other day, so please don’t look behind,” she said as she won the award.
“It’s very difficult to understand that I’m living in this world right now, so I’m deeply grateful for the bright spot,” she continued. “It was a bright place for me to make this show with our incredible cast and crew and live with this woman. Despite it being so frightening, she felt like she was flying.”
Speaking to her family, Milioti added, “Thank you for supporting your strange child and for showing us a movie that’s very inappropriate for my age.” She also thanked Lauren Lefran, creator of “The Penguin.”
Milioti grinned, giving a few more gratitude before closing her eyes, cried out, “I love you and I love you so much!” The audience cheers and applause threw one arm into the air and the long “Woo!”
Milioti began as a caregiver as a stage actor and acquired the 2012 musical actress Tony. This role earned her a Tony nomination for Best Musical Actress and won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. On screen, she broke out when she played her mother in Tracy McConnell, “How I Met Your Mother.” It first appeared in Season 9 in Season 8. Springs (2020).
Also nominated for actresses in the Lead Limited series were Michelle Williams from “Dying for Sex,” Rashida Jones from “Black Mirror,” Megan Fahi from “Siren,” and Cate Blanchett from “Disclaimer.”
“The Penguin” also received nominations for the outstanding limited series, the lead limited series actor (Colin Farrell), Limited Series Directing and Limited Series Writing.