Soloway, who won the Emmy for outstanding director of a comedy series, also made a powerful plea to ”stop violence against transgender woman, and topple the patriarchy.” And the transgender actress Laverne Cox, on the stage later to give an award, echoed Tambor’s words: “Give trans talent a shot.”

Anderson, a former standup comedian and longtime TV fixture, was a surprise winner. “I haven’t always been a very good man, but I play one hell of a woman,” the actor said while accepting the award. Anderson thanked his own mother, and said it was from her that he “stole every nuance, shameful look, cruel look, loving look, [and] passive aggressive line.”

During his monologue, host Jimmy Kimmel referred to Anderson’s role, joking about the lack of parts for older actresses in Hollywood: “Originally they were going to cast a woman for the role,” he said, “but it’s very hard to find an actress over 50 who needs a part, so they went to Louie.”

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