HBO's Succession starring Scottish actor Brian Cox wins big at 74th Emmy Awards

Scottish actor Brian Cox’s hit show Succession won big at the Emmy Awards, bagging one of the most prestigious honours of the night.

The hit HBO drama scooped up the accolade for outstanding drama series at the 74th Emmy Awards on Monday night.

Writer Jesse Armstrong took the stage to thank the show’s production team as he accepted the award.

Cox, however, lost out on his solo nomination for outstanding lead actor in a drama series to Korean actor Lee Sung-Jae, for his widely celebrated performance in the 2021 drama series Squid Game.

British actor Matthew Macfadyen won best supporting actor in a drama series for his role in Succession, saying he was “deeply flattered and thrilled to bits”.

“It really is such a pleasure and a privilege for me to play this bonkers gift of a role in this wonderful show, and my admiration and my gratitude for Jesse Armstrong and his remarkable writing team is boundless,” he said.

Succession is an American satirical black comedy-drama television series, following the Roy family who are the dysfunctional owners of a global media and entertainment conglomerate.

It centres on the fight for control of the company amid uncertainty about the health of the family’s patriarch, Logan Roy, played by Brian Cox.

The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards was the first major show to take place since news of the Queen’s death was announced last week.

Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham paid tribute to the monarch during the red carpet, saying she watched the news “all night until I couldn’t keep my eyes open” following the announcement.

The British actress said she believes that King Charles will “rise immeasurably” to the challenges of his new role.

She was nominated for best supporting actress in a comedy series alongside her co-stars Juno Temple and Sarah Niles, but lost out to US actress Sheryl Lee Ralph who won for her role in Abbott Elementary.

Best supporting actor in a comedy series went to Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein.

The English actor promised not to swear as he accepted the award onstage.

“Last time I was here I was told not to swear and I did, and I’m sorry, but it meant that the feed got cut back home in the UK so my family never got to hear me say this but thank you for this second chance,” he said.

The audio then cut out once again on the feed before Goldstein finished his remarks with expletives, prompting laughter from the audience.

The Apple TV+ series was also crowned best comedy series, and focuses on an American football coach hired to manage a British soccer team.