Keke Palmer has made history by breaking through the game show host boys’ club, winning the Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show for NBC’s Password. This marks the first time the category has been part of the Primetime Emmys after moving from the Daytime awards. Palmer’s victory on Sunday included surpassing well-known hosts like Jeopardy!’s Ken Jennings, Family Feud’s Steve Harvey, and Wheel of Fortune’s Pat Sajak. She became the first woman to clinch the award since Meredith Vieira in 2009 and is the inaugural Black woman nominated or winning in this category. The win also signifies the first nomination or victory for a Password host in 50 years.
During her acceptance speech at the Peacock Theater in downtown L.A., Palmer expressed her excitement, gratitude, and was almost speechless. She acknowledged those who played a role in making this happen, including Jimmy Fallon and NBC. Palmer also thanked Carol Burnett, who was present in the audience. This isn’t Palmer’s first Emmy; she previously won for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series in 2021 for the Facebook Watch series Turnt Up With The Taylors.
The Emmy win for Password is a testament to Palmer’s sharp, charming, and quick-witted hosting style. Jimmy Fallon, the executive producer of Password, praised Palmer, emphasizing her unique qualities. In a year of historic achievements for game shows at the Emmy Awards, Keke Palmer’s outstanding host win is a source of pride, according to Corie Henson, EVP, NBCUniversal Entertainment Unscripted Programming.
Jeopardy! Secured the Outstanding Game Show category, maintaining its four-year win streak.
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