Emmys 2019: From Brian Cranston's kiss to Sofia Vergara objectified on revolving pedestal, the 5 most controversial moments

While we're all excited for the Emmy Awards, let's take a walk down memory lane and look back at a few of the most jaw-dropping controversial moments to happen in Emmy history. 

The Primetime Emmy Awards 2019 is just around the corner, and while the event might not make the list of wildest award shows, there were quite a few controversial incidents that are considered shocking, cringeworthy and might have gone way too far than we expected. 

While we're all excited for the awards this weekend, let's take a walk down memory lane and look back at few of the most jaw-dropping controversial moments to happen in Emmy history. 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston’s 2014 kiss

Julia and Bryan's impromptu kiss is considered to be a fan favorite. During the 66th Primetime Awards, while Julia walked to the stage to accept her award for the best lead actress in a comedy for her role in 'Veep', Bryan surprised everyone by pulling Julia in for a passionate kiss. Julia had earlier joked that she didn't remember him, though they worked together in 'Seinfeld' and even shared an on-screen kiss. So he might have done that to jog her memory, because as she accepted the award, Julia joked saying, "Um, yeah, he was on 'Seinfeld'." 



 

Sofia Vergara on a revolving pedestal

During the 66th Primetime Emmys in 2014, CEO Bruce Rosenblum asked actress Sofia Vergara to stand on a revolving pedestal while he continued to speak about diversity. He said, “What truly matters is that we never forget that our success is based on always giving the viewer something compelling to watch.” Vergara then went on to touch her butt, and though it was intended to be funny, that moment received a lot of criticism, with people calling it sexist and that the objectification of Vergara was crude. But she stood by it saying, "Somebody can be hot and also be funny and make fun of herself."

Actress Sofia Vergara (L) and Television Academy CEO Bruce Rosenblum speak onstage at the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Heidi Klum takes a tumble 

The Primetime Emmy Awards in 2008 were hosted by a panel of reality TV actors that included Heidi Klum, Tom Bergerson among others. While it was all supposed to be fun and games, during an unrehearsed skit, she pretended to swoon and fall into her co-host Tom's arms. But sadly, he wasn't able to catch her, which resulted in her falling on the floor, which left a nasty bruise on the star. 

Hosts Heidi Klum, Tom Bergeron onstage during the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre on September 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Groucho Marx grabbed the wrong award

When the 3rd Primetime Emmy Awards aired in 1951, comedian Groucho Marx didn't just host the ceremony but also won an award. Former Miss America Rosemary LaPlanche presented the award to Groucho for most outstanding personality and what he did surprised everyone. Instead of taking the award from her, he shocked everyone by grabbing Rosemary herself and later claimed that he assumed she was the award. 

Eddie Murphy and Joan Rivers jaw-dropping act

The 35th Primetime Emmy Awards were hosted by Eddie Murphy and Joan Rivers, and after what the duo did, they were never asked to host the show again. Cracking jokes about a black, a jew, two women and a cripple, Eddie took his entertainment way too far, while Joan also let a few explicit words out during the ceremony. This might have entertained the audience, but it crossed enough boundaries for them to be never asked to host the show again.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘Chicago Med’ has two reunions lined up for Season 12 Episode 6, with returning characters tied to Charles and Frost’s past.
2026-11-07T16:55:28.000Z
Will Estes’ reunion with Donnie Wahlberg prompts talk about Jamie Reagan’s ‘Boston Blue’ future and a possible spinoff.
2026-11-07T15:44:34.000Z
'Campus Drivers' has taken over the world by storm days after its premiere
2026-11-07T11:01:02.000Z
Episode 2 sets Dexter and Charley up as a fake couple while they plan their first kill together
2026-11-07T08:59:35.000Z
The sequel arrives 19 years after the haunted hotel room film grossed $132 million worldwide
2026-11-07T07:35:40.000Z
'Sheriff Country' and 'Fire Country' crossover forces Mickey and Manny to work together
2026-11-07T06:52:03.000Z
The teaser names a Nevada town and an exact date in 1955, while production heads to New Mexico
2026-11-07T05:54:40.000Z
The sitcom takes over the Wednesday slot that ‘Scrubs’ leaves when its second season wraps
2026-11-07T05:16:08.000Z
‘Nobody Wants This’ gets Season 4 renewal just weeks after the latest season’s release
2026-11-07T04:24:15.000Z
‘High Potential’ Season 3 will return nearly 9 months after Season 2 finale with special Super Bowl episode
2026-11-07T03:49:27.000Z