Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, Elton John, Others Win Big At The 2023 Primetime Emmys Creative Arts Awards

During the first night of the Creative Arts Awards, which were held at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, winners were revealed in five of the seven categories that were exclusively focused on music. The next night, the winners of the remaining two music categories were revealed.

Foy Vance and pop music icons Ed Sheeran and Max Martin took home their first Primetime Emmys. They wrote “A Beautiful Game,” which was used in a Ted Lasso episode, and won the prize for best original music and lyrics. With the outstanding directing of a variety show for The Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show Starring Rihanna, which he co-directed with first-time winner Hamish Hamilton, Jay-Z won his second Primetime Emmy in as many years. For a variety of specials, the program was also awarded best production design. As the show’s executive producer, Jay took home the trophy at the last edition, working with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent.

The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song: Joni Mitchell went to Greg Phillinganes, who was recognized for his outstanding music direction.With Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life: An All-Star Grammy Salute, Phillinganes took home the win in the same category eight years prior. Wednesday’s excellent original main title theme music was won by Danny Elfman. After winning honors for Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton (Live From Lincoln Center) (2016) and Desperate Housewives (2005), this marks his third Primetime Emmy.

For his work on The White Lotus, Cristobal Tapia de Veer was awarded Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score). For his work on that popular show, the Canadian composer, who was born in Chile, has won three Primetime Emmys in the last two years. For “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” composer John Powell took home his first Emmy for outstanding music composition for a documentary series or special (original dramatic score). Two prizes were given to “Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium”: one for excellent technical direction and camerawork for a special, and the other for outstanding sound mixing for a variety series or special.Two further honors were given to Moonage Daydream, a documentary that follows David Bowie’s artistic and creative journey. These honors were for best sound editing for a nonfiction or reality show and outstanding sound mixing for a nonfiction program.

The 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took home the award for best variety show lighting design or lighting direction. RuPaul took home his 13th Primetime Emmy for best reality or competitive show host, which he received for RuPaul’s Drag Race. TV icon Carol Burnett took up the award for best variety show (pre-recorded) for Carol Burnett: Ninety Years of Love and Laughter. It’s her first Emmy in 26 years, and her ninth overall. “Jeopardy!” was named the best game show, but Keke Palmer was named the best game show host for the password resurrection. Palmer has won two Emmys. She was awarded the Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series trophy two years ago for her work on Keke Palmer’s “Turnt Up With the Taylors.”

With eight trophies, “The Last of Us” took home the most Creative Arts Emmys over the course of the two nights. “Welcome to Wrexham” came in second with five, followed by “The Bear,” “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” Wednesday, and “The White Lotus,” all of which had four victories apiece. Following with three trophies apiece were BEEF and Dancing With the Stars.

Other awardees included Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, Daisy Jones & The Six, The Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show Starring Rihanna, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Moonage Daydream, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Saturday Night Live, Ted Lasso, The Simpsons, We’re Here, and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.