Bryan Cranston took home the Emmy for lead actor in a drama for Breaking Bad. "Even I thought about voting for Matthew," he said of fellow nominee McConaughey, and added of the acting craft, "It is a passion of mine and I will do it until my last breath." And to his onscreen wife, he told Anna Gunn that he loved working with her, "especially those scenes in bed."
Breaking Bad went out with a bang (literally) last year — and now the drama has an additional five Emmys to show for it.
“It’s a damn great cast, with the best actors on TV,” Vince Gilligan said backstage after the win for the AMC/Sony Pictures Television show.
Among the new editions to its war chest: outstanding drama, Bryan Cranston‘s fourth lead actor win for playing Walter White, Aaron Paul‘s third supporting actor statuette for working his magic as Jesse Pinkman and Anna Gunn‘s second consecutive outstanding supporting actress award for playing Skyler White.
Moira Walley-Beckett also took home a writing award for penning “Ozymandias” (beating Gilligan in the same category).
Cranston gave credit to Gilligan and the writing staff, saying he could never predict where the scripts would go.
“We all bow to the genius of Vince Gilligan and his writing staff,” Cranston said.
Breaking Bad ends its Emmy runs with 16 total awards and 58 nominations over the years. The competition was stiff, but voters turned out for the sentimental favorite.
“Even I thought about voting for Matthew [McConaughey],” Cranston said of his True Detective competition during his acceptance speech.
Gilligan admitted that like last year, he did not expect to win.
“But when Aaron then Anna and Bryan won, then well, hell, we might have a real chance here,” he said. “It’s a wonderful surprise and a real honor. We’re up against some very stiff competition.”
The series ended its run in September 2013, getting lots of critical love and setting a ratings record. The spinoff, Better Caul Saul, is currently shooting and will premiere in February 2015.
Paul celebrated earlier in the day with a Bad-themed scavenger hunt, which included meeting up with R.J. Mitte (Walt Jr.) for breakfast at a West Hollywood IHOP.
Look back at all the Emmys action with THR‘s live blog, red carpet photos and the complete list of winners.
Lesley Goldberg contributed reporting.
Aug. 25, 9:10 p.m. Updated with backstage quotes.
Email: Aaron.Couch@THR.com
Twitter: @AaronCouch
