The 69th Primetime Emmy Awards took place in 2017, celebrating the best in television. This year was filled with incredible performances, groundbreaking series, and unforgettable moments. Let's dive into the complete list of nominees and winners, reliving the excitement and recognizing the outstanding talent that graced our screens.

Outstanding Drama Series

In the realm of outstanding drama series, the competition was fierce. This category is always highly anticipated, showcasing the shows that have captivated audiences with their compelling storylines, stellar acting, and exceptional production values. The nominees represented a diverse range of narratives, from historical dramas to contemporary thrillers, each vying for the coveted title. Shows like "The Crown" brought us into the world of British royalty with stunning visuals and nuanced performances, while "The Handmaid's Tale" offered a chilling dystopian vision that resonated deeply with viewers. "Stranger Things" continued to thrill us with its supernatural mysteries and nostalgic charm, and "This Is Us" tugged at our heartstrings with its emotional exploration of family and relationships. Other contenders included "Better Call Saul", "House of Cards", and "Westworld", each bringing their unique strengths to the table. The eventual winner of this category not only demonstrated excellence in all aspects of television production but also left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape. The drama series category is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of television to transport us to different worlds and connect us with diverse characters and experiences. The winner was The Handmaid's Tale

Outstanding Comedy Series

The Outstanding Comedy Series category is where the laughs are. This section celebrates the shows that tickled our funny bones and provided much-needed levity in a world that often feels too serious. The nominees spanned a wide spectrum of comedic styles, from witty sitcoms to quirky single-camera comedies, each showcasing its unique brand of humor. "Atlanta" brought its fresh and innovative perspective to the comedy landscape, while "Black-ish" continued to tackle important social issues with humor and heart. "Master of None" offered a relatable and insightful look at modern life, and "Modern Family" maintained its reign as a beloved family sitcom. "Silicon Valley" satirized the tech industry with its sharp wit, and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" charmed us with its quirky and optimistic spirit. "Veep" rounded out the nominees with its biting political satire, providing a hilarious and often unnervingly accurate portrayal of Washington politics. The winner of this category not only made us laugh but also offered insightful commentary on the world around us. Comedy series are a vital part of the television landscape, providing an escape from the everyday and reminding us of the importance of laughter. The winner was Veep.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

The category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series is a showcase of incredible talent and dedication. These actors brought their characters to life with depth, nuance, and emotional intensity, captivating audiences with their performances. Each nominee delivered a masterclass in acting, embodying their roles with a level of commitment that was truly remarkable. From the brooding intensity of Bob Odenkirk in "Better Call Saul" to the regal presence of Matthew Goode in "The Crown", the nominees presented a diverse range of performances that demonstrated the power of acting to transport us to different worlds and connect us with different perspectives. Sterling K. Brown in "This Is Us" tugged at our heartstrings with his emotional portrayal of a man grappling with his past, while Kevin Spacey in "House of Cards" chilled us with his ruthless ambition. Milo Ventimiglia, also in "This Is Us", impressed with his raw and authentic performance. Anthony Hopkins in "Westworld" added gravitas with his portrayal. The winner of this category not only delivered a compelling performance but also elevated the entire series with their talent and dedication. The winner was Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

The Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category is a celebration of powerful female performances that left a lasting impact. The nominees embodied their characters with strength, vulnerability, and unwavering commitment, delivering performances that were both captivating and inspiring. Each actress brought her unique talents to the screen, creating characters that resonated with audiences on a deep and emotional level. From the steely resolve of Claire Foy in "The Crown" to the fierce determination of Elisabeth Moss in "The Handmaid's Tale", the nominees presented a diverse range of portrayals that showcased the complexity and depth of the female experience. Keri Russell in "The Americans" impressed with her nuanced performance as a spy navigating the complexities of family and duty, while Evan Rachel Wood in "Westworld" captivated us with her portrayal of a sentient android grappling with her identity. Viola Davis in "How to Get Away with Murder" and Robin Wright in "House of Cards" rounded out the nominees with equally compelling performances. The winner of this category not only delivered a stunning performance but also contributed to a broader conversation about the role of women in television and society. The winner was Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

For Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, we saw a collection of comedic geniuses who brought laughter and joy to our screens. These actors showcased their impeccable timing, physical comedy skills, and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Each nominee brought their unique brand of humor to the table, creating characters that were both hilarious and relatable. From the quirky charm of Anthony Anderson in "Black-ish" to the deadpan wit of Aziz Ansari in "Master of None", the nominees presented a diverse range of comedic styles that appealed to a wide audience. Zach Galifianakis in "Baskets" impressed with his absurdist humor, while Donald Glover in "Atlanta" brought his unique perspective to the comedy landscape. William H. Macy in "Shameless" continued to deliver a hilarious and often heartbreaking portrayal of a dysfunctional patriarch, and Jeffrey Tambor in "Transparent" offered a poignant and groundbreaking performance as a transgender woman navigating her identity. The winner of this category not only made us laugh but also challenged us to think about the world in new and different ways. The winner was Donald Glover, Atlanta.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

The Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category celebrated the women who made us laugh the hardest. These actresses embodied their characters with wit, charm, and impeccable comedic timing, delivering performances that were both hilarious and heartwarming. Each nominee brought her unique talents to the screen, creating characters that were both relatable and aspirational. From the quirky optimism of Pamela Adlon in "Better Things" to the sharp wit of Jane Fonda in "Grace and Frankie", the nominees presented a diverse range of comedic styles that showcased the breadth and depth of female talent in television. Allison Janney in "Mom" continued to deliver a hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a woman struggling with addiction, while Ellie Kemper in "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" charmed us with her infectious enthusiasm. Julia Louis-Dreyfus in "Veep" added to her legacy with another perfect performance, and Tracee Ellis Ross in "Black-ish" impressed with her comedic timing and her ability to tackle important social issues with humor and grace. The winner of this category not only made us laugh but also inspired us with their strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their craft. The winner was Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep

Other Notable Wins

Beyond the major categories, the 2017 Emmys also recognized excellence in a variety of other areas. "Big Little Lies" swept the limited series categories, earning awards for Outstanding Limited Series, as well as acting awards for Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and Alexander Skarsgård. "Saturday Night Live" continued its reign as a late-night powerhouse, winning awards for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series and several individual categories. The awards for writing and directing were also highly competitive, recognizing the creative minds behind some of the year's most memorable television moments. From documentaries to reality shows, the 2017 Emmys celebrated the diversity and creativity of the television landscape, honoring the individuals and teams who brought these stories to life.

The 2017 Emmys were a testament to the power of television to entertain, inform, and inspire. The nominees and winners represented the best of the best, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication that goes into creating the shows we love. As we look back on this year, we can appreciate the lasting impact of these shows and the individuals who brought them to life.