EW published a new interview with Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Edie Falco and more about their ‘pageant’ moment at the Emmys back in 2011. Read the full interview below!
In 2011, Mad Men and Modern Family were the big winners of the 63rd Annual Emmy Awards, but it was the nominees of the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category who truly stole the show.
At the brilliant suggestion of Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler, all of the women in the category — Laura Linney (The Big C), Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope), Tina Fey (30 Rock), and Poehler — assembled on stage in a surprise stunt before the winner was announced. Clearly moved by the display, Don Cheadle, Melissa Leo, and Kate Winslet quickly rose to their feet, leading a standing ovation.
McCarthy won that year, and in the best way possible — surrounded by five of TV’s biggest actresses, hugging and congratulating her like she was a queen. As we cross our fingers and hope to die that Sunday’s telecast on Fox will be jam-packed with seminal moments like this, here’s a look back at the 2011 Emmys and how a clever idea by Poehler made all the women feel like winners.
