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vulture lists
September 19, 2016

55 Funniest Frozen Moments From the 2016 Emmys

By Jesse David Fox

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Another night, another Emmys added to the history book of Emmys past. We picked the highlights and lowlights, celebrated the state of the acceptance speech, and broke out some classic moments, like this one, and this one, and this one, and this one (okay, that last one is from the preshow, but still).

Now, as is our wont, we celebrate the moments between the moments — the so-called “Frozen Moments,” which in a time of GIF-caps and Facebook video is basically a blog version of receiving a handwritten letter. Well, this letter is for you, fellow award-show junkie. Let’s laugh at paused faces together.

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1 / 55 Photos
The kid who plays Luke is aging so quickly, I literally can't tell which one he is. Is he the one driving? The kid who plays Luke is aging so quickly, I literally can't tell which one he is. Is he the one driving?

The kid who plays Luke is aging so quickly, I literally can't tell which one he is. Is he the one driving?

Somewhere David Letterman is not watching the Emmys. Somewhere David Letterman is not watching the Emmys.

Somewhere David Letterman is not watching the Emmys.

When bae is a bad singer and also you're a scared little baby getting a shot. When bae is a bad singer and also you're a scared little baby getting a shot.

When bae is a bad singer and also you're a scared little baby getting a shot.

Jimmy Kimmel was able to hold on to the dragon, from years of experience riding Ben Stein's coattails. Jimmy Kimmel was able to hold on to the dragon, from years of experience riding Ben Stein's coattails.

Jimmy Kimmel was able to hold on to the dragon, from years of experience riding Ben Stein's coattails.

"Still not as bad as Simon Cowell's Diet Coke breath." "Still not as bad as Simon Cowell's Diet Coke breath."

"Still not as bad as Simon Cowell's Diet Coke breath."

That feeling when Reggie Watts is going to eat your Emmy. (Also, look at Judith Light, already proud of Jeffrey, even if it is a bit.) That feeling when Reggie Watts is going to eat your Emmy. (Also, look at Judith Light, already proud of Jeffrey, even if it is a bit.)

That feeling when Reggie Watts is going to eat your Emmy. (Also, look at Judith Light, already proud of Jeffrey, even if it is a bit.)

Promo still for a new buddy sitcom Paulson Around the Clark. Sorry, Ryan Murphy Presents Paulson Around the Clark. Promo still for a new buddy sitcom Paulson Around the Clark. Sorry, Ryan Murphy Presents Paulson Around the Clark.

Promo still for a new buddy sitcom Paulson Around the Clark. Sorry, Ryan Murphy Presents Paulson Around the Clark.

When he gets a haircut, does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off? When he gets a haircut, does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?

When he gets a haircut, does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?

As a triad, they're known as Filldre H. Bruffacy. As a triad, they're known as Filldre H. Bruffacy.

As a triad, they're known as Filldre H. Bruffacy.

What about a show where they kiss and get married and have kids called Modern Fam— What about a show where they kiss and get married and have kids called Modern Fam—

What about a show where they kiss and get married and have kids called Modern Fam—

They are deep undercover as two cuties! They are deep undercover as two cuties!

They are deep undercover as two cuties!

Tituss seemingly reacting to being on TV in the same way as his character. Tituss seemingly reacting to being on TV in the same way as his character.

Tituss seemingly reacting to being on TV in the same way as his character.

More like Eep. More like Eep.

More like Eep.

Scan from right to left and it could literally be a shot from a guest-star-rich Brooklyn Nine Nine episode in which Captain loses an award. Scan from right to left and it could literally be a shot from a guest-star-rich Brooklyn Nine Nine episode in which Captain loses an award.

Scan from right to left and it could literally be a shot from a guest-star-rich Brooklyn Nine Nine episode in which Captain loses an award.

Look at that blond hair. Oh, no. I thought I was the funny Lannister. Look at that blond hair. Oh, no. I thought I was the funny Lannister.

Look at that blond hair. Oh, no. I thought I was the funny Lannister.

Rob Delaney giving some "Super Mario seeing a fresh pizza on top of an unclogged toilet" realness. Rob Delaney giving some "Super Mario seeing a fresh pizza on top of an unclogged toilet" realness.

Rob Delaney giving some "Super Mario seeing a fresh pizza on top of an unclogged toilet" realness.

As she does whenever she has a free moment, Taraji waits out the comedy category by practicing her De Niro. You're gonna meet me. Cookie is one of the parents. As she does whenever she has a free moment, Taraji waits out the comedy category by practicing her De Niro. You're gonna meet me. Cookie is one of the parents.

As she does whenever she has a free moment, Taraji waits out the comedy category by practicing her De Niro. You're gonna meet me. Cookie is one of the...

As she does whenever she has a free moment, Taraji waits out the comedy category by practicing her De Niro. You're gonna meet me. Cookie is one of the parents.

She's going to have to change her name to Kate McWinnon. Seriously. She has to. It's part of her contract at SNL. Lorne, that sick fuck. She's going to have to change her name to Kate McWinnon. Seriously. She has to. It's part of her contract at SNL. Lorne, that sick fuck.

She's going to have to change her name to Kate McWinnon. Seriously. She has to. It's part of her contract at SNL. Lorne, that sick fuck.

McWinnon! McWinnon! McWinnon! Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. 
  
Who wears short shorts? / Lorne wears short shorts / They're such short shorts / Lorne likes short shorts ... McWinnon! McWinnon! McWinnon! Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. 
  
Who wears short shorts? / Lorne wears short shorts / They're such short shorts / Lorne likes short shorts ...

McWinnon! McWinnon! McWinnon! Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes.

 

Who wears short shorts? / Lorne wears short shorts / They're such short shorts / ...

McWinnon! McWinnon! McWinnon! Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes.

 

Who wears short shorts? / Lorne wears short shorts / They're such short shorts / Lorne likes short shorts ...

Just like on Catastrophe, their cuteness is covering up a profound sadness. Just like on Catastrophe, their cuteness is covering up a profound sadness.

Just like on Catastrophe, their cuteness is covering up a profound sadness.

Is this what they mean when they say "Ray Donovan is a show for dads?" Is this what they mean when they say "Ray Donovan is a show for dads?"

Is this what they mean when they say "Ray Donovan is a show for dads?"

Is this an image of a woman toppling the patriarchy or witnessing a sweet guitar solo? Is this an image of a woman toppling the patriarchy or witnessing a sweet guitar solo?

Is this an image of a woman toppling the patriarchy or witnessing a sweet guitar solo?

This feels like a perfect combination of Bart and Lisa Simpson. This feels like a perfect combination of Bart and Lisa Simpson.

This feels like a perfect combination of Bart and Lisa Simpson.

Jill Soloway: "Topple the patriarchy!" Men: "Awk-waaaaaaaard." Jill Soloway: "Topple the patriarchy!" Men: "Awk-waaaaaaaard."

Jill Soloway: "Topple the patriarchy!" Men: "Awk-waaaaaaaard."

After how people reacted to his Trump interview, Fallon has fully moved to the dark side. After how people reacted to his Trump interview, Fallon has fully moved to the dark side.

After how people reacted to his Trump interview, Fallon has fully moved to the dark side.

As a Human-Kirby, Amy tried to win by sucking the statue and entire stage into her mouth. As a Human-Kirby, Amy tried to win by sucking the statue and entire stage into her mouth.

As a Human-Kirby, Amy tried to win by sucking the statue and entire stage into her mouth.

"Ugh, this lighthearted patter is soooooo boring." 
"When it comes to 'tude, I'm going to need Mandy Less." "Ugh, this lighthearted patter is soooooo boring." 
"When it comes to 'tude, I'm going to need Mandy Less."

"Ugh, this lighthearted patter is soooooo boring."

"When it comes to 'tude, I'm going to need Mandy Less."

Rude of the producers to show Carson Daly working as a seat-filler. Rude of the producers to show Carson Daly working as a seat-filler.

Rude of the producers to show Carson Daly working as a seat-filler.

Ugh, stop lecturing her about proper bike safety, Ross. You're such a Ross. Ugh, stop lecturing her about proper bike safety, Ross. You're such a Ross.

Ugh, stop lecturing her about proper bike safety, Ross. You're such a Ross.

Now that's what I call a "scandal." "Scandal" is slang I use for when people look good in clothing. "Girl, you look so good it's a scandal." Or: "That pocket square sure is so straight it's a scandal." Feel free to use it. Don't @ me. Now that's what I call a "scandal." "Scandal" is slang I use for when people look good in clothing. "Girl, you look so good it's a scandal." Or: "That pocket square sure is so straight it's a scandal." Feel free to use it. Don't @ me.

Now that's what I call a "scandal." "Scandal" is slang I use for when people look good in clothing. "Girl, you look so good i...

Now that's what I call a "scandal." "Scandal" is slang I use for when people look good in clothing. "Girl, you look so good it's a scandal." Or: "That pocket square sure is so straight it's a scandal." Feel free to use it. Don't @ me.

And the award for Outstanding Laughing Mannequin Come to Life goes to ... And the award for Outstanding Laughing Mannequin Come to Life goes to ...

And the award for Outstanding Laughing Mannequin Come to Life goes to ...

It was weird when Jimmy Kimmel looked David Schwimmer in the eye and kept saying "Jews." It was weird when Jimmy Kimmel looked David Schwimmer in the eye and kept saying "Jews."

It was weird when Jimmy Kimmel looked David Schwimmer in the eye and kept saying "Jews."

"What does the note say?" 
"For your consideration, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: The actress that plays Barb." "What does the note say?" 
"For your consideration, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: The actress that plays Barb."

"What does the note say?"

"For your consideration, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: The actress that plays Barb."

Now that note was really inside Amy Schumer. Haha. Still got it, Laurence. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. 
Who wears short shorts? / Morpheus wears short shorts ... Now that note was really inside Amy Schumer. Haha. Still got it, Laurence. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. 
Who wears short shorts? / Morpheus wears short shorts ...

Now that note was really inside Amy Schumer. Haha. Still got it, Laurence. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes.

Who wears short shorts? / Morpheus wears sho...

Now that note was really inside Amy Schumer. Haha. Still got it, Laurence. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes.

Who wears short shorts? / Morpheus wears short shorts ...

After Hugh Laurie's category passed, he just went back to reading House recaps on his phone. After Hugh Laurie's category passed, he just went back to reading House recaps on his phone.

After Hugh Laurie's category passed, he just went back to reading House recaps on his phone.

Meanwhile Taylor's at home, looking up words that rhyme with "Priyanka." Meanwhile Taylor's at home, looking up words that rhyme with "Priyanka."

Meanwhile Taylor's at home, looking up words that rhyme with "Priyanka."

After he wrote "Daughters," everyone assumed John Mayer would end up in a pit under a stage, but not like this. After he wrote "Daughters," everyone assumed John Mayer would end up in a pit under a stage, but not like this.

After he wrote "Daughters," everyone assumed John Mayer would end up in a pit under a stage, but not like this.

Marcia kisses O.J. while Robert Kardashian looks on. Someone's been reading literally all fan fiction from the '90s. Marcia kisses O.J. while Robert Kardashian looks on. Someone's been reading literally all fan fiction from the '90s.

Marcia kisses O.J. while Robert Kardashian looks on. Someone's been reading literally all fan fiction from the '90s.

No caption. Just cute. No caption. Just cute.

No caption. Just cute.

Sterling K. Brown is a great actor, but he really overpronounces the a in Angela. Sterling K. Brown is a great actor, but he really overpronounces the a in Angela.

Sterling K. Brown is a great actor, but he really overpronounces the a in Angela.

"If the statue fits — in my hand — I must, aaaaaaah, quit this speech." "If the statue fits — in my hand — I must, aaaaaaah, quit this speech."

"If the statue fits — in my hand — I must, aaaaaaah, quit this speech."

Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! This is Minnie Driving me crazy. Ha-ha, never thought of that one before. Good one, Minnie. Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! This is Minnie Driving me crazy. Ha-ha, never thought of that one before. Good one, Minnie.

Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/...

Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! Does it look like the surgery scene from Face/Off?! This is Minnie Driving me crazy. Ha-ha, never thought of that one before. Good one, Minnie.

It was really nice of Patton, Amy, Tig, and Charo to show up for what looks to be John Mulaney's funeral. It was really nice of Patton, Amy, Tig, and Charo to show up for what looks to be John Mulaney's funeral.

It was really nice of Patton, Amy, Tig, and Charo to show up for what looks to be John Mulaney's funeral.

"I do!" screamed a teenage nerd watching at home. "I do!" screamed a teenage nerd watching at home.

"I do!" screamed a teenage nerd watching at home.

More like Jerry Yuckheimer. More like Jerry Yuckheimer.

More like Jerry Yuckheimer.

Did that apple come with the purchase of that zoo? Did that apple come with the purchase of that zoo?

Did that apple come with the purchase of that zoo?

Comedians in tuxes drinking up the attention. Comedians in tuxes drinking up the attention.

Comedians in tuxes drinking up the attention.

That feeling when you find out they only sell ribs in orders of two. That feeling when you find out they only sell ribs in orders of two.

That feeling when you find out they only sell ribs in orders of two.

"Philip! Elizabeth! The drop has been compromised. Apparently this thing is being televised." "Philip! Elizabeth! The drop has been compromised. Apparently this thing is being televised."

"Philip! Elizabeth! The drop has been compromised. Apparently this thing is being televised."

"I might know nothing, but at least I know how to spell my name, Keith Haringston." "I might know nothing, but at least I know how to spell my name, Keith Haringston."

"I might know nothing, but at least I know how to spell my name, Keith Haringston."

"I'm so excited that I'm finally Dr. Robot." 
[Off-camera] "Rami. Pssst. This is not a diploma. Also, Mr. Robot is the name of the show you're on. You're not Mr. Robot." 
"Is that what you think?" [Pantomime's typing] "What about now?" 
 [Off-camera] "You're lucky you're so hot." "I'm so excited that I'm finally Dr. Robot." 
[Off-camera] "Rami. Pssst. This is not a diploma. Also, Mr. Robot is the name of the show you're on. You're not Mr. Robot." 
"Is that what you think?" [Pantomime's typing] "What about now?" 
 [Off-camera] "You're lucky you're so hot."

"I'm so excited that I'm finally Dr. Robot."

[Off-camera] "Rami. Pssst. This is not a diploma. Also, Mr. Robot is the name of the show...

"I'm so excited that I'm finally Dr. Robot."

[Off-camera] "Rami. Pssst. This is not a diploma. Also, Mr. Robot is the name of the show you're on. You're not Mr. Robot."

"Is that what you think?" [Pantomime's typing] "What about now?"

 [Off-camera] "You're lucky you're so hot."

"You call this a spread." "You call this a spread."

"You call this a spread."

"Act natural. Laugh at their American jokes. What is that? That's not a laugh. You look like you think you might've saw a mouse on the floor and you're scared to double-check." 
"You call that laughing? You look like the mouse I just saw." 
"I love you." 
"I love you too." "Act natural. Laugh at their American jokes. What is that? That's not a laugh. You look like you think you might've saw a mouse on the floor and you're scared to double-check." 
"You call that laughing? You look like the mouse I just saw." 
"I love you." 
"I love you too."

"Act natural. Laugh at their American jokes. What is that? That's not a laugh. You look like you think you might've saw a mouse on the floor and ...

"Act natural. Laugh at their American jokes. What is that? That's not a laugh. You look like you think you might've saw a mouse on the floor and you're scared to double-check."

"You call that laughing? You look like the mouse I just saw."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Gary's always on the clock. Gary's always on the clock.

Gary's always on the clock.

This would anachronistic, but Game of Thrones is set in a fantasy world, not Earth's Middle Ages. If they can have dragons, they can have iPhones. This would anachronistic, but Game of Thrones is set in a fantasy world, not Earth's Middle Ages. If they can have dragons, they can have iPhones.

This would anachronistic, but Game of Thrones is set in a fantasy world, not Earth's Middle Ages. If they can have dragons, they can have iPhones.

1 / 55

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