Last night was the 28th Annual Webby Awards, hosted by Amber Ruffin! It was an unforgettable night, a fitting toast to the Internet’s most cutting-edge teams and creators who took One Giant Leap to create something unparalleled.
It was a night to remember—from a toast to Internet fave and visionary creative Keke Palmer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ heartfelt moment with Ina Garten, a show of gratitude Shannon Sharpe, a remarkable homage to Kara Swisher’s lifetime of groundbreaking reporting, and a celebration of Jerrod Carmichael’s brilliant comedic performance. Amber Ruffin broke out in song to bid farewell to the digital moments that make us all cringe.
Plus, special appearances from President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Laverne Cox, Madison Tevlin, Grimace, Oliver and James Phelps, and more!
We’ve rounded up a few special moments below—get a closer look into the show at winners.webbyawards.com! Follow @TheWebbyAwards everywhere to catch up on all the fun and keep the celebrations going by using #Webbys.
Keke Palmer Was All Smiles and Charm Onstage
The loved and lauded Keke Palmer accepted a Webby Special Achievement Award for her one-of-a-kind, vibrant, presence online, and for blending digital innovation and artistry to empower Black communities. With her trademark charm, she left the audience with “I’m Blessed to Do This.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Honored for Centering Women’s Narratives
After sharing a touching moment with presenter Ina Garten, the iconic Julia Louis-Dreyfus accepted the 2024 Webby Podcast of the Year Award for her poignant podcast, “Wiser Than Me.” Her words were, ”Listen to Old Women, Motherf*ckers.”
NAACP Honored Shannon Sharpe’s Fight for Healthcare Equity
For platforming crucial cultural and social dialogues through his podcast, “Club Shay Shay”—plus his advocacy for racial equality and early detection in health—Shannon Sharpe accepted the 2024 Webby Advocate of the Year Award, presented by President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson. His 5-Word Speech? “God is Great. Thank You.”
Championing Kara Swisher’s Iconic Legacy
In an unforgettable moment, the room came to a hush as Kara Swisher took the stage to accept the 2024 Webby Lifetime Achievement Award from legendary journalist Maggie Haberman. It was a fitting tribute to her life’s work of breaking the toughest stories across business and tech. Her 5 Words? “I Ain’t Done, Tech Bros.”
Hailing Jerrod Carmichael’s Brilliantly Disruptive Comedy
Multi-talented comedian and storyteller Jerrod Carmichael accepted the Webby Outstanding Comedic Performance Award from comedian and actor Lil Rel Howery, for his fresh, witty and raw work in his documentary series, the “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show.” In typical Jerrod fashion, his 5 Words were, “Risk Everything Every Time. Thanks.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Empowered Women to Break Molds
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer took the stage to accept a Webby Award from Amanda Litman, Co-Founder & Co-Executive director of Run for Something, for expertly wielding social media to empower women through her campaign, “Governor Barbie.” Even in a moment dedicated to her, she used it to inspire women everywhere to break stereotypes—”Wear Pink. Get Shit Done.”
Laverne Cox is Back at the Internet’s Biggest Night
A deeply reflective and spiritual series, “The Laverne Cox Show,” was honored with a Webby for spotlighting intimate conversations about life and sharing wisdom from people of all walks of life. Laverne Cox graced the Webby stage once again to accept the award from Chase Strangio, Deputy Director for Transgender Justice with ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project, saying, “Healing Collective Trauma: Necessary, Possible.”
Madison Tevlin and Coco Rocha Share a Joyful Moment
Madison Tevlin, Canadian actress, digital creator, and face of the instant viral video, “Down Syndrome is the Least Interesting Thing About Me,” accepted her Webby for the campaign in a moving exchange with Canadian model and fellow creator, Coco Rocha. Her message? “It’s fun proving people wrong.”
Amplifying the Fight for Reproductive Freedom with Plan C
At a time when life-saving reproductive resources are under attack, the film “Plan C” documents the creative loopholes advocates have found to provide radical access to abortion pills. Following remarks on the urgency of this work from Webby President Claire Graves, Meena Harris, CEO of Phenomenal Media and the Reductress, presented the Director of the film, Tracy Droz Tragos, and Plan C Co-Founder, Francine Coeytaux, with the movie’s Webby Award for creatively using social media for advocacy. She called the audience to action, saying “It Feels Like A Revolution. (Available in All 50 States).”
Breakout Stars in Tech Take the Webby Stage
Last night was also dedicated to celebrating the wonderful and near-addictive apps that we all use and love. Nilay Patel, Editor-in-Chief of The Verge and co-host of The Vergecast, honored Webby People’s Voice Winners Threads, Letterboxd and The New York Times Connections Game in a special onstage moment.
Head to winners.webbyawards.com for a full recap of the night! For a peek into the behind-the-scenes action, follow @TheWebbyAwards on Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok and YouTube!
