The 1972 Emmy Awards: A Night to Remember 

 

The 24th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on May 6, 1972, was an unforgettable evening that marked several historic milestones in television history. Hosted by the charismatic Johnny Carson, the event took place at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California. This prestigious ceremony, presented by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, celebrated the best in television from the past year. Let’s dive into the highlights and notable moments of this iconic night. 

 

Historic Wins and Notable Firsts 

“All in the Family” Dominates 

The star of the evening was undoubtedly “All in the Family,” a groundbreaking sitcom that took home six major awards. This feat set a record, as it was the first time a single show won six significant awards in one night. Although one of the awards was a tie, the achievement was still remarkable. “All in the Family” also made history by becoming the first non-anthology drama to receive at least ten major nominations. 

The show’s success was a testament to its cultural impact and the talent of its cast and crew. Carroll O’Connor, who played the irascible Archie Bunker, won the award for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series. Jean Stapleton, who portrayed the lovable Edith Bunker, won for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series. 

 

“Elizabeth R” and Glenda Jackson’s Triple Nomination 

Another significant moment came from the BBC series “Elizabeth R,” which won Outstanding Drama Series. Glenda Jackson’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I earned her three acting nominations for the same performance, an unprecedented achievement in Emmy history. Rule changes in later years have made such a feat impossible, cementing Jackson’s unique place in the Emmy annals. 

 

PBS Breaks New Ground 

PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) achieved a significant milestone with “Elizabeth R.” This victory marked PBS’s first win for Outstanding Drama, a notable triumph over the big three television networks: CBS, NBC, and ABC. Although the N.E.T. network, PBS’s predecessor, had won this category in 1969, PBS’s win underscored its growing influence and the quality of its programming. 

 

Writing Triumphs for “All in the Family” and “Columbo” 

“All in the Family” and “Columbo” each received every nomination in the writing category, showcasing their excellence in storytelling. This accomplishment has become extremely rare, especially as the number of nominees in major categories expanded over the years. 

 

Here is a list of some of the Awards and Winners 

Outstanding Comedy Series 

Winner: All in the Family (CBS) 

Nominees: 

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS) 

The Odd Couple (ABC) 

Sanford and Son (NBC) 

 

Outstanding Drama Series 

Winner: Elizabeth R (PBS) 

Nominees: 

Columbo (NBC) 

Mannix (CBS) 

Marcus Welby, M.D. (ABC) 

The Six Wives of Henry VIII (CBS) 

 

Outstanding Variety Series – Musical 

Winner: The Carol Burnett Show (CBS) 

Nominees: 

The Dean Martin Comedy Hour (NBC) 

The Flip Wilson Show (NBC) 

The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (CBS) 

 

Outstanding Variety Series – Talk 

Winner: The Dick Cavett Show (ABC) 

Nominees: 

The David Frost Show (Syndicated) 

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (NBC) 

 

Outstanding Single Program – Drama or Comedy 

Winner: Brian’s Song (ABC) 

Nominees: 

All in the Family (CBS): “Sammy’s Visit” 

Elizabeth R (PBS): “The Lion’s Cub” 

The Snow Goose (NBC) 

The Six Wives of Henry VIII (CBS): “Jane Seymour” 

 

Acting Awards 

Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series 

Winner: Carroll O’Connor as Archie Bunker in All in the Family (CBS) 

Nominees: 

Redd Foxx as Fred G. Sanford in Sanford and Son (NBC) 

Jack Klugman as Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple (ABC) 

Tony Randall as Felix Unger in The Odd Couple (ABC) 

 

Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series 

Winner: Jean Stapleton as Edith Bunker in All in the Family (CBS) 

Nominees: 

Sandy Duncan as Sandy Stockton in Funny Face (CBS) 

Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards in The Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS) 

 

Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series 

Winner: Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo in Columbo (NBC) 

Nominees: 

Raymond Burr as Robert T. Ironside in Ironside (NBC) 

Mike Connors as Joe Mannix in Mannix (CBS) 

Keith Michell as Henry VIII of England in The Six Wives of Henry VIII (CBS) 

Robert Young as Marcus Welby in Marcus Welby, M.D. (ABC) 

 

Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series 

Winner: Glenda Jackson as Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth R (PBS) 

Nominees: 

Peggy Lipton as Julie Barnes in The Mod Squad (ABC) 

Susan Saint James as Sally McMillan in McMillan & Wife (NBC) 

 

Outstanding Supporting Performances 

Actor in a Comedy Series 

Winner: Edward Asner as Lou Grant in The Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS) 

Nominees: 

Ted Knight as Ted Baxter in The Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS) 

Rob Reiner as Michael Stivic in All in the Family (CBS) 

 

Actress in a Comedy Series 

Winner: Valerie Harper as Rhoda Morgenstern in The Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS) 

Nominees: 

Sally Struthers as Gloria Stivic in All in the Family (CBS) 

Cloris Leachman as Phyllis Lindstrom in The Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS) 

 

Actor in a Drama Series 

Winner: Jack Warden as George Halas in Brian’s Song (ABC) 

Nominees: 

James Brolin as Dr. Steven Kiley in Marcus Welby, M.D. (ABC) 

Greg Morris as Barney Collier in Mission: Impossible (CBS) 

 

Actress in a Drama Series 

Winner: Jenny Agutter as Frith in The Snow Goose (NBC) 

Nominees: 

Gail Fisher as Peggy Fair in Mannix (CBS) 

Elena Verdugo as Consuelo Lopez in Marcus Welby, M.D. (ABC) 

 

Reflecting on a Historic Evening 

The 1972 Emmy Awards celebrated a remarkable year in television, highlighting the exceptional talent and creativity of the industry’s best. From the historic achievements of “All in the Family” and “Elizabeth R” to the groundbreaking victories for PBS, this ceremony set a high standard for future Emmy Awards. With unforgettable performances, outstanding writing, and masterful direction, the 24th Primetime Emmy Awards truly honored the best of the best in television.