Betty Gilpin Slams Sam Altman in Emmys Speech

Betty Gilpin accepted her Emmy win for outstanding guest actress in a comedy for her work in 'Widow's Bay' by reading a poem she had written in jest — and very much in the unique style of the show at the Peacock Theatre. In her speech, Gilpin delivered a line that drew especially to cheer from the audience: 'Let's all lean toward Sam Shepard and less toward Sam Altman.' Gilpin won for playing Sarah Westcott Warren, the long-suffering wife of town founder Richard Warren in the 'Widow's Bay' flashback episode 'Our History.' According to the actor, she was on the same flight over as her co-nominee Hamish Linklater, and he came over to her row and asked if she had written a speech. She told him she was not going to win, and he told her she needed to do that because it's a scientific possibility and not to be stupid, just prepare something, according to Gilpin. 'He scared the shit out of me, and I wrote a quick manic poem, as you know, women have done for centuries,' Gilpin said of the advice from Linklater, who also earned a guest actor in a comedy Emmy nomination for playing Richard Warren. Did you know? 'Widow's Bay' ended Night 2 of the 78th Emmys with eight wins — the most of any program so far. Production and Industry Reception of 'Widow's Bay' Gilpin described the experience of filming the episode as like they did this strange little period indie movie at the end of the actual filming of contemporary 'Widow's Bay.' According to Gilpin, the crew and writers had filmed all nine episodes before them. Gilpin praised the creative team, mentioning Katie Dippold's brain and work and the fact that Apple made her show a reality. 'Honestly, something so original and niche and strange and human having success in the mainstream — it gives me hope, honestly, that we're not totally lost in our industry,' Gilpin stated. Character Lore and Future Possibilities In her episode, Sarah appears to perish as she attempts to leave the island. When asked about a potential return in another flashback, Gilpin expressed doubt based on the show's lore. 'I feel like by her genius demented 'Widow's Bay' lore math, it doesn't make sense for her to come back,' Gilpin noted. At the same time, she added, 'But like, come on, just find it so I can come back. I would love to do that.' Frequently Asked Questions What role did Betty Gilpin win her Emmy for? Betty Gilpin won for playing Sarah Westcott Warren, the long-suffering wife of town founder Richard Warren in the 'Widow's Bay' flashback episode 'Our History.' How many Emmys did 'Widow's Bay' win? 'Widow's Bay' ended Night 2 of the 78th Emmys with eight wins — the most of any program so far. Who inspired Gilpin to write her acceptance speech as a poem? Her episodic co-star Hamish Linklater advised her to prepare something while on a flight over. What are your favorite moments from this year's Emmy Awards? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more entertainment updates.