For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails
The 71st Emmy Award winners have been announced – and there were many surprises.
Game of Thrones , When They See Us , Fleabag and Chernobyl were among the shows battling it out for the main trophies at the ceremony that was held in Los Angeles's Microsoft Theatre.
The British invasion continued , with half the prizes going to Brits or Brit-produced shows.
You can find a full list of every single winner below.
Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie:
Mahershala Ali, True Detective
Benicio Del Toro, Escape at Dannemora
Hugh Grant, A Very English Scandal
Jared Harris, Chernobyl
Jharrel Jerome, When They See Us – WINNER
Sam Rockwell, Fosse/Verdon
Show all 70 1 /70Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Emilia Clarke The Mother of Dragons wears a dark blue Maison Valentino gown, accessorising with a pair of statement earrings by David Webb.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Sandra Oh The Killing Eve star masters old school Hollywood glamour in a pink floor-length gown by Zac Posen.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Zendaya Zendaya conquers the Emmys before it has even begun in a custom design by Vera Wang.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Billy Porter Porter makes the purple carpet his own in a pinstriped Michael Kors suit and an extravagant headpiece by milliner Stephen Jones.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Laverne Cox The Orange Is The New Black star dazzles in a black and lilac Monsoori ballgown, accessorising with a custom-made, rainbow-coloured clutch by Edie Parker.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Phoebe Waller-Bridge The Fleabag creator wears an ethereal creation by Monique Lhuillier.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Kristen Bell Bell twirls playfully in a multicoloured, cutout Dior dress.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Maisie Williams The Game of Thrones star works the purple carpet in a JW Anderson dress, wearing her hair in a chopped bob style.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Joey King The actor makes a bold statement in a scarlet Zac Posen design.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Nicole Scherzinger The singer dresses in white for the 71st Emmy Awards.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Terrence Howard The Empire star looks suave in a silver patterned waistcoat and navy trousers.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Amy Adams The six-time Oscar nominee goes for a gothic look, wearing a sheer gown from the Fendi autumn/winter 2019 couture collection.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Lilly Singh The television host glows in green on the purple carpet, dressed in a custom satin dress by Kimberly Parker Atelier.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Marisa Tomei The actor opts for a red and pink design.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Christina Applegate The Dead To Me star dazzles in a light grey gown by Vera Wang.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan Dano and Kazan pose for photographers on the purple carpet, both dressed in Gucci.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Angela Bassett Bassett wears a custom-made jumpsuit by couture fashion designer Antonio Grimaldi.
EPA
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Viola Davis The Oscar-winning actor emanates elegance in a black and white creation by Alberta Ferretti.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Gwendoline Christie The Game of Thrones star looks every inch a queen in a regal design by Gucci.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Kerry Washington The Scandal actor opts for an effortlessly cool ensemble, wearing a white ruffled shirt and black sequinned trousers by Alexandre Vauthier.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Sophie Turner The Queen in the North stuns in a baby pink gown by Louis Vuitton.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Julia Louis-Dreyfus The actor wears a gold Oscar de la Renta dress for the Emmys.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Alex Borstein The actor matches the purple carpet at the Emmy Awards in a royal purple gown.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Clea DuVall The actor makes the purple carpet her own in a stylish tuxedo.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Nathalie Emmanuel The Game of Thrones actor oozes glamour in a black, sheer, embellished gown.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Naomi Watts The actor is the epitome of sophistication in a black, strapless Dior ballgown.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Rachel Brosnahan The star of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel lights up the purple carpet in a sequinned Eli Saab design.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Susan Kelechi Watson The This Is Us actor wears a red and pink Badgley Mischka dress.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Amy Poehler Poehler goes for gold in a relaxed ensemble by Greta Constantine.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Lin-Manuel Miranda The Hamilton creator appears relaxed as he poses in a black suit for photographers.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Marsha Stephanie Blake The actor stuns in a white Zac Posen gown.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Dominique Jackson The Pose star wears a custom gold creation by fashion designer Jeffrey Dodd.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Ava DuVernay The filmmaker wears a custom, yellow, pocketed gown by Reem Acra.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Taraji P. Henson The Empire star opts for red and pink, wearing a majestic design by Vera Wang.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Bobby Berk, Tan France, Antoni Porowski and Karamo Brown The Queer Eye cast-members pose alongside one another on the purple carpet.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Kit Harington The Game of Thrones star is styled in a black suit and white shirt for the Emmys.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Sian Clifford The Fleabag actor strikes a serious pose in a white dress on the purple carpet.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Tan France The Queer Eye star wears a gold garment by Tarun Tahiliani, accessorising with David Yurman jewellery.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Natasha Lyonne The Russian Doll actor and co-creator glistens in gold Gucci at the Emmy Awards.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Jodie Comer The Killing Eve star looks far more angelic than her villainous character in the show, wearing a white Tom Ford design.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Niecy Nash The comedian and actor looks every inch a star in a dazzling Christian Siriano ensemble.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Mandy Moore The This Is Us star graces the purple carpet in a red and pink Brandon Maxwell design.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Regina King The Oscar-winning actor oozes elegance at the Emmys in a baby blue Jason Wu gown.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Karamo Brown The Queer Eye star showcases a fashionable style of tux, wearing head-to-toe Versace.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Dascha Polanco The Orange Is The New Black actor stuns in a white and pink Christian Siriano dress.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards RuPaul RuPaul dons an eye-catching pink and black suit for the Emmy Awards.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Indya Moore The Pose star owns the purple carpet in a corseted Louis Vuitton gown.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Antoni Porowski The resident Queer Eye food expert dresses in Ralph Lauren for the 71st Emmy Awards.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Laura Linney The actor wears a silver and black Tom Ford ensemble.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Kate McKinnon The SNL comedian wears a black custom Narciso Rodriguez dress for the Emmys.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Greta Lee The Russian Doll actor opts for a bright shade of green, wearing an eye-catching ensemble by Christopher John Rogers.
REUTERS
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Jameela Jamil Jamil wears a mint blue Monique Lhuillier creation.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Steven Canals The Pose co-creator dazzles in a sequinned ombre Viktor Luna kimono sleeve jacket.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Catherine O'Hara The actor wears a black and white checkered dress for the Emmy Awards.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Brittany Snow Snow stuns in a princess-esque J. Mendel dress on the purple carpet.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Melanie Liburd The actor opts for a dramatic look, wearing a white and black ensemble by couture fashion label Azzi and Osta.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Chris Sullivan The This Is Us actor wears a bold striped Stile Latino suit.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Ego Nwodim The SNL star stuns in silver on the purple carpet.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Patricia Clarkson The actor dresses in a dark red sequinned off-shoulder gown.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Betty Gilpin The Glow star wears Jason Wu for the Emmy Awards.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Milo Ventimiglia The This Is Us star wears a light grey jacket and black trousers on the purple carpet.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Vera Farmiga The actor wears custom Ryan Roche for the awards ceremony.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Daina Reid The Handmaid's Tale director carries a purse which reads 'Praise Be', in reference to the television show.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Eris Baker The actor is a vision in a gown by Tadashi Shoji.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Sterling K. Brown The This Is Us star wears a Brioni suit for the Emmy Awards, completing his smart look with a suave pair of shades.
Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Kelly Osbourne The television personality wears a cutout Brandon Maxwell dress.
EPA
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Sharon Osbourne The television host dons Alexander McQueen for the Emmy Awards.
EPA
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Kathryn Newton The actor displays her floaty yellow Ralph Lauren dress for photographers.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards Giancarlo Esposito The actor wears a dark blue suit for the Emmy Awards, completing his look with a smart black hat.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Best-dressed stars on the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards James Van Der Beek The actor wears a red velour Brioni suit for the prestigious awards ceremony.
AFP/Getty Images
Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie:
Amy Adams , Sharp Objects
Patricia Arquette , Escape at Dannemora
Aunjanue Ellis, When They See Us
Joey King, The Act
Niecy Nash, When They See Us
Michelle Williams , Fosse/Verdon – WINNER
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
Don Cheadle, Black Monday
Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method
Bill Hader, Barry – WINNER
Eugene Levy, Schitt's Creek
Anthony Anderson, black-ish
Ted Danson, The Good Place
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:
Christina Applegate, Dead To Me
Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Natasha Lyonne, Russian Doll
Catherine O'Hara, Schitt's Creek
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag – WINNER
Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
Jason Bateman, Ozark
Sterling K Brown, This Is Us
Kit Harington, Game of Thrones
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Billy Porter, Pose – WINNER
Milo Ventimiglia, This Is Us
Show all 70 1 /70Game of Thrones characters - ranked Game of Thrones characters - ranked 70. Rickon Stark Played by : Art Parkinson
Easily the most annoying Stark child − an impressive feat next to Bran − Rickon was at least handed one hell of a death scene: taken out by an arrow courtesy of Ramsay Bolton.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 69. Robin Arryn Played by : Lino Facioli
Robin Arryn is remembered by most Thrones fans as being the 10-year-old breastfed by his mother (still weird). That's about it.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 68. Renly Baratheon Played by : Gethin Anthony
The Rickon of the Baratheon brothers. His claim to the Iron Throne was tenuous, considering his older brother, Stannis, was still alive. When Stannis's shadow monster came to kill him, it was only good news for the show.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 67. Leaf Played by : Kae Alexander
A lot of mystery may surround Leaf, one of the show's mythical Children of the Forest, but her noble sacrifice to save Bran, Meera and Hodor from a horde of wights robbed her of any worth.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 66. Tommen Baratheon Played by : Dean-Charles Chapman
Another boring younger brother. Whereas Joffrey was pure evil, Tommen was innocent and, inevitably, very boring. His cat, Ser Pounce, was an asset to the show.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 65. Lysa Arryn Played by : Kate Dickie
Lysa, the creepy sister to Catelyn Stark, was first seen with Robin Arryn, her 10-year-old son, latched to her breast. Her death − being pushed through the Moon Door − couldn't have come sooner.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 64. Benjen Stark Played by : Joseph Mawle/Matteo Elezi
Having gone missing in season one, Benjen returned during season six to save his nephew, Bran. The moment was a surprise to TV watchers − book readers, however, had long speculated that Coldhands was an undead version of the Stark.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 63. Syrio Forel Played by : Miltos Yerolemou
The ill-fated Syrio's appearance way back in season one was a formative experience for one Arya Stark (Maisie Williams); he's the one who helped her on her way to becoming the vengeful assassin fans know and love today.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 62. Jeor Mormont Played by : James Cosmo
Father of Jorah Mormont, Jeor was an honourable leader of the Night's Watch − perhaps to a fault. After giving Jon Snow the sword Longclaw, Mormont inadvertently showed the Stark bastard that Valerian steel can cut through White Walkers.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 61. Roose Bolton Played by : Michael McElhatton
Let's be honest: it's hard to really like as scheming a character as Roose Bolton, the man who orchestrated the violent Red Wedding − the most infamous scene in the show's six-year history that saw the death of Robb, Catelyn and Talisa.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 60. Ellaria Sand Played by : Indira Varma
Ellaria Sand may have been a more enticing creation on the page, but in the series, her screen time regrettably amounts to reacting to loved ones being killed off in increasingly awful ways.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 59. Grand Maester Pycell Played by : Julian Glover
The secretly sprightly Pycell had seen a lot of things in his time, but there's an element of "unfulfilled potential" surrounding Glover's character whose late betrayal of Cersei Lannister saw a grisly end to his life of luxury at King's Landing.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 58. Three-Eyed Raven Played by : Max von Sydow
Perhaps it was the casting of Max von Sydow that heightened anticipation for the Three-Eyed Raven in the series, but the half-hearted story arc left a lot to be desired.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 57. Gilly Played by : Hannah Murray
Gilly's long journey from Craster's Keep to Winterfell sounds exciting on paper. But, unfortunately, she has been merely a passenger on Sam's journey for far too long.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 56. Daario Naharis Played by : Michael Huisman
The man who won the heart of Daenerys Targaryen, only to be left behind in Essos. Ed Skrein originally played the character, but was soon replaced after the actor landed a role in Deadpool.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 55. Shae Played by : Sibel Kekilli
Oh Shea. Her ill-fated betrayal − sleeping with Tywin (Charles Dance) − was a slap in the face not just for lover Tyrion, but the viewer also.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 54. Grey Worm Played by : Jacob Anderson
Leader of the Usullied, Grey Worm remains unmoved at all times − unless around Missandei. While their romance can be heartwarming, it's hard to invest in two characters who are so wooden.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 53. Talisa Maegyr Played by : Oona Chaplin
To be fair to Robb Stark's wife Talisa, should she have avoided being murdered in arguably the most horrific way during the Red Wedding, she would most likely have been higher on this list. Alas.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 52. Shireen Baratheon Played by : Kerry Ingram
All the Greyscale-suffering Shireen ever wanted to do was read stories in her chamber, but due to her impressionable power-hungry father, Stannis, she was tragically reduced to ashes after being sacrificed to the Lord of Light.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 51. Viserys Targaryen Played by : Harry Lloyd
Viserys wanted the Iron Throne at any cost, giving away his own sister in exchange for an army. Dany, though, had other plans. Her new husband, Khal Drogo, covering Viserys in molten gold made for one of the show's most memorable death scenes.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 50. Maester Luwin Played by : Donald Sumpter
The kindly Maester Luwin was one of the nicest characters in the first few seasons, becoming a stand-in father for Bran and Rickon while the Starks endured horrors elsewhere. He was eventually killed when Ramsay Bolton took over Winterfell.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 49. Thoros of Myr Played by : Paul Kaye
Thoros spent the majority of his time on the show resurrecting Beric and was most recently seen wielding his flaming sword alongside Jon Snow beyond the wall.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 48. Mance Rayder Played by : Ciarán Hinds
Ciaran Hinds brought an intensity to Mance Rayder, a character who would otherwise have got lost in the crowd. As a result, his death at the hands of Melisandre was unexpectedly affecting.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 47. Podrick Payne Played by : Daniel Portman
Ever loyal, Podrick Payne has become a fan favourite for being surprisingly brave in the face of adversity. He and Brienne of Tarth make an excellent duo.
HBO/Helen Sloan
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 46. Euron Greyjoy Played by : Pilou Asbæk
While Euron Greyjoy may have only joined the show in season six, his presence was immediately felt. A wildcard character, Greyjoy's cut-throat, power-hungry nature has proven exciting to watch.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 45. Jaqen H'ghar Played by : Tom Wlaschiha
Jaqen H'ghar − one of the Faceless Men of Braavos − had such promise, but ultimately ended up being the one responsible for sapping Arya's story of the energy she'd had seasons before, alongside The Hound (Rory McCann).
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 44. Missandei Played by : Nathalie Emmanuel
Missandei has somehow managed to come up trumps within the new world order, being an advisor to Dany. However, her stilted nature can make for some awkward encounters − but at least she and Grey Worm are happy together.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 43. Ygritte Played by : Rose Leslie
Ygritte − the Wildling lover of Jon Snow − will go down in Thrones lore for providing the series the with oft-quoted famous line: "You know nothing, Jon Snow." Spoken with a northern accent, obviously.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 42. Hot Pie Played by : Ben Hawkey
Has an actor ever been more suited to a role? Ben Hawkey, after all, has gone on to run a bakery of his own, even selling Thrones-themed goods.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 41. Walder Frey Played by : David Bradley
One of the orchestrators of the Red Wedding, Walder Frey was a lurching, terrifying villain. When Arya unmasks herself and kills the old man, it's a sweet, sweet moment of revenge.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 40. Gendry Baratheon Played by : Joe Dempsie
The true heir to the Iron Throne. Gendry may have spent a few seasons rowing out at sea, but his return hints at big things to come for the Baratheon bastard.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 39. Robert Baratheon Played by : Mark Addy
Mark Addy brought a certain gravitas to Robert Baratheon, making him a believably world-weary king. Despite only having a few scenes, his character's presence is still felt on the show thanks to Gendry.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 38. Barristan Selmy Played by : Ian McElhinney
After being fired by the Lannisters, Selmy pledged allegiance to Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), bridging the gap between two of the show's key characters. He was also a bloody good warrior.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 37. Yara Greyjoy Played by : Gemma Whelan
Lily Allen was initially wanted for the role of Theon's sister. However, she declined: 'I felt uncomfortable because I would have had to go on a horse and he would have touched me up and s***.' Seeing as Allen's brother, Alfie, had already been cast as Theon, it was probably for the best.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 36. Margaery Tyrell Played by : Natalie Dormer
Margaery Tyrell was one of Game of Thrones's biggest players, wheedling her way into the Lannister family politics and actually becoming Queen for a spell. Her number was up the moment she made an enemy of Cersei, and her fiery death, while underwhelming, was a huge moment.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 35. Samwell Tarly Played by : John Bradley
There's a theory going around that Samwell Tarly, who trains as a maester, is actually the author of the Song of Ice and Fire − AKA the book series. In other words, Sam is George RR Martin. Go figure.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 34. Osha Played by : Natalia Tena
The underused Osha was our very first wildling, an unpredictable knife-wielding danger to the characters we loved. Her subsequent evolution into Stark servant was interestingly played, which made the fact she was sidelined for multiple seasons, before being brought back just to be unceremoniously offed, a travesty.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 33. Ramsay Bolton Played by : Iwan Rheon
Ramsey cut off Theon's penis and sent it to the Greyjoy's father. He imprisoned and raped Sansa Stark. He killed Rickon Stark in front of his brother. And Ramsay eventually died by being fed to his own dogs. A terrifying death for a terrible human.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 32. Night King Played by : Richard Brake, Vladimír Furdík
The embodiment of evil. Why, exactly, the Night King marches South to destroy mankind remains somewhat a mystery. But, whatever the reason, he's a terrifying foe. Winter has, as the Starks say, finally come.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 31. Beric Dondarrion Played by : Richard Dormer
Beric danced on the outskirts of the series until its third season when he surfaced as the leader of the Brotherhood Without Banners. His introduction paved the way for the Lord of Light's ability to resurrect the dead, a mystical sub-plot that would become very important for Jon Snow.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 30. Bran Stark Played by : Isaac Hempstead Wright
It says a lot that Bran Stark has become marginally more interesting since he sacrificed his personality in favour of becoming the spiritualistic heart of the series. His role in the final season looks set to be a huge one what with the long-standing theory that he could become the fearsome Night King.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 29. Theon Greyjoy Played by : Alfie Allen
While Theon starts as a cocky kid, after being neutered by Ramsay he becomes the annoyingly weak Reek. Thankfully, Theon comes back around again in the later seasons, but not without us still hating his guts for not saving Sansa sooner.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 28. The High Sparrow Played by : Jonathan Pryce
While at first a seemingly wise old man, the High Sparrow quickly becomes a tactical villain, using his newfound powers under King Tommen to turn King's Landing into his own domain.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 27. The Mountain Played by : Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson
The hulking Clegane brother known as The Mountain − now a zombie-esque servant to Cersei − may not have come face-to-face with lots of characters in the series, but his presence is known by all in Westeros. His biggest moment? Battering poor Oberyn's head into mush.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 26. Khal Drogo Played by : Jason Momoa
To the world he's now Aquaman, but for a brief time, Jason Momoa was Khal Drogo, the beloved Dothraki husband of his Khaleesi, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke).
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 25. Jon Snow Played by : Kit Harington
Every show needs a hero, and they do not come more obvious than Jon Snow. Rising from discarded bastard to King of the North, his climb has been one of the show's best storylines. A shame, then, that Snow can be such a bland person, doing only what is right and seemingly having no faults.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 24. Stannis Baratheon Played by : Stephen Dillane
With his propensity to make tough decisions for the greater good, Stannis could have been a heroic warrior. However, the Baratheon brother's continual fall from grace − including sacrificing his own daughter and murdering his own brother − were horrendous decisions that eventually doomed him.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 23. Hodor Played by : Kristian Nairn
Once you get over the fact that Kristian Nairn was essentially getting paid to repeat the word "Hodor" over and over, it's hard to deny that Bran Stark's protector was a heartwarming addition to the show. His death − the breathtaking "Hold the Door" sequence − will go down as one of the show's most memorable moments.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 22. Tywin Lannister Played by : Charles Dance
Stannis was a horrible father. His two favourite children became incestuous lovers, and he blamed his youngest for the death of his wife. Without Tywin, though, the Lannister family would not be nearly as riveting as they are to watch.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 21. Tormund Giantsbane Played by : Kristofer Hivju
Tormund has some of the best lines in the series, particularly when expressing his admiration for Brienne. Here's one of the least explicit: "I want to make babies with her. Think of it. Great big monsters. They'll conquer the world!"
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 20. Daenerys Targaryen Played by : Emilia Clarke
"Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons." Every time Dany meets someone new, she forces Missandei to read out her entire CV. I guess everyone would if theirs was as impressive. Dany really has had a great journey to the top − a shame she could not have come to Westeros slightly earlier.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 19. Olenna Tyrell Played by : Dianna Rigg
Olenna's scenes were always ones to cherish. The Queen of Thorns was as cunning as the best of them and seemed like she could worm her way out of any situation, all from the comfort of her own chair.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 18. Jorah Mormont Played by : Iain Glen
Poor Ser Jorah. Dany may be 25 years younger than him, but that never stopped the disgraced warrior from loving her. He even fought off Grey Scale to fight by her side. If that's not true love, then what is?
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 17. Davos Seaworth Played by : Liam Cunningham
Liam Cunningham's performance as the curt Davos Seaworth has quietly been one of the best things about the series since his introduction. As Jon Snow's kingly advisor, he's recently seen himself thrust into the heart of the series and, simply put, Game of Thrones would be a less enjoyable show without him.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 16. Melisandre Played by : Carice van Houten
Lest we forget that Melisandre is actually a shrivelled old witch who has been manipulating men for hundreds of years. Her faith in the Lord of Light, though, could very well be misplaced.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 15. Oberyn Played by : Pedro Pascal
Few shows can bring in characters midway through their run that have such an impact as Oberyn. The Viper quickly became a fan favourite, and his death remains one of the show's most squirm-inducing moments.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 14. Eddard "Ned" Stark Played by : Sean Bean
Killing off a main character during a show's first season was practically unheard of before Game of Thrones. Yet, as dictated by George RR Martin's books, they cut off Sean Bean's head without a second thought, setting the tone for everything to come. No death has impacted the Thrones quite as much since.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 13. Varys Played by : Conleth Hill
Early on in the series, it was hard to pin down Varys, a slippery eel of a character who has "little birds" fluttering around Westeros, feeding back crucial information. Going into the final season, his true intentions are clear: he's all for Daenerys taking the Iron Throne, even if he doesn't live to see the day (“I have to die in this strange country, just like you," Melisandre prophesied last season).
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 12. Bronn Played by : Jerome Flynn
Perhaps the show's best wise-cracking side-kick, Bronn only has one loyalty: money. Paired with either of the Lannister lads, Tyrion or Jaime, Bronn makes for excellent company.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 11. Robb Stark Played by : Richard Madden
Before Bodyguard, Richard Madden was the extremely temporary king of Westeros. Robb was a man of honour, trying to bring light to the Thrones universe. He was a likeable presence who ruled with his heart, an act that ultimately saw him die during the infamous Red Wedding in season three.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 10. Brienne of Tarth Played by : Gwendoline Christie
Brienne is a reassuring force of good in a world filled with scheming layabouts. She's also one of the most deadly. Her time on the series has been spent protecting the likes of Renly Baratheon, Catelyn Stark and Jaime Lannister, the latter of which made for an interesting turn as it put her at odds with her loyalty.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 9. Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish Played by : Aidan Gillen
There would be no Game of Thrones without Littlefinger. The silver-tongued manipulator had Jon Arryn killed, setting off a snowball that turned into an avalanche. As smart as he may have been, Littlefinger was finally outplayed by his own pupil, Sansa Stark.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 8. Sansa Stark Played by : Sophie Turner
Sansa has perhaps had the most interesting story arc of any character on Thrones. Beginning as a clichéd annoying teenager, she gradually became a stone-cold killer, capable of holding Winterfell and outsmarting even Littlefinger. With any luck, she could sit upon the Iron Throne when the war is over.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 7. Arya Stark Played by : Maisie Williams
Arya Stark, arguably the greatest character of the first few seasons, was one of the biggest victims of the series overtaking George RR Martin's source material. Her limited screen time, due to being away from the central action, robbed us of classic moments that we're grateful she's been a part of in an otherwise lacklustre season eight.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 6. Sandor "The Hound" Clegane Played by : Rory McCann
From his regular delivery of the phrase"F** the king" to that chicken scene, The Hound is a reckless creation whose high ranking on this list can be attributed to the searing performance from Rory McCann. Most effective when paired with Arya Stark.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 5. Joffrey Baratheon Played by : Jack Gleeson
No character has been as hated by the fandom as Joffrey. His wicked ways and disgusting behaviour haunted the show's first four seasons. You never knew what was going to come next: whether he was about to behead your favourite character or start crying to his mother. It made for thrilling television. But, as The Hound says, "F**k the King".
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 4. Catelyn Stark Played by : Michelle Fairley
The lady of Winterfell, Catelyn Stark, became the show's honorary lead after the untimely beheading of her husband, Ned (Sean Bean) at the end of season one. As she tried to take control of spiralling events in the second and third run, Thrones was handed its most resilient character. Michelle Fairley's guttural cry of anguish before meeting her tragic end during the Red Wedding will always be the show's most horrific moment.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 3. Jaime Lannister Played by : Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
If the characters above Jaime in this list are the show's greatest characters, Jaime is the show's most disarming. The Lannister brother − the Kingslayer − started the series as a long-haired bad guy of the tallest order, but his humbling over the past few seasons have seen him inch his way into the hearts of viewers.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 2. Tyrion Lannister Played by : Peter Dinklage
Blamed for the death of his mother and hated for being a dwarf, Tyrion turned to drink and prostitutes to numb the pain. However, Tyrion has a fierce intellect, capable of outsmarting the toughest enemies (and offering cutting lines that George RR Martin says often take weeks to write). More importantly, despite being betrayed and cast away time and time again, Tyrion selflessly only wants the best for the people of Westeros. A true hero.
HBO
Game of Thrones characters - ranked 1. Cersei Lannister Played by : Lena Headey
The Mad Queen, alone on the Iron Throne. Cersei has, over the course of seven seasons, seen her three children die, driven her lover/brother away, blown up a church with a half dozen major characters inside, arranged the death of her husband (King Robert) and attempted to have her other brother (Tyrion) killed multiple times. Yet, thanks to Lena Headey's empathetic performance, you still feel sorry for the terrifying Queen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. As one of the most complicated character to have ever reached television screens, there's no denying her place as the best Thrones character to date.
HBO
Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones
Jodie Comer, Killing Eve – WINNER
Viola Davis, How To Get Away With Murder
Laura Linney, Ozark
Mandy Moore, This Is Us
Sandra Oh, Killing Eve
Robin Wright, House of Cards
Outstanding Competition Program:
The Amazing Race
America Ninja Warrior
Nailed It!
RuPaul's Drag Race – WINNER
Top Chef
The Voice
Outstanding Variety Talk Series:
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver – WINNER
The Late Late Show with James Corden
Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Outstanding Television Movie:
Bandersnatch (Black Mirror) – WINNER
Brexit
Deadwood
King Lear
My Dinner With Hervé
Outstanding Limited Series:
Chernobyl – WINNER
Escape at Dannemora
Fosse / Verdon
Sharp Object
When They See Us
Outstanding Comedy Series:
Barry
Fleabag WINNER
The Good Place
The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
Russian Doll
Schitt's Creek
Veep
Outstanding Drama Series:
Better Call Saul
Bodyguard
Game of Thrones – WINNER
Killing Eve
Ozark
Pose
Succession
This Is Us
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:
Gwendoline Christie, Game of Thrones
Julia Garner, Ozark – WINNER
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones
Fiona Shaw, Killing Eve
Sophie Turner, Game of Thrones
Maisie Williams, Game of Thrones
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
Alfie Allen, Game of Thrones
Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Game of Thrones
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones – WINNER
Giancarlo Esposito, Game of Thrones
Michael Kelly, House of Cards
Chris Sullivan, This Is Us
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:
Alex Borstein, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel – WINNER
Anna Chlumsky, Veep
Sian Clifford, Fleabag
Olivia Colman, Fleabag
Betty Gilpin, GLOW
Sarah Goldberg, Barry
Marin Hinkle, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:
Alan Arkin, The Kominsky Method
Anthony Carrigan, Barry
Tony Hale, Veep
Stephen Root, Barry
Tony Shalhoub, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel – WINNER
Henry Winkler, Barry
Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie:
Patricia Arquette, The Act – WINNER
Marsha Stephanie Blake, When They See Us
Patricia Clarkson, Sharp Objects
Vera Farmiga, When They See Us
Margaret Qualley, Fosse / Verdon
Emily Watson, Chernobyl
Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie:
Asante Blackk, When They See Us
Paul Dano, Escape At Dannemora
John Leguizamo, When They See Us
Stellan Skarsgård, Chernobyl
Ben Whishaw, A Very English Scandal – WINNER
Michael K Williams, When They See Us
Guest Actress in a Drama Series:
Laverne Cox, Orange Is The New Black
Cherry Jones, The Handmaid's Tale – WINNER
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Apocalypse
Phylicia Rashad, This Is Us
Cicely Tyson, How To Get Away With Murder
Carice van Houten, Game Of Thrones
Guest Actor in a Drama Series:
Michael Angarano, This Is Us
Ron Cephas Jones, This Is Us
Michael McKean, Better Call Saul
Kumail Nanjiani, The Twilight Zone
Glynn Turman, How To Get Away With Murder
Bradley Whitford, The Handmaid's Tale – WINNER
Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Guest Actress in a Comedy Series:
Jane Lynch, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel – WINNER
Sandra Oh, Saturday Night Live
Maya Rudolph, The Good Place
Kristin Scott Thomas, Fleabag
Fiona Shaw, Fleabag
Emma Thompson, Saturday Night Live
Guest Actor in a Comedy Series:
Matt Damon, Saturday Night Live
Robert De Niro, Saturday Night Live
Luke Kirby, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel – WINNER
Peter MacNicol, Veep
John Mulaney, Saturday Night Live
Adam Sandler, Saturday Night Live
Rufus Sewell, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies