Alan Cumming, the host of Peacock’s hit reality competition The Traitors, has shared his reaction to winning his first Primetime Emmy Award – a moment that ended RuPaul’s record-breaking reign in the category.
Since 2016, RuPaul has won the Emmy for Outstanding Host of a Reality Competition Program for eight consecutive years, solidifying his place in awards history. However, at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards, Cumming took home the trophy for Best Host, while The Traitors Season 2 also claimed victory over RuPaul’s Drag Race for Best Reality Competition.
After receiving the award, Cumming admitted that he “felt terrible” about breaking RuPaul’s streak and even apologised to the Drag Race queens in attendance.
“They said, ‘Oh, you know, if anyone’s going to win it apart from Ru, it should be you, and your show, because it’s carrying on the mantle.’”
Cumming also approached RuPaul directly, telling him, “I am so sorry,” to which RuPaul responded with his signature “Condragulations.”
Speaking with Out.com and reflecting on his win, Cumming acknowledged that he didn’t fully grasp the weight of the moment until it was happening, calling the experience “bittersweet.” He also recognised the profound influence of Drag Race, crediting the show for reshaping public perceptions of drag culture.
“The huge cultural good [Drag Race] has done for the way drag has been changed in people’s perceptions.”
Cumming speculated that the recent backlash against drag culture might have contributed to The Traitors’ victory.
Beyond his Emmy win, Cumming also discussed The Traitors season 2, including Peppermint’s early elimination and the unexpected pairing of Boston Rob and Bob the Drag Queen in season 3. “I mean, whoever would think that would happen?”