Tonight the first of two nights of ceremonies were held for the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. An edited version of the ceremonies will broadcast on FXX on September 15th, but winners have been already been announced. Unfortunately Star Trek: Discovery lost out in both of its nominated categories, but the franchise was honored with a previously announced award.

Star Trek honored with Governors Award

This year the Television Academy honored the Star Trek franchise with its prestigious Governors Award. On stage to accept were representatives from each of the series: William Shatner and Walter Koenig from Star Trek: The Original Series, LeVar Burton from The Next Generation, Terry Farrell from Deep Space Nine, Jeri Ryan from Voyager, Linda Park from Enterprise and Sonequa Martin-Green from Discovery. Also on stage was Discovery co-creator, and the man heading up the TV franchise, Alex Kurtzman, along with a Kelpien and a (Discovery– style) Klingon.

Presentation of the award was preceded by an extended reel of footage from all the Star Trek series. Bill Nye gave out the actual award, saying of the franchise (via Deadline) “It may have started off as an entertainment series but it changed the world — and I feel that it changed the world for the better.”

William Shatner led the delegation to accept the award after being greeted by a standing ovation. The original Kirk told the crowd “I accept this award on behalf of all the artists who worked to make the show a success.” Joining Shatner and the other stars on stage were dozens of members of crew currently working on Star Trek shows for CBS.

Deadline’s live blog quotes more of Shatner’s acceptance speech:

“Thank you so much. 52 years,” Shatner says solemnly. “What a gift. We’re grateful…Star Trek has endured because it represents an idea – one that’s greater than the sum of our parts….we watch and we reach to see the best version of ourselves….Star Trek is a phenomenon….I accept this award with honor.”

Ryan A. Bell of NASA’s JPL, who won an Emmy tonight for Cassini’s Grand Finale, captured some of the moment and shared it on Twitter.

“I accept this award for all of the artists who have worked to make this show a success.”

~ @WilliamShatner

A standing ovation for @StarTrek at #Emmys2018 pic.twitter.com/zWLFpVa921 — Ryan A Bell (@ryan_a_bell) September 9, 2018

Deadline also has brief backstage comments with some of the Trek luminaries:

“It resonates because we were talking about topical issues and socio-political content,” said Koening [sic], who played the memorable Chekov. He said that it still resonates today. Burton chimes in, “It’s all about good storytelling.” “We still worry about living together and having a fruitful and joyful experience,” continues Koening [sic]. We are beset with problems that we had in the ’60s.” As the newest member of the fleet, Martin-Green points out that she hopes Discovery gives justice to the franchise and furthers it. “It was very important to us anew, but be our own at the same time,” she adds. Kurtzman adds that Star Trek “has been a beacon of hope for so many people for so long.” “In dark times, we need that hope,” he said.

Designer Tim Earls captured the moment William Shatner escorted Sonequa Martin-Green out to accept the award.

Disco comes up empty at Emmys, “USS Callister” takes home 3

After a vigorous For Your Consideration campaign from CBS, Star Trek: Discovery garnered two Emmy nominations, both of which were being awarded tonight. Discovery was nominated for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup which was won by Game of Thrones. and Outstanding Sound Editing, which went to the Netflix series Stranger Things.

Both Glenn Hetrick and Neville Page were gracious in defeat, congratulating Game of Thrones on social media.

Thank you all for your support… the win in our category went to the talented team on Game of Thrones last night. Congrats to them and all of our friends/colleagues who were nominated. It was a great night and even included a tribute to the Star Trek franchise! @startrekcbs pic.twitter.com/jN35m8cxPY — Glenn Hetrick (@glenn_hetrick) September 10, 2018

Netflix’s Black Mirror Star Trek inspired episode “USS Callister” picked up three Emmys on Saturday night including Outstanding Television Movie. “USS Callister” was nominated for a total of seven nominations with possible additional wins to come.

A complete list of winners can be found at Emmys.com.

Trek Carpet

Here are some more photos from the Emmy red carpet.

Embed from Getty Images