Elisabeth Moss’ Emmy acceptance speech saw her acknowledge friends, directors, and others who have supported her career - but the censors had to cut out the actress’ tribute to her mother.

The star of "The Handmaid’s Tale", who won outstanding actress in a drama at Sunday’s Emmys, had a section of her speech removed from broadcast, after she told the audience her mother taught her: “You can be kind and a f**king bad***”.

She also credited her mother with being "brave, and strong and smart.”

The actress took the award for her portrayal of Offred in the acclaimed adaptation of Margaret Attwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale.

Hulu, the company behind the programme, made history by becoming the first streaming site to take the best drama series award - usually considered to be the evening’s most coveted prize.

Moss’ co-star Ann Dowd also won best supporting actress in a drama series, and the show was recognised in the writing and directing categories.

Emmys 2017 red carpet fashion

Talking to the Hollywood Reporter after her speech, Moss said she had given the “clean version” of the speech.

"There were two [swear words], unfortunately, that was the best version you could have possibly gotten of that,” she said.

“I was just trying to remember everybody. And you really do have a weird out-of-body experience. It's always a surprise. It should be a surprise otherwise you're an a**hole, so there I go."

The 69th Emmy Awards sparked controversy when former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer appeared on stage alongside host Stephen Colbert.