The best actor in a comedy series nominee reads his speech anyway

Ricky Gervais has never been known to bite his tongue. So when he took the stage to present the Emmy for best writing for a variety special — "the big one," as he called it — after losing the award for best actor in a comedy series, it's perhaps not surprising that he used his time at the microphone to rant about losing the earlier award.

Gervais has been nominated for 21 Emmys and lost 19, he noted, claiming that ratio is ridiculous and that despite people claiming he's funny and brilliant, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences doesn't seem to agree.

"It's like a cruel joke," he said.

Gervais, who was nominated for his role in the Netflix series Derek, lost to Jim Parsons, who won his fourth Emmy for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory.

"Well done to Parsons, though," Gervais said. "I would have preferred to have won it. Also, I've come a long way, he's probably local."

He also seemed annoyed that this was Parsons' fourth Emmy.

"Four…seems unfair doesn't it," he said.

Gervais also expressed disappointment that he wouldn't be able to deliver his speech.

But he decided to read it anyway.

After opening with "Ha ha, I won," Gervais said the award proves he's funnier than his fellow nominees, name-checking them all, sort of, but referring to Matt LeBlanc — up for his portrayal of a fictional version of himself in Episodes — as Joey from Friends.

After his final line about how the Emmy voters "are never wrong," Gervais added, "Well, we know that's bollocks, now, so...."

Click here to see the best and worst moments from Monday night's ceremony.

A complete list of winners can be found here.