Adam Sandler, a comedic icon, may finally break his Emmy losing streak this year with his performance in ‘SNL50: The Anniversary Special’.
Adam Sandler Poised to Win His First Emmy Award with ‘SNL50: The Anniversary Special’
When it comes to awards, Adam Sandler has often found himself on the losing side. However, this year may mark a significant turnaround for the comedian and actor.
To date, Sandler has lost five Emmys, three Grammys, two Golden Globes, and two Critics Choice Awards, among others. Despite this, he proudly displays an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for Uncut Gems on his mantelpiece. This year, Sandler’s Emmy losing streak is expected to end, as he is currently the front-runner for Best Music and Lyrics, according to the latest Gold Derby odds.
Sandler collaborated with Dan Bulla to write the music and lyrics for “Adam Sandler’s Song: 50 Years,” which he performed during SNL50: The Anniversary Special. Jack Nicholson made a surprise appearance to introduce his Anger Management co-star during the February broadcast. “Let’s hear it for Jack, baby!” Sandler exclaimed to the audience at the start of his set. “Jack made it out tonight! Love you, brother.”
The lyrics of “50 Years” reflect on how “everyone in this room has something in common” because their lives were all transformed by the iconic NBC sketch comedy show. Sandler pays tribute to unsung heroes of Saturday Night Live like Nurse Theresa, cue card holder Wally, and music technician Speedy. He also honors numerous former cast members, both living and deceased, including the beloved Phil Hartman, Chris Farley, and Norm Macdonald. Sandler concluded his performance by singing about “50 years of the best times of our lives,” prompting a standing ovation from the star-studded audience.
Sandler’s previous five Emmy losses occurred for writing Saturday Night Live in 1991, 1992, and 1993; for writing his variety special Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh in 2019; and for guest-starring on SNL in 2019. This year, in addition to the music and lyrics category, he is also nominated for producing his Netflix variety special Adam Sandler: Love You.
The other nominees for Best Music and Lyrics include: Agatha All Along‘s “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road” (music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez), Andor‘s “We Are the Ghor (Planetary Anthem)” (music and lyrics by Nicholas Britell and Tony Gilroy), The Boys‘ “Let’s Put the Christ Back in Christmas” (music and lyrics by Christopher Lennertz), and Will & Harper‘s “Harper and Will Go West” (music by Sean Douglas and Kristen Wiig; lyrics by Douglas, Josh Greenbaum, and Wiig).
According to Gold Derby predictions, “Adam Sandler’s Song: 50 Years” has a 68 percent chance of winning the Emmy, while “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road” follows in second place with a 28 percent chance.
Music and Lyrics Overview
1. SNL50: The Anniversary Special
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2. Saturday Night Live has won this Emmy category three times, for “Dick in a Box” (2007), “Justin Timberlake Monologue” (2011), and “Come Back Barack” (2018). Dan Bulla is now an eight-time Emmy nominee who, like Sandler, is seeking his first win for the “50 Years” tune.
3. The Lopezes are former Emmy champions for writing the music and lyrics to the song “Agatha All Along” from WandaVision (2021), which led to the spin-off series Agatha All Along. Robert Lopez was the youngest person to achieve EGOT status, while Kristen Anderson-Lopez is just one Tony away from joining that exclusive club.
4. Nicholas Britell won an Emmy for Succession‘s main title theme music and is celebrating his eighth nomination thanks to “We Are the Ghor (Planetary Anthem).” Tony Gilroy is nominated again this year after producing Andor in 2023.
5. Christopher Lennertz is a three-time nominee for composing music for Supernatural in 2006 and writing two songs for The Boys: “Never Truly Vanish” in 2021 and “Let’s Put the Christ Back in Christmas” in 2025.
6. Following a failed Oscar attempt for “Harper and Will Go West,” Sean Douglas now has his first Emmy nomination. Josh Greenbaum is also nominated this year for producing and directing the documentary. As for Kristen Wiig, she remains “overdue” for a win, having received her 13th Emmy nomination without a victory.
