Rachel and the others noticed Lucas about to approach them when suddenly, he was swarmed by a crowd. Dozens of people vied for his attention, and then a journalist stepped in to interview him. This commotion prevented Lucas from getting any closer, likely a precaution since his fame could inadvertently cause chaos.
"Damn it. I didn't expect Lucas to be this well-known here!" Kate said, frustrated. "I thought we were his only fans here, that we could monopolize his attention, maybe even snag an autograph!"
"What did you expect? Lucas is way more popular than we realized. I kind of saw this coming, but it still sucks," Charlie added with a sigh.
"It really sucks. Now that Lucas has entered the Nokia Theatre, we'll only see him again after the Emmy Awards are over," Rachel grumbled.
Jane, another friend in the group, sighed and added, "And that's going to take a while."
---
Inside the theatre, Lucas scanned the grand interior, noticing many attendees already finding their seats. His seat was near the cast of "Modern Family," and he found himself sitting beside actors he didn't recognize.
After some time, Lucas politely introduced himself and started chatting with the actors next to him. Meanwhile, on stage, Jimmy Fallon made his entrance, guitar in hand, surrounded by other performers. He exuded a burst of energy as he beckoned to the audience, "Come on!"
With contagious enthusiasm, Jimmy counted down, "1, 2, 3, 4!" and then launched into a song, performing passionately for the next minute or so.
The theatre erupted in applause, and Lucas joined in, clapping as Jimmy, freshly suited up by the staff, elicited laughter from the audience on stage. After soaking in the applause, Jimmy expressed his gratitude, "Yeah! Thanks, guys!"
"Welcome to the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards," Jimmy, slightly out of breath from his performance, continued, "I'm thrilled to be your host tonight. I'm a huge fan of TV – watching it, being part of it, it's all unbelievable to me. Everyone here tonight has contributed to an incredible year in television. So tonight, we're here to celebrate your achievements. Let's make it a fun night, okay?"
The audience responded with enthusiastic cheers, Lucas among them, unaware that the camera had briefly focused on him.
Then, Jimmy picked up his guitar again, strumming a few chords to captivate the audience before introducing himself, sparking a gentle wave of laughter throughout the theatre.
"Now, as you all know, the Emmys are divided into five sections..." Jimmy continued, strumming his guitar to punctuate his words, "Comedy, Reality, Drama, Variety, and Miniseries and Movies." He then playfully shouted, "Hi-ya!" prompting more chuckles and laughter from the crowd.
Following this light-hearted introduction, Jimmy launched into the first category of the awards in his unique, musical, and humorous style. He then welcomed Amy Poehler to the stage, and together, they presented the nominees for the comedy category.
On the LED screen, Lucas saw the faces of the nominated actors for the 2010 Emmy in the comedy category. As clips from their respective series played, showcasing moments of humor and brilliance, the anticipation in the room built up. Finally, the moment arrived: "The Emmy goes to Eric Stonestreet."
Lucas joined in the applause, genuinely moved by Eric Stonestreet's heartfelt acceptance. As the clapping waned, Eric expressed his thanks and began his speech, visibly touched, "You know, all I wanted to be was a clown in the circus when I was a kid growing up, from an age that I can remember."
He continued, "And to be in this industry, working with such incredible people." He took a moment, reflecting, "You know, a lot of people say don't pursue this as a career..."
"Because it's difficult, and it is. But what I am most proud of," Eric paused, looking towards the Modern Family cast seated in the distance, "are all the people I have met in this business, our crews."
Eric's co-stars smiled warmly in his direction as they listened to his heartfelt speech from the stage.
"And the people we get to work with and act with every day."
The camera focused on Jesse Tyler Ferguson, capturing the emotional tears of joy as he watched Eric, his series co-star, deliver his speech. Then, the lens shifted to Ty Burrell for a moment.
Meanwhile, Lucas, wearing a soft smile for Eric, was also caught briefly by the camera's gaze.
Eric continued, his voice filled with warmth, "I get to work with Ed O'Neill every day, and Ty Burrell." He went on, "And Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen." Pausing, a reflective look crossing his face, Eric's gaze briefly met Lucas's in the crowd as he mentioned, "And of course, one of the most interesting actors I've had the pleasure to work with, Lucas Knight."
At this, Lucas, who had been sitting quietly with a content smile, suddenly felt the flicker of attention from those around him. He noticed the actors next to him offering warm smiles, causing a peculiar yet fleeting spotlight to fall on him. Though the attention was short-lived as Eric continued his speech, the experience left Lucas momentarily self-conscious under the gazes of so many esteemed peers.
"It's incredible," Eric went on, his gratitude palpable. "Thanks to Steve Levitan and Chris Lloyd for the most amazing job ever." He then turned his appreciation to the writers, "Our writers. I just get to say the words you guys write. You're unbelievable."
He didn't forget to thank the networks and production companies, "ABC, 20th Century Fox."
As Eric listed his thanks, Lucas watched on, a mix of emotions stirring within him. He couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to stand there, delivering a speech as Eric was. Yet, as only a nominee for "Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series," Lucas knew that even a win wouldn't bring him to the stage tonight. Should he win, his celebration would be confined to his seat, acknowledged only by his own applause and that of those around him, without a moment in the spotlight.