'Game of Thrones' crowned Outstanding Drama Series at Emmys 2018

Winter arrived early at this year's Primetime Emmys, as "Game of Thrones" took home the award for Outstanding Drama Series Tuesday.

This is the epic fantasy show's third Emmy in the category having won for two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016.

The popular HBO series, whose eighth and final season arrives next year, bested last year's winner "The Handmaid's Tale". Other nominees were "This Is Us", "The Crown", "Stranger Things", "Westworld" and "The Americans".

David Benioff, who was accompanied by co-showrunner DB Weiss, thanked "Game of Thrones" creator George RR Martin and HBO channel in the acceptance speech.

"Writing for the actors behind us is the honour of a lifetime but we didn't invent these characters. That was George RR Martin. The show can't be without the man... the genius of George..." Benioff said.

Actors Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Gwendoline Christie and Nathalie Emmanuel, among others were also on the stage.

It was a 'Long Live the Queen' moment for Claire Foy as she scored the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for "The Crown".

It is Foy's first win - a memorable moment for the actor, who has exited as Queen Elizabeth II from the Netflix royal drama after its second season last year.

The role will be played by Olivia Coleman for the upcoming third and fourth seasons.

In her acceptance speech, an emotional Foy thanked the makers for giving her the role of a lifetime.

"I know everyone is talking at the moment about women in the industry, but if that's anything to go by, bloody hell. That's technically not swearing... I was given a role that I never thought I would ever get a chance to play.

"And I met people who I will love forever. And the show goes on, which makes me so proud. So I dedicate this to the next cast, the next generation. I also dedicate this to Matt Smith," she said.

The actor also recognised fellow nominee Sandra Oh. The "Killing Eve" star was being touted a strong contender for the award. Had Oh won, she would have been the first woman of Asian descent to win the award.

Stephen Daldry took home the Directing for a Drama Series Emmy for "The Crown".

Matthew Rhys bagged the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, his first, for his performance in "The Americans".

The actor was nominated for the FX show for the third time. He plays Philip Jennings, a Soviet KGB officer with colleague Elizabeth (Keri Russell), who pose as an American couple living in the Virginia suburbs of Washington.

He beat fan favourites - last year's winner Sterling K Brown and Milo Ventimiglia of "This Is Us".

Rhys thanked the show's creator and Russell, his real-life girlfriend, in his acceptance.

"I've been told to be my entire life. (I will) forever (be) in (your) debt," he said.

Of Russell, the actor said, "The woman who truly got me this award."

He also said that Russell threatened to punch him "clean in the mouth" if he proposed to her in his acceptance speech.

Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields scored the Writing for a Drama Series Emmy for "The Americans".

Thandie Newton won the Supporting Drama Actress trophy at the 70th annual award ceremony for her performance as Maeve in HBO's sci-fi western epic "Westworld".

The actor, who identifies as an atheist, thanked God in her speech.

"I don't even believe in God but I'm going to thank her tonight. I am so blessed. I am so blessed. Without this, I am even -" before covering her mouth as she almost dropped an F-bomb during the NBC ceremony.

This is her second nomination after last year and first win in the category.

"The cast and crew of - I can't believe I'm here - the cast and crew of ?Westworld,' I love you all so much. Lisa Joy, Jonah Nolan, Home Box Office. J J Abrams, our guardian angel," she said.      

Other nominees in the category were - Alexis Bledel, Ann Dowd, Yvonne Strahovski, Millie Bobby Brown and Lena Headey. 

Peter Dinklage bagged his third Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for "GOT" and thanked his co-star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, calling him "my brother from another mother".

This expression of gratitude is being taken by the fans of the show a bit obliquely who are referencing it as one of the biggest "Game of Thrones" theories.

Fans have speculated for years that Dinklage's character Tyrion Lannister is actually a Targaryen.

The actor also thanked his wife, Erica, in his speech whom he forgot to recognise when he won in the same category in 2015.

"Thank you (creators David Benioff and Daniel Brett Weiss) for changing my life. I cannot walk down the street anymore," he joked.

"George (RR) Martin for creating this darn thing," he added..