Jimmy Fallon congratulates Keke Palmer for being first woman in 15 years to win Emmy for 'Password'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Keke Palmer has made history by shattering the gender barrier in the realm of game show hosting.

Palmer secured an Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show for NBC's 'Password', marking a groundbreaking moment in the award category's transition from the Daytime to the Primetime Emmys.

Jimmy Fallon extends congratulations to Keke Palmer on Emmy win

However, Jimmy Fallon, acknowledging Palmer's achievement, took to Twitter to share his congratulations, tweeting, “Congratulations to @KekePalmer on winning Outstanding Host For A Game Show for #PASSWORD! #Emmys #75thEmmys.”

Triumphing over esteemed hosts including Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik from 'Jeopardy!,' Steve Harvey from 'Family Feud,' and Pat Sajak from 'Wheel of Fortune,' Palmer became the first woman to clinch this award since Meredith Vieira's 2009 win for the syndicated run of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?'

Additionally, she is the first Black woman to both receive a nomination and emerge victorious in this category.

This win represents a significant milestone, marking the first time in half a century that a host from 'Password' has been nominated or won the prestigious award.

Keke Palmer's emotional acceptance

According to Deadline, in her heartfelt acceptance speech at the Peacock Theater in downtown LA, Palmer expressed profound gratitude, “Wow. That is so exciting thank you so much. I’m really just so thankful, I’m almost speechless. I want to thank the people who allowed this to happen, thank you to Jimmy Fallon, thank to NBC.”

This isn't Palmer's first Emmy recognition; she previously earned the Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series award for her performance in the Facebook Watch series 'Turnt Up With The Taylors' in 2021.

'Password' is executively produced by Jimmy Fallon, who was also in contention for an Emmy for 'That’s My Jam,' an NBC series that, however, yielded to 'Jeopardy!' in the Outstanding Game Show category, securing the quizzer's fourth consecutive win.

Jimmy Fallon's admiration and NBC's celebration

“Sharp, charming and quick witted all while looking like a superstar. There’s no one like Keke Palmer,” said Fallon.

“In a historic year for game shows at the Emmy Awards, we couldn’t be prouder of Keke Palmer’s outstanding host win. She and Jimmy Fallon are a winning duo and have made the latest iteration of Password an undeniable hit,” added Corie Henson, EVP, NBCUniversal Entertainment Unscripted Programming.

Behind the scenes of 'Password'

However, according to Deadline, the show garnered impressive viewership during its first season, averaging 4.2 million total viewers.

Despite not being part of NBC's initial unscripted renewals for the summer lineup, this delay was primarily due to Palmer's recent childbirth.

'Password' is an engaging word-guessing game where contestants team up with celebrities, including Fallon, competing in hour-long episodes for cash prizes.

Celebrity guests in the first season included Martin Short, Chrissy Metz, and other notable names. Produced by Fremantle in collaboration with Universal Television Alternative Studio and Electric Hot Dog, the show is helmed by executive producers Fallon, Jim Juvonen, Jennifer Mullin, and showrunner John Quinn.

Originating from Bob Stewart's creation under Goodson-Todman Productions, 'Password' had a significant TV history, initially launching in 1961 on CBS and enjoying revivals on various networks throughout the years, including NBC and ABC.