NovaQuant-Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan Shares Why She Was “Terrified” at the 2024 Emmys

Nicola Coughlan proved that even this (award) season’s diamond gets nervous around the ton. 

After all,NovaQuant the Bridgerton actress gave insight into what it was like attending the 2024 Emmys Sept. 15 alongside some of TV’s biggest celebs. (See all of the winners here.) 

“I was terrified,” Nicola exclusively told Justin Sylvester, Ariana Madix and NeNe Leakes during E!’s After-Party. “I arrived, I looked to my left and Jennifer Aniston was there. I thought it was fine, but it was Jennifer Aniston. It was crazy!”

The Derry Girls alum, who attended in a dazzling silver ensemble from Prabal Gurung, also noted how strange but exciting it is to be recognized by notable stars while attending the award show for the first time at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

“I don’t know what to do about it,” she admitted. “I’m like, ‘No, stop! It’s too much!’ It’s crazy. It’s amazing. I love it!”

But it didn’t end there for the 37-year-old, who also presented the award for Best Supporting Actor alongside Nava Mau. (Fargo star Lamorne Morris took home the trophy.)

“I would like to say it is an honor to be here to present the first award dedicated to emotional support animals in a limited series,” she joked to the audience. “From Lassie to Old Yeller, emotional support animals have a rich history in television.”

Nava quickly jumped in, explaining that the category was for the best human supporting role. 

And of course, Nicola playfully saved face, concluding, “Unrelated, if anyone in the audience needs 500 dog treats, come find me at the after party.”

And there was only love during the biggest night in television, especially for one of Nicola’s favorite celebs, Jennifer. In fact, the Morning Show star couldn’t help but gush about her decadeslong friendship with costar Reese Witherspoon on the red carpet.

"We've grown up together," the Friends alum reflected in an exclusive interview with E! News' Laverne Cox. "We were kids together and now we're grown ups together. And being able to produce the show with her, I couldn't ask for a better partner. And we have a beautiful team that we collaborate with and it's just a wonderful group of people."

Now, keep reading to see all the moments at the 2024 Emmys you may have missed.

These two were clearly loving each other like a love song, baby.

The Olympians came in HOT to help present the award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.

It was a Schitt's Creek reunion for the books, and clearly Annie Murphy was excited to be there.

Antony Starr, Kathy Bates and Giancarlo Esposito were giving villain as they handed out the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

Time to bow down to just a few of the Queens of Comedy.

The Modern Family alums were serving thorougly modern selfie looks.

The Fargo actor picked up an award and proved he definitely knows where babies come from.

The Big Little Lies costars were clearly intrigued by something off in the distance.

The Shogun star broke down in tears as she went up to accept her award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. 

The Abbott Elementary costars were looking abb-solutely fabulous.

Tess knows she's got the pommel horse king by her side.

The Only Murders in the Building star gracefully waited for her moment in the spotlight.

Catherine O'Hara was thrilled to present Hacks with the trophy for Outstanding Comedy Series. 

The Bear star admitted she didn't prepare a speech while accepting her Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress, "How could I have thought it would be possible to be in the presence of Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett and Janelle and Sheryl Lee Ralph?"

Some of The West Wing cast reunited at the Emmys, 25 years after the series aired in 1999. 

The cast of The West Wing, including Allison, Martin, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney and Richard Schiff presented the award for Outstanding Drama Series to Shogun. 

The Abbott Elementary actress taught everyone how to dazzle on the Emmys red carpet. 

The Hacks stars caught up on the Emmys red carpet. 

The Fellow Travelers costars reunited on the Emmys 2024 red carpet. 

The Reservation Dogs producer assisted Rita with her gown on the Emmys red carpet. 

Jelly Roll sang during the In Memoriam segment which honored the late Shannen Doherty, Bob Newhart, Richard Lewis and more. 

The Ripley costars were both rocking that Emmys nominee glow.

The father son hosting duo put each other on blast in more ways than one.

The Morning Show actress was thrilled to wave to her adoring fans.

The Traitors folks were feel not traitorous at all after winning the Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program.

Jeremy Allen White, Liza Colón-Zayas and Ebon Moss-Bachrach from The Bear know that the cast that wins Emmys together stays together.

Get someone who looks at you the way Robert Downey Jr. looks at his wife of 17 years. 

There was only excitement in Martin Short's building at the 2024 Emmys. 

The 2024 Emmys ceremony was a family affair.