For its ninth season, Cheers won Outstanding Comedy Series for the fourth time, tying All in the Family's record.
Cheers' spinoff Frasier would later break this record, ultimately winning five in a row.
This tied the record set by Hill Street Blues whose four wins came consecutively.
James Earl Jones joined an exclusive club, as he won two acting Emmys for his work on two different series.
Before the tribute, Gilbert briefy eulogized Lee Remick, Bert Convy, Harry Reasoner and Colleen Dewhurst.