First-ever Emmy Award marriage proposal sends Twitter into a frenzy: 'Best speech ever!'

Glenn Weiss decided to use his time onstage while accepting the Emmy Award for best director for a variety special Monday to his advantage – by proposing to his girlfriend on live TV.

The director, 57, who received the award for his work on the Oscars, delivered a speech with an incredible story arc: He started by thanking family and colleagues, moved to talking about his late mother and then ended with his proposal to Jan Svendsen.

"Mom always believed in finding the sunshine in things, and she adored my girlfriend Jan. Jan, you are the sunshine in my life. And mom was right, never let go of your sunshine," Weiss said. "You wonder why I don't like to call you my girlfriend? Because I want to call you my wife."

The crowd roared as Svendsen reacted in shock, happily nodding her head and making her way to the stage to join Weiss.

"This is the ring my dad put on my mom's finger 67 years ago. And to my sisters and brothers, I didn't swipe it, Dad knows I have it, OK?" Weiss continued. "Jan, I want to put this ring my mom wore on your finger in front of all these people and in front of my mom and your parents watching up above. Will you marry me?"

Svendsen nodded again before telling Weiss "I love you" and giving him a kiss.

"Thank you to the Academy! Thank you everybody," Weiss added before walking offstage with his new fiancee.

The happy couple met in 2001 when they were working on the Tonys. Weiss has two daughters and Svendsen has three.

Backstage, Weiss told reporters the proposal was a "real magical moment" and that he had been walking the red carpet with the ring in his pocket.

"It was nerve-wracking," he said. "It’s not a diamond ring. It’s my mom’s wedding ring. For me, it’s more valuable than the Hope Diamond."

Svendsen said she had "no suspicions" about Weiss popping the question and that she's "beyond ecstatic."

"I had no idea," she said. "I was so grateful he won and I was hoping he would dedicate the award to his mother. And he did – and then some. But I’m still processing this.”

The proposal took everyone by shock, too, including celebrities and other viewers who reacted to the spectacle on Twitter.

Writer and comedian Fortune Feimster was surprised with the turn in his speech.

"Maybe long haired Glen Weiss who directed the Oscars will liven this show up by breaking into song," she said. "Ok, nope, sad dead mom story. Wait...he just proposed!!!"

TV personality Billy Eichner also seemed to love the proposal.

"STRAIGHT PEOPLE WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!" he tweeted.

"Great moment at tonight’s @TheEmmys," one user tweeted. "Congratulations to Glenn Weiss for winning as well for adding an incredibly romantic touch!!"

"OMG! Best speech ever!" another tweeted with the hashtag #SheSaidYes.

"Glenn Weiss just made #Emmys history, taking home the Emmy and a fiancé!" another tweeted.

Contributing: Bill Keveney.

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