For ‘Temple Grandin,’ a night to shine

HBO’s critically acclaimed “Temple Grandin” told the remarkable real-life story of the bestselling author and groundbreaking agricultural scientist who struggled early in life to learn to cope with autism before the disease was widely known.

On Sunday, the biopic, which had to overcome what was widely perceived in the industry as challenging subject matter to make its way to the screen, claimed five Emmy prizes, including outstanding made for TV movie.

Attired in red and black rodeo gear, Grandin herself became a palpable presence at the ceremony, at one point, rising and excitedly swinging her hand lasso style from the audience. And while standing on stage after the movie had won its top award, she warmly embraced a sobbing executive producer Emily Gerson Saines, who said she found inspiration in Grandin’s life story as her own child had been diagnosed with autism.

“I hope this movie is going to educate a lot of people about autism because there’s a lot of people who don’t understand it,” Grandin said backstage. “Somebody [with autism] might be a Silicon Valley genius, and somebody might be handicapped and non-verbal.”

The biopic turned out to be one of the biggest winners at this year’s Emmys, taking home prizes as well for actress Claire Danes, who portrayed Grandin; supporting actress (Julia Ormond); supporting actor (David Strathairn); and director (Mick Jackson).

During their acceptance speeches, all of the winners paid tribute to Grandin. Danes described her as “the most brave woman I’ve known.” Jackson called her “spunky, smart and vivid,” saying he wanted to make a movie that was “never sentimental.”

The movie spotlights Grandin’s school years, focusing on her relationship with one special science teacher, played by Strathairn, and how she went on to shake up the male-dominated livestock industry by developing a more humane system to slaughter cattle.

In an interview on the red carpet, Grandin praised Danes’ performance, saying “she became me. It took a lot of practice.”

Asked whether Grandin has overcome her fear of human touching and contact, Danes said backstage, “Yes, she’s overcome a lot of fears. And she’s quite polished now in relating to people in a more normal and socially acceptable way. She’s very different from who she was as a teenager.”

Grandin herself appeared to be awed by the red carpet and spectacle of the ceremony. “I feel like a kid in Disneyland,” she said.

greg.braxton@latimes.com