Much to Jimmy Kimmel's ire, Dame Maggie Smith once again won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a drama series for her role as the Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey, and as per the usual, she was not present at the show to accept her award.

Kimmel started off the show where he didn't hesitate to roast Smith in his monologue, because of her history of not attending the Emmys (she's been nominated nine times for Emmys, won four and never shown up to the ceremony even once). Kimmel declared a new rule he dubbed the "Maggie Smith" rule, where if an actor won and was not there to accept the award, it would then be given to the next name on the list.

Kimmel extended the joke when Smith then won, storming the stage in mock protest to take the trophy, saying it wouldn't be sent to her and if she wanted it, she could find it in the lost and found.

Of course, his stunt does make one wonder-what exactly does Smith do which prevents her from attending? And what in particular kept her from the show this time? Here are our four theories for where exactly she was.

Kimmel Was Right-Sunday Ceramics Class

If she was truly busy and had made a prior commitment (like the Sunday Ceramics Class Kimmel mentioned in his monologue), it would have been rude to cancel simply because she had been nominated for an award.

The Awards Show Was On A Weekend

The Emmys were on a Sunday Night. Sunday Night marks the end of the weekend. The Dowager Countess famously didn't know what the concept of a weekend was. Maybe Smith, despite wrapping the role, wanted to keep with the illusion that she too is unfamiliar with the concept of a weekend?

Even Professor McGonagall Can't Control Brexit Chaos

via GIPHY

With all of the issues surrounding Brexit since June (and nominations for the Emmys being made in July), it's not hard to imagine that her owl got lost in transit and she never even learned she was nominated or received a formal invitation to the show.

Simply Put? She Can Do What She Wants

Smith is 81 years old and has had a long and impressive career that has seen her win Oscars, BAFTAs, Emmys, Golden Globes, SAGs, and even a Tony. Basically, she's kind of a boss, and if she doesn't want to attend an Awards show...well, she doesn't have to.

Tags
Emmys, Downton abbey