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Bryan Cranston hugged costar Aaron Paul at the 2014 Emmy Awards. Cranston won for Outstanding Leading Actor in a Drama. Reuters

Bryan Cranston won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the 2014 Emmy Awards for his work on "Breaking Bad." "Even I thought about voting for Matthew [McConaughey]," the actor said, referring to the "True Detective" star, a rival for the award.

"I don’t know why I have been blessed with an abundance of good fortune in my life. I was a kid who always looked for a shortcut. A schemer. My own family nicknamed me Sneaky Pete. I did happen to stumble upon finding a passion ... [acting] is a passion of mine and I will do it until my last breath," the actor said.

The 58-year-old Cranston thanked the "Breaking Bad" cast, crew and his family for their help. He was sure to thank series creator Vince Gilligan for "allowing me to have this role of a lifetime."

"My dear friend Aaron Paul. I love you so much. You were with me all the way," he said to his teary-eyed co-star, who also won an Emmy.

"To Anna Gunn, my television wife extraordinaire. I love you, especially those scenes in bed," he joked.

He also encouraged youths to find their passions. Cranston said, "I’d like to dedicate this award to all the Sneaky Petes in the world. ... Take a risk, take a chance."