In Common Lisp (and presumably Emacs Lisp), functions are as first-class as in Scheme and elsewhere. You just have to do a bit extra to use them as first-class values, that's all. Potayto, potahto. That 'bit extra' is what makes them 'not first-class denotable' in my book.

Megg yesterday was troubled with a pose, Which, this night hardned, sodders up her nose.

, II.36: In comparison of which, it seemeth in Alexander subalternall, uncertaine, variable, effeminate and accidentall.

It was good of him to take the fall for you like that, I just wonder if he will come out of this one unscathed.