Entertainment

So Who Won Big at Last Night’s Emmy Awards?

Even if your favorite nominee got snubbed, Sunday’s Emmycast could have been the most satisfying in memory.

It was funny, bright and skillfully hosted by “Glee” star Jane Lynch.

It moved at a brisk clip, free of the usual stumbles and lulls, and, even better, it flowed almost seamlessly, a next-to-impossible feat for any awards show.

Production values at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles were eye-popping, from the setting — an omega-shaped arch through which presenters made their entrance — to a tour-de-force comic musical number spearheaded by Andy Samberg and fellow “Saturday Night Live” performers that might have had some viewers scratching their heads in bewilderment, but had to leave them dazzled nonetheless.

Yes, “Modern Family” cleaned up — winning five Emmys (including best comedy, supporting acting trophies for TV parents Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell, and best writing and direction).

But Mark Burnett, the pasha of reality TV, was the night’s behind-the-scenes winner. Taking over for the first time as executive producer of the Emmys, he gave it a rare measure of class and pizzazz.

Best of all with the Emmys, there were startling surprises among the winners — and none undeserving.

After weeks of speculation over who would win for best actor in a drama (the long-denied Jon Hamm for “Mad Men” or Hugh Laurie for “House”?), Kyle Chandler’s name was called for his performance as a Texas high school football coach in the final season of “Friday Night Lights.”

Recap of Emmy Awards

"Mad Men" star Christina Hendricks. (Photo: AP)

“I knew for a fact I would not be standing here. I did not write anything and now I’m starting to worry,” said Chandler with a palpable mix of unease and joy. It was a glorious moment for him as well as for the show, which was critically acclaimed but struggled for an audience while its never-say-die football team played by the motto: “Clear eyes, full hearts can’t lose.”

Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory” earned his second trophy in the best actor category — no big surprise.

But Melissa McCarthy of “Mike & Molly” rocked the room as she was honored as best lead actress in a comedy series with an Emmy and a glitzy prom queen’s crown.

“Wow! It’s my first and best pageant ever,” said the beaming McCarthy, who, moments earlier, had broken with tradition along with her fellow nominees by jumping up on stage as their names were called. This display of solidarity earned them a standing ovation from many in the audience.

It was a night of good will, even from bad boy Charlie Sheen, a surprise presenter.

Sheen, who has been on a fence-mending TV tour of late, presented the lead comedy actor award, but took time onstage to make nice with his former “Two and a Half Men” colleagues. In March, he was fired from the show after bitterly clashing with its producer and studio, and was subsequently replaced by Ashton Kutcher. But on the Emmycast he seemed intent on burying the hatchet.

“From the bottom of my heart, I wish you nothing but the best for this upcoming season,” he said, addressing the “Men” cast and crew.” I know you will continue to make great television.”

Julianna Margulies scored top drama acting honors for “The Good Wife,” a not-unexpected win for a popular actress on a popular series.

But a great Emmy moment came courtesy of Margo Martindale, named best supporting actress for the series “Justified,” where she wowed viewers with her portrayal of a hillbilly mobster mom.

“Sometimes, things just take time,” said the veteran actress, nearly overcome with emotion. “But with time comes great appreciation.”

Another nominee more familiar by sight than by name — the physically diminutive Peter Dinklage — was a surprising but apt choice for best actor in the category for his powerful performance in the sci-fi fantasy “Game of Thrones.”

The night’s first two presenters, the late-night Jimmys Fallon and Kimmel, made light of the fact that, for eight years running, “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” has seized the Emmy for variety, music or comedy series — a category for which “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” was also nominated.

Fallon conceded he had no expectation of winning and had no acceptance speech ready. But, feigning doubt, Kimmel leaped on him and, after a mock scuffle, produced Fallon’s speech from his jacket. (In truth, Fallon would have no need for any such speech — Stewart would win for a ninth year.)

Recap of Emmy Awards

Gwyneth Paltrow arrives at the Emmys. (Photo: AP)

A new category, which combines the previously separate best miniseries and made-for-TV movie nominees, saw the PBS miniseries “Downton Abbey” take the prize. Maggie Smith won supporting actress honors for this “Masterpiece” presentation.

Kate Winslet captured the trophy for lead actress in the miniseries “Mildred Pierce” for her performance as an embattled mother, while her co-star Guy Pearce won for best supporting actor.

Barry Pepper, who played Robert F. Kennedy in the controversial miniseries “The Kennedys,” won the best lead actor award.

In the reality-competition category, perennial winner “The Amazing Race” returned to triumph after losing last year to “Top Chef.”

The ceremony, aired by Fox, opened with a pre-taped comedy sketch that generated controversy because Alec Baldwin’s part was cut after he included a joke about the News Corp. phone hacking scandal. Fox is a unit of News Corp.

Baldwin tweeted that Fox killed the joke about the hacking scandal in Britain involving the now-closed News of the World tabloid. Fox said it believed the joke was inappropriate in making light of an issue being taken very seriously by the company.

Leonard Nimoy stepped in as “Mr. President of TV” and the bit was retaped. It featured Lynch celebrating television in a musical routine, singing about TV as “a vast wonderland, a kingdom of joy in a box” as she moved from one TV show (and its cast members) to another.

“Try doing that in triple Spanx,” Lynch cracked when the dance number was over. With or without the Fox-targeted barb, it was a splashy way to start the show, and quickly certified that she was in control. In partnership with producer Burnett, she helped make the Emmycast award-worthy.

Below is a list of winners from Sunday’s 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences:

— Drama Series: “Mad Men,” AMC.

— Actress, Drama Series: Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife,” CBS.

— Actor, Drama Series: Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights,” DirecTV/NBC.

— Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones,” HBO.

— Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Margo Martindale, “Justified,” FX.

— Writing, Drama Series: Jason Katims, “Friday Night Lights,” NBC.

— Directing, Drama Series: Martin Scorsese, “Boardwalk Empire,” HBO.

— Comedy Series: “Modern Family,” ABC.

— Actor, Comedy Series: Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory,” CBS.

— Actress, Comedy Series: Melissa McCarthy, “Mike & Molly,” CBS.

— Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Julie Bowen, “Modern Family,” ABC.

— Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Ty Burrell, “Modern Family,” ABC.

— Writing, Comedy Series: Steven Levitan and Jeffrey Richman, “Modern Family,” ABC.

— Directing, Comedy Series: Michael Spiller, “Modern Family,” ABC.

— Miniseries or Movie: “Downton Abbey (Masterpiece),” PBS.

— Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Kate Winslet, “Mildred Pierce,” HBO.

— Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Barry Pepper, “The Kennedys,” ReelzChannel.

— Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey (Masterpiece),” PBS.

— Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Guy Pearce, “Mildred Pierce,” HBO.

— Directing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Brian Percival, “Downton Abbey (Masterpiece),” PBS.

— Writing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Julian Fellowes, “Downton Abbey (Masterpiece),” PBS.

— Reality-Competition Program: “The Amazing Race,” CBS.

— Variety, Music or Comedy Series: “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” Comedy Central.

— Directing, Variety, Music or Comedy Series: Don Roy King, “Saturday Night Live,” NBC.

— Writing, Variety, Music or Comedy Series: “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” Comedy Central.

___

Online:

For a complete list of winners: http://www.emmys.tv/

—-

AP Entertainment writers Lynn Elber, Sandy Cohen, Anthony McCartney, David Bauder, Solvej Schou and Beth Harris contributed to this report.

Comments (71)

1 2 3
  • RLTW
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:53am

    Never have I known a group of people who honor themselves more for perpetuating garbage

    Report Post »  
    • Jim in Houston
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 11:54am

      Spot on!

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 11:56am

      Another “pat ourselves on the back” fest for Hollywood. The sooner we give these vaccuous idiots less credence, the better.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 12:25pm

      Interesting. And funny. Turned on this Emmy thingie last night because I happened to be home alone and in just a few minutes I found it so boring I couldn’t take it and turned it off.
      Saw this listing on the Blaze and looked to see if any of the programs I watch were listed.
      NOPE, Except one, Mike & Molly. I watch that because it’s cute, fun, but they’re running out of material.
      The rest of the shows are boring, same-ole’ and crap. Can’t stand most of the “stars” so why bother?
      That’s why I watch FOX.

      Report Post »  
    • gramma b
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 12:26pm

      Laura Ingraham’s show was about how filthy the Emmy awards were. One question for the Blaze: Why are you covering it as a positive event? She played clips showing repeated promotion of the gay agenda, songs about three-ways, and “I just had sex,” and slaps at the tea party, all during the family hour. But, the Blaze story mentions none of this. What’s going on?

      Report Post »  
  • Jezreel
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:49am

    All the television shows of today are nothing but garbage that reflects the perversions and sickness of today. We don’t watch any of these programs and could not care less. Better off watching very old movies on TCM.

    Report Post »  
    • AmericanStrega
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:59am

      JEZREEL;
      I got your number! My husband and I watch the old TCM movies, when we’re not working, instead of the new crap on the t.v. Some of the old stuff is kinda hooky, but you can actually watch them and be entertained and not disgusted. On a side note; our favorites are the old “B” sci-fi flicks (i.e., Monolith Monsters, The Day The Earth Stood Still, THEM!, Forbidden Planet….) Nothing beats an evening of old “B” flicks, a bottle of pop (or soda) and a big bowl of clog-the-arteries popcorn. OH, I cannot wait for Friday night!

      Report Post »  
    • mils
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 11:01am

      that may be so…however, they would not be on tv if we werer not watching. like the rags out there, star magazine, enquirer, people…if not for our buying they would not be published…

      so , we have ourselves to thank for any moral, ethical etc..demise…

      Report Post »  
  • AmericanStrega
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:33am

    So, who cares?

    Report Post »  
    • GIDEON612
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:37am

      Exactly !!!
      Who won big? Satan did. Here are you idols, your gods.

      Report Post » GIDEON612  
  • LukeAppling
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:25am

    The Emmy’s? Who on God’s green earth cares about these frauds? Alec Baldwin, Joy Behar, Whoopie, Simon, BaBa, Schultz, Mathews, Olbermann, Gore—I say YUCH!
    Between television, the movies and democrats our beloved country is being stolen for what-another Soviet Union?

    Report Post »  
  • Infidel49
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:14am

    I could give a rats ass about those people or their ******** awards.

    Report Post » Infidel49  
  • TheLeftMadeMeRight
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:07am

    The really nice and special people in Hollywood create really nice and special awards to give out at really big and special events, to the really nice and special actors in Hollywood. All so we can spend our coffee time this am listening reporters babble about which whore wore the nicest and most specialist dress… WFC?

    Report Post » TheLeftMadeMeRight  
  • mcFirst
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:54am

    Hendricks looks half alive.

    Peltrow is hot as ever.

    Report Post » mcFirst  
  • JediPatriot
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:48am

    So then……. The Blaze has become a celebrity magazine. Tisk Tisk. I think I’m starting to agree that the huff-po chick is killing it. C’est la vie!
    Peace

    Report Post » JediPatriot  
  • mikenleeds
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:48am

    does anyone really watch any of these shows?
    personally i don t know anyone at all that watches this crap,
    it s nothing but a love fest for queers,black males with white trash females ,,
    no wander no one watches public TV anymore

    Report Post » mikenleeds  
  • AnAmerican111
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:46am

    WHO CARES!
    Emmys right up there with Noble Peace Prize!
    ……..worthless!

    Report Post »  
    • vg0va3
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:00am

      What are these Emmys they speak of? Should be concerned? Is it contagious? Is this just a new version of what we used to call Commies?

      Report Post »  
  • Rightallalong
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:43am

    I am a bit surprised that this story is even on here. I would catch about 60% of Glenn’s shows on Fox and found him edgy, provacative and relavent. Now I must say the Blaze has become a after-thought of thought provoking media. I am on Drudge more than the Blaze.

    Not sure what has happened but I no longer want to get on the Blaze 3 or 4 times a day …some days I forget about it completely.

    It was good while it lasted – go to Drudge, BigGovernment.com

    Report Post » Rightallalong  
  • cabnetdude
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:43am

    Who won at the emmys? WE ALL LOST! America is concerned with this? We are losing our country and this is what we watch?

    Report Post »  
  • palmettopalflorida
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:35am

    Uh, thanks? I guess I missed it while I was watching the paint dry.

    Report Post »  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:47am

      Joe Mcarthey had it exactly correct 60 years ago ….. Hollywood was
      full of leftist commies back then and is now…. He was just way ahead of
      his time…

      Report Post »  
  • JLGunner
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:24am

    Normally I wouldn’t care but to be honest, I do like The Big Bang Theory. Smart, goofy comedy. It takes my mind off the idiot and his wife in the White House.

    Report Post » JLGunner  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:21am

    This is one situation where I have to agree with some others on the Blaze:

    In the case of the Emmy Awards “Why do they even matter?”
    http://artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (cat folk art)

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Shellback
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:21am

    Why watch it? I would have to have a vomit bucket near me. Reading the results is quicker than wasting time to watch it. Amazing how Hollywood’s verssion of what a family today shoiuld be, won the top awards. More depravity foisted on the people. The only one I have watched in the list is the Amazing Race but I even stopped watching that. If a football game went over its time limit, ABC would run the full crappy 20/20 and cut the Amazing Race.

    Report Post » Shellback  
  • Uriel
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:20am

    So Who Won Big at Last Night’s Emmy Awards?

    Um, ….. could it be ……
    ….
    …SATAN?!?

    Report Post »  
    • TH30PH1LUS
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:30am

      LOL @ The Church Lady reference!

      Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • Vickie Dhaene
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:52am

      Your right.
      I can’t believe they are awarding the perversion of Hollyweird. Promoting homosexuality is the work of the DEVIL.

      Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:10am

    As soon as I saw this story on the BLAZE, I knew some folks would be very nasty about it being written on this site. Well, I’m glad you wrote it, BLAZE cuz–I watch network tv! Yes, a few conservative Christians actually watch MODERN FAMILY, MADMEN, and a few others. Heck, I even have people like Christina Hendricks and Courtney-Thorne-Smith on my radio show! Gasp! Oh, BREAKING BAD is a well-written show, I must say. I loved sitcoms growing up; DYNASTY rocked along with DALLAS! Now….I will go back to watching the negative comments about tv. I’m sure there will be plenty. {:

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:07am

    SNL won something? Why? It hasn’t been funny for years.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • endgamer
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:05am

    Who cares…

    Report Post » endgamer  
  • Hickory
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:05am

    Who cares? This is just a meaningless blathering of idiots telling each other how great they are. But in fact, they are just phony people who live in a phony world. Have you noticed that most of the winners are dolts?

    Report Post » Hickory  
  • Jeepzea
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 9:04am

    Who cares?????

    Report Post » Jeepzea  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 8:57am

    The what Awards? Huh?

    Report Post » biohazard23  
  • Gita
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 8:54am

    Who watches any of the garbage they put out on TV any more? I have not watched “regular” TV shows in years!! Give me old movies and EWTN the only TV worth watching today.

    Report Post » Gita  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 8:51am

    And I care why?

    Ooooooh, a Glee star! Yipee!….

    Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 8:57am

      oops, they forgot one:

      Liberal new broadcast: “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” Comedy Central.

      Report Post »  
    • PUSHBACKTHELIBERALHORDE
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 12:36pm

      Aren‘t you riveted to learn what some celebrity’s sexual orientation is and sitting through hours of their tedious, insipid political propagada hammered into you?

      Report Post » PUSHBACKTHELIBERALHORDE  
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