After an opening from Oprah, the 60th Annual Emmys kicked off and lot of stars found themselves taking home the coveted statue last night. In a different twist, last night’s show was hosted by five reality hosts – Ryan Seacrest (“American Idol”), Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with the Stars”), Heidi Klum (“Project Runway”), Howie Mandel (“Deal or No Deal”), and Jeff Probst (“Survivor”).
(Photo source by Alan Light is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
Who took home the big win last night? AMC’s critically acclaimed “Mad Men” won Outstanding Drama Series while “30 Rock” won Outstanding Comedy Series. Personally, I was hoping “The Office” would win. Bryan Cranston beat out the likes of Hugh Laurie, James Spader, and Jon Hamm to win Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series while Zeljko Ivanek won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Glenn Close (love her!) won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work in FX’s “Damages.” Actress Dianne Wiest now has two Emmys to it alongside her two Oscars as she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
Alec Baldwin (ugh) beat out Charlie Sheen, Steve Carell, Lee Pace, and Tony Shalhoub to win Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Jeremy Piven won his third straight Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy for his work on “Entourage.” Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series went to Tina Fey for “30 Rock” and Jean Smart won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on “Samantha Who.”
“John Adams” proved to be a big winner in the Miniseries or Movie category as Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, and Tom Wilkinson all took home Emmys for it. Needless to say, it also won Outstanding Miniseries.
It was nice to see a television veteran, Don Rickles, win Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program. It was his first Emmy nomination and win in a career that spans over 50 years on television.
It was no surprise that Jon Stewart won Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy series. “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” won Outstanding Reality Program and Jeff Probst took home an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Host. Outstanding Reality/Competition Program was won by “Amazing Race,” which starts its new season this Sunday.