Emmys Best & Worst Moments
This year's Emmys likely threw all oddsmakers off their game, because a lot of the "should win but won't" contenders actually took home a trophy this year (more on that in a minute). Though Modern Family dominated the Comedy category such that host Jane Lynch at one point said "Welcome to the Modern Family Awards," there was still plenty of trophy love to go around. Speaking of Lynch, the Glee star proved a very game Emmys host, throwing herself into the song-and-dance opening number that has become requisite for these events. While she didn't have as many sight gags and good one-liners as previous hosts Jimmy Fallon and Neil Patrick Harris (her take on Jersey Shore was totally unnecessary), her effusiveness still carried the ball well. On the downside, there was some spice missing from the presenters (no Steve Carell, no Stephen Colbert to perk up a telecast), which ranged from bland to awkward at times.
You can see the complete list of winners & nominees here as well as buy past winners at Emmy Central. Here's a rundown of highlights and lowlights for this year's awards.
BEST
Amy Poehler, who years ago rallied her fellow nominees into wearing funny eyewear when their names were called, was likely the culprit behind this beauty-pageant reinvention of the Lead Actress in a Comedy category. Poehler and the other contenders actually ran up to the stage during the reading of the nominees, then stood holding hands and shedding pre-emptive tears (Tina Fey). Then, when Melissa McCarthy's name was called, everything from the camera zoom to the rose bouquet and crown that appeared made this a true "winner" moment, which was not only hysterical but heartwarming in that whole female empowerment vein. No wonder there was a standing ovation *before* the winner was announced.
- Host Jane Lynch's opener featured her appearance in a number of TV series. While this is nothing new, her interaction with the Mad Men cast was fantastic, particularly when a) Lynch hit on Peggy, b) Roger Sterling tried to imagine "watching the Emmys on your phone" by putting the handset up to his eyes like binoculars, and c) Don Draper ordering Lynch out the door when she suggested in the future people would fast-forward commercials.
What a swan song for Friday Night Lights, which finally picked up some Emmy love, including Kyle Chandler for Lead Actor in a Drama. The only downside here is that he beat Jon Hamm, who was finally about to pick up his first win for his finest work to date on Mad Men. - Critical favorite Margo Martindale (Supporting Actress in a Drama for Justified) was also a surprise winner but a deserving one, totally screwing over anyone's predictions. The tearful reactions from her castmates Walton Goggins and Timothy Olyphant says it all.
- The wife of Steven Levitan (creator, Modern Family), who gave the camera some priceless eye-rolling while her husband discussed their sex life in front of millions.
- The medley by Lonely Island, which livened up a buttoned-up awards show like the Emmys (sample tunes: "Three-way," "I Just Had Sex"). It's not every day you see Michael Bolton in guyliner (watch the original SNL digital short here). Bonus for having John Stamos, Ed Helms, and Maya Rudolph sub for Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga. Best part: when they "freaked Bill Macy."
- The Office-set sketch involving a revolving door of characters from other shows, interviewed mockumentary-style: Law & Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay, Castle's Nathan Fillion were among those interviewed in character. And Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul sold crystal meth to Creed. Ha!
WORST
- Lynch employed a Celebrity Doo-wop group called the Emmytones (including Zachary Levi, Joel McHale and Taraji P. Henson) who sang introductions to the genres during the telecast (comedy, drama, reality series). This sounded good in theory, but the singers were neither funny nor impressive. However, it did get me to look up what else Wilder Valderrama has ever sung on YouTube.
- The horrible voice-overs accompanying the winner's walk to the podium, which were intended to be dry and witty but were awkward and corny at best. Sample: "Julian (Fellowes) is British. And he lives England." "Ty Burrell was a linebacker at Hidden Valley high. His mascot was not shaped like a bottle of salad dressing."
- Yet another gag involving Sofia Vergara where her accent gets made fun of. It's happened every awards show; it's getting old now.
- The rehabbed Charlie Sheen appeared to wish the cast and crew of Two and a Half Men all the best; however, he half looked like he was holding back the urge to add something scathing. And it didn't help that Jon Cryer and new star Ashton Kutcher poked fun at him in a later appearance.
- Drew Barrymore, producer of the new Charlie's Angels show, appearing with the show's stars to say that "Hollywood loves a legacy" and she's "passing the torch." Does anyone even remember that movie? Is Charlie's Angels considered a legacy?
MEMORABLE QUOTES
"I don't know what I'm going to talk about in therapy now." --Julie Bowen, winner of Supporting Actress in a Comedy
"I'd like to thank my dog sitter, Kitty, for taking care of my dog, Kevin." --Peter Dinklage, winner of Supporting Actor in a Drama
“There are so many movie stars doing TV now that TV stars have been forced into providing voices for video games. And those very same video games are then turned into movies starring the very same people who put the TV stars out of work in the first place. Hakuna Matata, my friends, circle of life?” --Jane Lynch
"I got to have sex with Kate Winslet many, many times... thank you for allowing me to insert myself into your world of Mildred. And to my wife Kate, for having to listen to me talk about that every day... Thank you my darling, and I'm sorry." -- Guy Pearce, winner of Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
"A lot of people are very curious why I'm a lesbian. Ladies and gentleman, the cast of Entourage." --Jane Lynch
"We are showing the world that there's absolutely nothing wrong with a loving, committed relationship between an old man and a hot young woman. Looking around this room, I see many of you agree." — Steven Levitan, accepting for Modern Family
What did you think of this year's Emmys? --Ellen
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