Emmy 2011 Recap

The 63^rd Primetime Emmy Awards seemed to have eluded being too predictable this year.  Skeptics who have criticized the show for its lack of suspense had to eat their words Sunday night.

Hosted by Jane Lynch of “Glee”; Melissa McCarthy of the CBS sitcom “Mike & Molly,” Kyle Chandler of the now-cancelled small-town soup “Friday Night Lights,” and Barry Pepper in the controversial Reelz miniseries “The Kennedys,” the telecast began with four awards in a row to members of the “Modern Family” team, and ended like it did for the past year, with the show being named the best comedy on television, reported the New York Times.

Sunday also felt like a final farewell ceremony for the acclaimed DirecTV and NBC drama, “Friday Night Lights,” which wrapped up production a year ago, but was finally being recognized.  Host, Kyle Chandler, who played Coach Eric Taylor, and Jason Katims, the head writer of the drama were both awarded Emmy statuettes for their influential roles in creating the series.

Other winners in the drama categories include Margo Martindale for her supporting role in FX’s “Justified”; Peter Dinklage for his supporting role on “Game of Thrones”; and Martin Scorsese for directing the first episode of “Boardwalk Empire.”

Julianna Margulies of CBS’s “Good Wife” took home the award for the best actress in a drama category.

But the biggest surprise that occurred Sunday night at Emmy’s had to be when Amy Poehler and five other contenders in the best actress in a comedy category gathered onstage as their names were being read.   The women clasped hands, and giddily gave each other hugs as Melissa McCarthy won for her role on the new CBS sitcom “Mike & Molly.”

Jim Parsons, star of “The Big Bang Theory,” walked away from the awards ceremony with best lead actor in a comedy.  “The Daily Show With Jon Steward,” on Comedy Central, was named the outstanding variety, music or comedy series for the ninth time.  CBS’ “The Amazing Race” was named the outstanding reality competition series for the eighth time.

Named for best mini-series or movie of the year was “Downtown Abbey. Maggie Smith from the mini-series, won the title of best supporting actress.  Kate Winslet was named best actress and Guy Pearce, named best supporting actor for “Mildred Pierce.”  The best actor in a mini-series or movie went to Barry Pepper for “The Kennedys.

Photo Courtesy of Alan Light via Flickr