And The Emmy Goes To…

Perhaps you watched the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Award show Sunday night. Maybe you were in it for the jokes. Maybe you were in it to see who wore the prettiest/ugliest dress. I was in it from the beginning to see how Julie and I would fare since we made our picks on this blog last week.

See how we did (SPOILER ALERT: neither of us gets them all right), and what I thought of the award show after the jump!

Oprah was there! She looked lovely in a red dress. Then came all five hosts, also nominees in the Best Reality Host category. Jeff Probst was the only one not wearing a tie – even model Heidi Klum was wearing a black suit and tie. The hosts all pointed out they are not scripted. Tom Bergeron & Klum looked bored as Probst, Ryan Seacrest & Howie Mandel talked and talked. The talkers left the stage. William Shatner came up on the stage, they ripped the suit off Ms. Klum to reveal a sequined shorts jumper.

Tina Fey & a very pregnant Amy Poehler presented the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. They did some silly foreign language bit, then got on with the nominees. Jeremy Piven won, making it his third consecutive Emmy for this category (all from “Entourage”). score: Julie 0, Nicole 1

Bergeron & Seacrest are sitting in Monk’s Cafe – where the Seinfeld gang cozied up, chatted and ate – sometimes a big salad. Next, a clip of “Seinfeld” from that “contest” episode. Julia Louis Dreyfus comes out in a pretty salmon colored dress. She’s presenting Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Jean Smart wins for her performance on “Samantha Who?” score: Julie 0, Nicole 1

Klum (in a ruffled cream colored dress) & Probst (still sans tie) introduce a clip of “Desperate Housewives.” Then, we see the ladies sitting in a living room-like set that looks like it was plucked from Wisteria Lane. They’re all there to give the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Wow! Zeljko Ivanek won for his role on “Damages.” I did not see that coming! score: Julie 0, Nicole 1

Ricky Gervais came out. He pointed out he won last year. He gave pointers on how to give a good acceptance speech. He said they should keep it short, especially if not on camera. Don’t cry. Then, there are clips of other winners – all funny and ending with Steve Carrell stealing Gervais’ award. Carrell proceeds to stare him down. So funny. Gervais starts tickling Carrell to get his Emmy. Finally, Carrell gives it up. Then, the award for Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program. The guy who directed last year’s Academy Awards. If you want his name, or the names of any of those people who aren’t on camera (as well as the other awards that were presented earlier), click here.

Funny clip from “The Simpsons.” Conan O’Brien comes out to talk about the cartoon, where he started out as a writer. After saying he would have made a few more jokes, but Katherine Heigl didn’t think they were “Emmy worthy,” he presents the award for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Diane Wiest wins for her role on “In Treatment.” score: Julie 0, Nicole 1

Jennifer Love Hewitt & Hayden Panettiere present the award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program. “The Colbert Report” writers win their first Emmy! Colbert takes the award. He tells Hollywood all is forgiven, then goes about thanking everyone even after the music starts.

Mandel & Probst return. They bring out the accountants – the people who do the tabulating for the awards show. Then, they introduce Steve Martin. He talks about his time as a writer on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” He says Tommy Smothers did not want his name on the list for Emmy consideration and the show won. Now, Smothers gets a Commemorative Emmy for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Comedy/Variety Writing. Smothers gets a standing ovation as he takes the stage. How does he remember all those people who worked on show that hasn’t aired in four decades? He makes a speech about peace and war before dedicating his Emmy to people who feel compelled to speak out.

Klum (in a black and white dress) & Seacrest are back. They introduce Josh Groban. He sings TV theme songs. It’s weird. It’s awkward. It’s kinda funny. Blink and you missed Ed McMahon (I hope they paid him – he needs the cash).

Alec Baldwin takes the stage to present Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. Laura Linney wins for her role on “John Adams.” It’s her third Emmy win in three nominations. score: Julie 0, Nicole 2

Bergeron talks about “Laugh In,” before they roll a clip with all kinds of people saying “Sock it to me!” That’s the phrase made famous by the show. Then, a whole bunch of the show’s stars are there to introduce the award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series. “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” wins.

Klum shows the dresses designed by a couple of reality show stars. Then, Lauren Conrad and (a very annoyed looking) David Borneaz reveal the nominees in Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress in a Comedy Series (they received their awards earlier). Tim Conway won for “30 Rock” and Kathryn Joosten for “Desperate Housewives.” Joosten appeared to present the award for Outstanding Director for a Comedy Series. The guy from “Pushing Daisies” wins. Conrad & Borneaz presented the award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (cool note: they showed the nominees on people’s cell phones in the audience). Tina Fey wins for “30 Rock.” It’s her third Emmy win!

Bergeron pitches to a clip of “West Wing.” Oh, how I miss this show. Martin Sheen is sitting in his old set, behind that big desk. He talks about the televised Presidential debates. He’s encouraging everyone to vote in the November election – at least once. Then, a guy who’s behind the awards show comes out and makes a speech I’m totally not interested in. Why do they do this during the show? Get on with the awards!

Christian Slater & Christina Applegate (in a blue/silvery dress) exchange kind of nice words. Then, the present the award for Outstanding Made for Television Movie. “Recount” wins.

A clip from “Dragnet” airs, then Probst is sitting on the set. He introduces William Peterson & Laurence Fishburne (who’s dressed like a valet). They’re presenting the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries. Tom Wilkinson from “John Adams” wins. score: Julie 0, Nicole 2

Jon Stewart & Steven Colbert say they aren’t there to talk about politics. Colbert starts eating prunes and says America needs a prune. He says it has experience we need. Stewart says after 8 years of prunes, you would think… They present the award for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special. Jay Roach wins for “Recount.” Then, they present the award for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special. Kirk Ellis wins for “John Adams.” His speech is cut off.

Mandel is out with medical speech he remembers from his days on “St. Elsewhere.” He introduces a clip from “M.A.S.H.”

Sandra Oh & Patrick Dempsey present Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. Eileen Atkins wins for “Cranford (Masterpiece).”

Kathy Griffin & Don Rickles appear from a tent (a la “M.A.S.H.”). The sensors better be ready! Griffin gets everyone on their feet. Rickles agrees to read the “funny lines they wrote for us.” They finally present the award for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. “The Amazing Race” wins. score: Julie 1, Nicole 2

Sally Field (in a lovely black dress) presents the award for Outstanding Miniseries. “John Adams” wins. Tom Hanks accepts the award.

Klum & Bergeron do a demonstration on the difference between “drama” (Bergeron catches Klum) and “comedy” (Bergeron drops Klum).

Neil Patrick Harris & Kristin Chenoweth present Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program. Don Rickles wins for “Mr Warmth: The Don Rickles Project.” His show already won an Emmy. Rickles says he’s stunned. Then, he tells a funny, heart-felt story.

Kate Walsh (ooh – where’s the red hair?) & Wayne Brady present Outstanding Guest Actor & Actress in a Drama Series. Glynn Turman (“In Treatment”) & Cynthia Nixon (“Law & Order: SVU”) win. They present the award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. The guy from “House” wins. Walsh & Brady present Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. The guy who penned an episode of “Mad Men” wins (it’s actually his third Emmy). score: Julie 1, Nicole 2

Glenn Close presents the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. Paul Giamatti wins for “John Adams.” He says he’s “living proof that anybody can play the President.” score: Julie 2 (though she also picked Gervais), Nicole 3

Candace Bergen comes out in a sparkly suit. She says her father, who was a radio star, was the first president of the Television Academy. Citing an obscure by-law, she says she’s allowed to present any award she wants to. Her pick: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Alec Baldwin wins for “30 Rock.” It’s his first win in seven nominations (not all from “30 Rock”). score: Julie 2, Nicole 3

Vanessa Williams & America Ferrera present Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Glenn Close wins for “Damages.” It’s her second Emmy win. score: Julie 2, Nicole 4

The tribute to those entertainers we’ve lost int he last year. So sad.

Kiefer Sutherland presents the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Bryan Cransten wins for “Breaking Bad.” It’s his first win and fourth nomination. score: Julie 2, Nicole 4 (though I did give him a shout out)

Brooke Shields & Craig Ferguson (who does some groping of Ms. Shields) present the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Tina Fey wins for “30 Rock.” It’s her fourth Emmy win. score: Julie 2, Nicole 5 (if I give Julie credit for an earlier award, I’m taking some credit for this one)

Jimmy Kimmel presents the very first award for Outstanding Host for Reality or Reality-Competition show. Jimmy does a funny thing where “judges” critique the hosts. And just like so many of those hosts have done to the competitors/performers, the hosts have to wait for a commercial break to learn who wins. Probst wins for “Survivor.” score: Julie 3, Nicole 5

Funny clip of “Mary Tyler Moore” plays before the lovely MTM (in a great black dress – hello, awesome arms!) takes the stage (with her show set right behind her). She introduces Betty White, who she says has been on television for 60 years!). Standing ovation for Ms. White. They present the award for Outstanding Comedy Series. “30 Rock” wins. score: Julie 3, Nicole 5

Tom Selleck presents the award for Outstanding Drama Series. “Mad Men” wins. score: Julie 3, Nicole 5

Since they didn’t air the choreography category, I looked it up to give us a final score. The winner is Wade Robson from “So You Think You Can Dance.” That brings our final tally to Julie 4, Nicole 6.

I have to say, the best part of watching this awards show for me was not the show itself. I was so excited to see all the promos for the upcoming Fall season. I cannot wait for all those shows I’ve missed to return. And I’m excited about some of the new shows starting in the next few weeks! That’s another blog post…

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Tags: 30 rock, abc, alec baldwin, america ferrera, amy poehler, betty white, breaking bad, brooke shields, bryan cransten, candace bergen, christian slater, christina applegate, conan o'brien, craig ferguson, cranford (masterpiece), cynthia nixon, damages, david borneaz, desperate housewives, diane wiest, don rickles, dragnet, ed mcmahon, eileen atkins, entourage, glenn close, glynn turman, hayden panettiere, heidi klum, house, howie mandel, in treatment, jay roach, jean smart, jeff probst, jennifer love hewitt, jeremy piven, jimmy kimmel, john adams, josh groban, julia louis dreyfus, kate walsh, kathryn joosten, kathy griffin, kiefer sutherland, kirk eillis, kristin chenoweth, ksat, laugh in, laura linney, lauren conrad, laurence fishburne, law & order: svu, m.a.s.h., mad men, martin sheen, mary tyler moore, mr. warmth: the don rickles project, neil patrick harris, oprah winfrey, patrick dempsey, paul giamatti, primetime emmy awards, pushing daisies, recount, ricky gervais, ryan seacrest, sally field, samantha who, san antonio, sandra oh, so you think you can dance, st. elsewhere, steve carrell, steve martin, steven colbert, the amazing race, the colbert report, the daily show with jon stewart, the simpsons, the smothers brothers comedy hour, tim conway, tina fey, tom bergeron, tom hanks, tom selleck, tom wilkinson, tommy smothers, vanessa williams, wade robson, wayne brady, west wing, william peterson, william shatner, zeljko ivanek

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