“Mad Men” and “Modern Family” cleaned up at the 2011 Emmy Awards Sunday night. The 63rd annual awards show featured some surprises, a questionable opening sequence, and a few snubs too.

Kyle Chandler, of “Friday Night Lights” — the defunct DirecTV-only football drama, beat out Jon Hamm, Hugh Laurie, MIchael C. Hall, Timothy Olyphant, and Steve Buscemi to win Best Actor in a Drama, one of the biggest surprises of the night.

On the comedy side, Jim Parsons was not much of a surprise to win best actor in that category, since “Big Bang Theory” has been extended for three more years, at least. Some people felt that Steve Carell was snubbed — feel free to comment on that below.

Melissa McCarthy’s win for best actress in a comedy took the cake as she yelled “holy smokes” as she became a first time winner for the brand new series “Mike & Molly.” She beat Tina Fey AND Amy Poehler.

Here is the complete list of winners:

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.

We thought we’d only be talking about “30 Rock,” and how it cleaned house (we’ll talk about “House” later) at the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

“30 Rock” did clean up Sunday night. Alec Baldwin won for Actor in a Comedy Series. Matt Hubbard won for writing the episode “Reunion.” And “30 Rock” won the Emmy as the best Comedy Series of the year.

Ominously missing from the list was Tina Fey, who was largely expected to cruise into the Emmy for Actress in a Comedy Series, but when the envelope was read, it was Toni Collette, who plays multiple personalities on Showtime’s “United States of Tara,” who won.

By the way, we’re happy for Kristin Chenoweth, who played Olive in “Pushing Daisies,” which ABC canceled after two seasons. She won for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

When singer Seal and wife/supermodel Heidi Klum arrived at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Sunday, Klum’s stunning dress was matched only by her perfectly round eight month pregnant belly.

According to The Associated Press, firefighters who were working the red carpet joked that they might have to go to work if the TV star decided to pop out her own little award statue.

“Hey, did you see Heidi Klum? She’s like 8 months pregnant. So you be ready, you might have to deliver,” fire Inspector Jim Fisher said to his colleague Craig Hancock, the AP reported.

Keep up the good work, gentlemen. And Heidi, we can’t wait for the baby!

Here’s a list of most of the winners at Sunday’s 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards:

• Actor, Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock,” NBC.
• Actress, Comedy Series: Toni Collette, “United States of Tara,” Showtime.
• Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Jon Cryer, “Two and a Half Men,” CBS.
• Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies,” ABC.
• Made-for-TV Movie: “Grey Gardens,” HBO.
• Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Brendan Gleeson, “Into the Storm,” HBO.
• Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Jessica Lange, “Grey Gardens,” HBO.
• Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Ken Howard, “Grey Gardens,” HBO.
• Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Shohreh Aghdashloo, “House of Saddam,” HBO.
• Directing for a Comedy Series: “The Office: Stress Relief,” Jeff Blitz, NBC.
• Directing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special: “Little Dorrit: Part 1,” Dearbhla Walsh, PBS.
• Reality-Competition Program: “The Amazing Race,” CBS.
• Writing for a Comedy Series: “30 Rock: Reunion,” Matt Hubbard, NBC.
• Writing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special: “Little Dorrit,” Andrew Davies, PBS.
• Host, Reality or Reality-Competition Program: Jeff Probst, “Survivor,” CBS.
• Comedy or variety show: “The Daily Show.”
• Reality-Competition Program: “The Amazing Race,” CBS.
• Writing for a Comedy Series: “30 Rock: Reunion,” Matt Hubbard, NBC.
• Writing for a Drama Series: “Mad Men: Meditations in an Emergency,” Kater Gordon and Matthew Weiner, AMC.
• Writing for a comedy or variety show: “The Daily Show.”
• Original Music and Lyrics: “81st Annual Academy Awards: Song Title: Hugh Jackman Opening Number,” ABC.
• Writing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special: “Little Dorrit,” Andrew Davies, PBS.
• Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Michael Emerson, “Lost,” ABC.
• Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Cherry Jones, “24,” FOX.
• Actress, Drama Series: Glenn Close, “Damages,” FX.
• Actor, Drama Series: Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad,” AMC
• Comedy Series: “30 Rock,” NBC.
• Drama Series: “Mad Men,” AMC.

Analysis coming later.

For some reason, I get into the Emmys. I think it’s because I equate watching my favorite TV shows to watching my favorite sport teams. Let me explain.

For an entire TV season, you get into your TV show, get to know every character, watch every episode all while immersing yourself into the plot. Just like how every (football, baseball, basketball, pick one) pro sport season, you become immersed with your team and its players.

Then if someone dares to challenge the entertainment value of your show, or even has the nerve to say another show is better, you turn into a raving lunatic in its defense. With sports, it’s the same thing. I’m not sure who I’ve defended more this past decade: Tom Brady or Dr. Frasier Crane.

The Emmys are the Superbowl of your TV season (if your show is lucky to make it). A year’s worth of hard work comes down to a three hour show surrounded by much fanfare. In a way, it’s actually kind of exciting. Then once your show loses/wins, you complain/celebrate, and just like with sports, you move on.

So without further ado — here are Blast’s 2009 major category Emmy Predictions:

Outstanding Drama Series

Should Win: Mad Men or Breaking Bad, either would suffice

Could Win: Breaking Bad

Will Win: Mad Men

How in the hell does Big Love get nominated? If I wanted to watch a bunch of Mormons marry each other and flirt with incest, I would’ve moved to Utah ages ago. The only show I see with a slight chance of upsetting Mad Men is Breaking Bad. Also, I know you people love Lost (it’s very popular from what I’ve heard), but I don’t see that happening.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Should Win: The Office

Could Win: Nothing “" it’ll be 30 Rock

Will Win: 30 Rock

Family Guy’s inclusion was relatively puzzling. If you’re going to give an animated sitcom an honorary nomination (which is what it is), why not pick The Simpsons or South Park? Or did Stewie get to them too? Anyway, the only thing surer than a 30 Rock victory is it getting beat in the ratings by Dancing with America’s Next Top Chef, or whatever Fox is putting on these days Thursday nights at 9:30.

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Should Win: Hugh Laurie, House M.D.

Could Win: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad

Will Win: Hugh Laurie, House M.D.

Hugh is getting a lot of buzz and rightfully so. Four straight years of nominations and nothing? PEOPLE. HE’S FROM ENGLAND AND GREGORY HOUSE IS FROM AMERICA. Alright, sorry but I think that’s kind of impressive. But then again the dad from Malcolm in the Middle playing a meth dealing, crime addict is pretty impressive too. I think Hugh gets his due, but with this category there’s always a surprise. I mean Simon Baker could win this thing on his smile alone.

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

Should Win: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

Could Win: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Will Win: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

I have to admit, I’m extremely bias when it comes to this category. The Big Bang Theory is my favorite thing on TV right now (other than repeats of The Three Stooges). That being said, bias aside I still think he’s the best in this category. If you haven’t seen the show, I recommend it for Parsons alone. However, do not be shocked to see the Emmy voters go for the familiar in Baldwin. Steve Carrell has an outside shot. The other three guys have as much of a shot as the original three stooges themselves.

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

Should Win: Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men

Could Win: Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Will Win: Glenn Close, Damages

Again I’ll admit, my should win is purely out of bias (but then again isn’t that what we always do with predictions?). I love Elisabeth Moss’ role of Peggy Olsen, it’s a complex, subtle character with underlying emotions. Glenn Close is a heavy favorite to repeat here. She would be a deserving winner, even though I’d like to see some fresh blood in there. Even though the Closer yearn for the days of My Own Worst Enemy, Kyra Sedgwick has an outside possibility.

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

Should Win: Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Could Win: Toni Collette, United States of Tara

Will Win: Tina Fey, 30 Rock

I’m sensing a strong likelihood of another Tina Fey triple (Comedy Series, Comedy Actress and Comedy Writing). While I do think Ms. Fey is really funny, I hope she doesn’t turn into a Jeremy Piven or something and win every year. Toni Collette and Christina Applegate are really good in much more challenging roles. I mean, Tina Fey is essentially playing an exaggerated version of herself. That being said, I think she deserves the nod.

The remains

For the smaller categories, I’m predicting Neil Patrick Harris, Kristin Wiig, Michael Emerson, Chandra Wilson, The Amazing Race and who the hell cares about Reality Host? Oh and I predict Harris will be 800 times funnier and more clever than last year’s host quintet of Reality Show Hosts.

Enjoy the Emmys! Leave your own predictions in the comments section below!

What a night for AMC.

Bryan Cranston from AMC’s “Breaking Bad” got an Emmy and Mad Men was all over the place.

Paul Giamatti won a deserving Emmy for “John Adams,” which also won as a miniseries. Tom Wilkinson also won an Emmy as a supporting actor in the HBO production.

Comedy writing’s honor went to my dream girlfriend and yours, Tina Fey.

But the biggest surprises of the night were still AMC and cable’s dominance of many major awards. Surprisingly, a ton of Emmys went to low-rated shows that “no one watches.”

House and Hugh Laurie were also shown no respect Sunday. Everyone expected that Laurie was due for an Emmy, but it was Cranston’s night.

By the way, on the creative side, Stargate Atlantis did not win its Emmy. It was nominated for visual effects but lost to Battlestar Galactica.

Here’s the list of primetime winners. Let us know what you think:

Supporting actor, comedy series: Jeremy Piven, “Entourage,” HBO.

Supporting actress, comedy series: Jean Smart, “Samantha Who?,” ABC.

Supporting actor, drama series: Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages,” FX.

Direction, music comedy or variety program: Louis Horvitz, “60th Academy Awards,” ABC.

Supporting actress, drama series: Dianne Wiest, “In Treatment,” HBO.

Writing variety, music or comedy program: “The Colbert Report,” Comedy Central.

Commemorative Emmy for comedy writing: Tommy Smothers.

Lead actress, miniseries or movie: Laura Linney, “John Adams,” HBO.

Outstanding, variety, music or comedy series: “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Comedy Central.

Guest actor, comedy series: Tim Conway, “30 Rock,” NBC.

Guest actress, comedy series: Katherine Joosten, “Desperate Housewives,” ABC.

Directing, comedy series: Barry Sonnenfeld, “Pushing Daisies,” ABC.

Writing, comedy series: Tina Fey, “30 Rock,” NBC.

Made-for-TV movie: “Recount,” HBO.

Supporting actor, miniseries: Tom Wilkinson, “John Adams,” HBO.

Directing, miniseries, movie or dramatic special: Jay Roach, “Recount,” HBO.

Writing, miniseries, movie, dramatic special: Kirk Ellis, “John Adams,” HBO.

Supporting actress, miniseries, movie: Dame Eileen Atkins, “Cranford,” “Masterpiece Theatre,” PBS/BBC.

Reality competition program: “The Amazing Race,” CBS.

Miniseries: “John Adams,” HBO.

Individual in a variety or music program: Don Rickles, “Mr. Warmth,” HBO.

Guest actor, drama series: Glynn Turman, “In Treatment, “HBO.

Guest actress, drama series: Cynthia Nixon, “Law & Order Special Victims Unit,” NBC

Directing, drama series: Greg Yaitanes, “House.” Fox.

Writing, drama series: Matthew Weiner, “Mad Men,” AMC.

Lead actor, miniseries, movie: Paul Giamatti, “John Adams, ” HBO.

Lead actor, comedy series: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock,” NBC.

Lead actress, drama series: Glenn Close, “Damages,” FX.

Lead actor, drama series: Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad,” AMC.

Lead actress, comedy series: Tina Fey, “30 Rock,” NBC.

Reality host: Jeff Probst, “Survivor,” CBS.

Comedy series: “30 Rock,” NBC.

Drama series: “Mad Men,” AMC.

Although confusing and downright strange at some points, this year’s Emmy Awards were not entirely disappointing. Thanks to the fact that Ryan Seacrest was not on screen as often as he may have liked to be, there was no cheesy commentary overload. However, what was up with that censoring black ball? From the red carpet fashions to the award winners, these are some of the highlights of the 59th Emmy Awards.

At this year’s event, colorful jewel tones and red gowns were popular. Bold earrings and natural-looking make up and hairstyles were also a staple, and probable "trend" to look out for. America Ferreira, of Ugly Betty, dazzled in a royal blue Monique Lhuillier dress and could have looked better if she had been photographed from a different angle. Still, her belted gown made her look fabulous. Heidi Klum’s legs graciously flashed viewers too. Taking care of three children clearly keeps the supermodel active and toned.

As always, though, there were stars who overdid it. Hayden Panettiere looked overwhelmed in an empire waist dress that evoked a giant candy wraper. The men did not stay behind, either. Terry O’Quinn’s pink-a-licious shirt was beaming more than he was after winning the Best Supporting Actor award. In comparison to previous years, however, a feeling of glamour and old-fashioned Hollywood style was most prominent.

Once the awards began, the camera work was a little rocky. The clips with audio played in each category for the nominees were difficult tohear, since the audience’s reactions drowned their sound. Also, having the theme music of the shows play along with the clips created a pointless mix of sound and visual information. Some of the worst camera work, though, was during Christina Aguilera’s and Tony Bennett’s surprise duo; it was hardly seen because of the back and forth shots of them and the unnecessary dancers ballerinas around them.

One of the good moments came from–of all things–a commercial during the first break of the show. Macy’s new ads, featuring designers and celebrities working at Macy’s stores, were fresh. It was amazing to see famous faces willingly making fun of themselves for the sake of selling their products. Another worthwhile moment was when Lewis Black shared his hate for banner ads that run while shows are on. He argued that they took away from the audience’s interest in the story line. He could not be more right.

There were the expected winners–like the cast of The Sopranos winning Best Drama–and unexpected recognitions. NBC’s 30 rock beat out last year’s Best Comedy winner, The Office. James Spader, of Boston Legal, was also a surprise winner after beating James Gandolfini–the unmistakable Tony Soprano–for Best Actor. Grey’s Anatomy Katherine Heigl won for Best Supporting Actress, but her speech and correction of how to properly pronounce her last name made her appear snobbish. Sally Field, of Brothers and Sisters, delivered by far the best acceptance speech. She won for Best Actress and was bleeped by the odd black ball as she spoke out against the war in Iraq. She could have just been muted but audiences had to endure extended shots of the disco ball-esque object.

Overall, for an over 2 hour award show, the Emmy’s were amusing. People, if so inclined, even had the chance to get up and make a sandwich while nothing exciting was happening. With a usual award show format and now some new tested concepts, it was a way to pass that Sunday night.

Here’s the list of winners:
Supporting Actor – Comedy: Jeremy Piven (Entourage)
Supporting Actor – Drama: Terry O’Quinn (Lost)
Supporting Actress – Comedy: Jamie Pressly (My Name is Earl)
Supporting Actress – Drama: Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy)
Reality Competition Program: The Amazing Race
Lead Actor – Movie or Miniseries: Robert Duvall (Broken Trail)
Lead Actress – Movie or Minseries: Helen Mirren (Prime Suspect)
TV Movie: Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
Miniseries: Broken Trail
Lead Actress – Comedy: America Ferrara (Ugly Betty)
Lead Actor – Comedy: Ricky Gervais (Extras)
Lead Actress – Drama: Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters)
Lead Actor – Drama: James Spader (Boston Legal)
Comedy Series: 30 Rock
Drama Series: The Sopranos