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
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