Who would’ve predicted that Emmy favorite Alec Baldwin would remove himself from the proceedings, or that Charlie Sheen would use the occasion of the 63rd Primetime Emmy awards to try to redeem himself in front of his former bosses– and the industry at large? Or that the lead actor from the canceled drama “Friday Night Lights” would score a touchdown by stealing the statuette from front-runners Jon Hamm and Steve Buscemi?
Emmy night was by turns, unpredictable yet rock steady. Jane Lynch’s hosting abilities were just beginning to settle in when one of the most buzzworthy parts of the show took place. All of the lead comedy actress contestants got up on stage as if it were a beauty pageant– apparently, Amy Poehler’s idea. It was a big “gotcha” moment as she ran up when her name was announced as a nominee, quickly followed by all the other funny ladies– and as surprising when it was Melissa McCarthy who took the tiara, the roses and the Emmy award from her comedy sisters.
Between “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Amazing Race” predictably adding to their already sagging trophy shelves, the only question is what other show stands a chance in their respective categories.
Another given on Emmy night: after the show, it’s off to the parties, often beginning at the Governors Ball where a hall of theLos Angelesconvention center is transformed into a magnificent wonderland. Patina Group’s acclaimed chef Joachim Splichal designed the menu and for the sixth year, Beaulieu Vineyard returned as the Official Wine Sponsor and Grey Goose Vodka, the Official Spirits Sponsor, and designer of the evening’s signature cocktail called, what else, “The Emmy.”
Boozing and schmoozing where the name of the game at parties all over the city, small and large, with another magnificent fete at the transformed Pacific Design Center for HBO and its many nominees and winners, who included Kate Winslet, Peter Dinklage and director Martin Scorsese.
All of the recently concluded “Entourage” cast were in attendance, buzzing about the planned upcoming theatrical film. “Too Big to Fail” stars William Hurt and James Woods worked the crowd, as did Alfre Woodard, Edgar Ramirez, Kathy Griffin, Juliana Margulies and William H. Macy. The entire cast of the five-time Emmy winning comedy “Modern Family” took over a section of the party for a huge celebration going late into the night.
A few days earlier, the Television Academy honored all of its performer nominees with a reception at the PDC catered by Wolfgang Puck, that feted talent including Elizabeth Moss and John Slattery from “Mad Men,” Eric Stonestreet, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sofia Vergara from “Modern Family,” Melissa Leo, Martha Plimpton, Josh Charles, Johnny Galecki, Brenda Strong, Beau Bridges and Alan Cumming.
Networks and talent agencies, including Showtime and NBC also held pre-Emmy bashes, where all of their respective nominees were still winners in the mood was festive.
But on Emmy night, even for those without the golden accessory named Emmy, it was time to celebrate the best of television.
