The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards took place at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. Amid the music, comedy and gushing acceptance speeches two shows stood out from the crowd: ABC sitcom ‘Modern Family’ and British period drama ‘Downton Abbey.’
‘Modern Family’ took a total of five awards, including the prestigious award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Referring to the shows domination of the earlier part of the ceremony, host Jane Lynch joked, “Welcome back to the ‘Modern Family’ awards. We’ve decided to throw them into the drama category just to see what happens.”
However perhaps more surprising, British ITV1 drama ‘Downton Abbey,’ which is due to return to PBS in January 2012, secured four awards including the award for ‘Outstanding Miniseries or Movie’. Julian Fellowes was singularly acknowledged for his writing, as was Brian Percival for his direction and Maggie Smith as supporting actress.
The ceremony was hosted by ‘Glee’ actress Jane Lynch, who opened the awards in typical ‘Glee’ fashion singing a musical number on the nature of television. After flinging blue slushie over her ‘Glee’ alter ego Sue Sylvester, Lynch proclaimed, “TV is a vast wonderland, a kingdom of joy in a box,” comically capturing the spirit of the awards ceremony.
For a complete list of nominees and winners, click here.
Check out Jane Lynch’s musical opening sequence below.
