The 2012 Primetime Emmys: Modern Family Steals the Spotlight
Jimmy Kimmel kicks off the Emmys looking like a “Real Housewife.”
If you happened to miss last night’s Primetime Emmy Awards, it began with host Jimmy Kimmel’s opening sketch, in which he cried over his frightening Botox treatment-gone-wrong, got punched in the face by several actresses including Mindy Kaling, Kathy Bates, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and then borrowed Ellen DeGeneres’ pants.
The Modern Family cast and crew stole the show, winning in categories including Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Eric Stonestreet), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Julie Bowen), Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Steven Levitan), and Outstanding Comedy Series. But there were a handful of other notable wins and memorable moments during last night’s show as well.
Louis C.K. took home the award for Outstanding Writer for a Comedy Series, Jon Cryer of Two and a Half Men won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus of Veep won for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Haverhill native Tom Bergeron of Dancing With the Stars snagged the award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program.
Breaking Bad‘s Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston’s co-star and meth-making sidekick on camera, took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. The hit show, nominated for several awards, did not share Modern Family‘s winning streak, but the star duo were featured in a comedy sketch where we are exposed to an odd yet hilarious Breaking Bad and Andy Griffith show hybrid. Maggie Smith of Downton Abbey also won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series both went to Homeland stars Damian Lewis and Claire Danes, respectively. Homeland also won for Outstanding Drama Series.
Beloved host Jimmy Kimmel did not walk away with a win, jokingly showing his disappointment by calling out his parents mid-show, having them escorted from the room for telling him he could do anything, including win an Emmy, which was apparently a “lie.” Not surprisingly, Kimmel also managed to sneak in a reference to his ongoing feud with Boston boys Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in a heartfelt duet with Josh Groban.
As the night came to a close, Kevin Costner won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries for Hatfields & McCoys, and Julianne Moore was awarded Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries for Game Change. Game Change also took the Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries or TV Movie. But at the end of the night, the Modern Family creators and cast were back on stage accepting their final award of the evening for Outstanding Comedy Series.
