According to Jane Lynch from Glee, host of the 2011 Emmy Awards, in her opening musical number, “TV is a vast wonderland, a kingdom of joy in a box.” I’ll admit that there is some truth to that statement, even where there are better, more productive things to do… like IB homework. Nonetheless, here to celebrate another year of television were the 63rd annual Emmy Awards. Here are the highlights of last night:
Jane Lynch’s Opening Number
Summing up the nature of modern television in her opening musical number, Jane Lynch covered everything from Dancing With the Stars to Mad Men to Big Bang Theory to, of course, Glee as a strong beginning to the awards show.
Emmytones
The Emmytones were a vocal group that offered transitions and reintroduced the awards show after commercial breaks in song. A highlight of this part was LL Cool J interrupting the group to offer his opinion on television in rap style.
Charlie Sheen’s appearance:
After a controversial year of offensive quotes, worthy of ruining a reputation, Sheen made an appearance at the Emmy’s to present Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He was quick to add a wish of success to his former show, Two and a Half Men. Very classy, Mr. Sheen.
The Lonely Island
Offering some much needed comic relief, The Lonely Island made one of two musical performances of the night. Along with Michael Bolton as Captain Jack Sparrow and Akon and many extras in costume, the trio covered well-loved and known hits such as “Jack Sparrow”, “3-Way” and “I Just Had Sex”.
In Memory of…
The Canadian Tenors sang a heart-wrenching version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah as a tribute to members of the television community who have passed away including Elizabeth Taylor and Cliff Robertson. During the commemorative clip, a quote from Steve Cannell sums up the spirit of the Emmy’s as the “feeling of family is what these shows are about.”
Below are the winners of the night:
2011 Emmy Award Winners:
Comedy:
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series- Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series-Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series-Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series-Melissa McCarthy, Mike and Molly
Reality/Variety:
Outstanding Reality Competition Program- Amazing Race
Drama:
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series- Margo Martindale, Justified
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series- Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series- Julianna Marguiles, The Good Wife
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series- Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Big Winners:
Outstanding Drama Series Mad Men
Outstanding Comedy Series Modern Family
