The Neil Patrick Harris-hosted Emmys sped by at an entertaining clip last night. Harris, who had already proved adept at hosting this year's Tony and TV Land awards, struck just the right balance of affable emcee, self-deprecating loser (after inexplicably losing the Supporting Actor Comedy award to Two and a Half Men's Jon Cryer) and Hollywood enthusiast.
It was also a wise move to tighten up the proceedings and group the awards together by category. Separating the presentation of awards by genre (comedy, reality, TV movie, variety and drama), the night seemed more focused and cohesive. It was still too long, but if that's the worst complaint, it's still vastly improved over years past.
The "In Memoriam" montage, accompanied by a live performance by Sarah McLachlan of "I Will Remember You," was particularly moving. The other clips were well-chosen, and it seemed appropriate that non-nominated shows were also highlighted.
The questions asked of nominees, such as writers and directors, were genius. It was great to see the drama writing nominees be so hilarious. The producers (also including Harris) also wisely presented two awards in a row with the same presenters, limiting on-stage banter and keeping the show moving.
In terms of the winners and losers, it was no surprise there were many repeats, including Mad Men, 30 Rock, Alec Baldwin, Glenn Close and Bryan Cranston.
The newbie winners were a bit more surprising, among them Kristen Chenoweth, Jon Cryer, Cherry Jones and Michael Emerson.
To sum up:
WHY, OH WHY?
Jon Cryer
REALLY? WELL, OKAY...
Kristen Chenoweth
SURPRISING BUT DESERVING
Michael Emerson and Toni Collette
BEST SPEECH
Ken Howard, who thanked a woman for donating him a kidney
MOST ELEGANT AND SUBDUED WINNER
Michael Emerson
LONG OVERDUE, ESPECIALLY FOR AN OSCAR WINNER
Jessica Lange
MOST GENUINELY HAPPY FOR HER CO-STARS
Drew Barrymore
FUNNIEST VETERAN PRESENTER
Bob Newhart
MOST INTERESTING PRESENTING PAIR
Drama Guest Acting Winners Ellen Burstyn and Michael J. Fox
COOLEST SALUTE TO A LATE GREAT
Justin Timberlake's shout-out to Bea Arthur
BEST COMIC BIT
Jimmy Fallon's Cher-echo fall-on-his-ass-cry-for help
Same time next year, folks!
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