The 60th annual Primetime Emmy Awards took place Sunday night at the famed Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
The Emmys, which are held every year to award the hard-working actors, producers and directors of television, opened with renowned talk show host Oprah Winfrey. She graced the stage in a cherry red gown to welcome everyone to the Awards, but her fame and charm could not hide the fact that she was poorly prepared. She paused in awkward places and stumbled over her words, making it very obvious to viewers that she was reading from a teleprompter.
Following Oprah's opening, the five hosts of the evening made their appearances onstage. They included Heidi Klum, supermodel and host of "Project Runway," Tom Bergeron, host of "Dancing with the Stars," Howie Mandel, host of "Deal or No Deal," Jeff Probst, host of "Survivor," and Ryan Seacrest, host of "American Idol."
The five performed an insufferable bit in which they stood before the audience, deliberately unprepared, and talked about how they were, in fact, unprepared. Finally, after a few very long minutes, Heidi Klum attempted to salvage the failing skit by stripping off her stuffy suit to reveal a skimpy cocktail dress, an act which quickly appeased frustrated and annoyed viewers.
The show began to pick up when Tina Fey and Amy Pohler of Saturday Night Live presented the award for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" to Jeremy Piven.
Viewers weren't thrilled about Piven's victory. "Jeremy Piven has won three years already," said freshman Mia Orobona. "I think the award should have gone to Neal Patrick Harris instead."
In between awards, singer Josh Groban entertained the crowd with his medley of 30 television theme songs, which included material from such classic shows as "Friends," "The Brady Bunch," "Cops," and "South Park." Another notable feature of the entertainment at this year's Emmys was the re-creation of various iconic television sets, including the Simpsons' living room and "The West Wing's" oval office
The biggest winner of the night was writer/actress Tina Fey. She not only looked gorgeous in her midnight purple David Meister gown, she also maintained her humble demeanor as she accepted three awards.
She took home the Emmys for "Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series," "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series" and "Outstanding Comedy Series," all for her show "30 Rock." The show itself was nominated for 17 individual awards.
Other winners of the night included Glenn Close for "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama," Brian Cranston for "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama" and Alec Baldwin for "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy." "Mad Men" won the Emmy for "Outstanding Drama Series."
While the show did have some dull, conventional parts, there were many enjoyable moments as well. Viewers were able to see their favorite actors recognized for their hard work and were entertained in the process: not a bad Sunday night television experience.