By By Michael Glennon
After a great tragedy, it is important that we, as a nation, remember what is important in life. That’s right: Celebrities. After the largest natural disaster in America’s history, Hollywood was still able to starve itself for three days, squeeze into a gown and prove that it cares by wearing a symbol that shows how much it does (this time, a Magnolia). So started the 57th Annual Emmy Awards.
The Emmys opened with Earth, Wind, and Fire performing an altered version of “September” with the lyrics changed to talk about the Emmy nominations. The Black Eyed Peas joined them on stage (sans Fergie) to pump up the funk. The combination proved uglier than the lyrics. When the director cut to an unaware Jon Stewart he looked shocked and disgusted. This was only the first five minutes.
Then came Ellen. She started with a nod to the recent tragedies along the Gulf coast. She then launched into a series of spectacular bombs. Her opening material could have been much stronger.
The Desperate Housewives looked like Kidman-clones as they presented the Emmy to Brad Garrett of “Everybody Loves Raymond” for “Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy.” He beat out Jeremy Piven, the presumed category leader, who plays agent Ari Gold on “Entourage.” Piven was not happy.
William Shatner won “Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series” for “Boston Public.” Hugh Jackman won “Best Individual Performance in a Comedy or Variety Show” for hosting the Tony Awards. Doesn’t it sometimes seem that Wolvie loves those musicals a bit too much? Jon Stewart should have won.
“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” did win for “Best Writing” and “Best Comedy or Variety Program.” It was a big year for Jonny and the boys.
Doris Roberts from “Raymond” won yet another Emmy for “Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.” Jessica Walters from “Arrested Development” put in a more memorable performance this year, but Hollywood clearly has a soft spot for shows that have ended.
The biggest winners of the night were “Lost” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” “Lost” won for “Best Drama” and couldn’t be more deserving. The show is complex, challenging, cutting edge and incredibly well-crafted. “Everybody Loves Raymond,” on the other hand, just finished its nine-year run on CBS. “Raymond” was the last conventional sitcom on television of any importance. May its retirement bring forth a new dawn of truly great sitcoms like “Arrested Development” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Recently ended “Everybody Loves Raymond” won big this year. (Image courtesy NYTimes.com)