zipped up (emmy awards show blog)
And right now in Los Angeles, Emmy after-parties are gearing up. In my own house here in the Berkshires, the party is winding down.
Here are some final thoughts on tonight's Emmy awards:
* As they announced the nominees for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, I said I'd be happy if any of the first three -- Alec Baldwin ("30 Rock"), Steve Carell ("The Office") or Ricky Gervais ("Extras") -- took the prize. But I never really expected it to go to Gervais. Not that he isn't a comic genius; I just didn't expect the Academy to recognize the incredible work the man does. Yes, sometimes I don't give the Academy enough credit.
* America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty") won for Actress in a Comedy. Quelle surprise. Everybody at my little party was gunning for Tina Fey ("30 Rock"), but we all knew Ferrera would win. Although we did get a little hopeful after Gervais' upset.
* Speaking of false hope, I forgot to mention that when Supporting Actress in a Comedy was announced, two of us sat up, faces alight, ready to cheer until the "J-" turned out to be "Jaime Pressly" instead of "Jenna Fischer." They psyched us out.
* James Spader ("Boston Legal") was, I thought, a surprise winner for Actor in a Drama. I thought that one was going to James Gandolfini ("The Sopranos") for sure.
* Come to think of it, "The Sopranos" didn't walk away with as many Emmys this season as I expected. Maybe the love-it-or-hate-it finale turned the voters off? But it did take Best Drama, so I guess it's all good.
* "The Office" was spurned pretty badly this year. And that's unfortunate, because I still maintain it's the best show on TV.
* But at least "30 Rock," the little comedy that could, won for Best Comedy. And that ended the night on a high note at my little party.
* I have to say that, fashion-wise, this was the blandest awards show I've seen in a long time. Nobody was wearing anything particularly hideous -- actually, the worst dress I saw, aside from some radioactive yellows on one of E!'s red-carpet greeters, was worn by someone I adore and admire who was denied her rightful Emmy, so I won't say.
Good night, all, and happy after-partying!