If you know me at all, you know Emmy night makes me happy. I was excited all day, reading Twitter posts from the stars on how they get ready for TV’s big show.
Neil Patrick Harris hosting assured it would be fun to watch, no matter who went home clutching a statue. Wilson and I are huge “How I Met Your Mother” fans, and beyond his TV comedy chops, that guy can sing and dance and generally own a room.
NPH didn’t disappoint. The opening was a very funny bit where all the previous hosts–including Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Jane Lynch and Conan O’Brien– offered advice and tried to pretend they weren’t crushed to be snubbed this year.
Half-way through the show Harris starred in an old school 70’s variety show song and dance number he appropriately called “the number in the middle of the show,” complete with bright lights, cheesy disco music and “Solid Gold” dancers. Sounds awful, but somehow I couldn’t turn away! Later on, there was an amazing number created by the nominated choreographers from all the dance shows, doing interpretive dances for each nominated comedy and drama series. It was quite a spectacle but I liked it.
The theme of the show was unexpected wins.
–Jeff Daniels of “The Newsroom” beat out “Mad Men’s” Jon Hamm and “Breaking Bad’s” Bryan Cranston for lead actor in a drama series.
–Many will say Kerry Washington was robbed when Claire Danes won for best actress in a drama., but no one does plays crazy like Danes in “Homeland. ”
–“The Colbert Report” finally beat out Jon Stewart for comedy writing and best variety series, but was classy enough to thank Stewart in both speeches.
–Virtual unknown Merritt Wever shocked everyone– especially herself– winning best supporting actress in a comedy for Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie,” and beating the likes of Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, and Jane Lynch.
There were several tributes to TV greats who died this year but it was Edie Falco’s speech about James Gandolfini that moved me most. Here are some other highlights:
Memorable for all the wrong reasons:
–Still not sure why Elton John sang a song written for Liberace or why Carrie Underwood sang “Yesterday” in a tribute bit to the 6o’s. Random, odd, and wasted precious time. Hey Emmy producers: people would rather hear more acceptance speeches than misplaced songs.
What got me grinning:
—Merritt Wever’s speech. I’ve been pulling for her since the pilot. She is über talented but apparently so shy she couldn’t even speak, merely saying thank you and ” I gotta go.” That humble awkwardness makes me love her even more.
—Sarah Silverman pulled a Sharon Stone, telling Ryan Seacrest her tight black dress was ordered on-line for $60. I don’t know if it’s true, but she looked good!
–There was a lot of bawdy banter on the show that kept the audience on its toes and made me giggle several times.
–Will Ferrell was hilarious announcing the best comedy and drama categories. He claimed he was asked to present 30 minutes before showtime so showed up dressed in shorts and a t-shirt with 3 kids that may have been his own.
What had Twitter buzzing:
–Michael Douglas won for best actor for playing Liberace and got the web chatting by thanking estranged wife Catherine Zeta-Jones.
–Many wondering how long it will take for Jon Hamm’s bear-like beard to have its own Twitter feed.
Click here for photos but my red carpet standouts were:
—Julia Louis-Dreyfus gets my best dressed award for her beaded metallic strapless Monique Lhuillier gown which fit her like a glove, with the perfect balance of sparkle and class… and modern, easy hair.
—No surprise that Sofia Vergara was my runner up in a tight red Vera Wang mermaid dress, and flowing blond locks. The dress was tailored but rough in a stunning shape and color, with just the right amount of detail and texture. Me gusta.
—Heidi Klum dazzled in a maroon beaded gown with a super modern neckline and high ponytail. Sleek, sexy, edgy. I likey.
–There’s no question the loveliest locks go to Connie Britton. Her strapless green velvet sheath with gold stitching might have been teetering on Scarlet O’Hara curtain territory, but it was overshadowed by that long, thick, cascading mane.
–I coveted Allison Williams’ gorgeous flowing hair but she looked a bit too skinny in glamorous peacock-blue Ralph Lauren dress. Don’t go too Hollywood Allison!
—Cobie Smulders looked particularly beautiful with simple yet elegant make up and hair, and a classy pink sheath dress.
—Julie Bowen often makes good choices and I think she pulled off her pretty Zac Posen pink dress. Its cap sleeves, gathered fabric, and a flowy bottom had a unique shape.
–I loved Juliana Margulies’ white sheath with black embroidered flowers. It was simple, yet dramatic and went well with her seemingly flawless alabaster skin and shiny black hair.
–My high school crush, Michael J Fox, still looks like a teenager– how is that possible? The new star of his own comedy this fall looked handsome and stylish in a straight tie tux.
Who may want to fire their stylist (or get one):
–I adore the brilliant Lena Dunham but her green dress with red flowers was an unflattering shape, and almost purposefully not pretty. Her severe haircut didn’t help.. but on the bright side her eye makeup was cool.
—Zosia Mamet was another girl from “Girls” who missed the mark in a watercolor-inspired dress with a black leather pattern in the bra area.
—Julianne Hough wore a sea-foam green dress that was twisted on top and sheer on bottom and all wrong. Bad color, shape and details. But pretty hair!
–Note to Claire Danes: good for you for not caving to Hollywood and getting a boob job, but no need to flaunt it in a dress that just hangs there. You always have great taste but this was not your best moment. But tip your hair stylist as your Princess Grace-do was working.
—Kate Mara wore a white patterned dress with too much going on– sheer patterned panels, severe slit cut, mock turtleneck and sleeves. It did not work for me.
—Will Arnett looked like a 50’s band leader in a super tight grey tux with black stripe. I think it was the same as Ryan Seacrest’s but Ryan wins that “who wore it best” contest.
Did you watch? Agree or think I’m as crazy as Walter White? Hit me with your thoughts in the comments!
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