‘Top Chef’ overcomes ‘The Amazing Race’ at the Emmys; Edie Falco, Jim Parsons take comedy awards
The biggest surprise of hour one at the Emmys: “Top Chef” won the reality-competition prize and overcame “The Amazing Race.”
“Race” had won the prize seven years in a row.
Host Jimmy Fallon opened the show with a daffy salute to “Glee” that featured Jon Hamm, Tina Fey, Betty White and the Fox show’s cast. Fallon kept the tone loopy and the show moving. He strummed his guitar to introduce the various segments. The speeches were better than usual.
Comedy actress Edie Falco of “Nurse Jackie” was stunned by her victory. Best line: “I’m not funny.”
Comedy actor Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory” thanked the writers for his character. His best line: To the audience, he said, “Thank all of you. Some of you apparently voted for me. That was very sweet. Thank you”
Supporting comedy actress Jane Lynch of “Glee” described her victory as “outlandish,” but it was widely expected. Her best line: “I want to say to the cast. I love you, you’re young and you’re wonderful, you’re fresh-faced. When I’m not seething with jealousy, I’m so proud of you.”
Supporting comedy actor Eric Stonestreet of “Modern Family” beat two co-stars for the prize. His best line: ”I’m the product of supportive parents,” he said, adding that he would give the statuette to his parents. “This is going home with you so you can wake up every day and go to bed every night and see what you made possible for myself.”
“Modern Family” won for comedy writing; honorees Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd spoofed the Old Spice commercial. “Glee” won for comedy director Ryan Murphy, who saluted his teachers and arts education.