So it was with the 2012 Primetime Emmys, where a slew of winners from Homeland, Modern Family, and other acclaimed shows got to strut their stuff and wave their trophies for a moment. From Julia Louis-Drefyus’ hilarious acceptance speech to Jon Cryer’s head-scratching win for Best Comedy Actor, Celebuzz has compiled a list of the best and worst moments from Sunday’s telecast.
– And they're off! Host Jimmy Kimmel opened the Emmys with jokes about Honey Boo Boo and politics ("Being a Republican in Hollywood is like being a Chick-fil-A sandwich on the snack table at Glee."), and noted that this is the first year none of the four major networks have been nominated for Best Drama. "The Academy is sending a pretty clear message," he said, "and that message is, 'Show us your boobs.'" And (some of) the awards go to: Lead Actor, Comedy: Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men Lead Actress, Comedy: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep Reality Program: The Amazing Race Lead Actor, Drama: Damian Lewis, Homeland Lead Actress, Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland Variety Series: The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Lead Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Julianne Moore, Game Change Lead Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Kevin Costner, Hatfields & McCoys Miniseries or Movie: Game Change Drama Series: Homeland Comedy Series, presented by Michael J. Fox, who got a standing ovation: Modern Family Click for the complete list of winners. For more from the night, check out the eight best and worst moments or the 10 best things winners said backstage.