Neil Patrick Harris hosts the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards Kevin Winter/Getty Images After what seems like months of hype (actually, it was months of hype), the Primetime Emmy Awards finally came and went this year, with the indefatigable Neil Patrick Harris serving as both host and co-producer. As a master of ceremonies, NPH proved once again that there's nothing he can't do (why isn't he anchoring an evening newscast?) -- except, of course, decide who wins, write their speeches for them and then accept on their behalf. Here are the highs and lows of the Emmys telecast:
Best: Kristin Chenoweth's Shocked Speech
It was one of the rare award show moments where a deserving actress said she didn't think she'd win, and was actually telling the truth. Her speech was an outpouring of emotion our hearts melted to see such genuine appreciation for a bittersweet win.
Best: John Hodgman Color Commentary
Hands-down the funniest running gag of the night, everybody's favorite nerd peppered the proceedings with comments like "This is the first time a musical has been written for a wolverine."
Worst: The Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Comedy Eyeware
There's just no accounting for how Amy Poehler talked Kristin Chenoweth, Jane Krakowski, Elizabeth Perkins and Kristen Wiig (but not Vanessa Williams!) into participating in such a dumb "Let's all wear funny glasses!" gag.
Best: Introducing Presenters By Their Worst Credits
We've all got to start somewhere, and announcing Hollywood's biggest names as the stars of their lamest after-school specials and direct-to-DVD voiceover credits was brilliantly self-effacing
Worst: "Family Guy" Viral Sketch
The sight of Stewie beating the hell out of Brian has been uploaded, e-mailed, Tweeted and IM'd all over the web for a month now. Not sure we needed to see it again on TV.
Best: Dr. Horrible Swoops in to Save Us from Listening to Accountants
We didn't have to suffer the accountants who tabulated the night's votes boring us with process commentary. Instead, we got to see Dr. Horrible and Captain Hammer cut in and be awesome.
Worst: "The Amazing Race" Wins Yet Again
We're huge fans, but it's past time that great shows like "Top Chef," "Project Runway" and "So You Think You Can Dance" were honored instead.
Best: Jeff Probst Admitting His Hosting Duties Stunk
When Probst won Best Reality Host he took a moment in his speech to address Neil Patrick Harris and admit that he was doing a bang-up job, saying "This is the way you host." As opposed to how Probst and his reality cohorts did last year, of course.
Worst: Jim Parsons Loses
We all love Alec Baldwin's Jack Donaghy, and his acceptance speech for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series was funny, concise and charming as usual, but Parsons' performance on "The Big Bang Theory" is one of the funniest on television.
Best: Ricky Gervais is Awesome All Over Again
He openly joked about his executive producer credit on "The Office" being meaningless and just a huge paycheck, mocked how unattractive the male comedy nominees are, and deftly brought the house down with ease.
Worst: The Reality Dance Number
First Karina and Maksim did some traditional dancing, then they left and a bunch of random "So You Think You Can Dance" alums did some hip-hop moves and then Karina and Maks came out again. We love us some production numbers, but this was just poorly thrown together at best.
Best: Michael Emerson Finally Wins
The greatest portrayal of a villain on television, on one of the last few quality shows on a network, was finally honored for his work. Justice served.
Both Best and Worst: Jon Cryer Beats Neil Patrick Harris
We hate "Two and a Half Men" and wanted NPH to win this one, but even we have to
to admit that Jon Cryer's Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series win set up some great NPH faux-bitterness comedy. And it actually reminded us how funny Cryer can be when he's not on one of the worst shows on television.
More from TELEVISION WITHOUT PITY:
- The Biggest Emmy Snubs of All Time
- Fall TV: What to Watch, Skip & DVR Each Night
- 'Top Chef' All-Stars Hit the Red Carpet
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