Not so fast. Shockingly, “The Sopranos” was completely shut out of the acting categories. Michael Imperioli was beaten in the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama category by Terry O’Quinn from “Lost.” Lorraine Bracco and Aida Turturro lost Best Supporting Actress to “Grey’s Anatomy’s” Katherine Heigl. It was an especially stinging loss for Bracco, who for the first time entered the Supporting Actress race, ostensibly to avoid being hit by the Edie Falco Victory Express. But the strategizing was all for naught: Falco was trounced in the Lead Actress category by Sally Field of “Brothers and Sisters,” who delivered a harried, tongue-tied, but, naturally, charming acceptance speech. And Big Tony himself, James Gandolfini, lost Lead Actor to James Spader of “Boston Legal,” a decision so mystifying that September may roll around again before the nation is finished Monday-morning-quarterbacking it.
But that didn’t mean the “The Sopranos” walked away without being honored for essentially revolutionizing dramatic television. The series was named Best Drama, and the entire cast was honored with a tribute performed by the cast of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys.” The “Jersey Boys” segment was an odd moment, pairing the wholesome music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with violent highlights from the TV show. In less weird accolades, Chase was awarded Best Writing for a Drama Series for the series finale, and Alan Taylor took Best Directing for “Kennedy and Heidi,” the episode in which Tony snuffed out his beloved nephew, Christopher Moltisanti.
The comedy field was filled with jaw-droppers as well, but not quite as many. The surprises were Jaime Pressly of “My Name Is Earl” taking Best Supporting Actress over the more deserving Vanessa L. Williams of “Ugly Betty,” and the winner of the preshow buzz contest, Jenna Fischer of “The Office.” Ricky Gervais took Best Actor in what was perhaps the most difficult race of the evening to call, beating out Steve Carell, Tony Shalhoub, Alec Baldwin and Charlie Sheen. But many of the comedy acting categories were easily telegraphed. America Ferrera won for “Ugly Betty,” adding an Emmy to the Golden Globe she already won for her Lead Actress performance, while Jeremy Piven took home his second Supporting Actor award for playing Ari Gold on “Entourage.”
If there was a moral to this year’s Emmys for the actors nominated, it’s this: get a job behind the camera. The most buzzed-about shows, the ones everybody expected to win, were honored with awards for writing, direction and overall achievement, though their actors were snubbed. It was as true for the comedy categories as the dramas. “The Office” took Best Comedy writing for the hilarious “Gay Witch Hunt” episode, while its stars Carell, Fischer and Rainn Wilson were passed over. “30 Rock” won Best Comedy Series, though Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin lost in their respective acting categories. (Though foul-mouthed granny Elaine Stritch did win Best Guest Actress for her “30 Rock” appearance.)
Ryan Seacrest was unfortunately not a surprise—he was expected to fall short as host, and in spite of a self-deprecating stab at a monologue, he did. Seacrest is very telegenic, and while he did his typical workmanlike job to steward the show, he wasn’t able to provide the punch lines of a Conan O’Brien. There were many funny moments throughout the night, however, including an opening musical number from “Family Guy”’s Brian and Stewie that skewered Zach Braff of “Scrubs” as well as the ladies of “Desperate Housewives.” The funniest bit, though, was when “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” host Wayne Brady came to the stage and “randomly” selected Rainn Wilson and rapper Kanye West to compete against each other in a karaoke battle. Unfortunately for Wilson, the category was “The Songs of Kanye West.” In a hysterical segment, Wilson bested West, and West took it like a champ—perhaps the first time he’s managed to behave himself after losing at an awards show.
He probably figured he could commiserate at the “Sopranos” after-party.
