It was the New Wave Emmys on Sunday — a night filled with first-time winners.
With the exception of "Mad Men," which was named outstanding drama for the third year in a row, newcomers — led by outstanding comedy winner "Modern Family" — dominated. Of the 24 awards presented on Sunday in Los Angeles that could have had a repeat winner, only five did.
The Emmy Awards have been criticized — rightfully — for failing to recognize new talent; for honoring the same actors repeatedly and failing to catch the wave of what's new and different.
That, however, was not the case on Sunday, when the newbies beat the oldies far more often than not. Much to the delight of the newcomers.
"Modern Family" executive producer Steve Levitan went out of his way to thank viewers who made his show a n instant hit.
"We are so thrilled that families are sitting down together, watching a television show. ... We're so happy you have let us into your families," he said.
All four of the comedy acting awards went to actors who'd never won in their categories before: best actor Jim Parsons ("Big Bang Theory"); supporting actor Eric Stonestreet ("Modern Family"); supporting actress Jane Lynch ("Glee") and best actress Edie Falco ("Nurse Jackie"), who was among those seemingly shocked to be a winner.
"Oh, this is just the most ridiculous thing that has ever, every happened in the history of this awards show. I am not funny," said Falco, who had won three previous Emmys as lead actress in a drama ("The Sopranos").
And a flustered Parsons began his acceptance speech by saying, "Now I realize how much I did not think this was going to happen."
Ryan Murphy won for directing first-year comedy "Glee"; and Levitan and Christopher Lloyd won for writing first-year comedy "Modern Family."
And there were plenty of first-time winners on the drama side, as well: lead actress Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer"), supporting actor Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad"), supporting actress Archie Panjabi ("The Good Wife") and director Steve Shill ("Dexter").
Even "Top Chef" broke through, finally dethroning "The Amazing Race," which had won all seven previous reality/competition Emmys.
"This is something we never expected," said executive producer Dan Cutforth.
Not all the winners were first-timers. "The Daily Show" won its seventh Emmy as outstanding variety, music or comedy series, saving NBC the embarrassment of the Emmys honoring the jettisoned "Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien."
Other repeat Emmy winners were Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad"), who won his third-straight outstanding actor in a drama award; Matthew Weiner ("Mad Men"), who won his third straight for writing in a drama; and Al Pacino ("You Don't Know Jack"), who won his second as outstanding actor in a movie or miniseries.
HBO's "Temple Grandin," the fact-based story of a woman who overcame autism, nearly swept the TV movie category, winning three of the four acting awards, as well as Emmys for directing and as outstanding TV movie.
"On behalf of all the parents like myself who have children with autism, Temple Grandin, you are our hero," executive producer Emily Gerson Saines told the real Grandin, who was in attendance.
Claire Danes (lead actress), David Straithairn (supporting actor), Julian Ormond (supporting actress) and Mick Jackson (director) all won for "Temple Grandin" — and all won for the first time.
Other first-time winners included Adam Mazer (writing, movie or miniseries for "You Don't Know Jack") and Dave Boone and Paul Greenberg (writing, variety, music or comedy special, "Tony Awards").
Utahns Merlin Olsen and Gary Coleman were remembered in the "in memoriam" part of the program. BYU grad Jason Bagley accepted an Emmy for outstanding commercial ("The Man Your Man Could Smell Like," Old Spice body wash) at the Creative Arts Emmy presentation on Aug. 21.
As previously announced, George Clooney was presented with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his charity work.
"Here's hoping that some very bright person ... can help find a way to keep the spotlight burning on these heartbreaking situations that continue to be heartbreaking long after the cameras go away," he said.
"The Pacific," which won as outstanding miniseries, led the way with eight Emmys (including those presented at the creative arts ceremonies). "Temple Grandin" won seven, "Modern Family" won six, and "Glee" and "Mad Men" each won four.
As usual, HBO dominated the network race, winning 26 Emmys. ABC won 18; Fox 11; CBS 10; NBC eight; and PBS and Showtime seven apiece.
Jimmy Fallon's stint as host was uneven and weirdly musical. The "Late Night" host spent more time singing than telling jokes. And, while an opening number based on "Glee" was good and a musical tribute to "24," Law & Order" and "Lost" had its moments, his other bits fell flat.
His best line of the night came early. "NBC asking the host of 'Late Night' to come to Los Angeles to host a different show. What could possibly go wrong?" Fallon asked as the camera cut to Conan O'Brien.
And one of the night's other best lines came at Fallon's expense.
"I would just like to thank the Academy for allowing a gay man to host the Emmys two years in a row," said Neil Patrick Harris, who hosted last year.
e-mail: pierce@desnews.com