The Emmys Finally Air

The 53rd annual Emmys went off without a hitch. Host Ellen DeGeneres proved to be funny yet respectful and received a standing ovation for her efforts. Out of 27 categories there were 10 absentees, but the stars that did show seemed genuinely happy to be there. The subdued affair took place at the Shubert Theater, a smaller venue, and the attire was "dressy business." This earned the nickname "the semi-Emmys." Security was tighter and the paparazzi were overshadowed by the presence of the LAPD.

The West Wing and The Sopranos dominated the night with 18 and 22 respective nominations. The West Wing won for Outstanding Drama Series and walked away with the most overall trophies. The Sopranos’ (absentee) James Gandolfini and Edie Falco (who thanked the people and city of New York, the Yankees and Mayor Guiliani) scored Emmys for the lead actor categories. The West Wing’s Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford (both in attendance) took the supporting categories. For the comedy categories, Emmy attendees Eric McCormack of Will & Grace and Patricia Heaton of Everybody Loves Raymond won for the lead actor categories. In the supporting categories, Doris Roberts (celebrating her 71st birthday) of Everybody Loves Raymond and Peter MacNicol (sans a written speech, only a few words prepared to explain to his parents why he lost) of Ally McBeal took home Emmys.

The show wrapped with an emotional surprise as Barbra Streisand sang "You’ll Never Walk Alone" in front of a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives on September 11th. The general consensus of such a controversial decision to air the Emmys is that it was the right decision. TV Academy chairman Bryce Zabel is quoted as saying, "Like baseball and Broadway, we are an American tradition."