Stockard Channing lifted hers like weights.
Ray Romano set his on the floor.
Six Feet Under director Alan Ball gingerly touched the tips of his and remarked, “It looks pretty dangerous!”
Many held theirs up in a victory salute.
The Shield‘s Michael Chiklis gripped his like he’d never let go.
Such was the scene at the 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, as the winners made their way backstage for a few words with the press, who were waiting with not-quite-bated breath, noshing on tasty eats and rifling through the Nokia paraphernalia stuffed into goodie bags (no phones, though, bummer).
If one could characterize this year’s Emmys in a word, it might be “genuine.” Some wins were expected, some were surprises, some were downright upsets, but all were hugely appreciated, judging by the self-effacing remarks of many of the stars who downplayed their wins but played up the contributions of others in front of and behind the camera.
You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby
The Shield star Chiklis was no less moved at his win backstage than he was during his acceptance speech. “When it happens, it’s a pretty out-of-body experience,” he said. “After all the ups and downs and all arounds in my career, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone more appreciative than me.”
“This is my big fat Greek Emmy!” he added, laughing.
Outstanding supporting dramatic actor winner John Spencer (The West Wing) was humble, saying, “In the 13 years I’ve been sober, I’ve been batting extra innings…these are extra innings I wouldn’t have. It shows me what a fortunate human being I am,” said. Then it almost looked as if was going to drop his own Emmy when his co-star Stockard Channing won outstanding supporting actress. “She won!” he cried, rushing offstage before reporters could get a last few questions out and refusing to look away from the big-screen TV as accepted. “I’m just so happy for her!” he said.
Channing won, again, a few minutes later for her supporting turn in the miniseries The Matthew Shepard Story. When asked how it feels to be holding an Emmy, she laughed. “It feels heavy!”
“I’ve heard, and it’s true, you don’t hear your name. I didn’t think I’d win, expected to just smile and be gracious,” she said.
“Everybody Loves” Emmy
Is CBS favorite Everybody Loves Raymond on the way to being the next Seinfeld? Winning three of the four comedy-acting Emmys this year, it just might be.
After all, star Ray Romano, winner of this year’s outstanding actor in a comedy series award, started out as a standup comedian–a role he carried into his backstage interviews. “There’s a big difference between us and Sex and the City. There’s no sex, and there’s no city.”
He even tossed in a little bathroom humor when asked if he thought winning so many Emmys this year could change attitudes on the set. “I don’t want to get too graphic here, but the only
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demand I’ve made in five years was to plumbing in the trailers. ‘Cause when I go to the bathroom, I want it to go away.”
“This is what you get when you’re young and sexy,” said outstanding supporting actress winner Doris Roberts, holding her statue triumphantly. “I didn’t think I was gonna win. That was probably the look you saw on my face, the disappointment of not winning!” she added with a laugh. “My kids say I rock. I’m really having a great time.”
Said outstanding supporting actor Brad Garrett about his win this year after not getting a nomination last year, “Sure you want to be up there, but if not, you feel bad for about four minutes. Then you realize, you’re on a hit show, you’ve got a good life, it’s all right!”
We Want Our West Wing
The cast of The West Wing, almost too distracted to find the stage, made their way to the microphone, talking amongst themselves or eating–like Martin Sheen, who chewed his food and carried his Barq’s root beer onstage with him.
Oft-nominated in the outstanding supporting in a dramatic series category, Allison Janney won this year for her first nod as outstanding actress. Looking too elegant in a stunning, long red gown, Janney stood head and shoulders above her cast mates. “This is just extraordinary.”
Rob Lowe, purposely, it seemed, hung back at the far end of the stage and immediately got involved in a conversation as if to avoid reporters’ questions about his exit from the show. Too bad–he was cornered by one who asked the inevitable: if he’d reconsider. He turned to show creator Aaron Sorkin and practically bowed. “This show is an amazing memory to have. It’s been an extraordinary ride.”
Alas, Not Friends Forever
It was Jennifer Aniston‘s night, after winning the outstanding actress in a comedy series award. This is first time the cast tried for the leading categories rather than supporting. Is it a bittersweet win, now that the show is in its last season?
“That’s it…yeah,” she said. “It’s the icing on the already…well, cake, you know, that cake…we’ve been eating for years…the icing…um…” OK, let’s just say she was at a loss for words. When asked if it was even more nerve-wracking that presenter Suzanne Pleshette stumbled over her name, she nodded. “I was just thinking to myself, maybe there’s another Jennifer.”
So why now, eight years after it first debuted, is Friends getting recognized with the outstanding comedy series award? All the friends balked at answering–Lisa Kudrow actually backed away from the microphone– until Matt LeBlanc stepped up. “Last year we were really strong, we’re in our ninth year now,” he said. “It was just our time.” Um, well said?
She’s Got a Good Head …
…on her shoulders, and now on her mantel. Bob Hope Humanitarian Award recipient Oprah Winfrey, positively glowing in her lemon yellow Bradley Bayou gown, was sans award backstage. “What a great honor to be alive, to win this award, and be fittin’ in this gown!” she joked.
“The definition of a humanitarian is one who understands he is human and everyone else is equally human,” she said, growing serious. “I’m going to have to do better…this doesn’t compare to what I could do [with the power of television]. Getting this awards reaffirms my commitment to do better.”
Did You Know?
