63rd Primetime Emmy Awards
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards, presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, recognized excellence in American primetime television programming produced between June 1, 2010, and May 31, 2011, with the main ceremony held live on September 18, 2011, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California, hosted by Jane Lynch and broadcast on Fox.[1][2] Nominations for the 63rd Primetime Emmys were announced on July 14, 2011, at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood, California, with Mad Men (AMC) leading all programs with 19 nods, followed by Boardwalk Empire (HBO) with 18 and Modern Family (ABC) with 17.[2] The event marked the second consecutive year for Modern Family as a top contender in comedy categories, while HBO's Boardwalk Empire earned 18 nominations in its debut season, highlighting the network's strong presence in drama.[2] In the ceremony, Boardwalk Empire emerged as the most awarded program with eight Emmys, including Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for Martin Scorsese's pilot episode, while Downton Abbey (PBS) secured six wins in its U.S. debut, taking Outstanding Miniseries or a Movie.[3] Modern Family won five awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series for the second straight year, with supporting actors Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen also victorious in their categories.[3] Mad Men claimed Outstanding Drama Series, its fourth consecutive win, while Julianna Margulies won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for The Good Wife (CBS).[3] Notable individual achievements included Melissa McCarthy's surprise win for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Mike & Molly (CBS), her first Emmy after a heartfelt speech, and Peter Dinklage's victory for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Game of Thrones (HBO), marking the fantasy series' early acclaim.[3] Kate Winslet earned Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for Mildred Pierce (HBO), which totaled five wins, and Barry Pepper won the male equivalent for The Kennedys (ReelzChannel).[3] The ceremony, produced by Mark Burnett, featured a mix of broadcast and cable dominance, with traditional networks like ABC and CBS taking key comedy prizes amid rising competition from premium cable.[1]Background
Nomination Process and Eligibility
The eligibility period for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards encompassed programs that originally aired in primetime (8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time) between June 1, 2010, and May 31, 2011, on U.S. national broadcast networks or cable systems reaching at least 50% of the U.S. audience and meeting the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' broadcast standards.[4] To qualify, entries had to be submitted electronically through the Academy's online portal, with producers selecting the appropriate category based on the program's format and intent, ensuring it aligned with definitions for drama, comedy, miniseries or made-for-television movie (following the 2011 merger of the miniseries and made-for-TV movie categories), or variety.[5] Category distinctions were rigorously defined to maintain separation between genres. Drama series required a narrative focus on serious, ongoing storylines with character development across multiple episodes, submitting any six episodes for consideration from a minimum of six eligible episodes. Comedy series emphasized humorous content and lighter tones, also requiring a minimum of six episodes. Miniseries or made-for-television movies were self-contained stories not intended for continuation, with miniseries consisting of two or more episodes totaling at least 150 program minutes and movies being single programs of original, one-part narratives. Variety series included talk shows, sketch comedy, or musical performances, with eligibility tied to original primetime airings and a minimum of six episodes.[6] These criteria ensured programs could not switch categories mid-run without petitioning the Academy, preventing genre manipulation, with comedy and drama designations locked after the premiere season.[6] The nomination process relied on ballots submitted by active members of the Academy, totaling more than 16,000 individuals organized into 28 peer groups, such as actors, directors, and writers.[7][8] Each peer group voted exclusively within their discipline—for instance, actors nominated performers in acting categories—using a preferential voting system to rank submissions. Ballots were due by June 24, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, after which independent accountants tallied votes to select the top five or six nominees per category based on the highest vote totals, ensuring a maximum of six per field.[9] This peer-driven approach prioritized expertise, with all active national members eligible to participate provided they met annual credit requirements in television production.Announcement of Nominees
The nominations for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards, encompassing eligible programming from June 1, 2010, to May 31, 2011, were publicly revealed on July 14, 2011, at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood, California.[4] The live event began at 5:40 a.m. PDT and featured actors Melissa McCarthy of Mike & Molly and Joshua Jackson of Fringe as on-stage presenters, alongside Television Academy Chairman and CEO John Shaffner, who introduced the proceedings.[10] Nominees were announced sequentially, beginning with the outstanding drama and comedy series categories, followed by acting, directing, writing, and other key fields, with the full list made available immediately on the Academy's website.[4] In total, nominations were issued across 25 major categories, underscoring the competitive landscape of primetime television that year.[11] HBO dominated the field with a leading 104 nominations, tying its own record and highlighting the network's continued strength in prestige programming such as Mildred Pierce (21 nominations) and Boardwalk Empire (18 nominations).[4] Other networks trailed significantly, with CBS receiving 50, NBC 46, PBS 43, and Fox 42, reflecting cable's growing influence over broadcast television in high-profile awards contention.[12] Initial industry reactions focused on the robust representation of cable series, including first-time nominees like HBO's Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire, AMC's Mad Men (19 nominations), and FX's Justified, which signaled a shift toward serialized dramas from premium networks.[4] Media outlets noted surprises such as Melissa McCarthy's unexpected nod for outstanding lead actress in a comedy for Mike & Molly, which she learned about live during the announcement, and the breakthrough for newcomers like Matt LeBlanc in Episodes and Louis C.K. in Louie.[13] Notable snubs drew commentary as well, including the absence of Bryan Cranston from the lead actor in a drama category despite his prior wins for Breaking Bad, and no series nomination for acclaimed shows like The Killing or Fringe.[14] Overall, coverage emphasized cable's surge and the broadening diversity of contenders, setting an anticipatory tone for the September ceremony.[15]Ceremony Overview
Date, Venue, and Broadcast Information
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony was held on Sunday, September 18, 2011, airing live from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PDT (8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. EDT).[2][16] The event took place at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California, a 7,100-seat venue renowned for its advanced stage technology and history of hosting major award shows.[2][17] Fox broadcast the ceremony in the United States, representing the network's return to Emmy telecasts since the 59th edition in 2007 as part of the rotating broadcast agreement among major networks.[18] The production was presented in high-definition and syndicated internationally to audiences in multiple countries.[19] Preceding the main ceremony, the Creative Arts Emmy Awards occurred on September 10, 2011, also at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.[4][20] Red carpet arrivals for the Primetime Emmys were covered live by E!.[21]Host and Production
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards were hosted by Jane Lynch, who was selected for her rising popularity from the Fox series Glee and her proven comedic timing, marking her second consecutive year in the role following her debut hosting the 62nd ceremony in 2010.[22][23] Executive producer Mark Burnett, known for reality television hits like Survivor and The Apprentice, took the helm for the first time, infusing the event with his signature style that prioritized spontaneity, unscripted moments, and surprise elements to keep the live broadcast dynamic.[18][24][19] The production was directed by a team including Kabir Akhtar, Joe DeMaio, and Troy Miller, with writing credits going to Paul Greenberg, Peter Karinen, Brian Sacca, and Mason Steinberg; the team emphasized seamless integration of live music performances and celebrity cameos to enhance the ceremony's energy.[25] Production designer Steve Bass crafted the visuals, while music director Paul Mirkovich oversaw the musical components.[19] The creative direction revolved around the theme of "television as a vast wonderland," which shaped the set design and incorporated elaborate musical numbers to evoke a sense of enchantment and celebration of the medium.[26][27] The event aired live on Fox.[18]Viewership and Critical Reception
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards attracted 12.4 million total U.S. viewers, an 8% decline from the 13.5 million who tuned in for the previous year's ceremony on NBC.[28][29] This figure marked the lowest viewership for the event since 2008, when it drew 12.3 million, despite being the highest-rated entertainment program in its Sunday night time slot amid competition from NFL football on NBC.[30] According to Nielsen's live + same-day metrics, the telecast earned a 4.2 rating among adults 18-49, holding steady from the 4.1 rating of 2010 and demonstrating resilience in the key advertising demographic.[31][32] Critics offered a mixed consensus on the ceremony, praising host Jane Lynch for her energetic and humorous performance, including sharp zingers and engaging skits with stars like Jon Hamm, while highlighting the significance of wins for AMC's Mad Men in drama categories and ABC's Modern Family sweeping the comedies.[19] However, reviewers noted pacing problems, particularly during the movies and miniseries segment, and criticized the over-reliance on musical numbers, such as a sappy "In Memoriam" tribute that undercut efforts to refresh the format.[19] Outlets like Variety described the show as confidently traditional yet occasionally draggy, contributing to an overall reception that balanced entertainment value with familiar flaws. The event was viewed as a modest rebound for broadcast networks, with Modern Family's dominance underscoring their competitive edge in comedy amid cable's strong showing in drama nominations and wins like Mad Men.[19] This dynamic highlighted ongoing industry shifts, where cable programs captured a majority of high-profile nods but broadcast fare maintained prominence in viewer-favored genres.[33]Winners and Nominees
Programs
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards recognized excellence in major program categories, highlighting standout series across drama, comedy, limited formats, and variety programming. These awards celebrated narrative-driven television from diverse networks, with a mix of established hits and emerging contenders vying for top honors. Broadcast networks like ABC and NBC demonstrated strong showings in comedy, while premium cable outlets such as HBO and AMC dominated drama nominations, reflecting the competitive landscape of 2011 television production.[2] In the Outstanding Drama Series category, AMC's Mad Men secured its fourth consecutive victory, underscoring the show's enduring critical acclaim for its portrayal of 1960s advertising culture and character depth. The nominees included HBO's Boardwalk Empire, Showtime's Dexter, NBC's Friday Night Lights, HBO's Game of Thrones, and CBS's The Good Wife, showcasing a blend of historical epics, procedural thrillers, and ensemble dramas that defined the genre's evolution toward complex storytelling. This win marked Mad Men as the first cable series to achieve four straight drama series Emmys, tying a record previously held by shows like Hill Street Blues.[34][33] ABC's Modern Family claimed the Outstanding Comedy Series award for the second year in a row, praised for its innovative mockumentary style and relatable family dynamics. Nominees comprised NBC's 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation, CBS's The Big Bang Theory, Fox's Glee, and NBC's The Office, representing a field rich in workplace satires and musical ensembles that emphasized humor rooted in contemporary social issues. The victory highlighted ABC's momentum in comedy, bolstered by ensemble acting successes that amplified the series' impact.[35] For Outstanding Miniseries or Movie, PBS's Downton Abbey emerged as the winner, lauded for its lavish depiction of early 20th-century British aristocracy and class tensions in a limited-format narrative. The category featured strong HBO entries like Cinema Verite, Mildred Pierce, and Too Big to Fail, alongside ReelzChannel's The Kennedys and Starz's The Pillars of the Earth, illustrating HBO's robust presence in prestige limited series despite the broadcast upset. This win signaled a resurgence for public television in high-production-value historical dramas.[36][37] Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart took home the Outstanding Variety Series award, recognized for its sharp satirical commentary on current events and political discourse. Nominees included Comedy Central's The Colbert Report, NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live, and NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, a lineup dominated by late-night and sketch formats that blended humor with topical relevance. The win reinforced the category's emphasis on intelligent, host-driven content amid a shifting media landscape. Overall, the programs reflected broader trends in 2011 television, with HBO leading in drama and miniseries nominations to affirm its prestige dominance, while ABC's comedy triumph exemplified broadcast networks' ability to capture mainstream appeal through ensemble-driven stories.[16]Acting
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards recognized outstanding performances in lead and supporting roles across drama series, comedy series, and limited series or movies, highlighting a diverse range of actors who brought depth to their characters through nuanced portrayals. Nominees were selected by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' performing arts peer group, with winners announced during the ceremony on September 18, 2011. This year's acting honors emphasized strong ensemble dynamics, particularly in comedy, while drama categories showcased intense character-driven narratives. In the drama series categories, Kyle Chandler won Outstanding Lead Actor for his role as Coach Eric Taylor in Friday Night Lights, portraying a principled high school football coach navigating personal and professional challenges; other nominees included Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Hugh Laurie (House), Timothy Olyphant (Justified), and Jon Hamm (Mad Men).[38] Julianna Margulies secured her second Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress as Alicia Florrick in The Good Wife, depicting a lawyer rebuilding her life amid scandal; nominees also featured Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Kathy Bates (Harry's Law), Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU), Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men), and Mireille Enos (The Killing).[39] For supporting roles, Peter Dinklage earned Outstanding Supporting Actor for his breakout performance as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, delivering sharp wit and vulnerability; the category included Walton Goggins (Justified), John Slattery (Mad Men), Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age), Alan Cumming (The Good Wife), and Josh Charles (The Good Wife). Margo Martindale won Outstanding Supporting Actress for her chilling portrayal of drug cartel matriarch Mags Bennett in Justified, with nominees comprising Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), and Michelle Forbes (True Blood).[40][41] Comedy series acting awards celebrated humor rooted in relatable family and workplace dynamics. Jim Parsons claimed his second consecutive win for Outstanding Lead Actor as the eccentric physicist Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, capturing the character's social awkwardness with precision; nominees were Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Matt LeBlanc (Episodes), Louis C.K. (Louie), Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory), and Steve Carell (The Office). Melissa McCarthy took home Outstanding Lead Actress for her role as Molly Flynn in Mike & Molly, bringing authenticity to a plus-size woman's journey toward self-acceptance; the field also included Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Tina Fey (30 Rock), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation), Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope), and Laura Linney (The Big C). In supporting categories, Ty Burrell won for his endearing performance as Phil Dunphy in Modern Family, highlighting the character's emotional range; nominees featured Chris Colfer (Glee), Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Ed O'Neill (Modern Family), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), and Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men). Julie Bowen received Outstanding Supporting Actress for Claire Dunphy in Modern Family, embodying the chaos of modern parenthood; other contenders were Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), Jane Lynch (Glee), Betty White (Hot in Cleveland), Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), and Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live).[42][43][44][45] Limited series and movie categories spotlighted biographical and historical tales, with Barry Pepper winning Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of Robert F. Kennedy in The Kennedys, conveying the politician's intensity and idealism; nominees included Edgar Ramírez (Carlos), Idris Elba (Luther), Greg Kinnear (The Kennedys), Laurence Fishburne (Thurgood), and William Hurt (Too Big to Fail). Kate Winslet earned Outstanding Lead Actress for her transformative role as homemaker-turned-entrepreneur Mildred Pierce in the HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce, exploring post-Depression resilience; the nominees were Diane Lane (Cinema Verite), Elizabeth McGovern (Downton Abbey), Taraji P. Henson (Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story), and Jean Marsh (Upstairs, Downstairs). Supporting wins in this area included Guy Pearce as Monty Beragon in Mildred Pierce for Outstanding Supporting Actor and Mare Winningham as Lucy Gessler in the same production for Outstanding Supporting Actress, underscoring the miniseries' ensemble strength.[46][47][13] A notable trend in the 63rd Emmys was the dominance of ensemble casts, exemplified by Modern Family, which secured two acting awards for Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen—reflecting the show's innovative take on family comedy and its appeal to voters for authentic, multifaceted portrayals. This emphasis on group dynamics contrasted with more solitary lead wins in drama, such as Chandler's and Margulies', which highlighted individual arcs in serialized storytelling.[48]Directing
The Primetime Emmy Awards recognize outstanding directing achievements across various genres, honoring directors who excel in visual storytelling, pacing, and technical execution for specific episodes or productions. In the 63rd ceremony, held in 2011, these categories celebrated innovative approaches in scripted and unscripted formats, with winners selected from five nominees each based on submissions evaluated by the Academy's directing peer group.[49] For Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, Martin Scorsese won for the pilot episode of Boardwalk Empire on HBO, marking his first Primetime Emmy after a storied career in film; his direction masterfully captured the gritty 1920s Atlantic City atmosphere through dynamic cinematography and tense pacing that set the series' tone.[49] The nominees included Jeremy Podeswa for Boardwalk Empire ("Anastasia", HBO); Neil Jordan for The Borgias ("The Poisoned Chalice", Showtime); Tim Van Patten for Game of Thrones ("Winter Is Coming", HBO), noted for its epic world-building and atmospheric dread; and Patty Jenkins for The Killing (pilot, AMC), emphasizing intricate action sequences and political intrigue.[15] In the Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series category, Beth McCarthy-Miller received the award for 30 Rock ("Live Show", NBC), praised for seamlessly orchestrating the episode's high-energy live broadcast format, blending rapid cuts and improvisational elements to amplify the show's meta-humor.[50] Other nominees were Pamela Fryman for How I Met Your Mother ("Subway Wars", CBS), showcasing tight ensemble timing in urban chaos; Michael Spiller for Modern Family ("Halloween", ABC), lauded for its chaotic family dynamics through fluid handheld shots; Gail Mancuso for Modern Family ("My Funky Valentine", ABC); and Steve Levitan for Modern Family ("See You Later, Buddy", ABC), focusing on emotional beats amid comedic escalation.[15] The Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special went to Brian Percival for Downton Abbey (Part 1, PBS), where his direction evoked Edwardian elegance through meticulous period detail, sweeping estate shots, and subtle class tensions that propelled the ensemble narrative.[51] Nominees comprised Olivier Assayas for Carlos (Sundance Channel), with its intense, globe-trotting thriller pacing; Todd Haynes for Mildred Pierce (HBO), highlighting intimate emotional close-ups and 1930s aesthetic; and Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini for Cinema Verite (HBO), capturing the raw, documentary-style improvisation of a family reality show.[15] For Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Series, Don Roy King won for Saturday Night Live (NBC), recognized for managing the show's frenetic live sketch transitions and celebrity-hosted chaos with precise timing and multi-camera precision.[13] The nominees included Gregg Gelfand for American Idol (Fox), noted for high-stakes performance staging; James Hoskinson for The Colbert Report (Comedy Central), excelling in satirical monologue visuals; Chuck O'Neil for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central); and Jerry Foley for Late Show with David Letterman (CBS), balancing monologue humor with guest interactions.[13] These wins underscored the Emmys' emphasis on genre-specific directorial craft, from dramatic tension to comedic vitality.Writing
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards recognized excellence in writing across several key categories, emphasizing narrative depth and emotional resonance in television storytelling. In the Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series category, Jason Katims won for the episode "Always" from Friday Night Lights on DirecTV, praised for its poignant exploration of closure and community in the series finale.[52] Notable nominees included David Benioff for "Baelor" from Game of Thrones on HBO, which featured intense moral dilemmas, and the Mad Men team for "Blowing Smoke" on AMC, highlighting themes of desperation and reinvention.[52] Other contenders like The Good Wife and Boardwalk Empire underscored the category's focus on complex character arcs in ongoing series.[13] For Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, Steven Levitan and Jeffrey Richman received the award for "Caught in the Act" from Modern Family on ABC, celebrated for its sharp family dynamics and humorous take on parenting mishaps.[53] The episode exemplified the category's blend of relatable wit and situational comedy, with nominees such as Matt Hubbard for "Reaganing" from 30 Rock on NBC, which satirized political maneuvering, and episodes from Parks and Recreation and The Office that highlighted ensemble humor.[53] These selections reflected a trend toward scripts that balanced levity with insightful social commentary. The Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special category went to Julian Fellowes for Downton Abbey on PBS, lauded for its intricate period drama weaving class tensions and personal dramas.[54] Strong competition came from HBO's Mildred Pierce, written by Todd Haynes and Christopher Hampton, which delved into maternal sacrifice and economic hardship during the Great Depression.[54] Other nominees included Cinema Verite on HBO and Upstairs, Downstairs on PBS, emphasizing self-contained stories with historical depth. HBO productions dominated nominations in this field, signaling their influence on prestige limited formats despite the PBS victory.[13] In Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central took the honor, recognized for its incisive satirical sketches on current events led by a team including Steve Bodow and J.R. Havlan.[55] Nominees like The Colbert Report on Comedy Central and Saturday Night Live on NBC showcased rapid-fire topical humor, while Conan on TBS and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC highlighted late-night innovation. Overall, the writing awards favored emotionally charged, character-focused episodes across genres, with HBO's miniseries entries establishing a pattern of dominance in narrative ambition.[55][13]Notable Achievements
Most Major Nominations
In the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards, major nominations referred to those in the 25 core categories presented during the main ceremony, encompassing outstanding series, acting, directing, and writing awards in drama, comedy, and miniseries or movie formats, while excluding the more than 100 technical and creative arts categories honored separately.[56] Among programs, Friday Night Lights and Mad Men tied for the most major nominations with 13 each, highlighting their critical acclaim in drama storytelling and ensemble performances. Boardwalk Empire followed closely with 12 major nominations, underscoring HBO's strong debut for the period drama. These tallies reflected the competitive landscape, where scripted series dominated recognition for narrative depth and character development.[56]| Program | Network | Major Nominations |
|---|---|---|
| Friday Night Lights | DirecTV | 13 |
| Mad Men | AMC | 13 |
| Boardwalk Empire | HBO | 12 |
Most Major Awards
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards saw ABC's Modern Family emerge as the top program with five major category victories, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Ty Burrell, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Julie Bowen, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.[3] This sweep underscored the show's dominance in the comedy field, where it secured wins across key creative and performance areas, building on its strong nomination slate earlier in the evening.[57] AMC's Mad Men secured its fourth consecutive win for Outstanding Drama Series, reinforcing its status as a cable powerhouse, though it did not claim additional major categories that year.[3] In the limited series domain, PBS's Downton Abbey led with four major awards: Outstanding Miniseries or Movie, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for Maggie Smith, Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special, and Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special.[3] HBO's Boardwalk Empire earned one major win for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Martin Scorsese for the pilot episode), highlighting its technical acclaim.[3] Individual achievements within Modern Family were particularly notable, as cast members Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen each claimed their first Emmy for supporting roles, contributing to the ensemble's collective success and demonstrating the series' depth in portraying family dynamics.[3] Modern Family's haul marked a resurgence for broadcast networks at the Emmys, with ABC leading all outlets in total wins and signaling a competitive edge over cable dominance in comedy programming.[57]Ceremony Highlights
Presenters
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, held on September 18, 2011, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, featured more than 20 celebrity presenters drawn primarily from nominated television programs and films to enhance thematic connections and audience engagement.[58] These presenters were strategically paired or grouped, often by show or genre, to facilitate light-hearted banter that built excitement during the 15- to 20-minute intervals between major award announcements.[59] This approach underscored the event's celebration of television talent, with host Jane Lynch occasionally introducing segments to transition smoothly into presentations.[60] Presenters were announced in stages by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences leading up to the event, highlighting a mix of Emmy nominees, recent winners, and prominent actors to reflect the diversity of the nominated content.[61] Notable examples of thematic pairings included Sofia Vergara, a nominee for Modern Family, alongside Rob Lowe from Parks and Recreation to present a comedy acting award, leveraging their comedic timing for on-stage rapport.[60] Similarly, the full cast of Entourage—Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Adrien Grenier, and Jeremy Piven—presented together for miniseries categories, emphasizing ensemble dynamics from their nominated series.[58] Other highlights featured Ricky Gervais paired with host Jane Lynch for a directing award in comedy, bringing his signature irreverent humor to the stage.[13] Claire Danes, a nominee for Homeland, joined Hugh Laurie from House to present a lead actress award in miniseries or movie, connecting drama genre stars.[58] Lea Michele from Glee and Ian Somerhalder from The Vampire Diaries represented younger ensemble casts in a variety directing presentation, while Gwyneth Paltrow, a Glee guest star and winner, closed with the Outstanding Comedy Series award.[59] The following table summarizes key presenters and their pairings, illustrating the ceremony's focus on collaborative star power:| Presenters | Affiliation/Notes | Presentation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Fallon & Jimmy Kimmel | Hosts/comedians; Fallon from Late Night | Comedy supporting actress |
| Ricky Gervais & Jane Lynch | The Office creator/host | Comedy directing |
| Will Arnett & Zooey Deschanel | 30 Rock nominee/New Girl star | Comedy writing |
| Charlie Sheen | Two and a Half Men star | Comedy lead actor |
| Rob Lowe & Sofia Vergara | Parks and Recreation/Modern Family nominee | Comedy lead actress |
| Lea Michele & Ian Somerhalder | Glee/The Vampire Diaries | Variety directing |
| Jon Cryer & Ashton Kutcher | Two and a Half Men co-stars | Drama writing & supporting actress |
| Loretta Devine & Paul McCrane | Grey's Anatomy/Harry's Law winners | Drama directing |
| Bryan Cranston & Katie Holmes | Breaking Bad/The Kennedys | Drama lead actress |
| Drew Barrymore, Annie Ilonzeh, Minka Kelly, Rachael Taylor | Charlie's Angels cast | Drama lead actor |
| Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Adrien Grenier, Jeremy Piven | Entourage cast | Miniseries writing & supporting actress |
| Melissa McCarthy & Amy Poehler | Mike & Molly/Parks and Recreation nominees | Miniseries lead actor & directing |
| David Boreanaz & Anna Torv | Bones/Fringe | Miniseries supporting actor |
| Claire Danes & Hugh Laurie | Homeland nominee/House nominee | Miniseries lead actress |
| Don Cheadle | Actor | Miniseries or movie |
| Maria Bello & William H. Macy | Shameless stars | Drama series |
| Gwyneth Paltrow | Glee guest winner | Comedy series |