'Modern Family' and 'Homeland' sweep Emmys

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Mad Men missed out on its fifth Emmy last night, beaten by the first-season drama, "Homeland," starring Claire Danes as a CIA agent and Damian Lewis as her investigation target.

CBS reported “Homeland” scooped the pool at last night's television awards, winning best drama; best actor, Damien Lewis; best actress, Claire Danes; and best writing.

ABC’s hit “Modern Family” also took top honors, with stars Eric Stonestreet and Julie Bowen both taking the gong for best supporting actor and actress. The show's director, Steven Levitan, won a statuette for his work.

“I never knew I’d be on TV as a gay man, but I love the pictures of hairy chests that you’re sending me,” Stonestreet said in his awards speech.

A pregnant Danes was gracious in her win, thanking the show's cast and her husband, Hugh Dancy. 

“My husband, my love, my life, my baby daddy. I couldn’t do anything without you. I love you so much and I am so grateful," New York Daily News said.

Failing to thank his co-stars was Jon Cryer, of "Two and a Half Men", who won best actor in a comedy.

“This is crazy! Something clearly has gone terribly wrong,” he said, making no mention of Ashton Kutcher nor his former co-star, Charlie Sheen. 

Surprising no one was the “best variety show” win by Jon Stewart's “The Daily Show”, hosted  — the program’s 10th straight win, reported Newsday.

Aaron Paul won best supporting drama actor for "Breaking Bad," beating Mad Men lead and hot favourite, John Hamm.

Accepting the gold award, Paul said: "Thank you so much for not killing me off. Thank you, Hollywood, for allowing me to be part of your group," he added, noting he'd moved from Idaho to pursue his dreams.

Downton Abbey's Maggie Smith won best supporting drama actress for her role.

HBO’s miniseries, “Game Change,” won its category, with Julianne Moore also winning best actress for her role as Sarah Palin, wrote Hollywood Reporter.

“Wow, I feel so vindicated, because Sarah Palin gave me a big thumbs down!” Moore said.

Host Jimmy Kimmel has been criticized for his lacklustre performance. Newsday reported that Kimmel had promised throughout the week a prank that would get people talking and tweeting. He brought "30 Rock's" Tracy Morgan on stage, then said, "Here's what we're going to do. Everyone in the audience go on Facebook and go on Twitter right now [and write] 'Oh My God, Tracy Morgan just passed out at the Emmys turn on ABC right now." The prank fell flat on the audience, but hit it big with social media. TwitterTV reported that 25,000 Tweets appeared withe term "Tracy Morgan" following the prank.

[View the story "Tracy Morgan pulls prank at Emmys" on Storify]
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