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8:30 p.m.: Brad Garrett Wins Big
Everybody Loves Raymond costar Brad Garrett won his third Emmy and the first Emmy of Sunday night, as best supporting actor in a comedy series.
"Thank you so much. I have to dedicate this to Britney and our baby," he quipped.
On a more serious note, Garrett thanked his costars on the CBS sitcom, which ended its nine-year run in May – and is signed for syndication until 2019, costar Doris Roberts said on the red carpet before the ceremony.
"We had an amazing run," said Garrett. "What a road it's been. I have to thank an amazing ensemble."
Meanwhile, William Shatner won his second Emmy, this time for Boston Legal, as best supporting actor in a drama series. (Last year, he won in the same category, for The Practice.) And Donald Trump (dressed as a hayseed farmer) and Megan Mullally kicked off the "Emmy Idol" singing competition, performing the theme to Green Acres.
As she did four years ago at the Emmys following 9/11, ceremony host Ellen DeGeneres kept the mood light but sensitive to current events on Sunday night, nearly three weeks after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast.
Speaking from the stage of L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium following a musical performance by Earth, Wind and Fire and the Black Eyed Peas, DeGeneres said: "You'll notice some of us are wearing magnolias, in support of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans is my hometown, and I have family in Mississippi, Our thoughts and our prayers go out to everyone affected."
She also said: "I guess I don't have to point that this is the second time I've hosted the Emmys after a national tragedy. I'd like to say that this is an honor, because it's times like this that we really need laughter." Pause, then: "And be sure to look for me next month, when I host the North Korean People's Choice Awards."
She also pitched herself to emcee the Oscars. "Man," she said, "I'd love to host that show."
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As for stargazing, a very pregnant Jennifer Garner, nominated for best dramatic series actress on Alias, walked down the red carpet before the show alone. She said that new hubby Ben Affleck was inside the hall, waiting for her. She also admitted that she knew the sex of her child but was keeping that to herself.
What she did say was that she and Ben were feeling the effects of a terrible loss on Sunday – by their beloved Boston Red Sox (to the Oakland A's).
Heidi Klum also showed up on the carpet, without husband Seal – and showing no effects of having had a baby only six days ago. "I hope I don't look like I'm still having the baby," said the svelte-as-ever supermodel.
Teri Hatcher, asked if she felt "diva or desperate" before the show, replied: "Neither. I feel hot."
A week ago, acting awards for guest actors on comedy and drama series were presented at a ceremony that also recognized technical achievements. In the acting arena, winners included Amanda Plummer (for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives), Bobby Cannavale (Will & Grace) and Ray Liotta (ER) – who was at the Toronto Film Festival last weekend and arrived at the Emmys Sunday night saying he was looking for his award.
