Emmy Recap: Neil Patrick Harris’s Hit Opening; Fashion Falters

Of course, Neil Patrick Harris nailed it. Not only is he awesomely tried, talented, and true, it was his third hosting gig for awards this year. And while the Primetime Emmy Awards show was certainly the most prestigious event N.P.H. has emceed yet, it was every bit as quirky, self-deprecating, and yes, gay, as the TV Land or Tony Awards in Harris's skilled hands.

While the reviews for Harris's turn are resoundingly glowing, in other Emmys news, it was a night of surprises.

Surprisingly uninspired red carpet choices. The tweets say even Rachel Zoe was too busy to style celebs for the Hollywood awards show, and it showed somewhat. But Glenn Close is so fine she defies tacky cougar labels. Meanwhile, the TV doctors showed strong: Kate Walsh was pretty in lilac, and Sandra Oh-M-G, didn't she look gorgeous?! It felt as though Blake Lively and Jennifer Love Hewitt took a swing and a miss with dated, done-to-death red carpet choices.

After watching every preshow red carpet outlet out there, the results are in. Liked: mirror-ball glass details. Disliked: blah Grecian gowns. You better get risky and refreshing come Oscar season, A-listers!

Surprising as well were the wins by underdogs. We were braced for heartbreak that Kristin Chenoweth's work on the canceled Pushing Daisies would be overlooked, but straight out of the gate, Chenoweth won.

And as Jon Cryer beat host Harris and Toni Collette triumphed over Emmy darling Tina Fey, it seemed upset after upset was in the cards until the final categories yielded very familiar results: Mad Men took best drama, again, and 30 Rock best comedy, again.
The makers of HBO's Grey Gardens took the stage to accept outstanding made-for-TV movie with their white knots proudly displayed on their tux lapels, and Jessica Lange shared her award for lead actress with her costar Drew Barrymore.