Emmys fail to offer a surprise

Monday, August 28, 2006 The White House drama 'West Wing' has won a record 26 Emmy awards. LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Emmys followed a predictable path Sunday as Tony Shalhoub won his third acting trophy for "Monk" and departed series "Will & Grace," "The West Wing" and "Huff" earned bittersweet toasts. The surprises in the ceremony were courtesy of host Conan O'Brien and his inventive comedy bits, including a running gag that had Bob Newhart's life threatened if the show ran long. "I just want to say it's gratifying to be chosen from such a distinguished group of losers — actors," Shalhoub joked in accepting the award for best actor in a comedy. Among the also-rans looking on: Steve Carell of "The Office," a critical favorite. Winning didn't take the sting out of cancellation for at least one star. "It's not supposed to work this way, is it, when you say goodbye to something?" said Blythe Danner, named best supporting actress in a drama for the canceled "Huff." "I guess I have to thank Showtime, even though they canceled us," Danner said, with a smile. "24" won the Emmy for outstanding drama series, and "The Office" won for outstanding comedy series. Megan Mullally was honored for her supporting actress work in the sitcom "Will & Grace," which wrapped up its eight-year run. And Alan Alda was named best supporting actor in a drama for his role as a Republican presidential candidate on "The West Wing," canceled after seven seasons. Alda wasn't on hand to accept the award. But Alda might have become blase: In recent years, he also had an Oscar nomination for his role in Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator," a Tony nomination for his Broadway performance in David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross," and another Emmy bid for "West Wing" — none of which he won. His win was the 26th Emmy for the White House drama, a drama series record. The show had been tied with "Hill Street Blues" and "L.A. Law" with 25. More awards Jeremy Piven of "Entourage" was named best supporting actor in a comedy. O'Brien made sure "Lost," largely left out of the Emmy awards, got noticed after all. The ceremony opened with a filmed comedy bit in which O'Brien was seen sipping champagne aboard a jetliner. "What could possibly go wrong tonight?" he says — before the plane crashes onto an island resembling the one in ABC's drama. After being greeted by "Lost" star Jorge Garcia, O'Brien fled through a mysterious hatch and ended up crashing through other series including "The Office," "24" and "House." "Subject could be anemic, possibly albino," was the diagnosis of "House" star Hugh Laurie. O'Brien was equally self-deprecating before he started a song-and-dance number. "It's my second time hosting. And as you'll see tonight, the third time's the charm," O'Brien said. The ceremony paid tribute was paid to producer Dick Clark of "American Bandstand" fame, who has been recovering from a stroke he suffered in 2004. "I have accomplished my childhood dream, to be in show business. Everybody should be so lucky, to have their dreams come true. I've been truly blessed," said Clark, his speech somewhat muffled. He was seated at a podium on stage when he was introduced. Barry Manilow serenaded Clark with the show's bouncy theme song before collecting his own Emmy for the special "Barry Manilow: Music and Passion." Aaron Spelling, the prolific producer who died in June at 83, was paid often-tearful tribute by his one-time stars, including Jaclyn Smith, Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson of "Charlie's Angels" and Joan Collins and Heather Locklear of "Dynasty." Throughout the ceremony, veteran comedian and TV star Newhart popped up occasionally for O'Brien's gag. "The show has rarely has come in on time. Why? Because there's no real consequences," O'Brien said as Newhart was wheeled onstage in what Conan warned was an airtight container — with just three hours of air, the ceremony's scheduled running time. "Yes. It's very simple. If the Emmys run one second over, Bob Newhart dies," O'Brien said," as Newhart's famous deadpan expression showed a tinge of alarm. "So keep those speeches short, ladies and gentlemen. Bob Newhart's life in your hands." Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.