Since the Best part of this list will be so very brief, let’s get right to it.
The Best
Billy Crystal’s tribute to Robin Williams
The only genuine, heartfelt moment on an excruciatingly dull night. “Robin Williams. what a concept.” Williams could not have asked for a better friend than Crystal to remind us again of the comedy world’s loss.
Billy in the Street
Seth Meyers and comedian Billy Eichner proved how forgettable the Emmys are by asking men and women in the streets of New York City to name the nominees, or care that The Mindy Project was snubbed, etc. They didn’t know any names of the nominees, didn’t,care about Mindy Kaling and one woman didn’t even recognize Seth Meyers. Even when given his first name, she said, “MacFarlane.” Little did Meyers know just how prophetic his skit would be about the show he was hosting.
Julia Louis Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston: the kiss
When they presented an award together, Cranston reminded Dreyfus that he did a guest spot on Seinfeld and that they had kissed. She blew him off. When Dreyfus won for Best actress in a Comedy Series for Veep, Cranston pulled her aside and reminded her what a good kisser he is. The moment may have been rehearsed, but at least it stopped us for thinking for one minute that we were watching a rerun of last year’s Emmys.
Gail Mancuso’s acceptance speech
Mancuso won for the farce-like “Las Vegas” episode of “Modern Family.” She gave a gracious acceptance during which she directed the cameraman in the audience to move away from Matthew McConaughey so she could look at him.
The Worst
We may be here all night. There are so many stultifyingly awful moments to choose from, this was one of the worst awards shows ever. Ever.
Weird Al Yankovic
Oh my God. Whoever signed off on Al singing made up lyrics to the nominated shows should have his membership in the Producers Guild revoked. It was disgusting and twisted.
Egos deflated
Even though “The Normal Heart” eventually won for Best TV movie, it lost a lot of awards before that prize was handed out. When Director Ryan Murphy did not hear his name called as Best Director, you could see him gulp in disbelief. And when Joe Mantello lost Best Supporting Actor in a TV movie or miniseries to Martin Freeman from “Fargo,” his eyebrows shot up in shock. We loved the actors in this project, but a little humility is in order.
Celebrities Asking Questions segment
Flat and not funny once. Jon Hamm asking if the Emmys were on TV. Melissa McCarthy asking if she could get a ticket for parking her car in front of the theater. Julianna Margulies asking if she could have Maggie Smith’s Emmy, since she never goes to the ceremony (wise on her part). Whose idea was this? Why did these actors agree to participate? Simply dreadful.
Sofia Vergara on a pedestal
Ugh. Enough already.
Seth Meyers
Lost control of the show one-third of the way in. He has no warmth and can’t make the audience feel welcome. Can’t we get Tina Fey and Amy Poehler next year?