HOLLYWOOD—It was definitely a night for newcomers at the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards on Sunday, August 29, as television’s best were honored. ABC’s new hit “Modern Family” was the star of the night winning Outstanding Comedy Series, and beating out perennial favorite “Glee.”  Many expected “Modern Family” to walk away with the award, since “Glee” straddles along the lines of a dramedy.

Eric Stonecrest won his first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy for “Modern Family.”  He thanked his co-stars and the creators of the show while on stage.  Jane Lynch won for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her wicked, but lovable, turn as Sue Sylvester on “Glee.”  “Thank you so much, this is outlandish,” said Lynch while accepting her award.  Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series went to “Modern Family,” while “Glee” genius Ryan Murphy accepted the award for Outstanding Directing.

A huge surprise of the night was Jim Parsons win for Lead Actor in a Comedy for his amusing turn as Sheldon Cooper on “The Big Bang Theory.” Parsons was elated and utterly shocked while delivering his acceptance speech.  I must say it was a treat to see Parsons beat out Alec Baldwin of “30 Rock,” who has dominated the category in the past.  Emmy darling Edie Falco won Lead Actress for her wisecracking role on Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie.”  “This is the most ridiculous thing that has ever happened,” Falco said jokingly while accepting her award.

On the dramatic side of things “Mad Men” continued its domination by winning Outstanding Drama for the third consecutive year, beating out newcomer “The Good Wife” and “Lost,” whom many expected to triumph.  The show also won for Outstanding Writing, while “Dexter” took home the award for Outstanding Directing.

Outstanding Supporting Actress went to Archie Panjabi for her amazing performance on “The Good Wife.”  “Working on ”˜The Good Wife’ is like a dream come true,” said Panjabi while accepting her award.  I truly thought this would be the year that Christina Hendricks would take home the award for her terrific work on “Mad Men,” but there’s always next year.  Aaron Paul of “Breaking Bad” won for Outstanding Supporting Actor and was truly humbled as he accepted his first Emmy.

The competition for Lead Actor and Lead Actress featured some of the best work on television in years.  Kyra Sedgwick finally grabbed her first Emmy for “The Closer.”  Many expected Juliana Margulies, who made her triumphant return to television with the “The Good Wife,” to take home the Emmy or Connie Britton of the sensational “Friday Night Lights.”   As for Lead Actor, Bryan Cranston won his third consecutive Emmy for his role on “Breaking Bad,” upsetting a potential win for Matthew Fox of “Lost” or underdog Kyle Chandler for “Friday Night Lights.”

During the ceremony, actor George Clooney was honored with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his work with the Haiti telethon.  He graciously accepted the award from good friend and “ER” co-star Juliana Margulies.  As he walked to the podium, George received a standing ovation from the audience.  Jimmy Fallon hosted the ceremony with an opening that was brilliant.  Fallon joined the cast of “Glee” (Amber Riley, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Cory Monteith and Jane Lynch), Tina Fey, Jon Hamm, Joel McHale and Kate Gosselin in an impressive musical number.  Seeing Betty White give dancing tips to Jon Hamm had me laughing on the floor, and that final comment she made to Chris Colfer can be summed up with one word —genius.

Though the ceremony lasted a little over three hours, it moved at a steady pace with a few sidesplitting moments from comedian Ricky Gervais who never seems to disappoint.  I can honestly say there were a few upsets at this year’s ceremony and that makes great television.  Would anyone like to take a guess at who’ll be walking away with Emmy gold next year?