Mad Men triumphs at Emmys again
Christina Hendricks Mad Men - set in the advertising world during the 1960s - triumphed in the best TV drama category for the third consecutive year. It beat off stiff competition from shows including True Blood, Dexter and Lost to claim the accolade.
Jon Hamm, who plays Don Draper in the programme, admitted the cast and crew were shocked by the win. “It was completely unexpected,” he said backstage.
Meanwhile, Modern Family caused a shock by winning best comedy series, an award which Glee had been tipped to take. Modern Family also tasted success in the best writing category, while Eric Stonestreet won best supporting actor in a comedy.
"To our fans, we are so grateful, we are so thrilled that families are sitting down together to watch a television show, and we're so happy that you have let us into your families," said Modern Family executive producer Steven Levitan.
Despite receiving 19 nominations, Glee went on to claim a directing award for Ryan Murphy and a supporting actress prize for Jane Lynch.
Bryan Cranston won best drama actor for his role in Breaking Bad, while The Closer star Kyra Sedgwick picked up best drama actress.
Edie Falco and Jim Parsons were honoured for their comedy series lead roles in Nurse Jackie and The Big Bang Theory respectively.
George Clooney received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his involvement in a telethon to raise funds for the victims of the Haiti earthquake and for raising awareness about the genocide in Darfur.
He received a standing ovation as he took to the stage, but jokingly asked the audience to return to their seats. "Don't do that because then I feel like maybe I'm sick and I don't know it," he said.
Main winners for the Emmy Awards 2010:
Outstanding Comedy Series - Modern Family
Outstanding Drama Series - Mad Men
Lead Actress in a Comedy - Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Lead Actor in a Comedy - Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Supporting Actress in a Comedy - Jane Lynch, Glee
Supporting Actor in a Comedy - Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
Lead Actress in a Drama - Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
Lead Actor in a Drama - Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Supporting Actor in a Drama - Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
Supporting Actress in a Drama - Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife
Reality-Competition Program - Top Chef
Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program - Jeff Probst, Survivor
Bob Hope Humanitarian Award: George Clooney