Emmys finally get their night

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – “The West Wing,” which celebrates the inner workings of a fictional White House, dominated Sunday in an Emmy Awards ceremony twice postponed by the real-world terrorism drama. The NBC series captured best drama series and seven other awards.

“Sex and the City,” a frisky comedy about single women in New York, scored an Emmy breakthrough by becoming the first cable program to win a best series trophy.

The telecast tried to walk a line between celebrating television and respecting the difficulties facing the nation. It opened with a rendition of “America the Beautiful” and a soothing address from Walter Cronkite, and closed with a rare appearance by Barbra Streisand, singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

The stars of the hit HBO series “The Sopranos” claimed the top dramatic acting awards. James Gandolfini won his second consecutive Emmy for his portrayal of tough, neurotic mob boss Tony Soprano, and Edie Falco, who plays his wife, won her second.

“Thank you to the people in the city of New York where I live. … If you haven’t been there you can’t imagine what it’s been like,” Falco said. The show won four awards, including best drama series writing Sunday night.

Patricia Heaton of “Everybody Loves Raymond” claimed her second consecutive Emmy as best comedy actress and dedicated her performances to men and women serving in the armed forces. Eric McCormack of “Will &Grace” was named best lead actor in a comedy series.

NBC’s “The West Wing” won the first three awards announced, including supporting actress for Allison Janney and supporting actor for Bradley Whitford. Thomas Schlamme won for directing.

After Cronkite set a serious tone, host Ellen DeGeneres – dressed in black with a red, white and blue ribbon – lightened the mood when she took the stage.

“What would bug the Taliban more than seeing a gay woman in a suit surrounded by Jews?” she said, drawing huge laughs.

Following a video segment of people around the world expressing sorrow over America’s tragedy, DeGeneres spoke for the Hollywood community: “To all of you around the globe watching tonight, from the bottom of our hearts, not just as Americans but as citizens of the world, thank you.”

Peter MacNicol was named best supporting actor in a comedy series for his role on “Ally McBeal.”

A triumphant Doris Roberts accepted the comedy series supporting actress trophy for CBS’ “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

“Today’s my birthday. What a gift. … I’m 71 tonight and I’m kickin’, honey,” Roberts said.

“Malcolm in the Middle” garnered honors for director Todd Holland and for writing. In presenting the latter award, actress Jean Smart took a moment to pay tribute to producer David Angell who was among the airliner victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“Anne Frank” was named best miniseries and the award for best TV movie went to “Wit.”

The lead acting awards for a miniseries or movie went to Kenneth Branagh for “Conspiracy” and to Judy Davis for “Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows.”

“Conspiracy” also won the miniseries or movie writing award, and “Wit” also returned a directing award for Mike Nichols, a winner at every major Hollywood awards show.

“Barbra Streisand: Timeless” won an Emmy for the actress and singer in the category of best individual performance in a variety or music program.

“Late Show With David Letterman” won outstanding variety, music or comedy series. “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” won the writing award in that category.