Best Presenter, who should have hosted: Wayne Brady
This may simply be in reaction to the sheer mediocrity that was Ryan Seacrest, who was more forgettable than bad as host. I couldn't help thinking that the former talk show host would have been a great pick. It's not as if Fox has a stable of go-to hosts on its shows, and it's not as if they were going to draft someone from a different network. It was probably either down to Seacrest, Brady, or Jeff Foxworthy. I'll admit that I prefer Chappelle's Show Wayne Brady more than Don't Forget the Lyrics Wayne Brady. But his one-liner to Kanye West - "You picked the wrong time to start speaking properly" - was hilarious.
Most Inappropriate Joke - Let's all Sleep with Hayden Panettiere
That's right. Everyone's favorite indestructible teenager has finally hit the big 18, and The Emmy's writing team wanted you to know it. Now everyone who wouldn't know what to say if they actually met her can talk about how they don't have to worry about going to jail. Hopefully, someone will find some indiscreet photos so everyone can chastise her for being a poor role model to all the young girls not hot enough for 30-year-old men to want to have sex with them.
Best Acceptance Speech - Katherine Heigel
I think everyone agreed that there was any way she was going to win this category. Her character had little to do that was actually interesting or characteristic for her to do all year. And the season's big plot twist - she secretly has feelings for her best friend - came out of left field. The announcer mispronounced her name. (It's hard.) But all that served to make her acceptance speech possibly the most genuine since Three 6 Mafia won their Academy Award.
Most Pointless Tribute - The Sopranos
Yes. The show was outstanding. Yes. The show was groundbreaking. But a musical number, dragging the entire cast up onstage, and and the award for Best Drama good. Maybe I'm cynical, but somehow I doubt the show would have gotten so much love last night if it had been on one of the major networks.
Best Presenter, who should not have hosted - Elaine Strich
Even if she wasn't faking being unable to read tiny text very far away. Her bewilderment was endearing and not tiring. First Runner-up: Rainn Wilson. He’s always awesome.
Worst Let's Update The Emmy's Idea - The Theater in the Round Idea
Maybe not a horrible idea in theory, but totally falls apart in practice. I think James Spader summed it up best: "I've been to many concerts in my life, and these are the worst seats I've ever had." It might have worked had everyone on stage not always been facing the same direction, or they had done that 360 degree camera movement one fewer time.
Best Upset Victory – Ricky Gervais
Worst Cutaway - The Five-second Delay
I can accept the need for a broadcast delay in this day when a mildly offensive comment can lead to boycotts and heavy fines from the FCC, but maybe have a better cut away in mind than the ceiling in the event it becomes necessary to use it. A crowd reaction shot would be better than cutting to the ceiling. When they cut away during Ray Romano's stand-up, it looked more like bad direction.
