HOT FROM THE WIRES

 

Photos from L to R: Elaine Stritch, Sharon Stone joins new cast member Spader for three episodes of ''The Practice''.

And he'll be missed, not only just for his kindness but also for his work." Grammer said. David Hyde Pierce won a supporting actor award for Frasier, which ended an 11-year run this spring, and Cynthia Nixon won best supporting actress for Sex and the City. The awards provided fresh evidence that the major broadcast networks, even as they open their new season this week, have ceded creative ground to cable networks. Elaine Stritch became an instant joke subject for her over-the-top acceptance of the Emmy for best individual performance in a variety or music program. The 79-year-old veteran stage actress even tested ABC's five-second delay -- better known as the Janet Jackson precaution -- and had part of her speech bleeped out. "Look at the company I'm in here. And I'm so glad none of them won," Stritch said before the orchestra played her off the stage. Donald Trump and Survivor creator Mark Burnett found themselves looking on from the audience as a less-popular show, CBS's The Amazing Race, won best reality series for the second year in a row. Host Garry Shandling repeatedly poked fun at the genre, joking about Extreme Makeover, Paris Hilton and Trump in his monologue. "It's to the point now when a commercial comes on I go, 'Thank God, professional actors in a story,"' he quipped.

 Photos: Paris Hilton

Photos from L to R: Paris Hilton, Laura Linney.

Angels in America had been the most-nominated program this year with 21 nods. In his acceptance speech, Kushner used his time on stage to lobby for gay marriage. "Thanks to my wonderful husband, Mark. Someday soon we can have a legal marriage license and you can make an honest homosexual out of me," he said. Hyde Pierce was honoured for the fourth time as best supporting actor for Frasier. "In sitcom school they tell you how great it is to have a long-running show, but they don't tell you how hard it is to say goodbye," said Hyde Pierce. The ceremony highlighted the theme of last laughs, paying videotaped tribute not only to the three major series that ended their runs last season, but also many that came before including Cheers, Mad About You and Roseanne. HBO's Something the Lord Made won best made-for-TV movie. The third Bob Hope Humanitarian Award was presented posthumously to actor, producer and philanthropist Danny Thomas, with his daughter, actress Marlo Thomas, accepting. Acting awards for guest roles were given out at a previous ceremony. Emmys for best guest actress and actor in a drama series went to William Shatner and Sharon Stone for episodes of The Practice. For guest actor and actress in a comedy series, the winners were Laura Linney for NBC's Frasier and John Turturro for USA's Monk.

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