'Mad Men' triumphs at Emmy Awards

The darkly intimate 1960s-era drama 'Mad Men' and the comedy romp 'Modern Family' were the big winners at the Emmy Awards as American life past and present proved a winning formula.

"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 Steven Levitan, 'Modern Family' executive producer.

The best comedy series award was the first for the sitcom, which also captured an acting award for Eric Stonestreet and a best writing trophy.

The best drama series award for 'Mad Men' was its third consecutive one. Series creator Matthew Weiner seemed to take the night in stride.

"I knew one day I would run somewhere and win a trophy," Weiner joked earlier in the Los Angeles ceremony when he dashed to the stage to claim the Emmy for best drama series writing with Erin Levy.

'Glee', the musical-comedy that started the night as the most-nominated series, earned an acting trophy for Jane Lynch and a directing award for creator Ryan Murphy.

Bryan Cranston's portrayal of a meth dealer in 'Breaking Bad' and Kyra Sedgwick's role as a brassy deputy police chief in 'The Closer' earned the pair top drama series acting awards.

Cranston's honour was his third trophy for playing a high school maths teacher gone wrong, while his co-star, Aaron Paul, earned his first award as best supporting actor for playing his partner-in-crime.

"During the time it took me to walk up here, I venture there were 200 text messages to the other nominees saying: 'You were robbed.' I cannot argue with that," Cranston said.

Archie Panjabi of 'The Good Wife' was honoured as best supporting actress in a drama for her part as a law-firm's in-house private investigator, as Emmy voters spread the riches widely among veterans and fresh faces.

Edie Falco of Nurse Jackie and Jim Parsons of 'The Big Bang Theory' were honoured for their comedy series lead roles.

Falco's trophy for playing a tough but troubled nurse came after her hallmark turn as a mob boss' wife in 'The Sopranos', for which she won three best drama actress Emmys.

"Oh, this is the most ridiculous thing that has ever, ever happened in the history of this lovely awards show. I'm not funny!" Falco said.

Parsons won for his portrayal of a scientist as nerdy as he is brilliant. He ended fellow nominee Alec Baldwin's two-year winning streak for '30 Rock' and beat out other heavyweights including Tony Shalhoub, nominated for the final season of 'Monk' and a three-time winner, and Steve Carell of 'The Office'.

"Now I know how much I didn't think this was going to happen. Some of you apparently voted for me. That was very sweet," Parsons told the theatre audience.

Stonestreet of 'Modern Family' and Lynch of 'Glee' were honoured for their comedy-series supporting roles.

Here is a list of winners at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in Los Angeles.

:: Drama Series: 'Mad Men', AMC.

:: Comedy Series: 'Modern Family', ABC.

:: Actor, Drama Series: Bryan Cranston, 'Breaking Bad', AMC.

:: Actress, Drama Series: Kyra Sedgwick, 'The Closer', TNT.

:: Actor, Comedy Series: Jim Parsons, 'The Big Bang Theory', CBS.

:: Actress, Comedy Series: Edie Falco, 'Nurse Jackie', Showtime.

:: Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Aaron Paul, 'Breaking Bad', AMC.

:: Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Archie Panjabi, 'The Good Wife', CBS.

:: Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Eric Stonestreet, 'Modern Family', ABC.

:: Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Jane Lynch, 'Glee', Fox.

:: Miniseries: 'The Pacific', HBO.

:: Made-for-TV Movie: 'Temple Grandin', HBO.

:: Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Al Pacino, 'You Don't Know Jack', HBO.

:: Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Claire Danes, 'Temple Grandin', HBO.

:: Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: David Strathairn, 'Temple Grandin', HBO.

:: Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Julia Ormond, 'Temple Grandin', HBO.

:: Directing for a Comedy Series: Ryan Murphy, 'Glee', Fox.

:: Directing, Drama Series: Steve Shill, 'Dexter', Showtime.

:: Directing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Mick Jackson, 'Temple Grandin', HBO.

:: Directing, Variety, Music or Comedy Special: Bucky Gunts, 'Vancouver 2010 Winter Games Opening Ceremony', NBC.

:: Variety, Music or Comedy Series: 'The Daily Show', Comedy Central.

:: Reality Competition Programme: 'Top Chef', Bravo.

:: Writing for Comedy Series: Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd, 'Modern Family', ABC.

:: Writing, Drama Series: Matthew Weiner and Erin Levy, 'Mad Men', AMC.

:: Writing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Adam Mazer, 'You Don't Know Jack', HBO.

:: Writing, Variety, Music or Comedy Special: '63rd Annual Tony Awards', CBS.