Cult favourite 24 finally makes an impact at the Emmy’s
The actor and series were finally victorious at the Emmy Awards, too.
The real-time show won best drama series at the Sunday night ceremony and Sutherland earned his first trophy as best actor in a drama series for playing counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer.
It took five seasons for 24 to be rewarded in the major Emmy categories. The show also collected a directing accolade.
The show’s recent ratings boon, anchored by a loyal, cult-like fan base, has helped spawn a spate of thrillers and mysteries in the next season of American TV schedules.
The British contingent did well too, with Ricky Gervais, Helen Mirren, Jeremy Irons and Richard Curtis honoured.
BBC drama The Girl In The Café picked up three of the awards, and Channel 4’s Elizabeth I scooped nine, more than any other show.
The 58th Annual Prime Time Emmy Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, are considered the Oscars of the TV world.
Mirren won the outstanding lead actress accolade for the title role in Elizabeth I, and Cork-based Irons won outstanding supporting actor for his portrayal of Elizabeth’s confidant, the Earl of Leicester.
At the ceremony Mirren, 61, said: “Without the writing we can’t do it, especially us women.”
The US version of The Office won outstanding comedy series, honouring Gervais and his writing partner, Stephen Merchant, both executive producers.
The Girl In The Café was a resounding success for the BBC, which produced the movie with HBO films and Tightrope Pictures. Kelly Macdonald, known for her roles in Trainspotting and Gosford Park, picked up the outstanding actress gong for the part of Gina.
The programme also won best made-for-television movie, and its scriptwriter Richard Curtis — famous for penning Love, Actually, and Notting Hill — picked up the award for outstanding writing.
Elizabeth I, made by Channel 4 and HBO, also won best mini-series and best directing.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s mother, Blythe Danner, won outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for Huff. Other drama awards went to Mariska Hargitay of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Andre Braugher for Thief. Tony Shalhoub and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, best known for her role in Seinfeld, won comedy statues for Monk and The New Adventures of Old Christine respectively.
