65th Primetime Emmy Awards: A Night of Television Excellence
The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the pinnacle of television achievement, honoring the most outstanding programming aired between June 1, 2012, and May 31, 2013. Held on September 22, 2013, at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, the ceremony was a star-studded event hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. The evening recognized the creative brilliance and exceptional performances that defined the television landscape during that season.
While the main ceremony took place in late September, the Creative Arts Emmy Awards were held earlier on September 15, setting the stage for a week of recognition across various technical and artistic disciplines. The broadcast, produced by Ken Ehrlich and directed by Louis J. Horvitz, was televised in the United States by CBS.
Key Facts
- Ceremony Date: September 22, 2013
- Host: Neil Patrick Harris
- Location: Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, California
- Top Program by Awards: Behind the Candelabra (11 total awards)
- Most Nominations: Breaking Bad (8 nominations)
- Major Winners: Modern Family (Comedy), Breaking Bad (Drama), and Behind the Candelabra (Miniseries/Movie)
Major Program Winners
The 65th Emmys saw several powerhouse productions take home the most prestigious honors. Modern Family secured the title for Outstanding Comedy Series, while Breaking Bad continued its dominant run by winning Outstanding Drama Series. In the Miniseries or Movie category, Behind the Candelabra emerged as a massive winner, sweeping both major categories.
Top Program Categories
The competition was fierce across all genres, from scripted dramas to reality competitions. Below is a summary of the primary winners for the evening:
| Category | Winner | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding Comedy Series | Modern Family | ABC |
| Outstanding Drama Series | Breaking Bad | AMC |
| Outstanding Miniseries or Movie | Behind the Candelabra | HBO |
| Outstanding Variety Series | The Colbert Report | Comedy Central |
| Outstanding Reality-Competition Program | The Voice | NBC |
Acting Excellence
The acting categories highlighted the incredible range of talent currently shaping television. From comedic timing to intense dramatic portrayals, the winners represented the best in the industry.
Lead Performances
In the comedy sphere, Jim Parsons won for his role in The Big Bang Theory, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus took home the top prize for Veep.
The drama categories saw Jeff Daniels recognized for The Newsroom, while Claire Danes won for her performance in Homeland.
For Miniseries or Movies, Michael Douglas won for Behind the Candelabra, and Laura Linney was honored for her work in The Big C: Hereafter.
Supporting Performances
Supporting roles are the backbone of great television, and the 65th Emmys honored several standout performers who elevated their respective series.
- Comedy Supporting Actor: Tony Hale (Veep)
Tony Hale, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series winner - Comedy Supporting Actress: Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie)
Merritt Wever, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series winner - Drama Supporting Actor: Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire)
Bobby Cannavale, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series winner - Drama Supporting Actress: Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad)
Anna Gunn, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series winner - Miniseries Supporting Actor: James Cromwell (American Horror Story: Asylum)
James Cromwell, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie winner - Miniseries Supporting Actress: Ellen Burstyn (Political Animals)
Ellen Burstyn, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie winner
Choreography
Technical artistry was also celebrated, with Derek Hough winning for his work on Dancing with the Stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hosted the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards?
The ceremony was hosted by actor Neil Patrick Harris, marking his second time hosting the event.
Which show won the most awards overall?
Behind the Candelabra was the most successful program of the night, winning a total of 11 awards.
Which network received the most nominations?
HBO led the pack with a total of 34 nominations.
What was the most nominated drama series?
Breaking Bad received the highest number of nominations in the drama category, with 8 total nominations.
Where was the ceremony held?
The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards took place at the Nokia Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, California.