BEST DRESSED: Bryan Cranston’s Upper Lip
There aren’t many ways to spice up a black and white tuxedo, but Bryan Cranston nailed it by topping his outfit off with a classy sliver of facial hair he grew to play blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo in upcoming biopic “Trumbo.”
WORST DRESSED: Sarah Paulson
When attending the Emmys, one should be consumed with gratitude — not consumed live by chiffon.
BEST: Heidi Klum’s Nipples
Whether it was due to a chill outside the Nokia Theatre or because the “Project Runway” host was just really excited about her two nominations, Klum delivered a true stand-out performance on the red carpet.
BEST: Sarah Silverman Is High on Life
We aren’t sure if it was a public service about the importance of mammograms or an effect of getting high on her own supply, but Sarah Silverman spent her whole red carpet interview with Giuliana Rancic massaging her own breasts and talking about the liquid marijuana in her clutch.
WORST: Pretty in Pink?
Lena Dunham’s dress doesn’t know what it wants to be. All business on top, muppets gave their lives for the bottom.
BEST: Easy, Breezy Awards Host
Seth Meyers delivered a fun, quick monologue that proved he knew what the buzz was surrounding this year’s awards.
BEST: Look Into My Eyes, Handsome
“Modern Family’s” Gail Mancuso felt she couldn’t get through her acceptance speech for comedy directing if she looked at her co-workers. So, she took advantage of the talent in the room. Matthew McConaughey was her pick and he kept his eyes glued on her. Lucky gal!
WORST: Stephen Colbert’s Presentation
The normally hilarious Colbert fell flat while presenting the award for Supporting Actor in a Miniseries/Movie category. The upcoming “Late Show” host delivered a skit during which he argued with his invisible pet rabbit, Roscoe. Also invisible: The humor in Colbert’s bit.
BEST: BIggest Turnaround
After seeing his face after losing the Directing award, it’s clear Murphy won’t win an acting Emmy anytime soon. Twitter went nuts on him. Then, his movie “Normal Heart” won and he delivered a lovely speech and the tide turned.
WORST: Hiring a DJ
Look: Academy, NBC, executive producers — you already sprung for a house band … Why do you need a DJ to scratch and ruin these theme songs? They’re actual compositions by accomplished musicians, by the way … who ALSO work in TV. How about a little respect? Also, the MTV Awards were last night. You’re the Emmys — act as if.
WORST: Weird Al Yankovic’s Music Medley
What expected this musical parody genius to spoof un-spoofable television instrumentals. What we got, sucked — what a shocker. You’re better than that, Al., much better. This one is our fault.
BEST and WORST: Look at the Pretty Lady
Sofia Vergara lent her beauty to the annual TV Academy president’s speech, but was it funny or offensive? Either way, have you ever paid so much attention to the Academy president’s speech?
BEST: Billy Crystal Remembers Robin Williams
The In Memoriam segment is always a tearjerker — and this year was no exception. Actually it was somewhat of an exception, because last year’s format was terrible, and also because Robin Williams was exceptional. Also top-notch was the job Billy Crystal did remembering his friend.
BEST: “Good” Shade
Julianna Margulies, one of the few network wins this year, threw show expert shade when she emphasized “The Good Wife’s” quality over “22 episodes.” Cable produces much shorter seasons.
BEST: Two-Fer Allison
Allison Janney took home the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on “Mom.” That combined with the Emmy she won on Aug. 16 for “Masters of Sex” makes her the first actor or actress in more than a decade to win two acting Emmys in the same year.
BEST: Emmy’s Long Kiss Goodnight
With her 5th Emmy win, Louis-Dreyfus becomes the only actress to take home 3 Emmys for 3 different comedies. That deserves a congratulatory kiss, which Bryan Cranston was willing and able to give.