Gladiator 2: The 2007 Emmy Awards

Last night, I actually stayed up until the second to last award of the 2007 Primetime Emmys and then just couldn't do it, as it was running over. I don't usually watch the whole thing end to end - I even indulged this year in the E! Red Carpet special, which I usually need to turn off within 5 minutes or risk vomiting. My friend Melanie's post-award emails on all things awards and fashion (which I would link to if she'd ever put up a blog!) usually do the round-up much better, thank you very much. E! Executives: if for some ungodly reason you are reading this, you must hire this woman right away.

Or check out my friend Kate's scoop at BuzzSugar. She's totally plugged in but actually gets paid for it (sign me UP!)

For a bit of fun, here are some of my own observations on the big event, in no specific order:

1) Overall, I liked that they tried to do something different and I loved the minimal set, but I was not a fan of the round. Presenters coming up from the audience to do their bit? It was like watching a game show. I thought the folding chairs and that aspect didn't give the awards show the glam and poshness I kind of like. But again, applaud them trying to do something different - just felt like I was watching The Weakest Link or something. It was also reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, so I was just waiting for them to start feeding losing nominees to the lions in an entertaining bloodbath. A bit too Gladiator for my taste.

2) I love, love, love Tina Fey. She's funny, smart, a real woman, not overly glam, still hot, in my age range, and a talented writer. She is one of my idols even though I don't get to watch 30 Rock as much as I'd like (BTW, I laughed out loud at the clip they showed for 30 Rock where she sees Alec Bladwin in a tux and comments about why he's so dressed up, to which he replies, "It's after 6. What am I, a farmer?" Classic.)

3) I used to like Mary-Louise Parker. Until I heard her speak. I think she's hitting some of those drugs she's selling on Weeds or she's just an airheard. Giuliana Rancic on E! was asking her what secrets she had under her dress, meaning how did it fit her so well. MLP was just not getting it, and G had to explain it like 5 times until even she was like, "Well, I was just saying you are very lucky." It was painful. Still, I love watching her in almost anything.

4) I never watch Til Death, but I have to say, I liked Joely Fisher in the yellow Pamela Rolland gown. I thought it looked very pretty. And did you see her faux-jewel encrusted heels? Meow! I would love to go glam pairing those with a pair of dark jeans and a strapless top.

5) Katherine Heigl is just.....perfection. She's talented, beautiful, seemingly nice and polite. She was stunning in that Zac Posen. And as a person who lived with a complex maiden name for many years, I was very impressed with her correcting her name. I mean, come on. Did the announcer not check these things? I'm glad she corrected it so when her nomination came up, they were ready. There is nothing worse then being recogized and someone mis-pronouncing your name. It's extremely disrespectful. So kudos to her.

6) Ali Larter is hot. Has to be said.

7) Both Steve Carell's and Steven Colbert's wives looked fantastic. Good for them. I just love those guys.

8) Robert Duvall is a national treasure and I adore his work. However, he should not be allowed in front of a mike again. I know he's older but he rambled so often, interspersed with glimpses of something profound. It was just painful.

9) I've never watched Brothers and Sisters, but did they really give Sally the award b/c she's the best, or just b/c she's Sally Field? I thought there were better nominees who were more deserving on that one.

10) Ellen Pompeo: was she caught in a wind tunnel? That was absolutely tragic and I would have never paid for that do. Methinks she didn't seem quite nuts about it either, but had to get going or risk being late. But maybe I was just projecting. For such a great actress and a cutie to boot, she is consistently a hair disaster. Why is this? It's not that hard - even a $25 blow out would have looked better.

11) I found myself really enjoying Ryan Seacrest as host in spite of myself. He knew his limitations, but he was well spoken, prepared, and I think one of the only people who could have done well with the theatre-in-the-round set design. He did not seem nervous and I was glad for that. When the host seems nervous, I get nervous for them and it's like waiting to watch a train wreck. Not fun.

12) I've always thought all of the Desperate Housewives are way too skinny and gaunt. They ALL have concave chests and appear a bit too skeletal for my taste (except for Eva, who is a bit curvier). They look like they are on a gin and cigarettes diet or something. Beauty over 40 does not have to mean starvation, ladies. Please. Call Helen Mirren or Glenn Close if you need some advice.

13) There is always a fine balance between just doing all the awards back to back, vs. having too many filler numbers. I thought it took a bit too long to get to the awards at the start, but maybe that is because I hate Ray Romano. But give me more of Carell, Stewart, and Colbert any day. I would love to spend a road trip with those guys, they are hysterically good fun.

14) Can't wait to check out Current.com but am I the only one who gets the irony of Al Gore helping to launch an internet channel devoted to the freedom of personal expression among young filmmakers when his wife Tipper tried to censor "questionable" music and TV content or something at a government level when he was first VP? Does anyone else remember her doing this? I applaud what he's doing, but still.....what short memories we all have. But I do respect a lot of what he's done for the environment and I love how Al can laugh at himself - I was hoping he would make some crack about "Well, ok, maybe I didn't invent the internet after all, but I swear, I helped invent this channel!" Oh well....

15) I like that Kristin chick from E! who did the Red Carpet. She's actually smart and quick on her feet, which is what that role needs. I could see hanging out with her. She seemed genuinely interested in the folks she was interviewing, while Giuliana Rancic has some awkward pauses and could not banter with them quite as well.

16) I am coveting Sandra Oh's Bottega Veneta body hugging black strapless number with the tulle bustline trim. I'm also coveting an occasion to wear it.