Emmy loves ‘Raymond,’ ‘Lost’

Host Ellen DeGeneres paid brief tribute to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The magnolia on her lapel was for them; presenters also were asked to wear the state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi. And Jon Stewart, a winner and a presenter, did a comedic bit that blasted the federal response to Katrina. But for the most part, the tragedy that had drawn Americans to their TV sets received scant attention as the ceremony’s focus remained mainly on the awards.

The ceremony did include a tribute to late-night king Johnny Carson, the “Tonight” show host who died this year, with David Letterman remembering the man who entertained America and was mentor to so many comedians.

The ceremony also honored network TV’s veteran news anchors, the retired Dan Rather of CBS and Tom Brokaw of NBC and the late Peter Jennings of ABC. Rather and Brokaw drew a prolonged standing ovation when they took the stage.

For their supporting acting work in a miniseries or a movie, Paul Newman was honored for “Empire Falls” and Jane Alexander for “Warm Springs,” both on HBO.

Hugh Jackman was honored as best individual performance in a variety or music program for his work as host of the 58th annual Tony Awards.

Robert Galbraith / Reuters Jon Stewart accepts the award for best variety, music or comedy series for "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart."

“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” repeated as best variety, music or comedy series and again won for writing.

“The Amazing Race” was named outstanding reality-competition program for the third time.

The directing and writing awards for a drama series were split between two new hit shows. “Lost” won the former and “House” took the latter.

Geoffrey Rush was honored as best actor in a miniseries or movie for “The Life and Death of Peter Sellers,” HBO’s dramatic take on the comic actor which also claimed writing and directing awards.

S. Epatha Merkerson was named best actress in a miniseries or movie for “Lackawanna Blues,” on HBO, and proceeded to charm the audience by announcing her acceptance speech, which she’d tucked into her bosom, had slipped down and couldn’t be retrieved.

“Desperate Housewives” won the comedy series directing award while the writing trophy went to Fox’s “Arrested Development.”

HBO’s “Warm Springs,” which dramatized Franklin D. Roosevelt’s battle against polio before becoming president, was named best TV movie. The best miniseries trophy went to PBS’ “The Lost Prince.”

Earth, Wind & Fire kicked off the show at the Shrine Auditorium with a revamped version of its song “September,” paying tribute to the TV season past. The Black Eyes Peas jumped in with a few rap verses, including a Martha Stewart lyric: “Went to jail, got a show, that’s the way entertainment goes.”

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