Bold Words Backstage at the Emmys
Emotion and politics take pole positions among winners
By Brian Frederick
Giamatti: As unlikely a hero as Adams himself
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 9/22/08 - - “Thanks Mom,” said Tom Hanks to Sally Field in an obvious reference to their mother son relationship in ‘Forrest Gump’ when he came to the stage to accept his Emmy for producing ‘John Adams.’ ‘John Adams’ is produced by the team of Hanks/Spielberg. A few minutes later Paul Giamatti took the best outstanding actor for a miniseries starring as John Adams in ‘John Adams.’ “I’m at a loss for words,” said Giamatti. ‘John Adams’ received 23 Emmy nominations.
The son of a former baseball commission, Giamatti got his biggest break in ‘Sideways’ but was first noticed in Hollywood when he starred opposite Howard Stern in ‘Private Parts.’
Backstage chatter included a dozen important artists speaking frankly.
“I had to do everything,” said Giamatti in a near stutter. “We did five movies in six weeks.” Giamatti stood at the podium humbly clutching his Emmy. “I’ve never done TV like this before. I’m at a loss for words.” said Giamatti.
‘John Adams’ broke the Emmy win record with 13 awards out of 23 nominations.
‘30 Rock’ won seven total Emmys including best comedy series. “I am so proud I never expected to win. I’ve been to the Golden Globes, the Emmys and the Oscars and no one ever expects to win. I would have bet that we would not have won anything tonight,” said Alec Baldwin. “We have such great writers in the business,” said Baldwin.
Baldwin was not shy about his lack of fan support over the years until just recently with the success of ‘30 Rock’ having changed that. “In the few people who have seen my movies, I get more people now coming up to me because of ‘30 Rock,’ said Baldwin.
The legendary Don Rickles won outstanding individual performance in variety or music. “I think comedy will be bigger and better,’ Rickles said referring to today’s new generation of comedians. Backstage, Rickles with his quick wit and humor said, “If you hear a thud that’s me falling down,” he said. The fragile Rickles was carefully held by his publicists while making wise cracks.
One of the more memorable moments backstage came when Rickles was asked who had given him the best advice over the years. “The best advice I ever got was from Frank Sinatra who said stop signing.”
Rickles is known for avoiding politics, especially in Hollywood’s use of its military army, the liberal press. The smart Rickles who fully understands that the tide of entertainment has fully shifted to the left since he first started in comedy 55 years ago had this to say and was quite direct about it. “I don’t do anything political.”
Bryon Cranston won for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in ‘Breaking Bad.’ This was nice because the tension was moving and the excitement of hearing your name was really cool,” said the bald headed actor. The actor was bald for his role as a cancer patient.
“This is something actors dream about. Something and actor can dive into,” Cranston said regarding his role.
Greg Yaitanes director of ‘House’ won for best director of a drama series. Unfortunately when Yaitanes came to the stage there were no questions until one clueless reporter asked him what it was like to win as the writer in the series. “I’m not the writer I’m the director,” Yaitanes said scolding the reporter. He abruptly walked out of the press tent.
Grateful to be holding two awards, Kirk Elis had lots to say in response to the climate of politics that was asked of the stars when they came on stage. “Of course words matter,” Elis said. Elis won for outstanding writing in a miniseries for ‘John Adams. ‘We owe our independence to people who fought the revolution.”
The theme of political questions from the press at times overshadowed the awards. The Emmys might as well of been an Obama rally. Best outstanding lead actress in a miniseries Laura Linney won for her portrayal of Abigail Adams had lots to say about politics as all the stars did. “I don’t see why disparaging remarks regarding community services are bad,” Linney said in an obvious attempt pump up Barak Obama
‘30 Rock’ won for outstanding comedy series. In his acceptance speech with the cast. ‘I am surprised to have this amazing cast and not one were asked to present tonight,” producer Matthew Weiner said in frustration. “Mad Men took third place in the Emmys with six overall wins.