LOS ANGELES — The 1960s-set AMC advertising drama Mad Men and ABC's fresh new comedy Modern Family took home the top prizes at Sunday's 62nd annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.
Mad Men won best drama series for the third consecutive year, while the freshman sitcom Modern Family earned the best comedy series trophy.
"To our fans, we are so grateful, we are so thrilled that families are sitting down together to watch a television show, and we're so happy that you have let us into your families," said Modern Family executive producer Steven Levitan.
On the acting side, it was a night for newcomers. Edie Falco claimed outstanding actress in a comedy for Nurse Jackie and Jim Parsons won outstanding actor in a comedy for The Big Bang Theory.
Other first-time winners included Jane Lynch of Glee and Eric Stonestreet of Modern Family, who won for their comedy supporting roles.
"All I wanted to be was a clown in the circus when I was a kid growing up," said Stonestreet, who graciously thanked his parents for their support over the years.
The top drama acting awards went to The Closer's Kyra Sedgwick and Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston, while Archie Panjabi of The Good Wife and Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad won for their drama supporting roles.
Other notable winners included Bravo's Top Chef, which ended The Amazing Race's seven-year winning streak for top reality series.
It was also a big night for a pair of HBO programs. The Pacific, the World War II drama produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, won eight Emmys, while the biopic Temple Grandin, captured seven trophies, including a best actress award for Claire Danes.
Comedian Jimmy Fallon hosted this year's Emmys, held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.
View gallery: Primetime Emmy Awards 2010 Red Carpet Pictures
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