Sunday's Emmy Awards Could Be One for the History Books
The show, hosted by Any Samberg, begins Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.
By Lynn Elber ••
The Emmy Awards, television's annual celebration of itself, are always a big night. But this Sunday's ceremony may end up supersized.
Performers and shows could be setting records and making breakthroughs at the 67th prime-time Emmys.
Viola Davis of "How to Get Away with Murder" or Taraji P. Henson of "Empire" have a chance to become the first African-American to win as best drama series actress.
"I gotta win! I gotta win for history!" an exuberant Henson said when asked about the prospect last May.
Gender-identity issues brought to the fore by Caitlyn Jenner and others likely will be a notable part of the ceremony airing live on Fox with host Andy Samberg.
"Transparent" star Jeffrey Tambor, considered a front-runner for the best comedy actor trophy, would earn the first Emmy for portrayal of a transgender character.
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IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR THE TELEVISION ACADEMY - EXCLUSIVE - Woody Harrelson, left, and Matthew McConaughey pose at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images)
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Seth Meyers kicked off the show with a barrage of laughs. u201cI would like to congratulate the writers in the room tonight, but their seats are too far away for them to hear me,u201d he quipped. Check out the top moments from the 2014 Emmy Awards.
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Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, costars of HBO's "True Detective" pose at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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Allison Janney, right, presents Kathy Bates with the award for outstanding supporting actress in a miniseries or a movie for their work on u201cAmerican Horror Story: Covenu201d at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her work on u201cVeepu201d at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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Hayden Panettiere, left, and Uzo Aduba presented the award for outstanding directing for a comedy series.
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Ty Burrell accepted the award for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for his role in u201cModern Familyu201d at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston presented the award for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series, with Louis-Dreyfus playfully pointing out that Cranston once guest starred on "Seinfeld," playing one of her boyfriends.
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Gail Mancuso accepted the award for outstanding directing for a comedy series for her work on u201cModern Familyu201d at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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Zooey Deschanel and Amanda Williams presented the award for outstanding writing for a comedy series at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A.
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Jimmy Kimmel presented the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series u2014 but not before he took a few jabs at Matthew McConaughey who was sitting front and center. He faux-lamented the fact that viewers would (possibly) have to hear him deliver an Emmy speech after just winning the Oscar earlier this year for "Dallas Buyers Club." "Alright, alright, alright already!" Kimmel said.
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Allison Janney accepts the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for her role in u201cMomu201d at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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Jim Parsons accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his work on u201cThe Big Bang Theoryu201d at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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John Mulaney and Mindy Kaling presented the award for outstanding reality competition program on stage at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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Jerry Bruckheimer, center, and the producers accepted the award for outstanding reality competition program for their work on u201cThe Amazing Race.u201d
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Jimmy Fallon presented the award for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series on stage at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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Creator, actor, Director and Executive Producer Louis C.K. accepts the Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series award for 'Louie' ('So Did the Fat Lady') on stage during the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theater on August 25, 2014.
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for "Veep" and kissed Bryan Cranston onstage at the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Stephen Colbert accepted the award for outstanding supporting actor in a miniseries or a movie on behalf of Martin Freeman for his work on u201cSherlock: His Last Vow (Masterpiece)u201d at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014.
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Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey presented the award for outstanding lead actor in a miniseries or a movie on stage at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Andy Samberg and Seth Meyers speak on stage at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre.
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Weird Al Yankovic performed a parody of well-known TV show theme songs on stage at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Amy Poehler and Julia Louis-Dreyfus pose at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Los Angeles.
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Andy Samberg, portraying Lena Headey's son Joffrey in the show "Game of Thrones," presented the award for outstanding miniseries on stage at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Gwen Stefani and Adam Levine present the award for outstanding variety series on stage at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre.
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Kerry Washington, left, and Liev Schreiber present the award for outstanding lead actress in a miniseries or a movie on stage at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Sarah Silverman of u201cSarah Silverman: We Are Miraclesu201d accepts the award for outstanding writing for a variety, music or comedy special at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Ricky Gervais presents the award for outstanding writing for a variety, music or comedy special on stage at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Robin Williams was remembered in a touching tribute by actor/comedian Billy Crystal during the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Jimmy Fallon spoke for Stephen Colbert and the producers of u201cThe Colbert Reportu201d who took home the award for outstanding variety series at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Aaron Paul accepts the award for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his work on u201cBreaking Badu201d at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Sofia Vergara stood on a rotating podium while Television Academy CEO Bruce Rosenblum spoke on stage at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Bradley Whitford received a guest-actor trophy for his cross-dressing "Transparent" character at the creative arts Emmys last weekend.
The freshman Amazon series is a contender for best comedy honors, and a victory would make it the first online program to capture top series honors.
Others vying for that crown are the Netflix series "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black." They became competing siblings when the TV academy moved "Orange" from the comedy to drama category.
"Game of Thrones," this year's top nominee overall, could make a notable showing with a best drama victory: It would become the second fantasy or sci-fi show to get the award, following "Lost" in 2005.
Its competition includes the final season of "Mad Men," poised to set a record as the most honored drama series ever with a fifth award. The cast hasn't fared as well, never winning despite repeated nods.
Making a last stand are star Jon Hamm, whose portrayal of troubled ad man Don Draper has been nominated for each of the drama's eight seasons, along with best actress nominee Elisabeth Moss and supporting actress contender Christina Hendricks.
When it comes to ratings, Fox is counting on more than the audience's love of TV as the attraction. "Fox NFL Sunday" is broadcasting from the red carpet and the Philadelphia Eagles-Dallas Cowboys telecast precedes the awards.
Having football as the lead-in to 2013's Emmys made the ceremony a winner for CBS with 17.8 million viewers, the biggest audience in eight years. Last year's 15.6 million viewers was the second-highest total for the period.
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LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 25: 66th ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS -- Pictured: Actress Sofia Vergara arrives to the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theater on August 25, 2014. (Photo by Christopher Polk/NBC/NBC via Getty Images)
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From Lena Dunham's feathered ensemble to the many ruby red gowns, check out the best and worst dressed celebs on the 2014 Emmys red carpet. Christina Hendricks wore the color of the night next to actor Geoffrey Arend.
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January Jones hits the red carpet in a Prabal Gurung gown at the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Octavia Spencer attends the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Minnie Driver wore a popular red carpet color (red!) in this embellished Marchesa gown.
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"Big Bang Theory" star Kaley Cuoco and Ryan Sweeting attend the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Cuocco shines in a Monique Lhuillier gown.
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Actress Keke Palmer attends the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Edie Falco attends the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Mayim Bialik attends the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Kelly Osbourne flashed her recognizable lilac 'do and a gorgeous matching Honor gown at the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Never one to shy away from a fashion risk, "Girls" creator and actress Lena Dunham wore this tiered Giambattista Valli gown. Was it a hit?
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"Orange is the New Black" star Taylor Schilling wore a shimmering Zuhair Murad gown, highlighting her delicate features. A surefire hit.
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Heidi Klum wore a coral-hued Zac Posen gown and attended the show with designer Zac Posen. The color looked lovely against her complexion.
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Actress Anna Chlumsky attends the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actors Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson attend the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Debra Messing wore Angel Sanchez at the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Laura Prepon attends the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Kate McKinnon attends the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Hayden Panettiere walks the red carpet in a Lorena Sarbu gown on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. She also announced tonight that she is pregnant with a baby girl.
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TV personality Mario Lopez attends the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Host Seth Meyers and Alexi Ashe attend the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Meyers dons a Valentino tux and Alves stuns in a Zuhair Murad gown.
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"Game of Thrones" star Natalie Dormer wore a bright orange and black shift dress.
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The men of "Game of Thrones" brought their best style game to the Emmys red carpet. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau flashed a smile and sported a bow tie.
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"Game of Thrones" star Kit Harington, looking as brooding as his character Jon Snow does on the HBO show.
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"Game of Thrones" star Peter Dinklage opted out of the bow tie.
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Melissa McCarthy wore Marchesa on the red carpet.
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"Game of Thrones" star Lena Headey wore a one-shouldered black gown.
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"Modern Family" star Ty Burrell and Holly Anne Brown attend the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt attend the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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"Modern Family" star Rico Rodriguez hams it up on the red carpet.
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Kerry Washington looked radiant in this fiery orange, embellished Prada column gown.
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Keith Lieberthal and Julianna Margulies looked smashing on the red carpet.
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Bryan Cranston rocked a distinguished-looking mustache alongside wife Robin Dearden on the red carpet.
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"Homeland" star Claire Danes shined in this ruby red Givenchy gown.
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Lizzy Caplan, star "Masters of Sex," stunned in this gorgeous two-toned Donna Karan gown.
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Camila Alves, wearing Zuhair Murad, and "True Detective" star Matthew McConaughey arrived in equally elegant outfits. McConaughey won our unofficial vote for best tux of the night.
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Sarah Paulson impressed in this unusual but intriguing Giorgio Armani gown — a fashion risk well taken, we think.
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Amy Poehler, nominated for her show "Parks and Rec" wore a stunning silver gown.
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Allison Williams wore this Giambattista Valli gown but we can't say we were huge fans of this look.
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Gwen Stefani arrives to the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theater on August 25, 2014.
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Kate Walsh, star of the upcoming TV show "Bad Judge" shined in this canary yellow peplum gown and Chopard jewelery on the red carpet.
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Zooey Deschanel wore a bubble-gum pink strapless Oscar de la Renta gown.
