EVENT: Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Emmy Performer Nominees Reception
LOCATION: Pacific Design Center – Spectra by Wolfgang Puck restaurant – West Hollywood, CA
DATE: Friday September 16, 2011 – 8pm – 10pm
PEOPLE INTERVIEWED:
Cat Deeley – Host, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
Elisabeth Moss – Actress, MAD MEN (Peggy Olson)
Martha Plimpton – Actress, RAISING HOPE (Virginia Chance)
Melissa McCarthy – Actress, MIKE AND MOLLY (Molly)
Josh Charles – Actor, THE GOOD WIFE (Will Gardner)
Guy Pearce – Actor, MILDRED PIERCE (Monty Beragon)
Brian F. O’Byrne – Actor, MILDRED PIERCE (Bert Pierce)
O’Byrne also co-stars in the new NBC drama PRIME SUSPECT.
John Slattery – Actor, MAD MEN (Roger Sterling)
Alan Cumming – Actor, THE GOOD WIFE (Eli Gold)
Note: most actors did not do red carpet.
COLOR: Menu was Wolfgang Puck Spectra salads, pasta, noodles. Cupcakes and brownies by Duncan Hines for dessert. Special cocktail menu featuring Grey Goose vodka.
The event was informal with the nominees receiving certificates from ATAS President John Shaffner on the patio of the restaurant. The whole thing had a very casual feel, like getting a few college school classes together for a reunion. Some actors were a little late to the stage, a few minutes after their names were called but the mood was jovial with actors talking and laughing while the rest of the certificates were handed out and each nominee took a photo with Shaffner.
8pm: Cat Deeley
Cat: I’m doing Roland Mouret tonight – Roland is this great great fashion designer where you see something on the hanger and you’re not sure about that and then you do this zip-up thing and however he cuts and what he does, you just do that and it’s done.
Were there any fashion snafus tonight? Actually, there was one – I was going to wear my hair down and then I came up and I can’t wear my hair down with this dress because it’s got fins [showing ruffle on back of dress] and I can’t do it. So that’s it. And aside from that, I’m not going to spend all morning getting ready for the actual Emmys either. I’ve decided I’m going to have beachy, swimmy hair so I’m going to take a swim and I’m gonna have a margarita – that’s my pre-show ritual. Everyone else is going to be going to the gym five times and I’m going to be having a margarita.
810pm: Martha Plimpton
Q:Any fashion crises?
A: No – none at all. I was shocked.
Q: Any Emmy day rituals?
A:The only word I have to describe myself about Sunday is “sanguine.” I’m very relaxed, I’m very cool about it, I’m thrilled and excited to be in the company I’m in and I couldn’t be more chill.
820pm: Elisabeth Moss
Q:Are you choosing your own dresses?
A:I have a wonderful stylist Essie Stanley, who I adore. She lets me wear what I want to wear, she’s not one of those “wear this or get out of my office” – she really works with her clients really well.
Q: You’ve been through the Emmy drill before – do you do anything for luck?
A: I’m very practical: I’m drinking water, making sure I have everything in my bag, making sure I’ve eaten something.
Q: The show has had tremendous luck at the Emmys – how are you feeling about this year?
A: I’m trying to enjoy it this year, more than any other year. I’m trying to have fun and soak it up.
830am: Melissa Leo
Q: What’s your Emmy prep?
A: I’m just really thrilled to be going to the TV party. A lot of my employment through the years has been on television. I’ve always worked in all the mediums including New York stage when I can get there and do that. I feel like the Emmys are THE television event and to be invited with an illustrious ticket is really exciting and thrilling. I feel like someone else will have to deal with where they take the hardware so that’s ok and I’ll enjoy the party.
855pm: Melissa McCarthy
Q:’What’s your plan for Emmy day?
A: I’m gonna get up uncomfortably early because that’s when my kids get up – I’ll be up at 5am, I’ll hang out with the kids. I’m going with my sister Margie because my husband is shooting a movie in Atlanta. We’re gonna get dolled up and see some fantastic people and I’m gonna try not to stare at Kathy Bates until she says “stop looking at me.”
Q: And there have been no fashion snafus so far?
A: No, not yet. Not until you’ve mentioned it and jinxed me! I don’t believe in jinxing. I’m going to be comfortable, I love what I’m wearing. I’m excited.
940pm: Josh Charles
Q: What are you doing Emmy day?
A: I’m gonna watch football in the morning – I’m gonna watch my Ravens hopefully beat the Titans. I’m gonna up early, go for a run, watch football, have a little breakfast. Then I’ll watch Sophie get dolled up, I’ll throw on my tux, do my hair and bust out. Her dress is really beautiful – she’ll look gorgeous.
945pm: Guy Pearce
Q: How do the American award shows come off to you vs the British awards?
A: They’re (the American awards) are pretty full-on – they’re the real deal. We have award shows at home and they’re pretty spectacular and glamorous but y’know, everything is on a grander scale here.
Q: Any special plans for Sunday – any award show rituals?
A: No, no, we haven’t done many award shows. It’s just trying to make yourself look decent I think. Make sure your hair’s right, your clothes are right. You don’t want to do anything embarassing in front of anybody. You’re really on show.
Q: Do you pick out your own clothes or does your wife do that?
I have to defer to Kate (Pearce’s wife) for everything really. We have a stylist. If Kate’s going like this (shakes his head NO), then I can’t wear it.
950pm: Brian F. O’Byrne
Q: Does your better half pick out your clothes or do you?
A: Armani. [joking] I meant, “My mommy” – I’m waiting for the pants to come from Ireland.
Guy Pearce: They’re a little small – from the old days.
Q: I’m very excited you’re doing PRIME SUSPECT. How’s the show going?
A: It’s going great. It’s an interesting show – it’s funny.
Q: It’s become controversial because of the way the guys treat Jane (Maria Bello’s character)
A: That probably wasn’t a final cut you saw. There’s a final cut where that’s toned down. It’s a set-up in the pilot – it doesn’t go on that way. My guy still doesn’t like her for different reasons.
Q: What are you going to do Emmy day before the awards?
A: We got a couple of kids so it’ll be changing diapers, making sure the three year old is (can’t understand)
955pm: Roger Slattery
Q: Any big activity before the show?
A: We’re bringing my son so we’ll just hang out with him. My wife and son are coming out from New York.
Q: You’ve been through the Emmy drill – how do you feel about it this year?
A: I’m prepared to go and get my brains beat out again. That’s the expectation.
10pm: Alan Cumming
Q: Any rituals for Emmy day?
A: I’m going to have sex – it’s very relaxing. I’m going to have a massage – very relaxing. Then my friend Armand is going to come over and groom me. And then I’m going to get into my Jean-Paul Gaultier outfit. My award is early on so I’ll be able to relax, one way or the other.
Q: Is relax a code word for drink?
A: Yeah, probably. I just think it’s such a stressful experience. And there’s no booze. If you go to the loo, all you can get is water and popcorn. It’s very stressful, like having a car crash. The good thing about not winning is that you don’t have to go through the car crash.
Q: How much shit are they letting Eli Gold stir up this season on THE GOOD WIFE?
A: A lot. It gets juicy this season. I have a swanky new office. I have a whole cheese storyline. My office looks into Alicia’s. I do a lot of scenes doing this, [peers over glasses as if looking into an office]
EVENT: Showtime Emmy Nominees Cocktail Party
LOCATION: Skybar at Mondrian Hotel – West Hollywood, CA
DATE: Saturday, September 17, 2011 – 630pm – 830pm
PEOPLE INTERVIEWED:
Idris Elba – Actor, THE BIG C
Edie Falco – Actress, NURSE JACKIE (Jackie)
Matt LeBlanc – Actor, EPISODES (Matt)
Jennifer Carpenter – Actress, DEXTER (Deb)
Laura Linney – Actress, THE BIG C (Cathy)
Note: Michael C. Hall and Claire Danes attended the party – they did not want to speak to press. Both were huddled with Showtime execs Matt Blank and David Nevins so it was not possible to pull them aside for a quick question.
COLOR: Skybar at the Mondrian is a poolside bar, decorated with red lamps (not sure if they were paper lamps?) hanging from the cabanas and smaller white lamps in trees around the area. Small chaises for seating had small trays with votive candles in small glass holders. No special decoration exclusive to Showtime except for the step and repeat near the entrance of Skybar. Waitresses wore black shirts with black and white patterned sarong skirts.
All actors who attended stopped to do a photo with David Nevins and Matt Blank.
Claire Danes chatted with Julia Stiles for a little bit and then stood and talked with two friends.
Jennifer Carpenter had trouble remembering the name of the designer who made her black and white corseted dress. It was Giambattista Valli.
Matt LeBlanc & Andrea Andres are still a couple. She was going to interrupt one of his press line interviews to ask him if he wanted a drink and then said, “Ah, he can wait.”
The menu included kobe beef sliders with cheddar cheese & bacon, short-rib/pineapple bites with sauce, tuna tartare, chicken & cheese mini-samosas.
715pm – Idris Elba
Q: Have you been to the Emmys before?
A: No – first time.
Q: What are you looking forward to most?
A: When it’s over. When I can go home.
Q: There’s no one you want to meet?
A: No – I met ‘em all. My parents are here from England – they’re not phased by it either. My daughter is my date. I’m excited to show them that.
Q: Are you working on more American television?
A: No – more film. I’m about to start working with Guillermo del Toro on PACIFIC RIM. LUTHER is something that I love to do but it’s actually an exercise for me as a producer, so it’s fantastic for me. But film is where I really want to head to – and theatre – and music.
Q: Are you still deejaying?
A: Yeah, still deejaying.
Q: I watched your music video this week.
A: Yeah – “Private Garden” – we hit an all-time high for views. I’m very excited about it – I love music and I do it for nothing. If I put albums out there, if I don’t give most of the proceeds to charity then I won’t tell it. I’ll tell you cause I want you to quote me. It comes naturally. I love music but I don’t expect people to want to listen to music from me cause I’m an actor. Y’know, Hugh Laurie has an album – it’s a blues album. It’s phenomenal.
715pm: Edie Falco
Q: You’ve been through the Emmy mill. What’s your favorite part about it?
A: Staying at The Peninsula. Getting to stay at a fancy hotel and get room service.
Q: Are your kids with you?
A: No – they just started school so they’re back in New York.
Q: Do you have an Emmy ritual?
A: I do not. It depends on who’s out here with me and what time I wake up. So no, I don’t have anything I do specifically, I’m pretty casual about the whole thing.
Q: Any fashion snafus so far?
A: So far so good but I only got here a few hours ago. The night is young.
730pm: Matt LeBlanc
Q: Congratulations on your nomination.
A: Thank you. If you can’t get one playing yourself, you better quit, right? (Laughs)
Q: I’m elated you’re going to do another cycle of EPISODES.
A: Yeah, we start shooting in London in early November so I’ll go over the end of October, get used to the time change and get acclimated, we have some pre-production stuff to go through. I’ll be there – I think we shoot til February. I think we’re going to shoot a little bit here this year because we didn’t get to take advantage of the weather last time. We were in London in the summer. We shot London for L.A. Now with the weather, it’s going to be raining most of the time in London so I think we’re going to do a week of production in L.A.
Q: I know you’ve been to the Emmys before – do you have any Emmy day rituals?
A: Well, none of them have worked for me in the past. (Laughs) So I would say no.
Q: I meant just stuff you do on Emmy day.
A: Clean socks and underwear. Just try to not have any expections. It’s an honor to be nominated – it really truly is. And if you win, it’s even nicer. To be nominated really validates a new show – we only did seven episodes so to get nominated for writing and an acting nomination brings attention to a show people haven’t seen. I’m really proud of it, I’m proud of the writing, proud of the cast, and I’m the representative of the cast. I’m really proud of all the performances in the show. It was a nice meeting of minds. It really starts on the page. You can take the greatest actor in the world and – what’s that old saying? “you can only polish an old turd so much” (Laughs)
Q: I think that’s a beautiful closing note!
745pm – Jennifer Carpenter
Q: How are you enjoying your Emmy week?
A: It’s fun. I don’t really enjoy step and repeats but other than that, it’s good.
Q: Any award show rituals?
A: I don’t really have any rituals but it’s really nice to celebrate the success of the show, something you work so hard on. It’s good to see friends so I am excited.
Q: Anyone you’re looking forward to meeting?
A: To meeting? I’m always excited to meet new people. I’m excited to see friends I don’t normally get to see – like Seth Meyers and his girlfriend – I’m very good friends with them. It’ll be nice to spend some time with them.
Q: Are there any other things you’re going to do tomorrow?
A: Physique 57 – which started in New York – it’s a ballet barre kind of workout, it’s my new obsession, I do it three times a week! It’s changed my life.
Q: I watched the DEXTER season opener. Now I live in fear of Deb finding out about Dexter.
A: I don’t think it could scare you the way it scares me. This is an explosive season – I think better than any one we’ve had so far and I don’t say that lightly. We’re about to start shooting episode 11 and I feel like we’re only two in. I feel like I have legs to run twelve more. It’s good.
750pm: Laura Linney
Q: I know you’ve been to many award shows – do you have any rituals for the big day?
A: You really to have as good a time as you can – it’s a chaotic day, there’s a lot going on, there’s a lot of people wanting your attention. More than anything, I try to stay as close to myself as I can so I can really enjoy the experience, because you can get very distracted and you forget why you’re there. You forget you’re actually there to go “hooray!”
Q: Is there anyone you’re looking forward to seeing tomorrow?
A: Amy Poehler! I love Amy Poehler. I love Amy Poehler.
Q: Everything OK on the fashion front? any trip-ups?
A: No trip-ups. So far so good.
EVENT: BAFTA Tea Party
LOCATION: L’Ermitage Hotel – Rooftop / Poolside area – Beverly Hills, CA
DATE: Saturday, September 17, 2011 – 2:30pm – 5:00pm
PEOPLE INTERVIEWED:
Ty Burrell – Actor, MODERN FAMILY (Phil Dunphy)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson – Actor, MODERN FAMILY (Mitchell)
Julie Bowen – Actress, MODERN FAMILY (Claire Dunphy)
Kathy Griffin – Comedienne
Rufus Sewell – Actor, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VAMPIRE HUNTER
Kit Harington – Actor, GAME OF THRONES (Jon Snow)
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Actor, GAME OF THRONES (Jamie Lannister)
Margo Martindale – Actress, JUSTIFIED (Mags Bennett)
SPOTTED IN THE CROWD:
Elizabeth McGovern – Actress, DOWNTON ABBEY
Eric Stonestreet – Actor, MODERN FAMILY
Scott Adsit – Actor, 30 ROCK (Pete)
John Lutz – Actor, 30 ROCK (Lutz)
Rich Sommer – Actor, MAD MEN (Harry Crane)
Matthew Weiner – Creator/Showrunner, MAD MEN
Betsy Brandt – Actress, BREAKING BAD (Marie)
Brenda Strong – Actress, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (voiceover, Mary Alice)
Steven Moffat – Showrunner/Writer, DOCTOR WHO
Melissa Leo – Actress, MILDRED PIERCE
Loretta Devine – Actress, GREY’S ANATOMY guest star
Alfre Woodard – Actress, TRUE BLOOD guest star
Scott Krinsky – Actor, CHUCK
Vic Sahay – Actor, CHUCK
Chris McDonald – Actor, HARRY’S LAW
Guy Pearce – Actor, MILDRED PIERCE
Iqbal Theba – Actor, GLEE (the school principal)
Leslie David Baker – Actor, THE OFFICE
Angela Kinsey – Actress, THE OFFICE
Brian Baumgartner – Actor, THE OFFICE
Phyllis Smith – Actress, THE OFFICE
Wendie Malick – Actress, HOT IN CLEVELAND
Alan Cumming – Actor, THE GOOD WIFE
Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Actress
COLOR: BBC America co-hosted this event with BAFTA. The rooftop area of the L’Ermitage was decorated with sailboats hanging from clear wires strung across the area.
It was a clear, breezy afternoon in LA and as the rooftop area gradually filled up, the smokers gravitated toward the corners of the patio area. Guests also perused the items available at the silent auction which was set up next to the pool.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Kit Harington from GAME OF THRONES hung out in a corner with a few female friends, smoking cigarettes and drinking beers. Harington was excited to meet Rufus Sewell, he said Sewell is one of his favorite actors.
Wendie Malick was dressed in a t-shirt and slim black cigarette jeans, hair pulled back, deeply tanned. First spotted her chatting with the MODERN FAMILY’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his boyfriend Justin Makita and then with some friends near the entrance door of the rooftop area.
Julie Bowen saw Brenda Strong and made a beeline for her, complimenting Strong’s striking animal print dress. They chatted for a good 20 minutes before Bowen joined her MODERN FAMILY co-stars Ty Burrell and his wife Holly. Bowen also had a long, lively chat with Holly Burrell. Bowen’s sister joined her at the BAFTA Tea.
30 ROCK’s Scott Adsit was seen listening and nodding as MAD MEN creator Matt Weiner talked animatedly.
Alan Cumming chatted with Rufus Sewell – they were part of a group of five or six people that included Sewell’s Asian girlfriend – I think her name is Ami Komai (if Google is correct).
The actors from THE OFFICE sat in a shady area on the poolside part of the roof – they mingled a little bit but Phyllis Smith, Brian Baumgartner and Leslie David Baker mostly sat away from the crowd in the shady area.
240pm – Ty Burrell
Q: You’ve been to the Emmys before – what’s the difference between last year and this year?
A: There’s less anxiety cause there’s less unknowns. Even the sort of silly little practical things about that kind of press line and the way the day goes. I think also there’s a little bit less pressure because we were lucky enough to win – we feel like – don’t get me wrong, we’d be super-excited if we won – but also, it’s like we’re really going to enjoy ourselves – that’s really the point for us. And I don’t think any of us really believe we could all be nominated at once again. It seems like a once in a lifetime thing – I mean, you never know, you never know. I feel like everybody is in that place where we’re really going to have a great time and I think it’ll be even easier this year.
Q: Now that this is your second time, any rituals for Emmy day?
A: We go to In ‘N Out Burger afterwards at 2 in the morning. Ty’s wife Holly says: We’re starving by then. Food has been prolonged.
Q: You don’t eat at the after parties.
A: It’s like being at a wedding reception. You grab something off of the tray on the way by while you’re being talking machines.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about the Emmys?
A: My favorite thing about the Emmys is that I have even anything to do with it. I never thought I’d be a consistently working actor, in any capacity, let alone on television. My favorite thing about the Emmys is that I’ve seen them from the inside part of the building.
3pm – Kathy Griffin
Q: What’s your favorite thing about the Emmys, besides winning?
A: Well, winning. And also, attending all the parties and judging others unfairly. I usually find at a party like this, I see it now, there’s my Kathy Griffin Seat of Judgment. I sit there like I’m sitting at the right hand of the Father, that’s a Catholic reference from a very fallen Catholic. I judge others unfairly – based on their behavior, how much alcohol they’ve consumed, who their date is, or a prostitute, I’ve seen nominees bring hookers – absolutely, for a fact – I’m not gonna name names but some of them have then been arrested or set fire to their apartments. So I like to see who’s with who, who’s naughty and who’s nice.
Q: Aside from the fashion parade this is the red carpet…
A: I love the acceptance speeches, I love when they thank any deity of course, and I like when they make the speech about themselves, like last year, someone won – I can’t remember who – and they said, “This is just really good for me.” I thought that was a great speech, “this is just really really good for me. Thanks you guys. This is really gonna help things.”
Me That person was clearly the president of the debate club.
A: Probably – and lost.
Q: Any Emmy rituals for the day?
A: Yes, I make sure a gay man dresses me from head to toe. I do not let a heterosexual man near me on award show day unless he’s my date I’ll be sleeping with later. But as far as my appearance, Robert Verdi puts me in an Oscar de la Renta ballgown, tells me what shoes to wear, what earrings to wear and what thoughts to have in my head. I don’t even have freedom of thought on award show day. The gay mafia dresses me, shoves me out the door and says, “Don’t fall.”
330pm – Rufus Sewell
Q: Is there a noticeable difference between British and American award shows?
A: I don’t know because I haven’t gone round the corner yet to see if they have sandwiches yet. Like a true British actor, I didn’t eat before I came, you know that old joke: “there’s not much pay but there’s a real pork pie in the second scene.” My main motivation for being here is some food and hopefully to see a couple of friends.
Q: I think there are only finger sandwiches.
A: You don’t know how many of them I can eat! I would say normally the difference is all in the fact that you can afford to book it outside, a potential calamitous mistake, and also the food on offer.
Q: What are you looking forward to tomorrow on Emmy day?
A: Having a nice walk. (Sewell is not attending the Emmy show.)
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’ve just come back from playing my first vampire – a film called ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VAMPIRE HUNTER. It feels like I should’ve played one before but I haven’t.
Q: So I guess I should really be asking how the catering was on the film?
A: Pretty good – it was in New Orleans. One of the problems playing a vampire is I don’t want to be the first toppy vampire so you have to alternate slightly metrosexual meals with the full-on New Orleans extravaganza every four days or so because the food was too good. I was filling out my vampire waistcoat daily so steps needed to be taken. I’m going back to work in England in a month or so.
345pm – Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Q: You’re going back to the Emmys. Do you have any Emmy day rituals?
A: This is only my second time out of the gate so I’m trying to remember what I did last year. I remember shaving my neck and wearing Spanx so I’m going to do those two things again. I think I had a fake tan last year but I don’t have time to do that and I don’t think you should rush into a fake tan without knowing the establishment you’re working with or you’re gonna look like Snooki. I think we’ll just try to have a nice little meal before – I remember last year I was ravenous and Alan Cumming was sharing peanuts with us from a few rows behind during commercial breaks so I’m definitely going to pack a Power Bar this year. It’s a very long afternoon and they tease you with a glass of champagne and then they lock the doors and just watch you go crazy. There’s no drink. It’s not like the Golden Globes where it’s like the River of Jordan – it flows free, never-ending.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Emmys? aside from winning?
A: I honestly love to brush shoulders with people I admire. Alfre Woodard came up to introduce herself to me and I honestly fell backwards and I couldn’t believe it – she’s a genius actress and I’ve admired her for so many years and she was so excited to meet me.
Things like that happening is always really exciting.
Q: Anyone in particular you’re looking forward to seeing or meeting?
A: Lady Gaga. We heard she might be there tomorrow because she’s nominated for her special. We’re actually a little worried she’s gonna eclipse the whole ceremony if she wears a bubble dress or a larva that hatches during the show. Also Steve Carell, I’ve never met him and I’m a huge fan.
Q: I’m really excited about the MODERN FAMILY season premiere – two episodes back to back. And I’ve seen pictures of the new Lily (Cam and Mitchell’s adopted daughter).
A: She’s adorable. She’s great. She’s really wise. On the first day, she looked at me and Eric (Stonestreet) and said, “Are you real people cause you live in a fake house?” She’s very very wise.
Q: That’s the best quote about show business ever.
A: Yeah – it transcends a lot. It’s my motto from now on, “Are we real people – cause we live in a fake house.” She’s very wise. Like a little dolly.
Q: Like a mini Buddha.
A: Yeah – a mini Buddha.
4pm – Margo Martindale
Q: Is there anything special you’re going to do before the big Emmy show?
A: Put on pink panties.
Q: Riight – your good luck charm.
A: They’re my good luck charm.
Q: What are you going to do tomorrow?
A: Hopefully sleep late. There are too many parties. It’s really so hard to keep up with this routine.
Q: But you’re the woman of the hour.
A: I’m trying to be in it.
Q: I’m already missing Mags Bennett.
A: Me too baby!
Q: I’m looking forward to A GIFTED MAN (CBS drama Martindale co-stars in)
A: I am too. I’m having fun.
Q: Is there anything you love about the Emmys?
A: I love this party. I think so far this is my favorite party. I’ve only been to two!
420pm – Kit Harington
Q: Game of Thrones has become such a tremendous success. How has it affected you?
A: I found it’s affecting me more and more in getting recognized or noticed – more in America than England. Generally it’s a lot of fun – I’m having a great time with it.
Q: When do you go back to work on the show?
A: I’ve already gone back. I’ve done a few weeks so far. They’re filming as we speak. I’m off for a few weeks and then I’m going to film in Iceland. Freezing dark fun probably.
Q: Does that mean Jon Snow is still on the wall?
A: He’s gone beyond the wall – out into the wilderness. Which is why we’ve got to go to Iceland for the huge landscapes they have. Beautiful mountains they have. I’ve been before once and really enjoyed it.
Q: Are you here for the Emmys?
A: Here for the Emmys. I’ve been here a week just to do some meetings and spend some time with people I know here. Now I’m here for the Emmys on the weekend and then I go to New York. It’s my first award show – I’m an award ceremony virgin. Should be fun.
Q: What will you do before the big show?
A: I don’t know. I think I’ll just relax and try to take it easy. It’s going to be a long night. The ceremony, I’ve been told, can be quite long. Eat a meal and pace myself is the main thing.
Q: What are your favorite things to do in LA or NY?
A: I’ve been to LA more and I guess, me being English, it’s the weather. It’s really spectacular and what I love most. A pretty boring answer.
430pm – Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Q: How do you like playing such a dark villain (Jamie Lannister)?
A: I love it. It’s an amazing character because I know what happens later on of course. He has a bit of a journey. So many things in this show – yeah, ,he’s the bad guy – in season one, Ned Stark is the hero. But you start out with Stark executing a little kid, he was scared and ran away. That’s deemed the honorable thing. Jamie does a despicable thing – pushing a kid out of the window, but I do it because if that kid tells anyone what he saw, we will all be killed and the children will be killed so of course it’s a horrible thing. And we shot that scene at least 30 times and the kid was so wonderful – all the kids on the show are great. It sets the tone for the show – all bets are off, anything can happen – they can kill kids, they can kill dogs. And that’s another thing I love about the reaction – there’s an episode where Ned kills a direwolf – people go crazy and say “how can they do that??” - no one mentions a week before you see a guy riding with the corpse of a young boy who was slaughtered. There was no reaction to that.
Q: Much more upset about a dog.
A: Yes – but that’s the way we are.
Q: Is this your first time going to the Emmys?
A: Yeah – I’m really excited. It’s just madness.
Q: What about it excites you the most?
A: The show. Jane Lynch is so funny – I’m sure she’s gonna be an amazing host. I remember last year, seeing the opening on TV, Jimmy Fallon was so funny. I know it’s gonna be full of surprises. And of course seeing all these amazing actors and directors.
Q: Anyone in particular you’re looking forward to meeting?
A: All of them but I’m looking forward to sitting there when Scorcese gets his awards and going, (claps) “We love you!”
Q: You’re not going to hold up a lighter are you?
A: I might. That’s a good idea.
Q: Now people hold up their cell phone.
445pm – Julie Bowen
We were talking about the grey beaded Tony Ward dress Bowen was wearing at the party and how she wore shoes she got on eBay the night before.
Q: I’ve always admired that you’re one of the few actresses who can really look good in a white dress.
A: I’m so glad to hear that.
Q: And you’ve had children and you look that good in a white dress.
A: Three children. I’m not afraid of a supportive undergarment. You have to dress creatively.
Q: Is that part of your plan for tomorrow?
A: I haven’t tried on my dress in a little while but it’ll fit. It involves more tape than undergarment. The tape situation – it’s low. I should be able to suck it in all right.
Q: Any Emmy day rituals?
A: No – I’m usually being buffeted about by my children. This year, I wised up and I’m going to a hotel to get ready. Oliver, my oldest, who, shall I say, has a certain flair? I’m not saying gay, just flair – I said FLAIR. He loves to come in while I’m getting dressed and the stylist is laying out all the jewelry — all the different options – $20,000 bracelets, and he’s running off with them. I love his passion for jewelry and makeup. He also has a passion for guns. I don’t know – this could go a lot of different directions. He’s fantastic. He’s very much his own person but he can’t be trusted around very shiny objects. So I finally just realized: go to a hotel room, downtown, near the venue, beat the traffic and we’re done.
Q: How old is Oliver?
A: He’s four and the twins are two.
Q: So of course likes shiny stuff – everyone like shiny stuff when they’re four.
A: Yes – but does every four year old have his own makeup kit?
Bowen’s sister chimes in: Not every four year old has a mommy who gets made up all the time.
A: It’s a special time. I love what an individual he is.
Q: How is the new season of MODERN FAMILY going?
A: Fantastic. Our writers – every time I see them out, I get angry and tell them “Go home and rest! Hydrate! We need you! We’re puppets – we just say what you write. You people need to go think up good stuff.” You would be amazed – it is 99.9% of what’s on the page and they are that good.
EVENT: HBO Emmy Party
LOCATION: Pacific Design Center – West Hollywood, CA
DATE: Sunday, September 19, 2011 – 845pm – ??? I left at 12:15am, the room was still packed.
PEOPLE INTERVIEWED:
Stephen Amell – Actor, HUNG (Jason, the new gigolo in town)
Perrey Reeves – Actress, ENTOURAGE (Mrs. Ari)
Yvette Nicole Brown – Actress, COMMUNITY (Shirley)
Martin Scorcese – Director, BOARDWALK EMPIRE – Emmy winner
Steve Buscemi – Actor, BOARDWALK EMPIRE – Emmy nominee
Denis O’Hare – Actor, TRUE BLOOD, AMERICAN HORROR STORY
Amanda Peet – Actress, BENT (NBC midseason show), wife of David Benioff – writer/EP, GAME OF THRONES
Rob Riggle – Actor, THE DAILY SHOW, has a show in development at HBO
Dana Gould – Comedian/Actor/Writer
Aaron Paul – Actor, BREAKING BAD (Jesse Pinkman)
Seth MacFarlane – Writer/Showrunner, FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD
Connie Britton – Actress, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, AMERICAN HORROR STORY, Emmy nominee
COLOR:
–Chris Rock waited outside the party entrance until his buddy David Spade arrived around 9pm and then they went into the party together.
–Jon Hamm congratulating Kyle Chandler on his Best Actor in a Drama win.
–Michael C. Hall hanging out at one of the many bars with a friend.
–Marty Scorcese huddled with WME head Ari Emanuel – Ari showing Scorcese something on his very expensive watch.
–Connie Britton arm in arm with Adrienne Palicki (Tyra from FNL)
–Topher Grace hanging out with friends, seemed a little skittish
–Chris Rock chatting with HBO head honcho Richard Plepler
–Paul Reubens chatting with HBO head of programming Sue Naegle and her husband Dana Gould
–Nikolaj Coster-Waldau holding Peter Dinklage’s Emmy and Dinklage says to him, “We’re gonna share it – we’re gonna share it.”
–The music earlier in the evening was jazz and ballads like “Unforgettable” sung by a singer at the event. The music got louder and pumped up as the hour grew later, segueing into hits like “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO, a remix of Adele’s “Rollin’ in the Deep” and right after midnight, “Empire State of Mind” by Alicia Keys & Jay-Z and then Rick Springfield’s “Jesse’s Girl” and Run DMC’s remake of “Walk This Way”
–Seth MacFarlane nursing a scotch while he chatted with Kristin Wiig and a few other people. He was trying to figure out which bar he was at so he could have his friends meet him there.
–Ty Burrell being congratulated on his Emmy win by a few guys who lived in his neighborhood and were also at the party.
–Bill Maher talking to a couple of Marines in dress uniform.
–Dana Gould said he wanted to tell Charlie Sheen to read a book about Nixon to help him learn how to rebuild his image.
–Rob Riggle shared that Steve Higgins is the guy responsible for getting him on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.
–Riggle said he went to UCB and it changed his life. He started doing stand-up after UCB.
–A beaming, radiant Melissa McCarthy posing for a photo with her new Emmy. Actress Heather Burns sat at McCarthy’s table along with McCarthy’s sister, who accompanied her to the Emmys since McCarthy’s husband was out of town.
–Johnny Galecki sitting at a table with his girlfriend – others noticed he didn’t seem to be in a good mood.
–The cavernous space was decorated with silvery/metallic looking things that looked like intergalactic objects suspended from the ceiling. The theme color of the evening: orange.
–Menu included: meat, pasta, salmon, asparagus, for dessert: cake pops, individual fruit parfaits, mini panna cottas
SPOTTED IN THE CROWD:
Scott Porter – Actor, HART OF DIXIE, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Sarah Hyland, Eric Stonestreet, Emmy winner Ty Burrell – Actors, MODERN FAMILY
David Zayas, C.S. Lee – Actors on DEXTER
George R.R. Martin – Author, GAME OF THRONES
Jason Momoa – Actor, GAME OF THRONES (Khal Drago)
Nikolaj Coster-Waldeau – Actor, GAME OF THRONES (Jamie Lannister)
Kit Harington – Actor, GAME OF THRONES (Jon Snow)
Peter Dinklage – Actor, Emmy Winner, GAME OF THRONES (Tyrion Lannister)
David Benioff – EP/Writer, GAME OF THRONES
Dan Weiss – EP/Writer, GAME OF THRONES
Carolyn Strauss – EP, GAME OF THRONES and former HBO head of programming
Jon Hamm – Actor, MAD MEN (Don Draper)
Kiernan Shipka – Actress, MAD MEN (Sally Draper)
Johnny Galecki – Actor, BIG BANG THEORY (Leonard)
Brian Grazer – Producer
Rex Lee – Actor, ENTOURAGE, SUBURGATORY (new ABC comedy)
Clark Duke – Actor, GREEK
Keith Olbermann – Anchorman, COUNTDOWN on Current TV
Mark Wahlberg – stayed to have a drink and then left
Steve Levinson – hanging out with the BOARDWALK EMPIRE cast/crew
Paz de la Huerta – sitting with a girlfriend, going for a no-makeup look but with pancake makeup, the usual hot mess
William H. Macy mingling in the crowd near the BOARDWALK EMPIRE cast.
B.J. Novak – Actor/Writer, THE OFFICE
Michael B. Jordan – Actor, FNL, PARENTHOOD
INTERVIEWS
845pm – Stephen Amell
Q: You’re the young stud on HUNG this season? How much more did you have to work out to play the role?
A: For a sex scene, I don’t go to the gym, I run and do chin-ups. After a month and a half shoot in New Orleans where I played a murderer and a sociopath, I hadn’t been working out at all. I don’t like crash diets. I want to look like who I am. I watch what I eat and I try to be healthy. I don’t want to look like I haven’t ingested a carbohydrate in two weeks when I show up shirtless onscreen.
Q: What’s the best part about this gig?
A: The sex scenes! Actors always talk about how grueling sex scenes are but you get to pretend you’re having sex with someone. They’re physically taxing. I’d scrape my knuckles, bruise my shins and hurt my back, I almost separated my shoulder.
9pm – Perrey Reeves in black and red Naeem Khan short dress
Q: So in the Entourage finale, one of the exciting things is we found out Mrs. Ari’s name.
A: Well, it wasn’t in the finale. It was in the final season and once we said it once, it was like “Oh, Melissa, Melissa, Melissa” like we’d been saying it all the time.
Q: How did you feel about the finale?
A: I like that it wrapped itself up. I like that it tagged on that Ari is going to back to being who he is, cause that’s what we love. To see a meek, castrated Ari, I don’t know.
Q: If you had to make a prediction, would Melissa stick with him?
A; I think she would stick with him if he got back to who he is. I think she’s attracted to the fire and the intensity and if he were to give all that up and just lie out by the beach for the rest of his life, I think they would both be bored.
Q: What’s next for you? What are you interested in doing?
A: I’m interested in doing more television. Picking and choosing because coming off of a show that had such a moment in time, the pop culture of it, the chemistry of it all and to be on such an amazing network like HBO, the bar has been set high but there’s a lot of amazing stuff.
920pm – Yvette Nicole Brown
Q: Did you attend the Emmys tonight?
A: No – I watched at home and got ready for the HBO party.
Q: Did you like thoe show?
A: I did like the show and I was so happy when Kyle Chandler won. I screamed out loud. You would think he was my buddy, as if he was my close personal friend.
Q: Don’t we all think of Kyle Chandler that way?
A: Yeah. Look, I know that ship has sailed but I really wanna do a campaign to get people to watch it on Netflix or Hulu or whatever because it’s really one of the greatest dramas of my generation.
Q: I completely agree and I think that campaign is called Twitter.
A: Thank you, I will start that tomorrow. We’re all doing the hashtag #ClearEyesFullHeartCantLose
Q: We’re all doing that – when we’re not telling people to watch COMMUNITY.
A: Yes – please watch – Thursday nights at 8 o’clock. We’re on episode 7 starting tomorrow. Every season it goes faster and faster. First season, I felt every day and every hour.
Q: Can you tease anything for Shirley?
A: She doesn’t talk about her children much. I think people were concerned that once she had the baby, she’d have a baby Bjorn strapped to her all the time. So far, not so much. She’s mentioned baby Ben a couple of times.
Q: She’s still part of the gang?
A: Yes. And we never saw her other kids that much.
930pm – Martin Scorcese
Q: After a legendary career in film, how does it feel to win your first Emmy?
A: I’m very honored really. I really enjoyed the show, the process of working on the show, I felt there was a lot of creative freedom. And also the idea of working on a series where you can have characters develop, stories develop, over a period of time – two, three, four seasons – would be ideal. It’s interesting – it’s like ideas we had 40 years ago to make films that would go on and on, characters would develop. This is also creating a world that’s very seductive, very pertinent to now.
Q: Corruption is timeless.
A: Exactly, exactly.
10pm – Amanda Peet
Q: Are you shooting BENT in LA?
A: Yes. We’re shooting here.
Q: And your co-star, David Walton…
A: He’s hot! Charming, talented and lovely. We start shooting November 5th.
Q: Do you go with your husband to godforsaken locations for GAME OF THRONES?
A: No – I do not go to godforsaken locations anymore. But Croatia? All I wanna do is go to Croatia. My kid’s in school. We spent the summer in Belfast, which is the city of my dreams at this point. I love Belfast so much. I love the people, the culture. Andrea and I get really when we have to leave Belfast. We go for four months in pre-production and then we come home and it’s very upsetting when we come home. I do love New York but Belfast is my second favorite city in the universe.
Q: Did you have a good time at the Emmys tonight?
A: We had the best time and we almost lost our minds when Peter Dinklage won. I was so excited and over the moon.
Q: I didn’t read the books but I love the show and got into it immediately.
A: Me too. I read the scripts and watched the actors do their thing. David and Dan – their writing is like a symphony, a duet. Oh god, I’m drunk.
1020pm – Steve Buscemi
Q: Hi – can I ask you a couple quick questions?
A: I’m a loser.
Q: No, I don’t think of you that way. How was the second season?
A: I’m a loser! I’m kidding, I’m kidding. I’m sorry. I love the show, the second season is gonna be dynamite. I feel so blessed to be working on this show.
Q: I think this is one of the roles of a lifetime for you. Besides the master class in acting, the subtlety and the beauty of it.
A: Kelly Macdonald, Michael Pitt, Michael Stuhlbarg, Michael Kenneth Williams, we got a lot of good Michaels on the show! I’m gonna change my name to Michael.
Q: I just talked to Mr. Scorcese.
A: I love him. He’s so down to earth. He’s really wonderful. For him, because the pilot was really like shooting a movie, and every episode has been like shooting a feature film. So that’s how high he set the bar.
Q: And it’s gorgeous.
A: It is – we saw it at the Ziegfeld for the premiere and now I’m spoiled – I really want to see it that way.
1045pm – Denis O’Hare
Q: So the season finale of TRUE BLOOD…
A: Very exciting.
Q: Does this mean we get to see more of you on TRUE BLOOD? I know you’re working on AMERICAN HORROR STORY.
A: The thing that’s great is that someone got me out of the cement. Somebody thought I was more important alive than dead. So I think I’ll be back.
Q: Everyone loved the King.
A: It was very nice. People loved him so much – he’s ruthless. He’s a great character, he’s got great depth.
Q: AMERICAN HORROR STORY – I saw the pilot. It’s very much a hodgepodge, it reminded me of TRUE BLOOD in many ways, in that it’s like a gumbo pot of stuff thrown in but with more kinky sex.
A: More kinky sex, beautifully shot and edited so weirdly and edgily. I saw the title sequence and I literally gasped. It was so off the hook.
Q: But so is TRUE BLOOD’s.
A: You’ve seen my character’s face [in AMERICAN HORROR STORY] – the burn face?
Q: Yes, yes. I’ve seen it.
A: [O'Hare then showed me photos on his iPhone of the two sides of his face, one normal, one made up to look scarred by severe burns] That’s three and a half hours of makeup every time.
O’Hare flipped past photos of his husband and two children and said, “It’s the right wing’s nightmare.”
Q: Did you go to the Emmy show tonight? Or just doing the parties?
A: Just the party. I was very happy to see Julianna Margulies won cause I’m on GOOD WIFE sometimes and I love that show.
Q: Yes – as a judge. You’re everywhere.
A: I gotta keep my fingers in. The ant has to work so the grasshopper can play. I was happy to see Peter Dinklage won because I love GAME OF THRONES And MODERN FAMILY won – I like those guys. And Margo Martindale!
11pm – Rob Riggle
Q: Now you’re going to do your own show, correct?
A: That’s the plan. I have a deal with HBO, Mark Wahlberg, Steven Levinson producing. Peter Principato producing. I’m writing. Possibly some others. It’s very early so we’re developing and I’m very excited about it. It’s an idea I’ve had for a long time and I’m eager to see if we can get it to fly.
Q: You did a CBS pilot.
A: I did two for CBS and neither one of them went.
Q: It’s part of a process.
A: I’ve heard stories of Clooney doing dozens of pilots. And Will Arnett.
Dana Gould walks by – Rob says hi and Dana answers “I’m not talking to you!” A long conversation ensues about comedy, Dave Koechner, the UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade theatre), admiration for Louis C.K.
1115pm – Seth MacFarlane
Q: Tomorrow night, Sept. 19, the Charlie Sheen Roast airs opposite the TWO AND A HALF MEN premiere – which will prevail?
A: Is that which will prevail period or which will prevail question mark?
Q: Which will prevail question mark.
A: I’m guessing maybe – I mean TWO AND A HALF MEN is on a network, so…it’ll be interesting to see. I make no predictions. We’ll see.
Q: Did you go to the Emmys tonight?
A: I missed the show. I didn’t even see a minute of it. It makes me a terrible television person.
Q: You’re not obligated but since you own most of FOX…
A: Hardly, hardly.
Q: You got a lotta real estate there sir.
A: (Seth laughs)
Q: And it keeps growing.
A: It’s all fun.
1145pm – Connie Britton
Q: In spite of the turnout of your category, did you have a good time at the Emmys tonight?
A: I had an amazing time. Honestly, to have FNL represented so well and then to have Jason Katims and Kyle both win their categories, I mean, we were all so shocked and so thrilled, it was amazing.
Q: But you’ve been feeling a lotta love this week at the pre-Emmy parties, right?
A: Yeah, it’s been, listen, we’ve felt a lotta love the entire time. I’ll never have another situation like this where I’m involved with something that’s so beloved and I’ll be grateful for it forever.
Q: I also think the show’s gonna resonate for so many years, so many people are still discovering it.
A: That’s the good news about getting terrible ratings — people are now discovering it and it feels like we’re gonna have a little bit of a legacy.
Q: How’s work going on AMERICAN HORROR STORY?
A: Fantastic. It’s strange, challenging and fantastic. This one is really fun for me because it’s so the polar opposite of what I’ve been doing. It’s a fun one to sink my teeth into. Hopefully people will like it. It’s Ryan Murphy crazy. You either jump on the rollercoaster or you don’t.
Q: All of us TV fans want it to be a great show for you.
A: Aw, thank you. I want it to be a great show too and I think it is a great show. I’ll stop at that.
12midnight – Aaron Paul
Q: I thought awhile ago that Jesse was the student who would become the teacher, and after tonight’s episode, it was stunning.
A: Jesse was nervous – very nervous. He had to take the reins and he did, in a very big way. There’s a lot of intense things about to happen. It is a full sprint to the end of the season. It keeps getting more and more and more intense. This season is the heaviest season we’ve had and it’s been my personal favorite. I think the first three seasons were brilliant but this season, there’s something different.
Q: I think it’s because Walt became a real asshole. Jesse has developed his own code which is really interesting and what a great arc for you to play.
A: Exactly. Walt has been allowing his alter ego to take over. His ego is 100% coming into play – he has a huge ego.
Q: I know they’re mapping out the end of the show.
A: We have 16 episodes left.
Aaron realized how late it was and left to hit the AMC party in Beverly Hills.