First-timers win big at this year's Emmys

It was the New Wave Emmys on Sunday — a night filled with first-time winners.

With the exception of "Mad Men," which was named outstanding drama for the third year in a row, newcomers — led by outstanding comedy winner "Modern Family" — dominated. Of the 24 awards presented on Sunday in Los Angeles that could have had a repeat winner, only five did.

The Emmy Awards have been criticized — rightfully — for failing to recognize new talent; for honoring the same actors repeatedly and failing to catch the wave of what's new and different.

That, however, was not the case on Sunday, when the newbies beat the oldies far more often than not. Much to the delight of the newcomers.

"Modern Family" executive producer Steve Levitan went out of his way to thank viewers who made his show a n instant hit.

"We are so thrilled that families are sitting down together, watching a television show. ... We're so happy you have let us into your families," he said.

All four of the comedy acting awards went to actors who'd never won in their categories before: best actor Jim Parsons ("Big Bang Theory"); supporting actor Eric Stonestreet ("Modern Family"); supporting actress Jane Lynch ("Glee") and best actress Edie Falco ("Nurse Jackie"), who was among those seemingly shocked to be a winner.

"Oh, this is just the most ridiculous thing that has ever, every happened in the history of this awards show. I am not funny," said Falco, who had won three previous Emmys as lead actress in a drama ("The Sopranos").

And a flustered Parsons began his acceptance speech by saying, "Now I realize how much I did not think this was going to happen."

Ryan Murphy won for directing first-year comedy "Glee"; and Levitan and Christopher Lloyd won for writing first-year comedy "Modern Family."

And there were plenty of first-time winners on the drama side, as well: lead actress Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer"), supporting actor Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad"), supporting actress Archie Panjabi ("The Good Wife") and director Steve Shill ("Dexter").

Even "Top Chef" broke through, finally dethroning "The Amazing Race," which had won all seven previous reality/competition Emmys.

"This is something we never expected," said executive producer Dan Cutforth.