Los Angeles, Sep 21 (IANS): The 67th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony etched a new chapter in the entertainment history with Viola Davis breaking the colour 'barrier' with an Emmy win, Jon Hamm registering a win after eight years, Jon Stewart's goodbye to "The Daily Show", "Veep" dethroning "Modern Family" after its five-year reign, Tracy Morgan's surprise visit and "Game Of Thrones" dominating this year's gala.
"Game Of Thrones", "Veep", "Olive Kitteridge", "Transparent" and "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" emerged as top winners at the ceremony held at the Microsoft Theater here on Sunday.
"Game Of Thrones", a hugely popular fantasy show inspired by novelist George R.R. Martin's bestselling series, won key awards out of its 83 nominations including Outstanding Drama Series. Actor Peter Dinklage's role as Tyrion Lannister in the HBO series earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
"Game Of Thrones" was also lauded in the Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, while David Benioff and D.B. Weiss were honoured for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for the show on a day when Martin himself turned 67.
"Veep" left its imprint at the Emmys this year as out of its nine nominations, it swept four awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress In a Comedy Series for Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Outstanding Comedy Series.
"How to Get Away with Murder" fame Viola Davis, who became the first African-American to win the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series honour, delivered an awe-inspiring acceptance speech in which she stated: "The only thing that separates women of colour from anyone else is opportunity."
While Davis looked lovely in a white ensemble, the red carpet of the Emmys saw stars dressed in flattering dresses and dapper suits. Actress Jane Krakowski chose to wear a silk gown by India-born New York-based designer Bibhu Mohapatra.
As for other awards, "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" and "Inside Amy Schumer" scooped away awards in the Variety category.
"The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" took an Emmy in Variety Talk Series category, Directing for a Variety Series category and Writing for a Variety Series category, while actress Amy Schumer clinched her first Emmy in the Variety Sketch Series.
Stewart, the now former host of "The Daily Show", gave a final sign off from the show in his acceptance speech as he said "Thank you so much. You will never have to see me again".
Hosted by Andy Samberg, the award ceremony had another surprise package when Jon Hamm finally got an Emmy after eight years and eight nominations in the Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series category for his iconic portrayal of Don Draper in "Mad Men".
"Olive Kitteridge", a four-hour mini series based on an eponymous 2008 novel by Elizabeth Strout, was also in the spotlight as it won multiple honours, including Limited Series, Lead Actor and Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.
Actress Frances McDormand walked away with the Lead Actress award, while Richard Jenkins, who played her husband on screen, was named the Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Bill Murray's work in the mini series was also lauded with an Outstanding Supporting Actor trophy.
In the comedy category, Jeffrey Tambor took home the Emmy Award in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category for his role in "Transparent". Bradley Whitford walked away with the accolades for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for "Transparent", which registered another win -- for Jill Soloway in Directing for a Comedy.
This year, the Memoriam included tributes to names like Joan Rivers, B.B. King, Leonard Nimoy and Mike Nichols.
The best surprise was saved for the last when actor-comedian Tracy Morgan walked on to the stage, making a rare appearance following his fatal car crash last year, to close the ceremony. Morgan came up on the stage to give away the Outstanding Drama Series award to "Game of Thrones".