Modern Family rules at 2011 Emmy Awards

The love was shared around at the 63^rd Emmy Awards, as if the television industry was one big happy modern family (even Charlie Sheen made a peace offering to the Two and a Half Men team while presenting an award).

Modern Family was the big winner at the Jane Lynch-hosted ceremony, picking up Outstanding Comedy Series, Direction in a Comedy Series, Writing in a Comedy Series, as well as Supporting Actor and Actress prizes for stars Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen.

Jim Parsons was once again named Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for The Big Bang Theory, spoiling Steve Carell’s chances of winning even one Emmy for his recently-ended stint on The Office. Melissa McCarthy nabbed Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Mike & Molly; a surprise win that may or may not have been influenced by her scene-stealing work in Bridesmaids.

Although Mad Men picked up Outstanding Drama Series for the fourth year in a row, it failed to take home any statuettes in the Writing, Directing or Acting categories.

Friday Night Lights briefly looked like it would dominate the field after picking up Emmys for Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Lead Actor (Kyle Chandler) for its final ever season. Its reign was short lived however. Martin Scorsese won an Emmy for directing the pilot of Boardwalk Empire and Julianna Margulies was named Outstanding Lead Actress for The Good Wife, while fan favourites Peter Dinklage and Margo Martindale scored the Outstanding Supporting Actor and Actress prizes for their work on Game of Thrones and Justified respectively.

Downton Abbey proved victorious in the Outstanding Miniseries or Made for Television Movie category, also taking home prizes for Directing, Writing, and Supporting Actress (Maggie Smith). Kate Winslet and Guy Pearce still managed to take home acting awards for their work in Mildred Pierce, while Barry Pepper was named Outstanding Lead Actor in the much-derided mini-series The Kennedys.

The Daily Show was once again named Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series, while The Amazing Race picked up Outstanding Reality Competition Program.

Discuss: What are your thoughts on this year’s winners?