Breaking Bad and Modern Family take top prizes at 2013 Emmy Awards

Breaking Bad claimed the Outstanding Drama Series prize at the 2013 Emmy Awards, outgunning last year’s victor Homeland and frequent category champ Mad Men.

It was one of two major achievements for the AMC show, with Anna Gunn taking home Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work as Skyler White.

But the program’s three other acting nominees, Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Jonathan Banks, left the ceremony empty-handed.

Instead, Jeff Daniels astounded by picking up the Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series accolade, while Bobby Cannavale defied the odds to win Outstanding Supporting Actor.

Homeland’s Claire Danes repeated by picking up the Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series crown once again. The late Henry Bromell posthumously won Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for that same show (specifically, the revelatory episode ‘Q&A’).

Modern Family, meanwhile, picked up its fourth Outstanding Comedy Series prize, despite stiff competition from the outgoing 30 Rock, and the ascending critical darlings Girls, Veep, and Louie.

Veep’s Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Tony Hale won for Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, respectively, while The Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons became a three time winner of the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy.

Nurse Jackie’s Merritt Weaver won the first prize of the night, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Her shock victory – evidenced by her swift, overwhelmed victory speech – set the tone for a night of surprises.

30 Rock wasn’t entirely snubbed, however. Tina Fey and Tracey Wigfield were awarded Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, for penning the show’s final episode.

Behind the Candelabra was named Outstanding Miniseries or Made for Television Movie, with director Steven Soderbergh and star Michael Douglas also taking home prizes.

Soderbergh was not the only Hollywood director to score an Emmy. David Fincher won Outstanding Direction for a Drama Series, having helmed House of Cards’ pilot episode.

The Colbert Report ended The Daily Show’s ten-year reign in the Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series category, while The Voice was named most Outstanding Reality Competition.