Emmy Award winners
Among all the glamour of the red carpet arrivals and glitz of the show, Manilow, the flamboyant silver fox, stole the show.
He was one of many surprise winners at TV’s big night, where the drama series 24 and its star, Kiefer Sutherland, reigned supreme and newcomer Grey’s Anatomy was snubbed.
Australia had only two nominees, Jackman and a long-time favourite of Emmy voters, Judy Davis, although neither won.
“Holy mackerel! I can’t be more surprised,” a shocked Manilow said.
He was up against Jackman, for his role as host of the Tony Awards, and TV talkshow host David Letterman in the individual performance in a variety or music program category.
Manilow, who won the Emmy for a taped performance of his Las Vegas show, Music and Passion, will enter hospital tomorrow to have both hips operated on.
“This goes into the operating room with me tomorrow as a good luck charm,” Manilow said of his Emmy.
24 won the prestigious awards for best drama, best actor and best director.
Keifer Sutherland, who plays FBI agent Jack Bauer in the thriller series, was humble as he accepted his gong as best leading man.
“Every once in a while you’ll have an evening that just reminds you that you’re given too much, and this is that evening,” Sutherland said as he accepted his award.
“This experience on 24 has been nothing but remarkable for me.”
The US version of British series The Office won the best comedy series award but the show’s star, Steve Carell, was beaten for best comedy actor by Tony Shalhoub from Monk.
“I just want to say it’s gratifying to be chosen from such a distinguished group of loser actors,” Shalhoub said.
Alan Alda from West Wing won best supporting actor in a drama series — a record 26th Emmy for a drama series.