Live updates from the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards

The 63rd annual Emmy Awards, hosted by "Glee" star Jane Lynch, gets going tonight at 8 p.m. on FOX. Check back here after 8 for live updates from the show.

If you want to get started early, there's a live backstage webcast from the Emmy website starting at 5 p.m. A Red Carpet show starts at 5 p.m. on the E! channel.

Here's a full list of nominees, which include former Raleighites Michael C. Hall and Evan Rachel Wood. Hall is nominated for his starring role in Showtime's "Dexter," and Wood, who has a recurring role as the campy Vampire Queen of Louisiana in HBO's "True Blood," is nominated for her supporting role in the HBO miniseries "Mildred Pierce." Wood has an excellent shot at winning. We're pulling for both of them!

Recap begins at 8 p.m.

First, check out this photo gallery from the show and this one from the Red Carpet.

7:10 p.m. - Evan Rachel Wood hit the Red Carpet, looking very Forties Glam in a black sequined gown by Elie Saab and a short haircut with a big wave across the front. The look was very retro and in keeping with the whole "Mildred Pierce" vibe. Nice.

8 p.m. - The show opens with a taped piece featuring host Jane Lynch getting advice from Leonard Nimoy, The President of TV. Then as Lynch begins a song, there's a joke about how she doesn't get to sing on "Glee." The musical number must have been a bear to tape, with Lynch moving from set to set, with tons of cameos. The "Big Bang Theory" spot was great, as was the "Mad Men" bit. Great moment when Don Draper orders Lynch out of the room after she tells him in the future people can fast-forward through commercials.

The opening wasn't as heart-poundingly awesome as Jimmy Fallon's "Born to Run" open last year, but it's nice. Mostly I'm just glad we have Jane Lynch hosting the Emmys (so far) instead of Sue Sylvester -- though we did have a brief Sue cameo. Hope we can put Sue in a box now.

8:15 p.m. - The first award of the night goes to the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy, presented by the Jimmys Fallon and Kimmel (who actually wrestle on stage, with Kimmel taking Fallon's speech -- in the event he wins later -- from his pocket and reading it aloud). WINNER: Julie Bowen from "Modern Family!" Julie Bowen, who is a wonderful actress but always overshadowed by Sofia Vergara. Good for her!

The Outstanding Supporting Actor in Comedy award goes to Julie Bowen's TV husband, Ty Burrell from "Modern Family." Eric Stonestreet (also nominated) actually jumped from his seat cheering. He seems genuinely happy for his colleague. Very nice speech from Burrell, talking about how his late father would be proud of him, despite the fact that he wears makeup at work.

8:30 p.m. - Jane Lynch introduces a taped bit by Ricky Gervais to a smattering of applause (someone holds a grudge!). Gervais makes some really funny jokes (I thought) referencing his controversial Golden Globes stint. His speech is hilariously edited to make it look like he said horrible things that were edited by Fox into really nice things (more funny considering Fox did edit Alec Baldwin out of the opening number for making a Rupert Murdoch eavesdropping joke). I'm sorry, I love Gervais no matter what he's doing. Love it.

Next award is for Directing a in Comedy Series. It goes to Michael Spiller for "Modern Family."

Two funny people -- Wil Arnett and Zooey Deschanel -- do a funny bit about comedy writing, and give an award for Writing for a Comedy Series. The winners are Steven Levitan and Jeffrey Richman for -- you guessed it -- "Modern Family."

8:40 p.m. - Lynch introduces Charlie Sheen. This might get good. Jimmy Fallon, in the audience, looks thrilled. Sheen is introducing Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series. But first he wants to say something to the people at "Two and a Half Men":  "From the bottom of my heart, I wish you nothing but the best for this upcoming season. We spent eight wonderful years together and I know you'll continue to make great television." Reputation salvaged? It's amazing what showing up sober (or at least on your meds) can do to improve your demeanor. However. Sheen kinda read that statement like someone was holding a Goddess hostage backstage...

The Outstanding Actor award goes to Jim Parsons, from "The Big Bang Theory." (Weirdness: "Big Bang Theory" is also a product of Chuck Lorre, who famously battled with Sheen during Sheen's breakdown this summer). Parsons is great but Louis C.K. got robbed.

Rob Lowe and Sofia Vergara announce nominees for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. Amy Poehler is the first name called and she runs onto the stage to wait. BEST MOMENT EVER. After that, all the other nominated women go on stage too. This is a really great moment.

Standing ovation from the audience.

Melissa McCarthy -- in a stunning upset over Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Edie Falco, Martha Plimpton, Laura Linney -- wins the trophy. McCarthy gets a crown and a bouquet of roses. This is great! Someone in the audience is crying (I think it's McCarthy's sister). I do not like "Mike and Molly" (another Chuck Lorre show) but I have loved McCarthy since she was Sookie on "Gilmore Girls." So this is pretty great.

9 p.m. - Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad") busting in on the "Office" sketch is gold. I love that they got cameos from stars from all kinds of shows from all networks. But Aaron Paul's Jesse delivering crystal meth to Creed -- perfection.

Also, I should point out that there's a group called The Emmytones (I recognize Joel McHale and Zachary Levi, also 'Meredith' from "The Office" and Wilmer Valderrama) who show up now and then to sing. I'm sure in a meeting somewhere, this sounded like a great idea, but it's not going over. At all.

-Tar heels making the Reality/Variety clip reel: Emily Maynard from "The Bachelor."

-Tar heels not making the Reality/Variety clip reel: Scotty McCreery from "American Idol" (James Durbin and Casey Abrams did make the reel).

The Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition program goes to "Amazing Race." The Emmy for Writing for Variety, Music or Comedy Series goes to "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart."

9:15 p.m. - A bunch of comedy stars do live versions of some of  this year's SNL viral video moments, including the Michael Bolton pirate song, "It's Okay in a Three-Way," and "I Just Had Sex." Bolton singing earnestly in a pirate suit and pirate makeup never gets old, but the original SNL versions are far superior. Hit up youtube.

Next award: Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series. Winner is Don Roy King  for "Saturday Night Live."

Next up, Scott Caan introduces the list of people "who are going to lose to Jon Stewart this year." (FYI: The "Colbert Report" clip used in the Emmy nominee reel was the one where Colbert mocked the Wake County School Board's student reassignment plan.)

Scott Caan was right. The Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy series goes to "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." This is the ninth time "The Daily Show" has won in this category.

9:30 p.m. - Drama reel. Some great moments here. Now Jon Cryer and Ashton Kutcher are out to present an award. Ashton tells Jon he doesn't think he's a troll. Now that Sheen has been out and acted gracious, this falls flat. Thunder stolen by The Winner! Boom!

The next award is for Writing for a Drama Series, and it goes to Jason Katims for "Friday Night Lights." He's hugged by Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton as he makes his way to the stage. He ends his acceptance speech with: "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."

Now, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Great, full category. The winner is Margo Martindale for "Justified." SO deserved!! Martindale's 'Mags Bennett' was something to behold.

"Sometimes things just take time," the longtime actress says in her acceptance speech. "But with time comes great appreciation." She thanks Timothy Olyphant and Graham Yost, "even though you killed me!"

9:40 p.m. - Martin Scorsese wins for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series for "Boardwalk Empire." Scorsese, no stranger to movie awards, has been nominated for eight Emmys and this is his first win.

Kerry Washington and Jason O'Mara (love him!) present the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Another super strong category. The Emmy goes to Peter Dinklage for "Game of Thrones," the only thing in that category I do not watch (highly acclaimed, just not my thing). Sad for Andre Braugher.

9:50 p.m. - Lynch's "Jersey Shore" bit was weak.

Bryan Cranston and Katie Holmes give the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. If Connie Britton wins this ... well, she won't. Julianna Margulies wins for "The Good Wife." Totally deserved, but really wanted this for Britton.

That nice moment is ruined by the new Charlie's Angels who come out and awkwardly (was there some subtle shoving at the microphone??) give the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. No losers possible here, but OMG OMG -- Kyle Chandler wins for "Friday Night Lights!" Wow. Third nomination, first win. Go Coach! Chandler gives a nice, but nervous, speech. He seems surprised. Forgot to thank Connie Britton, but he was nervous.

It's hard to believe that Jon Hamm has been nominated for this award three times and has never won. Until you remember that Bryan Cranston won the last three times and then yeah, that makes sense.

10:05 p.m. - LL Cool J just saved a(nother) painful Emmytones spot. More LL, please.
 

***One of the best lines of the night, from Jane Lynch: "A lot of people are curious why I'm a lesbian. Ladies and Gentlemen, the cast of 'Entourage.'" ***
 

Now, the award for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries or Movie. The award goes to Julian Fellowes for "Downton Abbey," which was one of the greatest things on TV this year. If you haven't watched it, watch it!!

Now we have the Evan Rachel Wood category, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. I'm reading that she's neck-and-neck with Dame Maggie Smith ("Downton Abbey"). SHOOT. Maggie Smith won. She's not there.

10:20 p.m. - Amy Poehler and Melissa McCarthy do a bit about how finally men are getting good roles instead of being treated as sexy eye candy. They give the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. Pulling for Idris Elba in "Luther" but it'll never happen. See, it didn't happen. Award goes to Barry Pepper for "The Kennedys." He's not there.

Next award is for Directing for a Miniseries or Movie. The award goes to Brian Percival for "Downton Abbey" (yes!). Have I mentioned this is a great, great series? Watch it.

10:25 p.m. - In Memoriam segment with some guys The Canadian Tenors singing "Hallelujah" with smoke billowing around their feet. Yay for fog machines? My favorite tweet about this: RT @warrenleightTV: Breaking: Leonard Cohen to sue Dry Ice, Fox, himself

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie goes to Guy Pearce for his role in "Mildred Pierce."  "I got to have sex with Kate Winslet many many times," Pearce said. I won't repeat what else he said.

Hugh Laurie and Clarie Danes give the award for Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. (I have watched "House" for so long that when I see Hugh Laurie walk and he's not limping, I briefly wonder what's going on.)

Emmy goes to Kate Winslet for HBO's "Mildred Pierce." A giddy Kate thanks her mum.

10:45 p.m. - Don Cheadle announces the award for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie. The night has been a battle between "Downton Abbey" from Masterpiece and "Mildred Pierce" from HBO. And it looks like the big winner is "Downton Abbey." Approve!

William H Macy and Maria Bello announce the award for Outstanding Drama Series. Can "Friday Night Lights" beat "Boardwalk Empire?" We'll never know because the winner is "Mad Men." "Mad Men" has won this award for the last four years. Hard to argue! The last time a drama series won the Emmy four years in a row was "The West Wing," which won from 2000-2003. No drama series has ever won it five years in a row. Will "Mad Men's" late start (back in 2012) make it ineligible to compete next year?

10:55 p.m. - The final award for the night is for the Outstanding Comedy Series. Gwyneth Paltrow (by the way, worst dress ever) will make the presentation. Any chance it's NOT "Modern Family?" No. No chance. "Modern Family" wins!

So, what did you guys think? Did you like Jane Lynch as host? Were you happy "Friday Night Lights" finally got some Emmy love? 

Here's a full list of winners.