1999 American television programming awards
The 51st Primetime Emmy Awards were held on Sunday, September 12, 1999. The ceremony show was hosted by Jenna Elfman and David Hyde Pierce. It was broadcast on Fox.
The comedy-drama "Ally McBeal" won Outstanding Comedy Series, which not only dethroned five-time defending champion "Frasier" but also became the first time Fox won that award. In the drama field "The Practice" won Outstanding Drama Series for the second straight year, and led all shows with three major wins on the night.
Freshman series "The Sopranos" led all shows with 10 major nominations. From that show, Edie Falco not only became the first actress from a Cable network (HBO) to win Lead Actress, Drama series, she became the first person from any Cable TV show series to win a Major Acting award. (Though David Clennon did win for only a guest performance in HBO's "Dream On" in 1993).
The real winner of the night was television writer David E. Kelley. Kelley was the creator and head writer for both series champions, "Ally McBeal" and "The Practice". This accomplishment has not been matched since.
Most major awards.
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In Memoriam.
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References.
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