"Homeland" toppled "Mad Men" to win the top drama prize on Sunday as the Primetime Emmy awards favored politics and 21st century tensions over shows set in bygone eras. In addition to best drama, "Homeland" left the awards ceremony with three other prizes, for best actor and actress and best screenplay. "Homeland" is an American adaptation of the Israeli show Hatufim (Prisoners of War). Gideon Raff, creator of "Hatufim," was involved in the creative process for "Homeland." After winning the award, he said, "we were all surprised and very excited. It is very rare that a new series, in its first season, would reach such achievements. The fact that 'Hatufim' reached such heights in the world is really cool." The original Israeli series was produced by Keshet, headed by Avi Nir. In a recent interview on an Israeli morning radio talk show, Nir said that the show's commercial success was unexpected. "Before the ceremony, we didn't think 'Homeland' would win because it was only in its first season. But throughout the ceremony, as the awards mounted, real hope crept in." Nir said that "Hatufim" is, "the most Israeli story it is possible to think of. Gidi Raff presented it, and Keshet took it to the best possible place. Later, talented American creators fell in love with it and made their own version, which was no less strong and powerful. Apparently there is something universal in the basic story about loyalty, betrayal, love and country." Nir added that, "although the Emmy statue is quite heavy, it feels very light and happy." "Modern Family," ABC's show about the chaotic lives of three related couples and their children, won best comedy series for a third year. "I am praying that everyone doesn't get sick of us," joked executive producer Steve Levitan. "Homeland," said to be one of U.S. President Barack Obama's favorite TV programs, brought to an end the reign of AMC's stylish 1960s advertising show "Mad Men," which left Sunday's Emmy ceremony empty-handed. It was the biggest shutout in Emmy history for "Mad Men," which had gone into Sunday's awards as joint top nominee with 17 nominations. "Homeland" also beat popular "Downton Abbey," about aristocrats and their servants in an English country house, and HBO's medieval fantasy series "Game of Thrones," in what was the first year that all the nominated best drama series came from cable television. AGE OF ANXIETY Claire Danes, who took home the best actress in a drama series award, and plays a bipolar CIA operative in a cat-and-mouse game with Damian Lewis' sleeper agent, said she believed "Homeland" had succeeded with viewers and critics because it was neither preachy nor overtly political. "We are a little startled. I don't think anyone was expecting to be recognized this way starting off," Danes told reporters backstage. [The show] "doesn't take a very biased position (but) it does speak to our feelings of anxiety and unrest right now, in the sense that we're in a new era where the enemy is not so clear." Danes said it was "way cool" that Obama is a fan. "I think it speaks to the relevancy of the show, and it's hugely validating," she added. "Homeland" returns for a second season on Sept. 30, with an opening episode set against the fictional bombing by Israel of Iranian nuclear facilities and the global tensions that ensue.
'Homeland' triumphs as Emmys go for dose of reality
An adaptation of the Israeli show "Prisoners of War," "Homeland" takes home four Emmys, including the award for best drama • Show's creator: "We were all surprised ... it is very rare that a new series, in its first season, would reach such achievements."
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