Emmy Awards light up Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The 53rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles opened on a note of nostalgia Sunday night with actors reminiscing about their first wins.

Earth, Wind & Fire and the Black Eyed Peas set the theme musically with an updated version of the former's hit "September" that ran through many of entertainment and news highlights of the past year.

Host Ellen DeGeneres started on a serious note, pointing out the magnolias worn by many of the stars in support of the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"Our thoughts and our prayers go out to everyone affected," she said. "It's times like these that we really need laughter."

DeGeneres, who also emceed the Emmys after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, got laughs from the Shrine Auditorium crowd saying: "Watch for me next month when I host the North Korean People's Choice Awards."

The first two awards of the night went to veterans who have been on the podium before -- Brad Garrett and William Shatner.

Garrett, best supporting actor in a comedy series for a third time for his role on "Everybody Loves Raymond, dedicated his award to "Britney and our baby."

Shatner took his second consecutive Emmy for supporting actor in a drama series for his performance as attorney Denny Crane -- last year on "The Practice" and this year "Boston Legal."

Actor Hugh Jackman won the award for individual achievement in a variety or musical program.