Emmys 2012: Claire Danes wins for lead actress in a drama
Claire Danes won an Emmy for lead actress in a drama series Sunday for her role as psychologically troubled CIA officer Carrie Mathison on the Showtime series “Homeland.” She was the overwhelming favorite to win in a category that included last year’s winner, Julianna Margulies of “The Good Wife,” as well as Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”), Glenn Close (“Damages”), Kathy Bates (“Harry’s Law”) and Michelle Dockery (“Downton Abbey”).
Danes, 33, first came to the attention of television audiences as angsty teenager Angela Chase in the short-lived but much-beloved 1994-1995 ABC series “My So-Called Life.” The performance earned her a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination. The show was canceled after just 19 episodes, but Danes went on to a prolific film career, starring in “Romeo + Juliet,” “The Family Stone” and “The Hours,” among others. She returned to television in the 2010 HBO film “Temple Grandin,” for which she won her first Emmy.
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“Homeland,” adapted from the Israeli series “Hatufim,” premiered in 2011 on Showtime and instantly became one of the most acclaimed dramas on television. Danes plays a CIA officer who comes to believe that a recently returned American POW is secretly working for Al Qaeda. The series returns to Showtime for its second season on Sept. 30.
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards are being held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, and the show is airing live on ABC.
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FULL COVERAGE: 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards
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