Best actor accolade for Extras

Ricky Gervais has won another Emmy award, scooping best actor in a comedy series for his role as Andy Millman in Extras.

However, he could not be in Los Angeles to collect his award, as he was performing the closing leg of his Fame tour in the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Instead, his prize was picked up by Steve Carell, who had been nominated in the same category for his role in the US version of Gervais’s The Office.

That show had also been nominated for best comedy series, but the spoils instead went to the new show 30 Rock, starring Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey.

Fey, joked about the show’s lack of ratings success by thanking its ‘dozens and dozens of viewers’.

Ugly Betty star America Ferrera triumphed in the best comedy actress category, and the awards for supporting actor and actress in a comedy show went to Jeremy Piven in Entourage and Jaime Pressly in My Name is Earl.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, who hosted last night’s awards, was named best variety, music or comedy series.

In another British success, Helen Mirren picked up a best actress award for her portrayal of Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect: The Final Act.

Before last night’s victory, Gervais already had two Emmys for best writing – for Extras and for the Office end-of-run specials; while the American version of The Office was named best comedy at last year’s event.

He was also up for an award for directing Extras last night, but lost out in that category to Ugly Betty.

And with Stephen Merchant he was up for outstanding writer for a comedy series; an award actually won by Greg Daniels for an episode of the American Office entitled The Gay Witch Hunt.

Published: 17 Sep 2007