Silly, surprising… even a bit shocking would make a fitting tag line to describe this year’s Emmy Awards. The characteristic energy and sprite from Jimmy Fallon managed to keep yawns of boredom at bay during the three-hour award ceremony. Fallon’s opening comedy spoof of “Glee” – where some of TV’s finest showed off their finest “back it up” booty shakes – earned praise as “one of the more memorable, fun Emmy beginners in recent years” from the Washington Post. Even Ricky Gervais pulled out the stops, not only dishing out his sharp and biting wit, but also surprise refreshments. A lucky few in the first several rows seemed to have their 2010 Emmy experience upgraded to “first class” when served bottles of cold brew.

The win for lead actor in a comedy – Jim Parsons who plays Cheldon on CBS’s “The Big Bang Theory” – was a twist that raised eyebrows for some, and gave “geeks” a reason to celebrate through Twitter. But the true surprise wins were attributed to “Modern Family’s” Eric Stonestreet for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy, “The Good Wife’s” Archie Panjabi for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama and “The Closer’s” Kyra Sedgwick for Lead Actress in a Drama. The win for Sedgwick, who has been nominated three previous times, came as a shock to those who anticipated an award for Juliana Margulies in “The Good Wife.” Finally, “Top Chef” upset “The Amazing Race” for Outstanding Reality Competition Series. “The Amazing Race” had taken the golden statuette every year since it was created in 2003, until now.

HBO’s original movie “Temple Grandin” surprised many by winning seven Emmys. In the film, actor Claire Danes plays Grandin, an autistic university professor who is an advocate for understanding autism, the humane treatment of livestock and the author of several books.

Celebrity culture isn’t just good for slapstick, shocks and surprises though. Clooney told viewers that “good works” can result from Hollywood hype. Clooney graciously accepted this year’s Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, which recognized the actor for his commitment to cleaning up the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina even five years out. His efforts for the victims of genocide in Darfur also helped earn him the nod and a standing ovation at the award ceremony. But Clooney wanted to bow out from too much praise:

“It’s embarrassing,” Fox News reports Clooney confided backstage. “You don’t want to be awarded for doing what you’re supposed to be doing.”

How do you feel about this year’s Emmy Award winners? Did your favorites win? Sound off in the comments below.