Los Angeles ? The groundbreaking action series “24,” which turns one dangerous day into a season, found a satisfying end Sunday as it won three Emmys, including for best drama series and best actor for star Kiefer Sutherland.

“The Office” was honored as best comedy.

One Emmy front-runner, sexy medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” was shut out in the awards.

“Every once in a while you’ll have an evening that just reminds you that you’re given too much, and this is that evening,” Sutherland said. “This experience on ’24’ has been nothing but remarkable for me.”

Mariska Hargitay of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and Julia Louis-Dreyfus of the freshman comedy “The New Adventures of Old Christine” struck Emmy gold with lead actress awards for drama and comedy, respectively.

“Well, I’m not somebody who really believes in curses – but curse this, baby,” Louis-Dreyfus said hoisting her trophy and making a veiled reference to the so-called “Seinfeld curse” that kept three of its stars from launching successful new series.

Until the finale, the surprises in the ceremony were courtesy of host Conan O’Brien and his inventive comedy bits, including a running gag that had Bob Newhart’s life threatened if the show ran long.

Tributes abound

O’Brien made sure “Lost,” largely left out of the Emmy awards, got noticed after all.

The ceremony opened with a filmed comedy bit in which O’Brien was seen sipping champagne aboard a jetliner. “What could possibly go wrong tonight?” he says – before the plane crashes onto an island resembling the one in ABC’s drama.

The ceremony paid tribute to producer Dick Clark of “American Bandstand” fame, who has been recovering from a stroke he suffered in 2004.

“I have accomplished my childhood dream, to be in show business. Everybody should be so lucky, to have their dreams come true. I’ve been truly blessed,” said Clark, his speech somewhat strained. He was seated at a podium on stage when he was introduced.

Aaron Spelling, the prolific producer who died in June at 83, was paid often-tearful tribute by his one-time stars, including Jaclyn Smith, Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson of “Charlie’s Angels” and Joan Collins and Heather Locklear of “Dynasty.”

Throughout the ceremony, veteran comedian and TV star Newhart popped up occasionally for O’Brien’s gag.