Los Angeles ? The darkly intimate 1960s-era drama “Mad Men” and the comedy romp “Modern Family” were the top honorees at Sunday’s Emmy Awards as American life past and present proved a winning formula.

“To our fans, we are so grateful, we are so thrilled that families are sitting down together to watch a television show, and we’re so happy that you have let us into your families,” said Steven Levitan, “Modern Family” executive producer.

The best comedy series award was the first for the freshman sitcom, which also captured an acting award for Eric Stonestreet and a best writing trophy.

Stonestreet, a native of Piper, Kan., and a graduate of Kansas State University, plays a boisterous gay dad and partner. He thanked his parents for their support and promised to send his trophy home with them.

“All I wanted to be was a clown in the circus when I was a kid growing up,” he said.

“Mad Men” earned its third consecutive best drama series trophy. Series creator Matthew Weiner seemed to take the night in stride.

“Glee,” the musical-comedy that started the night as the most-nominated series, earned an acting trophy for Jane Lynch and a directing award for creator Ryan Murphy.

Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of a meth dealer in “Breaking Bad” and Kyra Sedgwick’s role as a brassy deputy police chief in “The Closer” earned the pair top drama series acting awards.

Cranston’s honor was his third trophy for playing a high school chemistry teacher gone wrong, while his co-star, Aaron Paul, earned his first award as best supporting actor for playing his partner-in-crime.

Archie Panjabi of “The Good Wife” was honored as best supporting actress in a drama for her part as a law-firm’s in-house private investigator, as Emmy voters spread the riches widely among veterans and fresh faces.

Edie Falco of “Nurse Jackie” and Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory” were honored for their comedy series lead roles.

Falco’s trophy for playing a tough but troubled nurse came after her hallmark turn as a mob boss’ wife in “The Sopranos,” for which she won three best drama actress Emmys.

Parsons won for his portrayal of a scientist as nerdy as he is brilliant. He ended fellow nominee Alec Baldwin’s two-year winning streak for “30 Rock” and beat out other heavyweights including Tony Shalhoub, nominated for the final season of “Monk” and a three-time winner, and Steve Carell of “The Office.”

“Top Chef” won best reality series, ending the seven-year winning streak of “The Amazing Race.”

Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show” won its eighth consecutive Emmy Award for best variety, music or comedy series.

“Temple Grandin,” based on the life of the gifted, autistic animal sciences expert, was honored as best TV movie and earned Emmys for its star, Claire Danes, and supporting acting trophies for Julia Ormond and David Strathairn. The film’s director, Mick Jackson, also was honored.