Emmys 2011: Melissa McCarthy Best Actress In A Comedy Award Winner (PHOTO)

They all took the stage, but only one took home the prize.

Amy Poehler got the party started, walking up on stage as her nomination was announced for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy. The rest of her fellow nominees followed suit, making for a formidable showing of women on stage that drew a standing ovation from the crowd.

The "Parks and Recreation" star told them all that everyone was a winner, but most important winner of them all was Melissa McCarthy, who earned her first Emmy... and flowers and a tiara.

"I'm from Plainfield, Ill., and I'm standing here, and it's kind of amazing," McCarthy reflected, crying (and apologizing for doing so). It may be a surprise win, but after her on-stage performance, few could quibble with it.

PHOTO:

Comments

[GirlInNYC]

06:29 PM on 09/19/2011

She's a pretty woman. And I'm petite, but I hope that her win and success inspires big girls.

[Sethjj1975]

03:32 PM on 09/19/2011

Martha Plimpton was robbed.

[boscobear]

02:32 PM on 09/19/2011

Did she have to have two sitters for her chair when she went on stage?

[Justadad1]

02:28 PM on 09/19/2011

I thought Amy Pohler would win, but I have liked Melissa McCarthy ever since her "Gilmore Girls" days. The beauty pageant was a great gag and McCarthy's speech was terrific. Memorable award show moments are always tough to come by, but this was certainly one of them.

[Feesister]

12:53 PM on 09/19/2011

Those posting mean-spirited comments about this woman, instead of wishing her well in this winning moment for her, clearly should take a look at what is missing in their own lives.

[Feesister]

12:50 PM on 09/19/2011

LOVED this moment at the Emmys. Melissa McCarthy's reaction was priceless.

[zenlikejen]

12:22 PM on 09/19/2011

LMAO...that's not much of a secret anymore!

[Sistagirl Young]

12:47 PM on 09/19/2011

Hi antonioarganda; Lot of woman? Yes. Lot of talent? Hell yes. By the by thanks for the secret. I know to never tell you one. Life.

[abbycat118]

12:18 PM on 09/19/2011

I've never seen Mike and Molly but thought she was one of the best parts of Bridesmaids.

[zenlikejen]

12:26 PM on 09/19/2011

Loved her in Bridesmaids and Samantha Who - I was so glad she won :)

[nmf]

12:41 PM on 09/19/2011

Oh, gosh, YES! She was so good in Bridesmaids!

[LHoney]

12:29 PM on 09/19/2011

Not always preventable.

[Feesister]

12:51 PM on 09/19/2011

Buzz kill.

[herb butterfield]

11:59 AM on 09/19/2011

I watched the show a couple of times, she really is not that good an actress. Poor choice.

[theonlyviolet]

11:38 AM on 09/19/2011

get thee to a "I'm stupid" meeting!!!!

[no tea]

11:41 AM on 09/19/2011

Really? Do you think being morbidly obese is intelligent?

[kenhamlett]

11:28 AM on 09/19/2011

Ms. McCarthy is a very talented actress and is having a very strong year. She is also being touted as a likely Oscar nominee for "Girlfriends." In the run-up to the Emmys, I read perhaps a half-dozen previews by critics or other prognosticators. Every single one of the them said that Ms. McCarthy was the most deserving nominee. So, the headline that her win was a shock seems a bit overstated. But, perhaps the first time is always a shock. Congratulations to her!

[canobserv]

11:37 AM on 09/19/2011

their point...it would seem...is that a size 0 didn't win.......

[AKansasComment]

11:53 AM on 09/19/2011

And it's about time.

[lisalulu]

11:32 AM on 09/19/2011

you are clearly consumed with nasty!

[canobserv]

11:53 AM on 09/19/2011

I am dissapointed with the comments here.....catty...mean....sarcastic...and sad

[mebemommee06]

11:18 AM on 09/19/2011

Loved her on Gilmore Girls .. Shes so cute.. and a good actress to boot!

[CoffeeOnIce]

11:17 AM on 09/19/2011

The beauty pageant bit they did was one of the most amusing bits of the whole show.