"Homeland," based on Israeli series, takes top Emmy

Jewish comedian Jon Steward wins Best Variety Series; Mayim Bialik, Larry David, Lena Dunham, make do with nominations.

By REUTERS
Cast of "Homeland" at Emmy awards 370 (photo credit: REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)
Cast of "Homeland" at Emmy awards 370
(photo credit: REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)
The show "Homeland,"loosely based on the Israeli series "Hatufim," won the top drama prize on Sunday as the Primetime Emmy awards.
A post 9/11 psychological thriller about a returning Iraq war hero turned by al-Qaida, "Homeland" won best drama after one season on cable channel Showtime. It also took home trophies for best writing and best acting for its two leads, Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, for a total of six including technical awards.
Said to be one of US President Barack Obama's favorite TV programs, "Homeland" brought to an end the reign of AMC's stylish 1960s advertising show "Mad Men," which left Sunday's Emmy ceremony empty-handed.
"The Daily Show," featuring Jewish comedian Jon Stewart, took the top prize in the Best Variety Series category.
Mayim Bialik, Larry David and Lena Dunham were among the Jewish performers nominated for awards.
Jewish filmmaker and actress Lena Dunham was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Hannah Horvath on the HBO series "Girls." The show has also been nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series and was inspired by Dunham’s experiences as a Jewish girl living in New York City.
Larry David, who is best known as one of the creators of the TV show "Seinfeld" was nominated as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in the HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm." The show also was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Mayim Bialik was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Amy Farrah Fowler on the CBS show "Big Bang Theory." The show has also been nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Max Greenfield, an American actor known for his roles on "Veronica Mars," "Ugly Betty" and "Modern Men," has been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Schmidt in the Fox series "New Girl."
JTA and Jpost.com staff contributed to this report