EMMY CLOCK STRIKES `24' FOX DRAMA SCORES; `THE OFFICE' NAMED BEST COMEDY.

Byline: DAVID KRONKE Television Critic

After four previous seasons of saving the world and getting nothing in return from Emmy voters, Kiefer Sutherland and ``24'' were the big winners at Sunday evening's 58th annual Emmy Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium.

And Bob Newhart's life was spared.

Early on, host Conan O'Brien noted the broadcast runs long because there are no consequences. This year would be different, he vowed, presenting Bob Newhart locked in a tank with but three hours of air 7/8 if the show ran long, Newhart would perish.

The show finished on time, and Newhart presented the cast and producers of ``The Office'' with its Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Sutherland finally won his Emmy for ``24,'' which was also named Outstanding Drama Series in a season that depicted the President of the United States in league with terrorists.

Referring to his father, Donald, who was also in the audience as a nominee, Sutherland said, ``We're going to have to have dinner now.''

Sutherland said his win ``reminds you that you have been given too much and this is that evening,'' Sutherland

``24'' also earned an Emmy for director Jon Cassar, who proudly told the audience, ``We're working in the new golden age of television7/8 let's enjoy it.''

Greg Daniels, who adapted ``The Office'' from its similarly award- winning British counterpart, accepted the Emmy by recalling a day long ago in which he and his friend O'Brien predicted, ``Conan would host the Emmys, I would win an Emmy, and I would lose my virginity. Tonight, I hope it will come true.''

Tony Shalhoub won his third Emmy for ``Monk,'' beating projected favorite, ``The Office's'' Steve Carell.

Julia Louis-Dreyfuss won her second Emmy (the first in ``Seinfeld'') for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy for ``The New Adventures of Old Christine,'' the only show in her category still on the air. The actress confessed she couldn't remember someone she was supposed to thank; director Louis J. Horvitz cut to her husband, Brad Hall, which fortunately jogged her memory.

Louis-Dreyfus also made reference to the ``Seinfeld curse'' (none of her co-stars from the series have launched successful new series).

``Well, I'm not somebody who really believes in curses -- but curse this, baby,'' said holding her trophy afloat.

Mariska Hargitay won her first Emmy after three nominations for ``Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.'' ``When I named my son August, I had no idea the month would end like this!'' she said ebulliently, She singled out her father, former Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay, declaring, ``I can't wait to celebrate this with you.''

Somewhat inauspiciously, the ceremony began with three winners from shows that have left the air. Alan Alda's trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama helped NBC's departing ``The West Wing'' tie ``Hill Street Blues''' for the most wins -- 26 -- by a drama.

Megan Mullally won her second Emmy (against seven nominations) for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy for ``Will & Grace.'' Blythe Danner won her second consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama for Showtime's cancelled ``Huff.''

The first winner for a series still on the air was Jeremy Piven, named Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy for his role as a Hollywood agent in ``Entourage.''

Though ``My Name is Earl'' was snubbed in major categories, Greg Garcia and Marc Buckland won for writing and directing, respectively, the series' pilot.

HBO dominated, as usual, the TV movie and miniseries categories.

``Elizabeth I'' was named Outstanding Miniseries, while Helen Mirren received her third Emmy was named Outstanding Actress and Jeremy Irons won his second Emmy for his supporting role. Tom Hooper also received a trophy for directing the miniseries.

HBO's ``The Girl in the Cafe'' was named Outstanding TV Movie, with Richard Curtis winning an Emmy for his screenplay and the film's Kelly MacDonald beating her far better-known competition to win the Emmy for Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries.

``The Daily Show with Jon Stewart'' won its fourth consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series, as well as the trophy for writing.

Barry Manilow won for Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for his PBS special ``Barry Manilow: Music and Passion.''

Later, Colbert assumed the persona of his testy TV pundit, beckoning to a giant on-set Emmy while bellowing at the audience, ``Kneel before your God, Babylon!'' before breaking down and wailing, ``I lost to Barry Manilow!''

Andre Braugher won his second Emmy, this one for Outstanding Actor in a Movie or Miniseries for ``Thief.'' Terence Winters picked up a trophy for writing an episode of ``The Sopranos.''

``The Amazing Race'' won its fourth consecutive Reality-Competition Program Emmy.

And in one of those mind-bending moments, Louis J. Horvitz accepted the Emmy for directing the Oscars while directing the Emmy ceremony.

``American Idol's'' professional curmudgeon Simon Cowell received a smattering of boos before presenting a tribute to TV producer and ``American Bandstand'' host Dick Clark.

The late Aaron Spelling was also honored by a number of actors who starred in his many TV series. ``No one did `guilty pleasure' better than Aaron Spelling,'' declared Stephen Collins.

O'Brien proved a most engaging host. Referring to the recent decision to tax stars for the contents of their awards-show gift bags, O'Brien noted that the Emmy gift bag was worth $51,000, including ``a gift certificate to the Olive Garden worth $50,000.''

David Kronke, [phone]

david.kronke(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

8 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Kiefer Sutherland and the cast of ``24'' show off their award for Best Drama Series at the Emmy Awards on Sunday.

(2 -- color) Julia Louis-Dreyfus wins the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on ``The New Adventures of Old Christine.''

(3 -- color) Mariska Hargitay wins the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in ``Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.''

(4 -- 5) Cast members of ``The Office,'' left, celebrate their win for Outstanding Comedy Series at the Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on Sunday. Below, Tony Shaloub wins the Emmy for actor in a comedy series.

(6) Conan O'Brien hosted the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on Sunday.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer

(7 -- 8 -- color) HIGH CLASS FASHION

A night of sexy lace, jewel tones and big smiles lit up the red carpet Sunday night at the Shrine Auditorium for the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Sandra Oh, who was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a drama series for her work on ``Grey's Anatomy,'' waves to the throngs of fans while twice-nominated Alfre Woodard, right, poses for cameras. Woodard was nominated for her work in ``Desperate Housewives'' and the miniseries ``The Water Is Wide.'' PAGE 8