Pomp and ceremony gave way to laughter at this year’s Emmy Awards, as new host Ryan Seacrest lightened the mood.

The American Idol presenter kicked off with a joke and kept them rolling all night.

“Welcome to the 59th Primetime Emmy awards: The results show", he quipped on taking the stage.

The award winners responded in kind, cracking their own one-liners, and treating the audience to laughter-filled show.

Just what got viewers rolling about? Here’s our selection of the best quotes of the evening:

“I loved the finale of The Sopranos. I totally got it. I liked it because the way that show ended is the same way sex ends for me."

Comedian Ray Romano on the black-out ending of the HBO hit show.

“ I want to thank our entire crew. I don't know any of their names”.

Jeremy Piven, from Entourage, accepting the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

“Sure, they were brilliant, if that's what you're into”

Ryan Seacrest on former hosts Johnny Carson, Conan O'Brien and Ellen DeGeneres.

"My own mother told me I didn't have a shot in hell of winning tonight so I don't really have anything prepared. But she's a really big supporter. She does love me."

Grey's Anatomy actress Katherine Heigl.

"I feel like I just stole a pile of money from the mob."

Boston Legal star James Spader, looks nervously in the direction of The Sopranos cast after winning lead actor in a drama series.

There are over 6,000 people here tonight. All of them talented, all of them looking incredible, all of them passed on hosting this year.

Ryan Seacrest delivers another perfect one-liner.

“This is probably going to be my daughter's favorite toy when we get home, next to SpongeBob. Product placement.”

Thomas Haden Church, holding the Emmy he won for supporting actor in Broken Trail.

"You Americans are wonderfully generous people. You are a lot of other things as well. Some good, some bad."

Helen Mirren, accepting her Emmy for Prime Suspect: The Final Act.

Editor's choice

• Burning Bush with W
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• Boy George on sex, drugs and Amy Winehouse