Jim Parsons

LOS ANGELES — “Modern Family” and “Breaking Bad” triumphed at Monday's Emmy Awards, proving that established broadcast and cable fare retains the power to fend off challenges from upstart online series such as “Orange Is the New Black.”

The ceremony's emotional high point came with Billy Crystal's restrained and graceful remembrance of Robin Williams, who was found dead Aug. 11, an apparent suicide.

“He made us laugh. Hard. Every time you saw him,” Crystal said of Williams at the conclusion of a tribute to industry members who died within the past 12 months. “Robin Williams, what a concept.”

ABC's “Modern Family” won a fifth best comedy series Emmy, tying the record set by “Frasier,” while the final season of AMC's “Breaking Bad” captured the top drama award and a trio of acting honors for its stars.

Bryan Cranston was honored as best actor in a drama for “Breaking Bad,” proving that “True Detective” nominee Matthew McConaughey's movie-star appeal couldn't conquer all.

“I have gratitude for everything that has happened,” Cranston said. His victory ties him with four-time best drama actor champ Dennis Franz. Cranston's co-stars Aaron Paul and Anna Gunn were honored in categories for best drama supporting acting — he for the third time and she for the second straight year — and the series won its second consecutive best drama award.

A broadcast win was scored by ABC's “The Good Wife” star Julianna Margulies, honored as best lead actress in a drama series. “What a wonderful time for women on television,” Margulies said.

CBS' “The Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons was crowned as best comedy series actor, giving him his fourth Emmy and putting him in company with all-time sitcom winners Carroll O'Connor, Kelsey Grammer and Michael J. Fox.

“Modern Family” also captured a best comedy supporting actor trophy for Ty Burrell. Allison Janney was honored as best supporting comedy actress for CBS' “Mom,” adding to the trophy she'd already picked up as guest actress on “Masters of Sex.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who received her third consecutive best comedy actress Emmy for the political comedy “Veep,” drew big laughs as she stopped to exchange faux heated kisses with Cranston, who earlier was her co-presenter and who appeared with her on “Seinfeld.”