Andy Samberg's hosting gig, backstage jitters and more Emmys notes

Host Andy Samberg kicked off the ceremony with a video in which he made elaborate fun of the overload of TV programs available.

"So many shows," he sang, before entering a "TV viewing bunker" to binge-view on all the nominated shows.

A bearded, shaggy-haired Samberg emerged to boast to Jon Hamm and Kerry Washington that he had them and everyone else covered.

Appearing onstage, groomed, Samberg touched briefly on the political scene, taking jabs at Donald Trump, the crowded GOP field and Democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders.

Samberg also took note of what he called the most diverse group of nominees in Emmy history.

They included Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson, who both had the prospect of becoming the first nonwhite winner in the best actress in a drama series category. (Davis ended up taking home the Emmy.)

"So congratulations, Hollywood, you did it. Racism is over! Don't fact-check that," Samberg said.

So what are those green ribbons about?

Wondering about the significance of those green ribbons worn on many a gown and lapel during the Emmys?

That question was popping up on Twitter, too. The answer: They were in support of #DemandClimateAction, standing behind efforts to reverse climate change.

Backstage jitters? Grab a friend

Comedy supporting actress winner Allison Janney brought an unexpected friend with her to field questions from reporters backstage at the Emmys: comedy lead actress winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Janney, who won for her role in the sitcom Mom, explained that she was feeling nervous and overwhelmed to have been the first winner of the night and wanted some friendly support.

With arms linked, the Mom and Veep stars spoke about their wins, the discomfort of posing for photos on the red carpet, and the time Louis-Dreyfus met Mary Tyler Moore during a photo shoot and started to bawl uncontrollably in her presence.

Happy birthday, George R.R. Martin

Host Samberg noted that the 67th Emmys coincided with the 67th birthday of George R.R. Martin, whose novels are the basis for HBO's Game of Thrones. A smiling Martin was in the audience to accept the congratulations.

A hot red-carpet scene in super-cool L.A.

With temperatures nearing 100 degrees in downtown Los Angeles, stars on the red carpet and fans in the bleachers outside the Emmy Awards resorted to fans to keep cool.

Taraji P. Henson of Empire used a cardboard fan to create a breeze for herself, while Blindspot actress Jaimie Alexander, who's from Grapevine, used an electric fan from the moment she stepped onto the red carpet, putting it away only to take photos.

Alexander ditched the fan later on the carpet, but Modern Family'sAriel Winter used one before entering the venue.

The hundreds of people in bleachers on the red carpet on Sunday were in good spirits as staffers passed out water every few minutes to try to keep everyone hydrated. The bleachers were covered and a gentle breeze was blowing, offering some relief.

The Associated Press