‘Homeland’ captures four Emmys

The terrorism thriller “Homeland”, based on an Israeli series about released prisoners of war, was a top winner at 64th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday.

“Homeland,” whose four trophies for its freshman season included honors for stars Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, stopped “Mad Men” in its tracks, denying the show a record-setting fifth best drama trophy.

The show picked up awards for best writing for a drama series, best lead actor in a drama series, best lead actress in a drama series, and also cable channel Showtime’s first award for best drama series.

The show is loosely based on the Israeli series “Hatufim” and its first season was partially filmed in Israel. Actors from the show, including Danes and Mandy Patinkin, recently returned to Israel to film the second season.

Gideon Raff, who created “Hatufim” said he was proud of the “Homeland” win.

“I’m happy that the Israeli ‘Hatufim’ has reached these heights and conquered the world,” he said, according to Ynet.

“Hatufim” (Prisoners of War) focuses on the rehabilitation of three Israeli soldiers released after 17 years in captivity. The US show “Homeland” follows the dramatic activities of a former marine POW suspected of being an Islamic terrorist played by Lewis and the fate of bipolar CIA investigator Danes who is hot on his heels.

“I’m one of those pesky Brits, I apologize,” said Lewis, who plays an American POW brought home. “I don’t really believe in judging art, but I thought I’d show up just in case.”

Danes, eye-catching in a bright yellow dress that gracefully draped the pregnant actress, was effusive.

“My husband, my love, my life, my baby daddy, this doesn’t mean anything without you,” she said to her spouse, actor Hugh Dancy.

In a recent New York Times interview Danes enthused about her time in Israel during filming.

Backstage, Danes said she particularly appreciated one fan: President Barack Obama has said he’s a fan of “Homeland,” about a Marine and former POW who’s suspected of working for al-Qaeda.

“No pressure,” the actress said. “It’s way cool that he is a fan. It speaks to the relevancy of the show and it’s hugely validating.”