When Matilda Stephens sat down to watch the 52nd Annual Emmy Awards broadcast Sunday night, it wasn’t to see who was wearing what or if her favorite show would win the coveted golden statuette.

Stephens’ sister, Jennifer Odgen’s, television producing debut, &uot;Oprah Winfrey Presents: Tuesdays with Morrie,&uot; was up for three Emmys: Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Outstanding Made for Television Movie.

It won all three.

&uot;I jumped up and down and starting screaming,&uot; Stephens said.

Stephens’ screams might have been heard across town by Mary Ellen Ring, who was also watching the ceremony with special interest.

Ring’s brother-in-law, Lou Wells, is producer of NBC’s &uot;The West Wing.&uot; The presidential drama swept the awards, taking home honors in five of the academy’s top categories, including best drama series.

Stephens said she was struck by how well Mississippi was represented at the awards.

Meridian native Sela Ward won her first Emmy for best lead actress in a drama series, ABC’s &uot;Once and Again.&uot;

While she wasn’t present at the ceremony, Beah Richards of Vicksburg was also honored for her guest appearance in &uot;The Practice.&uot;

Both Stephens and Ring said they didn’t have much time to celebrate before the phone started ringing.

Even the Emmy winners themselves took a moment to check in with their proud families while en route to post parties.

&uot;Jennifer called us from a limousine on the way to the HBO party,&uot; Stephens said. &uot;She said it was such a thrill.&uot;

Ring said her sister and brother-in-law’s excitement could be felt through the phone line.

&uot;I’m so proud of my brother-in-law,&uot; she said.

Stephens agreed. &uot;Proud does not even begin to describe it,&uot; she said.

Once she could get through, Stephens said she immediately phoned her mother, Cindy Stringer.

&uot;Forget mother of the bride, this is way more important,&uot; Stephens said she told Stringer, laughing.

Even without the Emmy recognition, Stringer said she was proud of Ogden, as she is of her other two daughters.

&uot;We feel very blessed,&uot; Stringer said.