Tube's Tops

-- GRAND OL' OPRAH Accepting the first Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, Oprah Winfrey gave a typically uplifting speech. But with taped tributes from Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, and Tom Hanks, we wonder: Could Emmy not find TV stars? Says exec producer Gary Smith, ''We were looking for a grander scale.''

-- TEARS FOR A CLOWN Raymond wife Patricia Heaton, a two-time winner who lost to Aniston, seemed overcome when Romano won -- but she's now fearful for his soul. ''We were both raised really Catholic, so anytime something really great happens to you, you're sure you're going to hell,'' she laughs. Why'd she tousle his hair just before his speech? Romano explains: ''That was all about 'If I can't win, then I don't want you looking good.'''

-- LOWE AND BEHOLD Rob Lowe's appearance fueled rumors he may stick around Wing despite reports that he'll bolt this spring. ''Nothing would make me happier than to see things work out,'' says the actor. ''It'll be a shame if it plays out the way it appears to be playing out.'' Warner Bros. TV (like HBO, a division of EW parent AOL Time Warner) says Lowe will not return, but Martin Sheen is mulling an executive decision: ''I'm threatening to beat him up if he leaves.''

-- CABLE-READY? Even as HBO was coming up short in major categories, the net's shows were tube-tied: That night's Sopranos referenced award darling Raymond, while Curb Your Enthusiasm followed guest star Richard Lewis prepping for the Emmycast. ''Tony Soprano should watch the show,'' notes Raymond executive producer Phil Rosenthal. ''Maybe he'd lighten up.'' Meanwhile, Curb star-creator Larry David characteristically avoided the press on the Shrine's red carpet: ''My doctor just told me I can't be out in the sun too long.''

-- HEAT WAVE David wasn't the only one hot under the collar. ''I'm sweating like Nathan Lane eating a corn dog,'' observed Garrett of L.A.'s 85-degree swelter. Fellow supporting-actor nominee Bryan Cranston (Malcolm in the Middle) also griped: ''When we got into the black limo...I had to hike up my pants, take off my shirt, and put ice on my wrists and ankles. We were sucking down so much water. Fortunately, my wife and I are both wearing Depends.''