SHOW BITS: Stars stop and schmooze

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Show Bits brings you the 66th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles through the eyes of Associated Press journalists. Follow them on Twitter where available with the handles listed after each item.

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NO BAR NEEDED FOR THIS MAN

Kevin Rahm showed he knows how to keep properly hydrated — and in an upbeat mood — at a summer awards show.

In one hand the "Mad Men" actor clutched a bottle of water as he arrived on the red carpet. But when fans cheered him, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny bottle of liquor.

With that, the cheers turned to laughter.

— Anthony McCartney: www.twitter.com/mccartneyAP

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'ORANGE' IS THE NEW FAN FAVORITE

The stars of Netflix's "Orange is the New Black" were the early fan favorites on the red carpet after series stars stopped to chat with fans and sign autographs.

Laverne Cox dazzled in a long white gown, while Natasha Lyonne smiled and joked, spinning her hand around her head in a sign that the whole experience was crazy.

Selenis Leyva kept up with the show's motif, posing with a pair of handcuffs for a fashion camera.

The bleachers aren't on the main carpet this year, so stars have to make a detour if they want to greet fans. Those who did were showered with applause and well wishes.

— Anthony McCartney: —www.twitter.com/mccartneyAP

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RED CARPET READY FOR ITS CLOSEUP

With a few hours until show time, workers are putting the finishing touches on the red carpet.

A vacuum sucks up leaves and dirt as potted shrubs are hurriedly moved into place.

At a booth set aside for one of the many red carpet interviews, workers wipe down tables and position flower arrangements so bottled water that will keep throats clear is tucked out of sight.

The end result would please a celebrity stylist: Not a petal, leaf or shrub is left out of place.

— Anthony McCartney: —www.twitter.com/mccartneyAP