Despite the youth obsession among many in the entertainment industry, a preponderance of last night’s 2008 Emmy Award statuettes went to actresses representing Hollywood’s surprising new power group: the 40+ woman.  

As wowOwow’s Liz Smith previously reported, women 40+ dominated the pool of Emmy-nominated actresses. And at last night’s ceremony, many of them walked away with the gold in the key performance award categories:

Glenn Close, 61, won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Patty Hewes in the FX Network’s "Damages." In her acceptance speech, Close took note of the many 40+ female nominees and winners this year by saying, "I think we’re proving complicated, powerful, mature women are sexy, high entertainment and can carry a show. I call us the sisterhood of the TV drama divas."

Dianne Wiest, 60, won for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series as Dr. Gina Toll in HBO’s "In Treatment."

Jean Smart, 57, won for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Regina Newly in the ABC’s "Samantha Who?"

Laura Linney, 44, won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her role as Abigail Adams in HBO’s "John Adams."

Dame Eileen Atkins, 74, won for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her role as Miss Deborah Jenkyns in PBS’s "Cranford."

The only actress under 40 to win a major performance award was Tina Fey, 38, for her role as Liz Lemon in NBC’s "30 Rock."