'Let me see him!' Michael Douglas reveals jailed son Cameron is in solitary confinement... then thanks Catherine Zeta Jones in surprising Emmys speech

With his fame and influence Michael Douglas has few doors barred to him.
But when it comes to his son Cameron, the film star's Hollywood credentials mean nothing.

Douglas, winner of the trophy for best actor in a miniseries or movie for playing Liberace in HBO's Behind The Candelabra, closed his speech with a reference to his 34-year-old son, Cameron, who is serving a lengthy prison term for various drug crimes.

Douglas said he hoped 'they allow me to see him soon.'

Moving moment: Michael Douglas referred to his jailed son Cameron during his Emmys acceptance speech on Sunday night

On his mind: Douglas with his son Cameron in 2009; he remains in jail for drug offences

It came in a no-holds-barred speech, which saw Douglas cover everything from smutty jokes to thanking his wife Catherine Zeta Jones for 'her support', despite their separation.

Backstage, the actor explained it will be another year before he can visit Cameron.

'I'm questioning the system,' he said. 'At first I was certainly disappointed with my son, but I've reached a point now where I'm disappointed with the system.'

Cameron Douglas was convicted in 2010 of selling methamphetamine.  

Emmys 2013: Michael Douglas uses win to criticise penal system

Winner: Douglas was named Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or Movie, but his son was in his thoughts

A judge nearly doubled his sentence after he was found guilty of repeatedly breaking prison rules by arranging to get drugs.

He is scheduled for release in 2018.

'If you happen to have a slip, they punish you,' the elder Douglas said. 'In my son's case, he has spent almost two years in solitary confinement.'

Top honour: Douglas beat out his co-star Damon as well as Toby Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch and Al Pacino 

Douglas said he's optimistic Attorney General Eric Holder might change laws involving non-violent drug offenders.

From the stage, Douglas also thanked his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones ' for your support'.

That was an attention-getter following the announcement last month that the couple was taking 'some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage.'

Zeta-Jones did not accompany her husband to the Emmys. She was in China this weekend.

Winning performance: Douglas was awarded an Emmy for his portrayal of flamboyant entertainer Liberace

Apart from his emotional moments, Douglas also let a few jokes slip out.
'This is a two-hander, and Matt, you're only as good as your other hand,' he jokes, referring to co-star Matt Damon, who was also nominated for the gong.
'So I can say you were magnificent. You really deserve half of this.
'You want the bottom or the top. The top? I figure that.'

He and co-star Matt Damon also took to the stage during the awards show where they paid tribute to Liberace and introduced a performance by Sir Elton John.

Co-stars and presenters: Matt and Michael spoke onstage and praised Liberace before introducing a performance by Sir Elton John

Stage presence: Matt and Michael also presented the award for best lead actress in a mini-series or movie