Tag Archives: Emmy nominations

‘Game of Thrones’ & ‘O.J.” lead Emmy nominations, ‘The Americans’ joins the race

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Today the latest crop of Emmy nominations were announced, and they include the typical fare you’re used to seeing get recognized this time of year, as well as some welcome surprises and sour snubs.

HBO’s widely popular fantasy drama Game of Thrones earned a whopping 23 nominations, leading the pack by a narrow margin; FX’s The People Vs OJ Simpson: American Crime Story (22 nods) and Fargo (18), as well as HBO comedy Veep (17) aren’t trailing far behind.

The following series vie for Best Drama: The Americans (!), Better Call Saul, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland, House of Cards, and Mr. Robot. That’s right–FX Cold War period drama The Americans, after four seasons on the air, is finally being recognized, and in more ways than one. In addition to landing in the Best Drama field, its stars Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell are in the race for Best Lead Actor/Actress. Both are facing some serious competition. Rhys joins Kyle Chandler (Bloodline), Rami Malek (Mr. Robot), Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul), Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan), and Kevin Spacey (House of Cards) in the Best Lead Actor category; Russell makes good company with Claire Danes (Homeland), Viola Davis (How to Get Away With Murder), Taraji P Henson (Empire), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black, for the second consecutive year!), and Robin Wright (House of Cards).

The following series are in contention for Best Comedy: black-ish, Master of None, Modern Family, Silicon Valley, Transparent, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Veep. Best Lead Actors include Anthony Anderson (black-ish), Aziz Ansari (Masters of None), Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth), William H Macy (Shameless), Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley), and Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent). Best Lead Actresses include Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep), Laurie Metcalfe (Getting On), Tracee Ellis Ross (black-ish), Amy Schumer (Inside Amy Schumer), and Lily Tomlin (Grace and Frankie).

Over in the Limited Series field, American Crime, Fargo, The Night Manager, The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, and Roots were all nominated for a top prize. Yes, many of the OJ actors you loved watching in that series were nominated for their captivating portrayals including Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance, Cuba Gooding Jr, Sterling K. Brown, David Schwimmer, and John Travolta. Equally happy to report that AMC’s The Night Manager high praise also extends to its leads Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie.

The snubs that leave a sour taste in my mouth including the complete shunning of HBO’s The Leftovers, which came off an incredibly artistic and gripping second season featuring master-class acting and direction; the lack of love for A&E’s Bates Motel is appalling as leads Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore gave painstakingly breathtaking performances this year; also nada for Netflix/Marvel’s Jessica Jones and its stars Krysten Ritter and David Tennant, AMC’s Billions and its stars Paul Giamatti and Damien Lewis, and Netflix’s Orange is the New Black which is fresh off another solid season. And then, of course, there’s the yearly tradition of scratching one’s head over the lack of overall recognition for AMC’s The Walking Dead which year after year produces not only ratings gold but also creative powerhouse television. What makes all of these snubs somewhat more palatable is knowing that Louie Anderson squeezed into the race with a wholly deserved nod for his hysterical and nuanced turn as Zach Galifianakis’ mother in FX’s Baskets.

The 68th Primetime Emmy Awards airs live Sunday, September 18 at 7pm (EST) on ABC. Click here for the full list of nominees.

2015 Emmy nominations: ‘Game of Thrones’ & ‘American Horror Story’ lead the pack, ‘Orphan Black’s Tatiana Maslany joins the club

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This year’s Emmy nominations are out and TATIANA MASLANY IS AMONG THEM! For years I’ve been drowning frustration that genre shows like The Walking Dead, Fringe, and Orphan Black aren’t getting the recognition they deserve. Today still, these shows aren’t up for Best Drama; in an alternate universe, Fringe did win the top prize and its star John Noble is a multi-trophy bearer. And yet, there is reason to celebrate because the leading lady of BBC America’s sci-fi clone frenzy, the one and only Tatiana Maslany of Orphan Black, was finally recognized for her truly incredible performances on the Graeme Manson and John Fawcett-created conspiracy thriller. She only plays like 10 different characters, each with their own set of personalities, quirks, and flaws. It’s something that demands to be seen to be entirely believed, and now the actress that makes it all come to life is centerstage at the Emmys.

Of course, the competition is mighty fierce. Orphan Black‘s Maslany is vying for Lead Actress in a Drama against Claire Danes (Homeland), Viola Davis (How to Get Away With Murder), Taraji P. Henson (Empire), Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men), and Robin Wright (House of Cards). Danes starred in a riveting, refreshed season of Homeland. Davis gave a knockout, emotionally punishing performance in Shonda Rhimes’ HTGAWM. Henson wowed audiences as the no-holds-barred Cookie in Empire‘s debut season. Moss has one last shot to win an actor award for Mad Men‘s final season. And Wright continues to impress as the steely Mrs. Underwood in Netflix’s still red-hot series House of Cards. Good luck, Tatiana. Not that you need it. But still.

The seven series nominated for Outstanding Drama include Better Call Saul, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland, House of Cards, Mad Men, and Orange Is the New Black. Yeah, it was a great year for TV. Nominated Lead Actors include Kyle Chandler (Bloodline) Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul), Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan), and Kevin Spacey (House of Cards).

Over on the funny side, the following series are nominated for Outstanding Comedy: Louie, Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, Silicon Valley, Transparent, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Veep. Another tough category. Modern always wins. Parks ended its 7-year run on a (very) high note and deserves a series win. HBO’s Silicon Valley and Veep continue to conjure smart laughs. Transparent is a game-changer and put Amazon on the map with Netflix, and featured a tour-de-force performance by Jeffrey Tambor. And who could forget just how inherently fun and funny Kimmy Schmidt was in its breakout debut? Did somebody say Peeno Noir…

Funny girls up for Lead Actress include Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep), Amy Poehler! (Parks and Recreation), Amy Schumer (Inside Amy Schumer), and Lily Tomlin (Grace and Frankie). Lead Actors: Anthony Anderson (black-ish), Louis C.K. (Louie), Don Cheadle (House of Lies), Will Forte (Last Man on Earth), Matt LeBlanc (Episodes), William H. Macy (Shameless), and yes, Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent).

Elsewhere, John Ridley’s captivating ABC drama American Crime and Ryan Murphy’s FX fright fest American Horror Story: Freak Show dominated the Limited Series categories.

In total, HBO’s fantasy drama Game of Thrones racked up the most nods with 24, followed by AHS: Freak Show (19), Olive Kitteridge (13), Bessie (12), and the following three earned 11 nods apiece: House of Cards, Mad Men, and Transparent. American Crime and Boardwalk Empire nabbed 10 each, and rounding out the top ten is Veep with 9 nods.

With Tatiana in the race, it’s hard to nitpick this year. But I must, because there are plenty of worthy series and actors that got undeservedly snubbed this go-around. Showtime’s The Affair was completely shut out–not only is the drama worthy of most Outstanding, but its main stars Dominic West and Ruth Wilson give gripping performances that whole-heartedly deserve much love. FX’s The Americans also demands to enter the race, but once again it’s only guest star Margo Martindale who earns a seat at the table. The same can be said for Showtime’s Masters of Sex; guest stars and on-screen husband and wife Allison Janney and Beau Bridges were nominated for the guest roles but the show and its stars Martin Sheen and Lizzy Caplan aren’t mentioned. Zilch for A&E’s Bates Motel. Other snubbed actors? Carrie Coon (The Leftovers), Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), and the entire cast of The Walking Dead.

The 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards airs live, Sunday, September 20 at 8pm (ET) on Fox. Click here for the full list of nominees.

2014 Emmy nominations: ‘Game of Thrones’ & ‘Fargo’ earn the most

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On July 10 this year’s Emmy nominations were announced. HBO’s Game of Thrones leads the pack with 19 total nods, followed closely by FX’s Fargo (18), American Horror Story: Coven (17), and Breaking Bad (16). Snubbed yet again is Orphan Black‘s insanely talented Tatiana Maslany; also NBC’s Hannibal came up empty with zero nods with not even a recognition for its brilliant cinematography. Click here to view the entire rundown of nominees.

The 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards airs live, Monday, August 25 at 8PM ET on NBC hosted by Seth Meyers.

2013 Emmy nominations: ‘AHS: Asylum’ & ‘Game of Thrones’ collect most nods, Netflix enters the fray

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Here we go. It’s Emmy season, everybody! Today the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations were announced to much fanfare, as always. For the second consecutive year, the show that picked up the most nods is American Horror Story: Asylum with 17; following close behind are HBO’s Game Of Thrones (16 nods) and Behind The Candelabra (15), Saturday Night Live (15), Breaking Bad and 30 Rock (13 apiece), Downton Abbey, Mad Men, and Modern Family (12 apiece), Homeland and Phil Spector (11 apiece), and Boardwalk Empire (10). The most intriguing turn of events: streaming service Netflix is a real Emmy contender racking up 14 nods for House of Cards (9, including Outstanding Drama Series), Arrested Development (3, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series), and Hemlock Grove (2).

Duking it out for Best Drama are Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey, Game Of Thrones, Homeland, House of Cards, and Mad Men. Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Hugh Bonneville, (Downton Abbey), Damian Lewis (Homeland), Kevin Spacey (House of Cards), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), and Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom) are up for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Leading ladies include Connie Britton (Nashville), Claire Danes (Homeland), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey), Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel), Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men), Kerry Washington (Scandal), and Robin Wright (House of Cards). In the Supporting Actor categories, Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire), Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey), Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad), Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey), Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), Morena Baccarin (Homeland), and Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) vie for the golden statue.

Switching over to the comedy categories, the following shows were nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series: 30 Rock, The Big Bang Theory, Girls, Louie, Modern Family, and Veep. Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Jason Bateman (Arrested Development), Louis CK (Louie), Don Cheadle (House of Lies), Matt LeBlanc (Episodes), and Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) are up for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Leading ladies include Laura Dern (Enlightened), Lena Dunham (Girls), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Tina Fey (30 Rock), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep), and Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation). Supporting funny people include Adam Driver (Girls), Jesse Tyler Ferguson/Ed O’Neill/Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live), Tony Hale (Veep), Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Jane Lynch (Glee), Julie Bowen/Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), and Anna Chlumsky (Veep).

And of course, there’s no going on without discussing those who were snubbed. Some that come instantly to mind: Parks & Rec, Happy Endings, and New Girl for Best Comedy (or at least recognition for their ensemble casts)…Hannibal is certainly worthy of Best Drama though being a poorly rated NBC drama it likely will never reach that peak, but perhaps stars Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen will soon receive some well deserved recognition…besides recognizing Margo Martindale for portraying Claudia aka Granny and its theme music, The Americans was pretty much left in the dark; though in its first season, the series is certainly Best Drama material and its stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys are worthy of Best Actor nods…and even though it’s never expected it still stings that genre shows like The Walking Dead and Fringe are passed over come Emmy season; in fact, this marks the last opportunity to give John Noble an Emmy nod for playing the incomparable and incredibly impressionable Walter Bishop on Fringe–he’s always been a winner in my book.

The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards airs live Sunday, September 22 at 8PM EST with host Neil Patrick Harris. Cop a list of all the nominees at the official Emmys website, and if I left off any of your personal snubs lemme hear it in the comment section below.

2012 Emmy nominations: ‘Mad Men’ & ‘American Horror Story’ lead the pack

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The nominees for the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced this past Thursday, so let’s take a look. Mad Men and American Horror Story dominated this year with seventeen nominations each. Mad Men, in the outstanding drama category, will be battling Boardwalk Empire, Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, and newcomer Homeland for the top prize. If Mad Men wins, it will break a record claiming the most outstanding drama wins (5). Ryan Murphy’s thriller, however, was placed in the outstanding TV miniseries or movie category and will face off against HBO’s political movie Game Change, the History channel’s ratings monster Hatfields & McCoys, the PBS Sherlock episode “A Scandal in Belgravia,” and also Hemingway and Gellhorn and Luther.

Let’s take a look at the drama categories first. Outstanding actors include Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), and Damian Lewis (Homeland). Outstanding supporting actors include Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey), Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), and Jared Harris (Mad Men). Outstanding actresses include Kathy Bates (Harry’s Law), Glenn Close (Damages), Claire Danes (Homeland), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey), Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife), and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men). Outstanding supporting actresses include Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad), Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), and Christina Hendricks (Mad Men). For American Horror Story fans, Connie Britton, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, and Denis O’Hare were all recognized for their acting chops in the miniseries categories. Sherlock fans, the phenomenal Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were nominated, too.

The theme here is that the Academy loves Mad Men (hot off its five year in a row winning streak), Downton Abbey (hot off its best miniseries win last year), and Homeland (hot off its critically adored first season). So what shows were overlooked? The Academy is known for passing over genre shows like The Walking Dead and Fringe, so their lack of a presence is a shame but not surprising. Other snubs include the Academy not recognizing the final season of House and nominating Hugh Laurie for his turn as the iconic doc and Mad Men‘s John Slattery for his much talked about performance in the trippy episode “Far Away Places.” I want to make a case for NBC’s shortlived series Awake. I understand how the low-rated drama was not nominated, but if Kathy Bates can be nominated for outstanding actress for the recently cancelled Harry’s Law, I am dumbfounded as to how Jason Issacs’ performance was not accounted for. Heck, even Missing‘s Ashley Judd was nominated for lead actress in a miniseries; NBC should’ve sold Awake as a miniseries and perhaps Issacs would’ve been recognized. Also, no love for Revenge? It’s plain to see that the cable is king this year as the big four networks were shut out in the outstanding drama category, a place where they once dominated.

Moving on to the comedy categories, Continue reading 2012 Emmy nominations: ‘Mad Men’ & ‘American Horror Story’ lead the pack →

2011 Emmy nominations: Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, Modern Family, Game of Thrones score big

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On Thursday Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly) and Joshua Jackson (Fringe) announced the nominees for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards. HBO’s miniseries Mildred Pierce was the most recognized program scoring 21 nominations total; Mad Men (19), Boardwalk Empire (18), Modern Family (17), and Game of Thrones (13) were not too far behind.  Let us begin with the drama categories, as is tradition. Outstanding drama series include Mad Men, Dexter, The Good Wife, HBO newcomers Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones, and Friday Night Lights finally gets recognized in its fifth and final season. Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Michael C. Hall, (Dexter),  Hugh Laurie (House), Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), and Timothy Olyphant (Justified) all received Outstanding actor in a drama nominations. Game of Thrones‘ Peter Dinklage (Tyrion “The Imp” Lannister) stands tall above the competition for Outstanding supporting actor in a drama amongst Josh Charles (The Good Wife), Alan Cumming (The Good Wife), Walton Goggins (Justified), John Slattery (Mad Men), and Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age). The following are contending for Outstanding actress in a drama: Kathy Bates (Harry’s Law), Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Mireille Enos (The Killing), Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU), Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife), and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men). Lastly, the Outstanding supporting actress in a drama bunch includes Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire), Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), Margo Martindale (Justified), Michelle Forbes (The Killing), and Christina Hendricks (Mad Men).

Next let us move onto the comedy categories. Modern Family, 30 Rock, The Office, and at long last Parks and Recreation and The Big Bang Theory all received nominations for Outstanding comedy. Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory), Matt LeBlanc (Episodes), Louis C.K. (Louie), and Steve Carell (The Office) were handed Outstanding actor in a comedy nominations. After departing The Office, it’s surely Michael Scott’s time to shine. The Outstanding supporting actor in a comedy category is dominated Modern Family actors: Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ty Burrell, Ed O’Neill, Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), and Chris Colfer (Glee). Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) and Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope) headline the Outstanding actress in a comedy category which also includes Tina Fey (30 Rock), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Laura Linney (The Big C), and Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly). The Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy bunch includes Modern Family‘s Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara, Jane Lynch (Glee), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), and the talented Betty White (Hot In Cleveland). Notable guest actors and actresses in comedies include Zach Galifianakis, Justin Timberlake, and Tina Fey for their SNL hosting duties, Glee‘s Kristin Chenoweth, Dot-Marie Jones, and Gwyneth Paltrow, and Raising Hope‘s Cloris Leachman.

And now it’s time to talk snubs. Community and Fringe were not recognized in the slightest. The comedy will eventually receive a nod, as Parks and Rec had to wait a few years too; as for the sci-fi drama, John Noble will always be recognized in my heart as a phenomenal actor and season 2’s “Peter” a brilliantly written episode. Speaking of Parks and Rec, where’s the recognition for Nick Offerman? The man who plays Ron freakin’ Swanson deserves Emmy love; he’s bound to receive it soon. And why The Walking Dead didn’t receive a top nod for Outstanding drama is beyond me; the zombie show managed to pick up nods for special visual effects and sound editing for the spectacularly creepy pilot “Days Gone By.”

The 63nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Jane Lynch, airs live Sunday, September 18 on FOX at 8PM.  Look after the break to see the nominees in list form. Continue reading 2011 Emmy nominations: Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, Modern Family, Game of Thrones score big →

2010 Emmy nods: Glee, Lost, Modern Family lead the pack

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Earlier this month the 2010 Emmy nominations were announced.  Let’s start with the drama categories.  Outstanding drama nominees include Lost, Breaking Bad, Dexter, Mad Men, True Blood, and The Good Wife.  Lost received 12 Emmy nominations.  In addition to the outstanding drama nod, Matthew Fox is up for outstanding actor, Terry O’Quinn and Michael Emerson are up for outstanding supporting actor, and Elizabeth Mitchell is up for outstanding guest actress.  Also executive producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof were nominated for writing the show’s series finale, “The End.”  Jon Hamm, Kyle Chandler, Bryan Cranston, Hugh Laurie, and Michael C. Hall join Fox in the outstanding actor category.  24’s Gregory Itzin got a nod for outstanding guest actor.

Moving on to the comedy categories.  Outstanding comedy nominees include Glee, Modern Family, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Nurse Jackie, 30 Rock , and The Office.  Glee received a total of 19 nominations.  Matthew Morrison is up for outstanding actor, Lea Michele for outstanding actress, Chris Colfer for outstanding supporting actor, Jane Lynch for outstanding supporting actress, Mike O’Malley for outstanding guest actor, and Kristin Chenoweth for outstanding guest actress.  Modern Family also led the way with 14 Emmy nominations.  Ty Burrell, Eric Stonestreet, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson are all up for outstanding supporting actor, Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara will duke it out for outstanding supporting actress, and Fred Willard got a nod for outstanding guest actor.  Only patriarch Ed O’Neill was left out.  The Glee (Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan) and Modern Family (Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd) pilot episodes received nods for best writing.  Here’s a few more worthy mentions: Amy Poehler (Parks & Rec) is up for outstanding actress, Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) is up for outstanding actor, NPH (How I Met Your Mother) is up for outstanding supporting actor, and SNL‘s Kristen Wiig nabbed a nod for outstanding supporting actress.  And finally, The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien (that’s right–suck it Leno!) got a nod for outstanding variety, music, or comedy series along with SNL, The Daily Show with John Stewart, and The Colbert Report.

Now it’s time to talk snubs.  There’s no better place to start than Fringe‘s John Noble.  Academy, what in the hell is wrong with you?  Are you out of your bloody minds?  John Noble, the man who plays the brilliant mad scientist and deadly serious Secretary Walter Bishop, is by far one of the greatest actors on television right now.  With the introduction of an alternate universe, Noble masterfully portrays two distinctly different characters with grace, pose, and ease.  His acting chops have been on a steady increase since season one, but it was his emotional portrayal as a broken father in season two’s episode “Peter” when I realized just how good Noble is.  I thought to myself, if John Noble does not get an outstanding actor Emmy nod for performance in this episode then the awards show is a real crockpot!  So I am very angry with the academy’s decision to overlook such a wonderful talent.  Yes, I am aware that the academy does not respect the sci-fi genre like it does straight dramas and comedies, but this is that one time they should’ve made an exception.  Moving on… where’s the love for Parks & Rec and Community in the outstanding comedy series category?  After a lackluster first season, Parks picked itself up to quickly become one of the funniest sitcoms, like ever.  I’m glad Poehler got a nod for her great work, but it would have been nice for the entire hilarious ensemble cast to be recognized.  Last, this was the final year for Lost and 24.  I am elated that Lost picked up so many nods, but I’m somewhat disappointed that 24 wasn’t nominated in the big categories.  I agree that the final season was not nearly as spectacular as season’s past, but Kiefer Sutherland continued to dominate as the indestructable Jack Bauer with yet another exciting performance.  You know I’ll be cheering for Itzin (who played President Charles Logan to perfect, yet again) when the nominees for outstanding guest actor in a drama roll around.

The 62nd Annual Emmy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Fallon, airs live on August 29 on NBC at 8PM.  Look after the break for the full nomination list and my predictions.

[Via IGN] Continue reading 2010 Emmy nods: Glee, Lost, Modern Family lead the pack →

The 2009 Emmy’s are in…

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The nominations, that is.  Let’s take a look.

Right off the bat, two things must be mentioned.  First, NBC’s 30 Rock received a record 22 nominations, the most for a comedy series ever.  Second, Fox’s Family Guy was nominated for best comedy; an animated series has not been nominated in this category since The Flintstones in 1961.  Not even The Simpsons has acheived this feat in its long 20 season span.  Now, on to the main category nomination selections, including my personal selections and predictions.

Outstanding Comedy Series: Entourage, Flight of the Conchords (!), 30 Rock, Weeds, How I Met Your Mother, The Office, Family Guy  [Tough to choose; my selection – FOTC; my prediction – 30 Rock]

Oustanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) (!), Steve Carrell (The Office), Tony Shalhoub (Monk), Jemaine Clement (FOTC)

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Kevin Dillon (Entourage), Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Neil Patrick Harris (HIMYM), Tracy Morgan (30 Rock), Jack McBrayer (30 Rock)

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: 4 nominations for 30 Rock, 1 nomination for Flight of the Conchords (James Bobin, Writer; Jemaine Clement, Writer; Bret McKenzie, Writer)

 

Outstanding Drama Series: Lost, House, Big Love, Dexter, Damages, Breaking Bad, Mad Men  [House is great, but easy decision here; my selection – Lost; my prediction – Mad Men]

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Hugh Laurie (House), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Simon Baker (The Mentalist), Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Jon Hamm (Mad Men)

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: William Shatner (Boston Legal), Michael Emerson (Lost), William Hurt (Damages), Christian Clemenson (Boston Legal), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), John Slattery (Mad Men)

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: 4 nominations for Mad Men, 1 nomination for Lost (Carlton Cuse, Writer; Damon Lindelof, Writer)

 

Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics: 2 nominees include: Akiva Schaffer, Lyrics By Jorma Taccone, Andy Samberg, Justin Timberlake, Asa Taccone (SNL); James Bobin, Composer and Lyricist Bret McKenzie, Jemaine Clement (FOTC)

Oustanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series: The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, The Colbert Report, Real Time With Bill Maher, Late Show With David Letterman, Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Live-Action Entertainment Programs: The Daily Show, Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl Halftime Show, Battlestar Galactica, 30 Rock, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (!)  [This category was CREATED because of Dr.H.]

The Emmy’s air on September 20th at 8PM on NBC.  Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.

[Via Emmys; NYT]