The 2013 Emmys: The Winners

So... that was a weird Emmy ceremony, wasn't it? I mean we all know how fantastic Neil Patrick Harris is as awards host, but he never really got it going after a lackluster opening that relied more on other people (especially consummate awards show saviors Tina Fey and Amy Poehler) to make entertaining. Yes, he did a fun song-and-dance number in the middle of the ceremony about singing and dancing in the middle of the ceremony and the skit he had with his How I Met Your Mother cast was pretty good, but this was one of his lesser hosting turns I think.

Harris certainly wasn't helped by the (unintentional?) depressing theme of the night: dead people. They were everywhere. The idea behind the separate In Memoriam tributes for a few choice people was ill-conceived from the start, but the execution (them being spread out throughout the show and featuring no clips) left much to be desired and really brought a solemn mood to the ceremony. Though I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how affective Edie Falco's tribute was for the late James Gandolfini. We even had a 1963 tribute that began with Dr. King's death and ended with Carrie Underwood murdering a Beatles song. And if that weren't enough, we had someone's spouse accepting an award on behalf of her late husband and Claire Danes dedicating her award to a writer on her show who had also died. Oh and there was also the most random Liberace tribute in the middle of the show even though the man died more than two decades ago.

The awards themselves were fairly unpredictable in a night that saw quite a lot of first-time winners and upsets in key categories. Modern Family took home the Comedy Series award again (as well as Directing), but for the first time since they've been eligible, they were shut out from the acting awards with first-time winners Tony Hale and Merritt Wever taking the Supporting categories. Wever was the night's first winner and memorably left the stage without really making an acceptance speech while Hale came back on stage to hilariously assist his co-star Julia Louis-Dreyfus during her acceptance speech for Actress. Jim Parsons took home Actor while the Emmys gave some love to 30 Rock in the form of a Writing award for Tina Fey.

There were plenty of drama in the Drama categories with all six of its acting awards going to six different shows. Danes was the only repeat winner for Actress while Jeff Daniels, Anna Gunn, and Bobby Cannavale all upset (though Gunn's win actually made me happy while Daniels' just caused me to shake my head). Last year's powerhouse Homeland picked up a second prize tonight for its Writing while Netflix picks up its first ever Primetime Emmy win for David Fincher's Direction for House of Cards. The night ended on a high note with Breaking Bad winning Best Drama Series and from the looks of it, it should be seen as the favorite for next year as well.

The top winner of the night is Behind the Candelabra picking up kudos for Actor, Directing, and Miniseries. Oddly enough I predicted all of the acting winners in Miniseries putting my tally at 10 of 19 which is a personal best. If we're counting alternates, I'm at 12 of 19. Other award highlights include The Colbert Report finally winning over The Daily Show and the surreal/visually fun Choreography performances, which I really hope they do every year.

Here is a complete list of winners from tonight...

DRAMA
SERIES: Breaking Bad (AMC)
ACTOR: Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom (HBO)
ACTRESS: Claire Danes, Homeland (SHO)
SUPP. ACTOR: Bobby Cannavale, Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
SUPP. ACTRESS: Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad (AMC)
DIRECTING: David Fincher, House of Cards (Netflix)
WRITING: Henry Bromell, Homeland (SHO)
GUEST ACTOR: Dan Bucatinsky, Scandal (ABC)
GUEST ACTRESS: Carrie Preston, The Good Wife (CBS)

COMEDY
SERIES: Modern Family (ABC)
ACTOR: Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory (CBS)
ACTRESS: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO)
SUPP. ACTOR: Tony Hale, Veep (HBO)
SUPP. ACTRESS: Merritt Wever, Nurse Jackie (SHO)
DIRECTING: Gail Mancuso, Modern Family (ABC)
WRITING: Tina Fey and Tracey Wigfield, 30 Rock (NBC)
GUEST ACTOR: Bob Newhart, Big Bang Theory (CBS)
GUEST ACTRESS: Melissa Leo, Louie (FX)

MINISERIES, MOVIE OR DRAMATIC SPECIALS
MINISERIES OR MOVIE: Behind the Candelabra (HBO)
ACTOR: Michael Douglas, Behind the Candelabra (HBO)
ACTRESS: Laura Linney, The Big C: Hereafter (HBO)
SUPP. ACTOR: James Cromwell, American Horror Story: Asylum (FX)
SUPP. ACTRESS: Ellen Burstyn, Political Animals (USA)
DIRECTING: Steven Soderbergh, Behind the Candelabra (HBO)
WRITING: Abi Morgan, The Hour (BBC America)

VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY PROGRAM
SERIES: The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)
SPECIAL: Louis C.K.: Oh My God (HBO)
DIRECTING: Saturday Night Live (NBC)
WRITING: The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)

REALITY
COMPETITION PROGRAM: The Voice (NBC)
PROGRAM: Undercover Boss (CBS)
HOST: Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, Project Runway (Lifetime)

Emmy Nominations and Predictions

I've been so remiss in talking about the Emmy Awards this year to the point that I didn't even blog about my instant reaction to the nominations a couple months ago. Suffice to say, my feelings have largely stabilized and so I am now able to calmly discuss this year's nominations and give my predictions just in time for this year's ceremony which airs tomorrow. And so my thoughts...

BEST DRAMA SERIES
Boardwalk Empire
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Homeland
Mad Men

Can someone stop Mad Men from a winning a record fifth time? If there was ever a year, this would be it. Breaking Bad has built up so much buzz and goodwill that it may be seen as timely to give it the big win, but it'd also be foolish to underestimate new show Homeland and everyone's obsession Downton Abbey. I was shocked that The Good Wife didn't make it in, but it's not as if these nominees aren't worthy. I'm thinking Mad Men's streak ends this year.

Prediction: Homeland
Alternate: Breaking Bad
Should Win: Breaking Bad
Should've Been Nominated: The Good Wife

BEST DRAMA ACTOR
Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Damian Lewis, Homeland

Jon Hamm had his chance last year, but it wasn't meant to be and it is even harder this year with 3-time winner Bryan Cranston back in the line up as well as newcomer Damian Lewis. I'm pretty sure one of those men will get the prize, as I predicted before they even got nominated, but which one is anybody's guess. No one really got robbed of a nomination here, but I wished another leading man from Downton Abbey made it in. Or even Jason Isaacs for his under-appreciated show Awake.

Prediction: Damian Lewis
Alternate: Bryan Cranston
Should Win: Damian Lewis
Should've Been Nominated: Dan Stevens, Jason Isaacs

BEST DRAMA ACTRESS
Kathy Bates, Harry's Law
Glenn Close, Damages
Claire Danes, Homeland
Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men

I'd complain about a few snubs like Emmy Rossum or Madeleine Stowe, but this category is stacked like whoa with very talented ladies. I honestly can say I'm equally rooting for about four of them to win so I think my chances are good for the big night. The frontrunners are obviously past Emmy winners Claire Danes and Julianna Margulies, but anything can happen. I'd say they'd randomly give it to Bates, but she finally won her first Emmy last weekend for Guest Actress. I also want to take this moment to FREAK OUT over Dockery's nomination. I seriously thought it was a long shot!

Prediction: Claire Danes
Alternate: Elisabeth Moss
Should Win: Michelle Dockery
Should've Been Nominated: Emmy Rossum, Madeline Stowe

BEST DRAMA SUPPORTING ACTOR
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey
Brendan Coyle, Downton Abbey
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Giancarlo Esposito, Breaking Bad
Jared Harris, Mad Men
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad

Definitely didn't expect the Emmy voters to go Downton crazy this year, at least to this extent, but it's quite evident in this category. Their nominations are their reward though while the other four men will duke it out. Initially I really thought this category was going to pit last year's winner Dinklage against 2010's winner Paul, but perhaps another Breaking Bad actor will take it all. In my heart, I think Esposito could upset, but I still think I will predict Paul or Dinklage to win.

Prediction: Aaron Paul
Alternate: Peter Dinklage
Should Win: Aaron Paul
Should've Been Nominated: Gabriel Mann, John Noble

BEST DRAMA SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife
Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey
Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men
Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey

I love the actress, but Froggatt's nomination is hilarious. On the other hand, I am over the moon ecstatic that Anna Gunn was recognized for her stellar work. I think Lena Heady was robbed a bit, but not to the extent that I'm super angry about it. As for who has the edge, I'm actually going to pick Christina Hendricks to be the first Mad Men actor to win an Emmy! Yes, even over the great dame Maggie Smith who can just as easily win of course.

Prediction: Christina Hendricks,
Alternate: Maggie Smith
Should Win: Christina Hendricks
Should've Been Nominated: Lena Heady, Maisie Williams

BEST COMEDY SERIES
The Big Bang Theory
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Girls
Modern Family
30 Rock
Veep

I understand the snub of Community YET AGAIN, but this category is pure and utter bullshit without Parks and Recreation. In fact, I'd probably only support two of these shows to make the shortlist, so I have pretty negative feelings about the Comedy categories overall. I mean at least they didn't nominate Glee or Smash, but seriously this category is useless with Parks and Recreation. Repeating myself? YES I AM.

Prediction: Modern Family
Alternate: Girls
Should Win: None since it belongs to Parks and Recreation
Should've Been Nominated: Parks and Recreation, Community

BEST COMEDY ACTOR
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Don Cheadle, House of Lies
Louis C.K., Louie
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men
Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

See my comment above about having negative feelings about these comedy categories. Of course it doesn't help that I only watch two of these performances regularly, but even those don't really inspire strong feelings within. I was a bit shocked that Elijah Wood didn't get nominated for Wilfred, but I guess that show was off their radar or something. I don't even have a rooting interest really. Moving on.

Prediction: Jim Parsons
Alternate: Alec Baldwin
Should Win: Louis C.K.
Should've Been Nominated: Adam Scott, Elijah Wood

BEST COMEDY ACTRESS
Zooey Deschanel, New Girl
Lena Dunham, Girls
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Kind of annoying that there's seven nominations, but at the very least they included Amy Poehler even though they snub her show (still not over it). If there was any justice in the world she would win this award, but I think the front runner here is Emmy favorite Julia Louis-Dreyfus, which in her defense would be completely deserved. Deschanel and Dunham as the new kids in town also have the edge for being new and cool. Was a bit bummed about Plimpton's snub, but she won a guest Emmy last week so it's all good!

Prediction: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Alternate: Zooey Deschanel
Should Win: Amy Poehler
Should've Been Nominated: Courtney Cox, Martha Plimpton

BEST COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTOR
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family
Max Greenfield, New Girl
Bill Hader, Saturday Night Live
Ed O'Neill, Modern Family
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

Look, I like Modern Family as much as any other guy, but chill the fuck out Emmy voters. The show is NOT THAT GOOD. With that said, I'd be shocked if anyone from another show wins, because the odds are just so stacked against them. Greenfield's nomination was a bit refreshing though, but Nick Offerman, Jim Rash, and Damon Wayans Jr. should've been nominated as well. This category just saddens me.

Prediction: Ed O'Neill
Alternate: Ty Burrell
Should Win: Casting director of Modern Family
Should've Been Nominated: Jim Rash, Nick Offerman, Damon Wayans Jr., and more

BEST COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Kathryn Joosten, Desperate Housewives
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Merritt Wever, Nurse Jackie
Kristin Wiig, Saturday Night Live

Joosten gets her posthumous nomination and her show's one and only. As crass as it is to talk about, her death does give her an edge here. Last year's winner Bowen could just as easily repeat, but I think Joosten's biggest challenge is from Sofia Vergara. Bialik's nomination gives me immense joy as she's the one consistent bright spot on her show. Never underestimate Wiig though especially for her farewell season. Lots of snubs particularly Jane Krakowski and my fave girl in Girls Zosia Mamet.

Prediction: Kathryn Joosten
Alternate: Sofia Vergara
Should Win: Mayim Bialik
Should've Been Nominated: Zosia Mamet, Jane Krakowski

OTHER CATEGORIES
Best Miniseries or Movie: Game Change
Best Actor, Miniseries: Clive Owen, Hemingway and Gellhorn
Best Actress, Miniseries: Julianne Moore, Game Change
Best Supporting Actor, Miniseries: Martin Freeman, Sherlock
Best Supporting Actress, Miniseries: Jessica Lange, American Horror Story
Best Guest Actor, Comedy*: Michael J. Fox, Curb Your Enthusiasm
Best Guest Actress, Comedy*: Melissa McCarthy, Saturday Night Live
Best Guest Actor, Drama*: Mark Margolis, Breaking Bad
Best Guest Actress, Drama*: Joan Cusack, Shameless

Please take my predictions with a grain of salt as historically I have NOT done well. Last year, I predicted 7 of 19 awards correctly which is quite pathetic. *With the Creative Emmys already giving out the awards for guest acting last week, I start off with a whimper in my predictions getting a grand total of zero correct. Though if I really thought about it, I should've realized Bates was the easy pick in her category. On to the show!

The Emmys: The Winners

What a weird night. That's pretty much all I can say about the Emmy Awards tonight. It felt like there was no overwhelming theme. Jane Lynch did an okay job hosting, but some of the technical aspects and skits of the show fell flat or were too clunky. The awards themselves went to a mix of expected and shocking winners, mostly deserved.

The big winner of the night has got to be Friday Night Lights which won two surprise awards in Writing and for its lead actor Kyle Chandler in its farewell season. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose indeed! Julianna Margulies, Margo Martindale, and Peter Dinklage took home the other Drama acting awards. All four winners made me smile. The supposed front-runners, Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men, had to settle for Directing (Martin Scorcese!) and Drama Series respectively.

In the Comedy side, Modern Family ruled with five wins including book-ending the show with two acting awards for TV married couple Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen at the beginning of the show and Comedy Series for the final award. Jim Parsons and Melissa McCarthy won in an upset in their lead categories with Steve Carell and Laura Linney largely expected to win. In one of the best moments of the show though Amy Poehler (who should've won) led McCarthy, Linney, and the other lead actress nominees on stage when their names were called up. Brilliant! The other winners are...

DRAMA
SERIES: Mad Men (AMC)
ACTOR: Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights (NBC)
ACTRESS: Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife (CBS)
SUPP. ACTOR: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones (HCO)
SUPP. ACTRESS: Margo Martindale, Justified (FX)
DIRECTING: Martin Scorcese, Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
WRITING: Jason Katims, Friday Night Lights (Direct TV)
GUEST ACTOR: Paul McCrane, Harry's Law (NBC)
GUEST ACTRESS: Loretta Devine, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

COMEDY
SERIES: Modern Family (ABC)
ACTOR: Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory (CBS)
ACTRESS: Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly (CBS)
SUPP. ACTOR: Ty Burrell, Modern Family (ABC)
SUPP. ACTRESS: Julie Bowen, Modern Family (ABC)
DIRECTING: Michael Spiller, Modern Family (ABC)
WRITING: Steve Levitan & Jeffrey Richmond, Modern Family (ABC)
GUEST ACTOR: Justin Timberlake, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
GUEST ACTRESS: Gwyneth Paltrow, Glee (FOX)

In the other side of things, Downton Abbey ruled with four wins including Best Miniseries over Mildred Pierce, which still saw two of its actor win in Guy Pearce and Kate Winslet. Winslet is now a Tony Award away from full EGOT status. The Amazing Race and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart also walked away with Emmy trophies once again.

MINISERIES, MOVIE OR DRAMATIC SPECIALS
MINISERIES OR MOVIE: Downton Abbey (PBS)
ACTOR: Barry Pepper, The Kennedys (Starz)
ACTRESS: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce (HBO)
SUPP. ACTOR: Guy Pearce, Mildred Pierce (HBO)
SUPP. ACTRESS: Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey (PBS)
DIRECTING: Brian Percival, Downton Abbey (PBS)
WRITING: Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey (PBS)

VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY PROGRAM
SERIES: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)
DIRECTING: Saturday Night Live (NBC)
WRITING: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)

REALITY
COMPETITION PROGRAM: The Amazing Race (CBS)
PROGRAM: Deadliest Catch (Discovery)
HOST: Jeff Probst, Survivor (CBS)

In terms of my predictions, I went a dismal 7 for 19. And really the less said about that bit of statistic, the better.

Critics' Choice Television Awards Winners

The wealth was nicely distributed at the inaugural Critics' Choice Television Awards with Mad Men the only show to win more than one award. On the one hand, there are some nice left field winners with deserved recognition for John Noble and Busy Phillips, but on the other hand they stayed on point when it comes to the people who might end up with an Emmy Award in a couple of months which is a bit boring.

The winners and some of my thoughts below:

Best Drama Series: Mad Men
Best Actor, Drama: Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Best Actress, Drama: Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Best Supporting Actor, Drama: John Noble, Fringe
Best Supporting Actress, Drama: Christina Hendricks, Mad Men & Margo Martindale, Justified

I know Mad Men is a critical favorite, but I thought it was an oddly safe choice. You'd think for their first year, they'd want to start with a bang. I myself would've probably picked Fringe or The Walking Dead. Quite happy to see Christina Hendricks tie for a win, but I honestly thought she'd be the last person they pick from the nominees. And while I personally wouldn't have picked Jon Hamm this year, let it be known that he hasn't yet won an Emmy for playing Don Draper. That's just criminal. Fuck yeah John Noble!

Best Comedy Series: Modern Family
Best Actor, Comedy: Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory
Best Actress, Comedy: Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Best Supporting Actor, Comedy: Neil Patrick Harris, HIMYM
Best Supporting Actress, Comedy: Busy Phillips, Cougar Town

I think the most shocking thing about these results is the lack of Parks & Recreation win especially since it really seemed like P&R was the critical darling this season. And yet five other sitcoms won the five awards given. I would've probably given Parks a win for Best Comedy and Best Actress. In fact Tina Fey's win, out of the whole bunch, felt the most off to be honest. Amy Poehler or Martha Plimpton really should've gotten it. Also how did NPH manage to get singled out from the insane competition he had? Was everyone still high from his Tony-hosting gig? Fuck yeah Busy Phillips!

Best Reality Series: Hoarders and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Best Reality Series, Competition: American Idol
Best Reality Show Host: Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs
Best Talk Show: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Did the Broadcast Television Journalists Association really think that American Idol was the "best" reality competition series this year? If so, I really think their credentials need to be checked again. Though, I give them some props by resisting the urge to kowtow to Her Holiness Oprah by giving Jon Stewart, aka someone who actually deserved it, the win.

All in all, a somewhat mixed bag filled with some pleasant surprises along with some dull choices. I did praise them for their nominees which I'm still confident will outstrip the eventual Emmy nominees, but now the question becomes which of these shows and actors will repeat at the Emmys? Which do you think?

Critics' Choice Television Awards Nominees

The Broadcast Television Journalists Association have decided that we need more precursor award shows leading up to the Emmy Awards and thus presenting the Critics' Choice Television Awards! I say bring it on especially if this helps in any way Emmy voters pick more interesting and generally better nominations. And for the most part, this group definitely gave us a wonderful array of shows and actors for its inaugural award show. The nominees are below...

BEST DRAMA SERIES
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Fringe
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Justified
The Killing
Mad Men
The Walking Dead

Not much to complain here as they included two of my favorite shows of the year, The Good Wife and Fringe. The latter is especially welcome as it doesn't get nearly enough mainstream praise that it deserves. I'm rooting for either one to win, but critics will probably opt for some on cable or premium channels. Can Mad Men hold off some of the new favorites?

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
William H. Macy, Shameless
Timothy Olyphant, Justified

Interesting to see Hugh Laurie snubbed, but since I don't watch House, I don't really care. There aren't really any bad choices here, but I think I'll root for Kyle Chandler or Michael C. Hall, the former because he's a sentimental favorite and the latter because he went through some crazy acting acrobatics this year.

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights
Mireille Enos, The Killing
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Katey Sagal, Sons of Anarchy
Anna Torv, Fringe

Oh, how I wish this would be the exact same lineup at the Emmys! Look how glorious each and every character and actress listed! I'm so happy Anna Torv was recognized, because as I said before her show and everyone involved deserve all the kudos and awards thrown at them. I'd probably pick her if I was voting, but with Marguilies and Moss in the line-up, it's IMPOSSIBLE to choose. Don't even know who they'd pick to win.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Alan Cumming, The Good Wife
Walton Goggins, Justified
Shawn Hatosy, Southland
John Noble, Fringe
Michael Pitt, Boardwalk Empire
John Slattery, Mad Men

Good solid choices here as well and I'm especially tickled by Alan Cumming's nomination since in a cast full of insanely talented people, he really does stand out. Go John Noble, who is probably a slight favorite, but I'm not really sure!

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Michelle Forbes, The Killing
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men
Margo Martindale, Justified
Kelly Macdonald, Boardwalk Empire
Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife
Chloë Sevigny, Big Love

I sound like a broken record already, but I love these nominations. I'm a bit sad that they didn't have room for Julia Stiles' amazing work on Dexter, but I wouldn't know who to kick out from this line-up. Christina Hendricks aka YoSaffBridge is a sentimental favorite, but Forbes, Sevigny, or Panjabi will probably win.

BEST COMEDY SERIES
Archer
The Big Bang Theory
Community
Glee
Louie
The Middle
Modern Family
The Office
Parks and Recreation
30 Rock

Hm. Now I know How I Met Your Mother wasn't perfect this season, but it's definitely better than the increasingly tired 30 Rock, the mess that is Glee, and the an aging The Office. Same deal with Castle. Where is it?! But with all that said, I'm not too butthurt over it, especially since Parks & Rec, Community, and Modern Family all deserve their nominations. I'm pulling for one of those shows to win (Parks & Rec!).

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Steve Carell, The Office
Louis C.K., Louie
Charlie Day, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Joel McHale, Community
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

A list without Nathan Fillion is not a good list even though I appreciate the inclusion of McHale and Parsons. I'd probably vote for Carell to get it since he was damn good at his final season of the show and he's probably the sentimental favorite for this very reason.

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
Courteney Cox, Cougar Town
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Patricia Heaton, The Middle
Martha Plimpton, Raising Hope
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Was Tina Collette not considered? Was her show not qualified? I'm generally okay with these nominations and especially happy that Courtney Cox was recognized (fuck you Emmys!). I'm rooting for Amy Poehler here, but I can see any of these ladies take home the prize to be honest.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
Nick Offerman, Parks and Recreation
Ed O’Neill, Modern Family
Danny Pudi, Community
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

This category is STACKED and I'm sure they could've included a few more worhty names. Chris Colfer probably should've been included, but really I wouldn't know who to remove from the list. I'd also add Adam Scott, Danny Glover, and Jason Segal. Offerman could just steal this award from the Modern men. He definitely can.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock
Jane Lynch, Glee
Busy Philipps, Cougar Town
Eden Sher, The Middle
Sofía Vergara, Modern Family

Since I wasn't such a fan of Lynch's Sue this year, I'd actually wish she would be replaced by Naya Rivera or Heather Morris. Or even Alyson Hannigan or any of the ladies from Community or Big Bang Theory. But I'm generally fine of these nominees and happy to see Busy Philipps recognized. I'm sure one of the Modern ladies will win.

BEST REALITY SERIES
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Hoarders
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Sister Wives
Undercover Boss

I watch a total of ZERO from this list. So... yeah good luck to all.

BEST REALITY SERIES — COMPETITION
The Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing with the Stars
Project Runway
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Top Chef

The only show I watched this season was The Amazing Race, but God knows it's no longer the most hip show out there. I wouldn't mind seeing it lose to Top Chef.

BEST REALITY SHOW HOST
Tom Bergeron, Dancing with the Stars
Cat Deeley, So You Think You Can Dance
Ty Pennington, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol

Cat Deeley is the best host here. There is no competition. Also where is Phil Keoghan? I demand a recount!

BEST TALK SHOW
Chelsea Lately
The Daily Show
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Oprah Winfrey Show

Will they give it to Oprah since this is the last time they'll be able to do it? Or will they actually give it to a show that deserves it like The Daily Show or Ellen? We'll see.

Must See: The Normal Heart

This past Saturday, I saw The Normal Heart, one of the most powerful and important plays I have ever seen on Broadway. When I first heard about the play, the only things I knew about it were that it dealt with the AIDS crisis in New York City back in the early 80s and that a few of my favorite actors have been cast. Seeing Larry Kramer's play in person though was really an unforgettable experience. Let's just say that if you do end up seeing this, and I highly recommend that you do, bring lots of tissues.

Joe Mantello plays the main character Ned Weeks. I knew nothing about the actor before this play and he simply blew me away. Ellen Barkin plays the doctor that convinces Ned to take action by informing the gay community about this new disease killing everyone. While Barkin was solid, I felt she overacted a lot of her scenes, which actually worked out well in the second act as her frustrations and anger become much more palpable and justified.

Lee Pace, Jim Parsons, and Patrick Breen play Ned's associates who help him form an organization to take lead in this battle. Their disagreements with one another and especially with Ned's aggressive way of dealing with others form the backbone of the play.


Pace looks ridiculously handsome even with his 80s porntache and he and Mantello get a few great scenes to duke it out while Parsons' is left with the bulk of the play's comic relief referring himself as the "Southern Bitch" and flirting with most of the cast. It really is a sight to behold. Breen gets the least flashy role, but one of the best monologues/scenes in the play when he breaks down in front of his friends after being fed up by this seemingly hopeless fight. It is one of the many times I was openly sobbing. Luke McFarlane plays two bit roles, but it looks like he had a great time for his Broadway debut.


Finally we have Mark Harelik who plays Ned's brother and John Benjamin Hickey who play's Ned's lover. The relationships they both have with Ned are important parts to the play as wells as to Ned's formation as a character. While Harelik seemed a bit too reserved for my liking, Hickey was phenomenally open making most of his scenes all the more heart-wrenching and real.

So in summary, go see this play. It is not only beautiful and heartbreaking, but it is also an important part of gay history. It is only running for a limited 12-week run, but I hope it stays on longer even with a different cast, because I truly believe that everyone should see (or read) this play at least once.

Read a similarly positive review over at AfterElton.com.

The Normal Heart

I don't really know much about The Normal Heart other than it being centered around the AIDS crisis happening in New York City during the 80s, which is intriguing enough, but the Broadway cast looks absolutely, positively amazing.


It caught my eye when I first heard that Emmy winner Jim Parsons and Emmy nominated Lee Pace were going to be part of the cast. I've been a long-time fan of Lee Pace since I saw him in Wonderfalls and he has followed that with some inspired work in Pushing Daisies and The Fall. It was after I was already obsessed with him that I discovered his brilliant work in Soldier's Girl where he plays a transgendered performer. I only really know Parsons from his hilarious work in Big Bang Theory, but I'm looking forward to seeing him play a role that's hopefully vastly different from his vaguely autistic character on the show.

Now comes word that the adorable Luke McFarlane will be joining the ensemble and it's apparently his Broadway debut. I know him from Brothers & Sisters and I think his addition to the cast will be perfect. The rest of the cast include Ellen Barkin, Joe Mantello, John Benjamin Hickey, and Patrick Breen. The play will have a limited 12-week engagement starting next month.

Golden Globes: TV Nominations

Glee once again leads the way with five nominations with a couple of shows tying for second place with three nominations. It's a quirky list with more than a few oddball choices and snubs. As much grief as I give the TV Academy whenever they dole out their Emmy nominations, at least they have some cred. The HFPA? Not so much. So take that as you will.

Best Television Series, Drama

• Boardwalk Empire
• Dexter
• Good Wife
• Mad Men
• Walking Dead

Can't really disagree with the choices here, but the outright snub everywhere for LOST for its final season rubs me the wrong way. It's also odd to see Walking Dead get in over Breaking Bad. Though I'm very happy to see the low-rated Good Wife make it in.

Best Actor, Drama

• Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
• Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
• Michael C. Hall, Dexter
• Jon Hamm, Mad Men
• Hugh Laurie, House

Apart from Buscemi's nomination which was a given since HBO is so loved by the HFPA, the list is pretty standard fare. Emmy-winner Bryan Cranston actually gets his first nomination here, so good for him. Genre shows don't get any loving as Matthew Fox and John Noble aren't mentioned.

Best Actress, Drama

• Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
• Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
• Piper Perabo, Covert Affairs
• Katey Segal, Sons of Anarchy
• Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

This is actually a pretty good list until you see they've nominated Piper Perabo for a nice enough show in a nice enough role, but ugh. Are you kidding me? Over Anna Torv? Or anyone else? Props to Moss, Margulies, and Segal though. Well earned.

Best Television Series, Comedy

• 30 Rock
• Big Bang Theory
• The Big C
• Glee
• Modern Family
• Nurse Jackie

Community not being here means this list is worth shit. Also the fact that Covert Affairs is categorized as a Drama while Nurse Jackie and The Big C are categorized as Comedies hurt my brain. Great for Big Bang Theory to get its first nomination here. This is Modern Family's award to lose, sorry Glee.

Best Actor, Comedy

• Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
• Steve Carrell, The Office
• Thomas Jane, Hung
• Matt Morrison, Glee
• Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory

Yay for Emmy-winner Jim Parsons for getting his first Globe nomination! Also good for Alec Baldwin and I suppose Steve Carrell. I still don't get why people keep nominating Matthew Morrison though. I just don't.

Best Actress, Comedy

• Toni Colette, United States of Tara
• Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
• Tina Fey, 30 Rock
• Laura Linney, The Big C
• Lea Michele, Glee

Same ol', same ol' from this group. Nothing too exciting or noteworthy to talk about. I'm not unhappy any of these are nominated, it's just the same people over and over again you know? Can't even muster up enthusiasm to root for anyone.

Best Mini-Series or TV Movie

• Carlos
• Pacific
• Pillars of Earth
• Temple Gardin
• You Don't Jack

I've only seen Temple Grandin and I'm guessing that's going to win since it swept at the Emmys.

Best Actor, Mini-Series or TV Movie

• Idris Elba, Luther
• Ian McShane, Pillars of the Earth
• Al Pacino, You Don't Know Jack
• Dennis Quaid, The Special Relationship
• Edgar Ramirez, Carlos

Haven't seen any of these performances, but there's a few Hollywood names up there as per usual with the HFPA. With that said, great gets for Idris Elba and Edgar Ramirez.

Best Actress, Mini-Series or TV Movie

• Hayley Atwell, Pillars of the Earth
• Claire Danes, Temple Grandin
• Judi Dench, Return to Cranford
• Romola Garai, Emma
• Jennifer Love Hewitt, The Client List

As Nathaniel points out, Judi Dench vs. Jennifer Love Hewitt? What kind of fuckery is that? Claire Danes seem to be the easy win here to go along with her Emmy win a few months back.

Best Supporting Actor

• Scott Caan, Hawaii Five-0
• Chris Colfer, Glee
• Chris Noth, The Good Wife
• Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
• David Strathairn, Temple Grandin

No Neil Patrick Harris means this list is shit. They also missed Emmy-winner Aaron Paul. With that said, however, I actually don't hate this as I initially did? I mean Caan and Noth's nominations felt forced, but the other three totally deserved it. Go Kurt!

Best Supporting Actress

• Hope Davis, The Special Relationship
• Jane Lynch, Glee
• Kelly MacDonald, Boardwalk Empire
• Julia Stiles, Dexter
• Sofia Vergara, Modern Family

Jane Lynch will probably walk away with the prize, but I'm so happy to see Julia Stiles and Sofia Vergara nominated. Odd to see Emmy-winner Archie Panjabi snubbed, but she's not an established name or anything. Oh well.

Emmy Nominations and Predictions

I'm not dreading the Emmy awards as much as I tend to the past couple of years. Maybe it's because there were many good things to celebrate or maybe because a few people I like have already won an Emmy this year, but I feel oddly optimistic about this weekend, which of course means I'm ripe for a letdown, right? Oh well. Let's run down the big categories, shall we?


BEST DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad
Dexter
The Good Wife
Lost
Mad Men
True Blood

I honestly think that all of these shows, other than True Blood, have a very good chance at winning. Of course the front-runner, Mad Men, is still the one to beat winning the top prize few years straight now. But don't count out Lost and the possible sentimental votes it might receive to honor it for its final season. For me, I love all of the shows here that I watch (I haven't seen Breaking Bad), but I do want Lost to win.

Prediction: Mad Men

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Hugh Laurie, House
Matthew Fox, Lost
Jon Hamm, Mad Men

One of three men will get this award and I will be shocked if the results were any different. Last year's champion Bryan Cranston is the odds-on favorite, but the buzz for Michael C. Hall's performance as the affable serial killer has only grown louder especially with his recent real-life bout with cancer. And yet people are shocked, SHOCKED that Jon Hamm still doesn't have an Emmy for playing Don Draper. One of these days, he will. Will it be this year?

Prediction: Michael C. Hall

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
Glenn Close, Damages
Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU
January Jones, Mad Men

Just give the award to Julianna Marguilies and stop pretending any of the others even have a chance. Okay, that's probably a little too hyperbolic, but she's very popular and her show has been a big hit this season. Of course Glenn Close and possibly Kyra Sedwick are still stiff competition, but the award will go to the good wife.

Prediction: Julianna Marguilies

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
Martin Short, Damages
Terry O'Quinn, Lost
Michael Emerson, Lost
John Slattery, Mad Men
Andre Braugher, Men of a Certain Age

I've only seen about three of the performances here so I'm not really sure who is the front-runner and whatnot. If I had to guess, this is where the Academy will see fit to award Lost's final season and the slight edge is probably to Terry O'Quinn who had to juggle different versions of Locke. And yet, I'm just not sure. I hear buzz for Aaron Paul certainly, but just have a gut feeling for O'Quinn.

Prediction: Terry O'Quinn

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA
Sharon Gless, Burn Notice
Rose Byrne, Damages
Archie Panjani, The Good Wife
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men

The ladies of Mad Men will fight for the prize here. If you'd ask me a couple of weeks ago, I'd said Elisabeth Moss had this in the bag, but recently there's just been SO MUCH attention for Christina Hendricks that she may squeak out the win. Of course this is no slam-dunk especially with two Emmy veterans, Sharon Gless and Christine Baranksi, in the mix.

Prediction: Christina Hendricks


BEST COMEDY SERIES
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Glee
Modern Family
Nurse Jackie
The Office
30 Rock

Will 30 Rock finally be knocked off its thrown? This year, with these nominees, I think that's a safe bet. Everyone will be looking for the new breakout hits of the season, Glee and Modern Family. I will be shocked (and honestly confused) if neither one wins this award. I'd give the slight edge to Modern Family, but Glee is the "cool kid" on the block that everyone's talking about so... we'll see.

Prediction: Modern Family

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY
Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory
Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm
Matthew Morrison, Glee
Tony Shalhoub, Monk
Steve Carell, The Office
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

While there may be some sentimental votes for Tony Shaloub, I think the rest is between Alec Baldwin and Jim Parsons. I said the same thing last year and I don't see any difference. Last year, Baldwin won, but I think Parsons may take it this year. Granted his show is not exactly loved by the Emmys as much as 30 Rock, but they must be tired giving it to Baldwin by now, right?

Prediction: Jim Parsons

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY
Lea Michele, Glee
Julia-Louis Dreyfus, New Adventures of Old Christine
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Toni Collette, United States of Tara

Last year Toni Collette won and she could very well repeat, but this is a tough field this year. For one, Emmy favorite Edie Falco is on the ballot as well as former-SNL funny ladies Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. Also don't underestimate the "cool new sexy kid on the block" aka Lea Michele.

Prediction: Edie Falco

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY
Chris Colfer, Glee
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men

This is what you call a STACKED category. Other than Jon Cryer, I find it extremely distressing picking amongst the men nominated. Last year, I thought Neil Patrick Harris had the award locked up and he still ended up losing. This year, I don't believe he'll win, which is fine since he won his first two Emmy awards last week anyways. No, it will be between Chris Colfer and the men of Modern Family or more specifically Eric Stonestreet. If they want drama and headlines, they'll pick Colfer, but if they deem him too "new and young" Stonestreet. Of course if they do end up picking Cryer, it wouldn't surprise me one bit also. Lame ass voters.

Prediction: Eric Stonestreet

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY
Jane Lynch, Glee
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Kristin Wiig, Saturday Night Live
Jane Krakowsky, 30 Rock
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men

Is there really a more locked winner this year in any category, because even if you don't watch Glee, you know Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester is probably THE breakout character of the past season. It would be a HUGE SHOCKER if she doesn't end the night with the trophy.

Prediction: Jane Lynch

I don't really follow the lead-up to the Emmys as closely as I do the Academy Awards so these predictions have very little to do with much of anything except for what I said above. For all I know I could go 0 for 10 not I wouldn't bat an eye. Okay, maybe I'll be a little shocked since Jane Lynch is golden... GOLDEN (hope I didn't just jinx her!). And of course I'm sure the one year I don't predict Neil Patrick Harris, he'll certainly go 3 for 3 this year. Well, the best part is anticipation. One more day left until these predictions are either confirmed or denied.

2010 TCA Awards

Over the weekend, the Television Critics Association (TCA) gave out their annual awards in the middle of the Summer Press Tour making sure their collective voices are heard while voters are still mulling over their Emmy ballots. The winners are:

Program of the year: Glee
Outstanding new program: Glee
Outstanding achievement in drama: Lost and Breaking Bad
Outstanding achievement in comedy: Modern Family
Individual achievement in drama: Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Individual achievement in comedy: Jane Lynch, Glee
Outstanding acheievement in movies and miniseries: The Pacific
Outstanding achievement in news and information: Life
Outstanding achievement in youth programming: Yo Gabba Gabba
Career achievement: James Garner
Heritage Award: M*A*S*H*

The big story here is the success of Glee winning three awards including shockingly taking the top prize of Program of the Year. While one might think this would boost its Emmy chances, TCA aren't really in the business of predicting Emmy winners. In fact last year, Battlestar Galactica won Program of the Year. That plus Modern Family, Glee's main rival for Best Comedy Series at the Emmys, won that award's counterpart at the TCA Awards.

In the Drama race, Breaking Bad and Lost shared the award knocking down Mad Men, which won the past two years. It looks to be a tight race at the Emmys among these three very strong contenders. In its final year, however, Lost, was unable to nab Program of the Year like Battlestar Galactica did last year nor get the Heritage Award like The Sopranos for their last season. M*A*S*H* took this prize beating out two other shows ending this year, 24 and Law & Order.

Finally, Jane Lynch and Julianna Margulies solidified their front-runner status for the Emmys by coming out on top of the creme de la creme of acting from last year. They beat out fellow Emmy nominees Ty Burrell, Jim Parsons, Eric Stonestreet, Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston, and John Lithgow as well as Emmy-snubbed Nick Offerman and Katey Sagal. I'll be shocked to see either one walking away empty-handed at the Emmys.

Tuesday Night

(Flickr)

Yesterday was a bit of an epic day of TV. It started with going to the Paley Center here in New York City to see Jim Parsons of Big Bang Theory fame be interviewed. It was my first time doing anything like this so I was a tad excited and also had no expectations. I was thrilled they aired next week's episode of the show, but it really was fantastic seeing Jim Parsons in person. I think the best word to describe him would be adorable.

Some of my favorite parts of the interview was when he...

• Got a little emotional when talking about bringing his 4yo nephew to Sesame Street
• Expressed his desire to see Betty White and Lisa Kudrow to guest star as Mee-Maw and a relative of Penny's respectively
• Admitted to never watching a Star Trek movie and the audience audibly gasping

Apparently afterward he signed a few autographs. Too bad I had already left to get some dinner, but it was still quite an awesome time. When I got home around 11pm, I decided to play catch up on American Idol and Glee. Not much to say about Idol except to say that Lee Dewyze kicked ass and while she faltered a bit musically, Crystal Bowersox is still an effin' star.

In Glee, it was all about cheesy songs, cheesy choreography, and cheesy music videos. Having just one thing cheesy could've ruined this episode, but the fact that they piled on the cheese and then some kind of made this episode really stand out, not to mention the appearance of Olivia Newton John looking as fierce as ever. Sadly, at this point, I had no choice but to sleep even though all I wanted to do was watch some Lost.


Instead I managed to avoid spoilers this morning even though I knew something "bad" happened based on a few tweets on twitter. At lunch, however, I watched the episode and promptly bawled my eyes out as three of my favorite characters EVER on the show seemingly died. Sayid dying wasn't so much a surprise and I was glad he died a hero and not the zombified creature he'd been for most of the season. But to see both Jin and Sun die as well was just too much. With that said, their death scene was as heartbreaking as I imagined it would be. I completely lost it twice, when Jin told Sun he'd never leave her in Korean and when Hurley started crying on the beach. I mean my goodness who didn't cry with the castaways when they were all in the beach? Lapidus also saw his untimely end. "The End" is definitely nigh.

Whew. Bring on Wednesday.

Birthday Hotties: Jim Parsons & Alyson Hannigan

They're both talented, hilarious, and damn sexy. Plus you can catch both of them on Monday nights on CBS.

Happy Birthday Jim and Aly!

Big Bang's Adorable Kitties

I'm a huge fan of How I Met Your Mother and it was only because of this that I checked out Big Bang Theory two years ago. And now Big Bang Theory is more than holding its own. Last night's episode was one of the funniest for the series and it was headline by the adorable pair of Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons.

Soft kitty, warm kitty
Little ball of fur
Happy kitty, sleepy kitty
Purr, purr, purr

In a scene that nearly killed me with all the cuteness, Penny (Cuoco) asked Sheldon (Parsons) to sing "Soft Kitty" which was established in an earlier episode as the song that was sung to Sheldon whenever he was sick. This sudden switch, of course, made Sheldon uncomfortable, but not only does he sing, but they performed it together!

Images courtesy of BetterNovembers, one of the biggest BBT and Penny/Sheldon fans that I know.