Monday, June 30, 2014

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

2014 Nomination Predictions
Andre Braugher "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Ty Burrell "Modern Family"
Jesse Tyler Ferguson "Modern Family"
Tony Hale "Veep"
Ed O'Neill "Modern Family"
Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family"

Other Contenders - Adam Driver "Girls", Christopher Evan Welch "Silicon Valley", Beau Bridges "The Millers", Simon Helberg "The Big Bang Theory", Kunal Nayyar "The Big Bang Theory", Neil Patrick Harris "How I Met Your Mother", Chris Colfer "Glee", Timothy Simons "Veep", Matt Walsh "Veep", Nick Offerman "Parks & Recreation", Max Greenfield "New Girl", Lamorne Morris "New Girl", Terry Crews "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", Joe Lo Truglio "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", Jeremy Allan White "Shameless", Keegan Michael Key "Key and Peele", Jordan Peele "Key and Peele"

Commentary - Last year, Eric Stonestreet was shockingly left off the list of six. So does that make him vulnerable this year? Definitely. Once the Emmy voters have moved on, it is hard to get back in. But I think that Modern Family had a creative resurgence this year, and anybody who watched that wedding episode would be stupid not to put both Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson on their list. I think Emmy voters will do just that. In fact, I think that Modern Family did so well this year that all four of the major cast members will return to this race, bumping out some previous nominees including last year's nominee Adam Driver. Driver is still a huge threat, Girls had a good season, and he has had a lot of press since he joined the cast of the new Star Wars film. But I think there are too many names ahead of him this year. I do think that last year's surprise winner Tony Hale will return to the race. The writers on Veep clearly recognized how beloved Hale and his character are, so they really amped up his funny this year, and I think it will be rewarded. So who potentially replaced Driver? I think that man is Andre Braugher. He shocked everybody a couple of years ago when he got back to back nominations for Men of a Certain Age, reminding everyone that he is clearly a popular actor with Emmy voters. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is set to rack up some big nominations come July 10th, and I think Braugher is one of their shoo-ins. Besides Driver there are plenty of other talented actors looking to make it in the race. If the guys at HBO had submitted Christopher Evan Welch as a guest, I think he would have easily got a nomination. But alas, they are gunning for the bigger prize, and the nostalgic factor of the late Welch, plus his quirky performance could pay off. Beau Bridges is a lock for a Guest nomination this year for Masters of Sex, but like Margo Martindale, he is so popular that even a nomination for The Millers is not out of the question. Neil Patrick Harris returns as this year for hosting last year's Tony Awards (most likely), but he could also get one final nod for the last season of How I Met Your Mother. Also look out for Nick Offerman, the guys of Veep, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Big Bang Theory, Chris Colfer, and Jeremy Allan White, who got a surprise Critics Choice nomination.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

2014 Nomination Predictions
Mayim Bialik "The Big Bang Theory"
Julie Bowen "Modern Family"
Anna Chlumsky "Veep"
Allison Janney "Mom"
Sofia Vergara "Modern Family"
Merritt Wever "Nurse Jackie"

Other Contenders - Kate Mulgrew "Orange is the New Black", Margo Martindale "The Millers", Jane Lynch "Glee", Kaley Cuoco "The Big Bang Theory", Melissa Rauch "The Big Bangh Theory", Betty White "Hot in Cleveland", Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live", Aidy Bryant "Saturday Night Live", Cecily Strong "Saturday Night Live", Vanessa Bayer "Saturday Night Live", Laura Prepon "Orange is the New Black", Danielle Brooks "Orange is the new Black", Amy Schumer "Inside Amy Schumer", Chelsea Perretti "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", Sarah Hyland "Modern Family"

Commentary - This is a tough race to predict, mostly because it seems too easy to do so. Sometimes categories stay pretty stagnant, and sometimes they change quickly and often, and you never know when it could happen. So I am predicting a mostly stable category, with the thought in the back of my mind that I could be in for a shocker come July 10th. I do know one addition to the race this year, and that is Allison Janney. She is absolutely fantastic in Mom, and as we all know too well, she is extremely popular with Emmy voters. She could even repeat her double victory at the Critics Choice Awards. The rest of the category I think will remain the same. Merritt Wever shocked the hell out of all of us when she won last year, and her wonderfully short acceptance last year is definitely on people's minds. I think that she gets in, but I also think she could be the most vulnerable of the bunch. Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara are now going to always be at risk as their show ages. But this was one of the show's best seasons, it is probably still the front runner, and I honestly don't see voters giving up on either of them quite yet. I also think Mayim Bialik is still a safe bet as well. When she managed to get that SAG nomination over bigger names and leading players, it was proof that the actors really liked what she was doing on The Big Bang Theory. Finally, I do think Anna Chlumsky will get back in, as Veep will probably continue to be popular. She seems pretty safe, but her and Wever are the two that could be on the outside if a dark horse contender emerges. Kate Mulgrew tied with Janney at the Critics Choice, but I'm not sure if the supporting players of Orange is the New Black will be able to distinguish themselves to voters. Jane Lynch managed to get back into this race for Glee last year after missing out the year before, proving just how popular she is within the industry. She should not be underestimated. Someone else who should not be underestimated is Margo Martindale. After years of flying under the radar, she is finally on the map, and voters are noticing. The Millers may not be the greatest platform for her, but her personal popularity could be enough. Also watch out for Kaley Cuoco, Betty White, Kate McKinnon (who really deserves some attention this year), and Amy Schumer.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best TV Movie

2014 Nomination Predictions
Burton and Taylor
Killing Kennedy
The Normal Heart
Sherlock: His Last Vow
The Trip to Bountiful

Other Contenders - Return to Zero, A Day Late and a Dollar Short, Clear History, Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight, Flowers in the Attic

Commentary - I know how this sounds, but there is really no point here. The Normal Heart most likely has this one in the bag, and while a few of the contenders here are also worthy, none of them have the buzz, the cast and crew, or the hype that The Normal Heart does. Sherlock: His Last Vow, which for some strange reason is submitting as a television movie instead of its miniseries as a whole, and The Trip to Bountiful led by the fantastic Cicely Tyson, are bound for nominations as well, but despite both of their successes I don't think either has the muscle to beat The Normal Heart. The last nominations are a bit of a crap shoot. I think Killing Kennedy, despite its Bill O'Reilly roots, can definitely get in. It is an historical piece, and features a favorite of the voters Rob Lowe. The last slot is really tricky. By the time my final list is revealed, I might have moved Return to Zero, and Minnie Driver into my nominations field, as the buzz seems to be growing. And HBO is behind Clear History and Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight, so even if they both had soft landings, they will still have a great marketing team behind them. And don't forget the emotional A Day Late and Dollar Short. While it missed the mark with critics, it is an incredibly emotional film with a great cast. But I think, right now that is, that Burton and Taylor will take the last slot. It is about Hollywood royalty, features a fine cast, and it appeals to the British obsessed Anglophiles who also vote for things like Downton Abbey every year.

Friday, June 27, 2014

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Miniseries

2014 Nomination Predictions
American Horror Story: Coven
Dancing on the Edge
Fargo
Luther
The White Queen

Other Contenders - Treme, Bonnie and Clyde, Klondike, The Hollow Crown, Fleming the Man Who Would be Bond, The Spoils of Babylon, Rosemary's Baby, Hostages, Full Circle.

Other Contenders - Poor American Horror Story, just when I thought that it had a chance to finally win one of these things (with the sudden absence of True Detective), then Fargo comes along and once again squashes its chances. Coven is in a solid second position, but I would honestly be shocked if anything beats Fargo. Once you move beyond these two, there is not an incredible amount of competition. Dancing on the Edge has the Globe wins, the buzz, and the incredible cast for it to cruise to a nomination. And The White Queen is just the type of big period production that inspires votes, and fills slots when needed (although The Hollow Crown could be eclipsing its buzz and could sneak in and steal its spot). The last slot could go one of several ways. Bonnie and Clyde could ride to glory on its name alone, let alone some of its cast, including favorites like Holly Hunter and William Hurt. Treme was largely ignored by the voters when it competed in Drama Series, simply for the fact that there was just too much competition. But now that it is in the miniseries category, it could finally breakthrough with some big nominations. But I think the last slot goes to Luther. It has been a reliable favorite, a placeholder for Academy members. I think that none of the outside contenders have enough muscle next to and old favorite.

The 40th Annual Saturn Award Winners

As expected Gravity did incredibly well, and it definitely deserves it. Check out the full list below and for information about the Saturn Awards, visit their website: saturnawards.org

Film
Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture: “Iron Man 3″ (Marvel / Disney)
Best Science-Fiction Film: “Gravity” (Warner Bros.)
Best Fantasy Film: “Her” (Warner Bros.)
Best Horror Film: “The Conjuring” (Warner Bros.)
Best Thriller Film:  “World War Z” (Paramount Pictures)
Best Action / Adventure Film: “Fast & Furious 6″ (Universal Pictures)
Best Independent Film: “12 Years a Slave” (Fox Searchlight)
Best International Film: “Big Bad Wolves” (Magnolia Pictures / Magnet)
Best Animated Film: “Frozen” (Walt Disney Studios)
Best Actor: Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man 3”)
Best Actress: Sandra Bullock (“Gravity”)
Best Supporting Actor: Ben Kingsley (“Iron Man 3”)
Best Supporting Actress: Scarlett Johansson (“Her”)
Best Performance by a Younger Actor: Chloe Grace Moretz (“Carrie”)
Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron (“Gravity”)
Best Writing: Spike Jonze (“Her”)
Best Editing: Alfonso Cuaron, Mark Sanger (“Gravity”)
Best Production Design: Dan Hennah (“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”)
Best Music: Frank Ilfman (“Big Bad Wolves”)
Best Costume: Trish Summerville (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”)
Best Makeup: Donald Mowat (“Prisoners”)
Best Special / Visual Effects: Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, David Shirk, Neil Corbould (“Gravity”)

Television
Best Network Television Series Release: Tie between “Hannibal” (NBC) and “Revolution” (NBC)
Best Syndicated / Cable Television Series: “The Walking Dead” (AMC)
Best Television Presentation of a Limited Run Series: “Breaking Bad” (AMC)
Best Youth-Oriented Television Series: “Teen Wolf” (MTV)
Best Actor in a Television Series: Mads Mikkelsen (“Hannibal”)
Best Actress in a Television Series: Vera Farmiga (“Bates Motel”)
Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series: Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad”)
Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series: Melissa McBride (“The Walking Dead”)
Best Guest Star in a Television Series: Robert Forster (“Breaking Bad”)
Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series: Chandler Riggs (“The Walking Dead”)

DVD
Best DVD Release: “Big Ass Spider” (Epic Pictures)
Best DVD Collection: “Chucky: The Complete Collection” (Universal)
Best Classic Film Home Entertainment Release: “Halloween 35th Anniversary Edition” (Anchor Bay)
Best Television Home Entertainment Release: “Star Trek: The Next Generation: Seasons 3, 4, 5” (CBS Paramount)

Special Awards
The Dan Curtis Legacy Award - Bryan Fuller
The George Pal Memorial Award - Greg Nicotero
The Life Career Award - Malcolm McDowell
The Special Achievement Award - Marc Cushman

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Academy Invites 271 to Join Its Ranks

Every year, I can't wait to see the new list. It is nice to see last year's first time nominees/winners like Barkhad Abdi, Lupita Nyong'o and others. And of course there are those who make your mouth drop, usually because you cannot fathom how they have not been nominated yet. David Strathairn was the one that shocked me. He was nominated almost a decade ago, and has been steadily working in film since, and yet is just now being invited? Maybe he is one of those who keeps refusing like Hayao Miyazaki who was invited again this year (and will probably once again refuse). Either way this is always an interesting list that usually takes a few days and weeks to fully absorb. As always, visit www.oscars.org for up-to-date information about the Academy and the upcoming Oscars!

Actors
Barkhad Abdi – “Captain Phillips”
Clancy Brown – “The Hurricane,” “The Shawshank Redeption”
Paul Dano – “12 Years a Slave,” “Prisoners”
Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave,” “Shame”
Ben Foster – “Lone Survivor,” “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”
Beth Grant – “The Artist,” “No Country for Old Men”
Clark Gregg – “Much Ado about Nothing,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Sally Hawkins – “Blue Jasmine,” “Happy-Go-Lucky”
Josh Hutcherson – “The Hunger Games,” “The Kids Are All Right”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus – “Enough Said,” “Planes”
Kelly Macdonald – “Brave,” “No Country for Old Men”
Mads Mikkelsen – “The Hunt,” “Casino Royale”
Joel McKinnon Miller – “Super 8,” “The Truman Show”
Cillian Murphy – “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Inception”
Lupita Nyong'o – “Non-Stop,” “12 Years a Slave”
Rob Riggle – “21 Jump Street,” “The Hangover”
Chris Rock – “Grown Ups 2,” “Madagascar”
June Squibb – “Nebraska,” “About Schmidt”
Jason Statham – “Parker,” “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”
David Strathairn – “Lincoln,” “Good Night, and Good Luck.”

Casting Directors
Douglas Aibel – “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “The Immigrant”
Simone Bär – “The Monuments Men,” “The Book Thief”
Kerry Barden – “August: Osage County,” “Dallas Buyers Club”
Nikki Barrett – “The Railway Man,” “The Great Gatsby”
Mark Bennett – “Drinking Buddies,” “Zero Dark Thirty”
Risa Bramon Garcia – “Speed,” “Wall Street”
Michelle Guish – “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “Nanny McPhee”
Billy Hopkins – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” “Disconnect”
Ros Hubbard – “Romeo & Juliet,” “The Mummy”
Allison Jones – “The Way, Way Back,” “The Heat”
Christine King – “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” “Star
Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith”
Beatrice Kruger – “To Rome with Love,” “The American”
Marci Liroff – “Mean Girls,” “Pretty in Pink”
Debbie McWilliams – “Skyfall,” “Quantum of Solace”
Joseph Middleton – “TheTwilight Saga: New Moon,” “Legally Blonde”
Robi Reed – “For Colored Girls,” “Do the Right Thing”
Kevin Reher – “Monsters University,” “Finding Nemo”
Paul Schnee – “August: Osage County,” “Dallas Buyers Club”
Gail Stevens – “Zero Dark Thirty,” “Slumdog Millionaire”
Lucinda Syson – “Gravity,” “Fast and & Furious 6”
Fiona Weir – “J. Edgar,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”
Ronnie Yeskel – “The Sessions,” “Atlas Shrugged Part 1”

Cinematographers
Sean Bobbitt – “12 Years a Slave,” “The Place beyond the Pines”
Philippe Le Sourd – “The Grandmaster,” “Seven Pounds”
James Neihouse – “Hubble 3D,” “Nascar: The IMAX Experience”
Masanobu Takayanagi – “Out of the Furnace,” “Silver Linings Playbook”
Bradford Young – “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints,” “Pariah”

Costume Designers 
William Chang Suk Ping – “The Grandmaster,” “In the Mood for Love”
Pascaline Chavanne – “Renoir,” “Augustine”
Daniela Ciancio – “The Great Beauty,” “Il Divo”
Frank L. Fleming – “Draft Day,” “Monster’s Ball”
Maurizio Millenotti – “Hamlet,” “Otello”
Beatrix Aruna Pasztor – “Great Expectations,” “Good Will Hunting”
Karyn Wagner – “Lovelace,” “The Green Mile”

Designers
William Arnold – “Lovelace,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love.”
K.K. Barrett – “Her,” “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
Susan Benjamin – “Saving Mr. Banks,” “The Blind Side”
Bill Boes – “The Smurfs 2,” “Fantastic Four”
Tony Fanning – “Contraband,” “War of the Worlds”
Robert Greenfield – “Priest,” “Almost Famous”
Marcia Hinds – “I Spy,” “The Public Eye”
Sonja Brisbane Klaus – “Prometheus,” “Robin Hood”
David S. Lazan – “Flight,” “American Beauty”
Diane Lederman – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” “Tower Heist”
Heather Loeffler – “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook”
Christa Munro – “Jack Reacher,” “Erin Brockovich”
Andy Nicholson – “Gravity,” “The Host”
Adam Stockhausen – “12 Years a Slave,” “Moonrise Kingdom”

Directors
Hany Abu-Assad – “Omar,” “Paradise Now”
Jay Duplass – “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” “Cyrus”
Mark Duplass – “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” “Cyrus”
David Gordon Green – “Joe,” “Pineapple Express”
Gavin O’Connor – “Warrior,” “Miracle”
Gina Prince-Bythewood – “The Secret Life of Bees,” “Love and Basketball”
Paolo Sorrentino – “The Great Beauty,” “This Must Be the Place”
Jean-Marc Vallée – “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Young Victoria”
Felix van Groeningen – “The Broken Circle Breakdown,” “The Misfortunates”
Denis Villeneuve – “Prisoners,” “Incendies”
Thomas Vinterberg – “The Hunt,” “The Celebration”

Documentary
Malcolm Clarke – “The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life,” “Prisoner of Paradise”
Dan Cogan – “How to Survive a Plague,” “The Queen of Versailles”
Kief Davidson – “Open Heart,” “Kassim the Dream”
Dan Geller – “The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden,” “Ballets Russes”
Dayna Goldfine – “The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden,” “Ballets Russes”
Julie Goldman – “God Loves Uganda,” “Gideon’s Army”
Sam Green – “Utopia in Four Movements,” “The Weather Underground”
Gary Hustwit – “Urbanized,” “Helvetica”
Eugene Jarecki – “The House I Live In,” “Why We Fight”
Brian Johnson – “Anita,” “Buena Vista Social Club”
Ross Kauffman – “E-Team,” “Born into Brothels”
Morgan Neville – “20 Feet from Stardom,” “Troubadours”
Matthew J. O'Neill – “Redemption,” “China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan
Province”
Rithy Panh – “The Missing Picture,” “S-21: The Khmer Rouge Death Machine”
Lucy Massie Phenix – “Regret to Inform,” “Word Is Out”
Enat Sidi – “Detropia,” “Jesus Camp”
Molly Thompson – “The Unknown Known,” “Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer”
Cynthia Wade – “Mondays at Racine,” “Freeheld”

Executives
Adrian Alperovich
Sean Bailey
Len Blavatnik
Nicholas Carpou
Nancy Carson
Charles S. Cohen
Jason Constantine
Peter Cramer
William Kyle Davies
Christopher Floyd
David Garrett
David Hollis
Tomas Jegeus
Michelle Raimo Kouyate
Anthony James Marcoly
Hiroyasu Matsuoka
Kim Roth
John Sloss

Film Editors
Alan Baumgarten – “American Hustle,” “Gangster Squad”
Alan Edward Bell – “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”
Dorian Harris – “The Magic of Belle Isle,” “The Mod Squad”
Sabrina Plisco – “The Smurfs 2,” “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow”
Tatiana S. Riegel – “Million Dollar Arm,” “The Way, Way Back”
Julie Rogers – “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl”
Mark Sanger – “Gravity”
Joan Sobel – “Admission,” “A Single Man”
Crispin Struthers – “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook”
Tracey Wadmore-Smith – “About Last Night,” “Death at a Funeral”
Joe Walker – “12 Years a Slave,” “Shame”
John Wilson – “The Book Thief,” “Billy Elliot”

Makeup Artists and Hairstylists
Vivian Baker – “Oz The Great and Powerful,” “Conviction”
Adruitha Lee – “Dallas Buyers Club,” “12 Years a Slave”
Robin Mathews – “Dallas Buyers Club,” “The Runaways”
Anne Morgan – “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone,” “A Little Bit of Heaven”
Gloria Pasqua-Casny – “The Lone Ranger,” “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”

Members-at-Large
Peter Becker
Jeff Dashnaw
Kenneth L. Halsband
Jody Levin
Tom MacDougall
Chuck Picerni, Jr.
Spiro Razatos
Mic Rodgers
Kevin J. Yeaman

Music
Kristen Anderson-Lopez – “Frozen,” “Winnie the Pooh”
Stanley Clarke – “The Best Man Holiday,” “Boyz N the Hood”
Earl Ghaffari – “Frozen,” “Wreck-It Ralph”
Steve Jablonsky – “Lone Survivor,” “Ender’s Game”
Robert Lopez – “Frozen,” “Winnie the Pooh”
Steven Price – “Gravity,” “The World’s End”
Tony Renis – “Hidden Moon,” “Quest for Camelot”
Angie Rubin – “Pitch Perfect,” “Sex and the City”
Buck Sanders – “Warm Bodies,” “The Hurt Locker”
Charles Strouse – “All Dogs Go to Heaven,” “Annie”
Eddie Vedder – “Eat Pray Love,” “Into the Wild”
Pharrell Williams – “Despicable Me 2,” “Fast & Furious”

Producers
Jason Blumenthal – “Hope Springs,” “Seven Pounds”
Dana Brunetti – “Captain Phillips,” “The Social Network”
Megan Ellison – “American Hustle,” “Her”
Sean Furst – “Daybreakers,” “The Cooler”
Nicola Giuliano – “The Great Beauty,” “This Must Be the Place”
Preston Holmes – “Waist Deep,” “Tupac: Resurrection”
Lynette M. Howell – “The Place beyond the Pines,” “Blue Valentine”
Anthony Katagas – “12 Years a Slave,” “Killing Them Softly”
Alix Madigan – “Girl Most Likely,” “Winter’s Bone”
Paul Mezey – “The Girl,” “Maria Full of Grace”
Stephen Nemeth – “The Sessions,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”
Tracey Seaward – “Philomena,” “The Queen”
John H. Williams – “Space Chimps,” “Shrek 2”

Public Relations
Larry Angrisani
Nancy Bannister
Christine Batista
Karen Hermelin
Marisa McGrath Liston
David Magdael
Steven Raphael
Bettina R. Sherick
Dani Weinstein

Short Films and Feature Animation
Didier Brunner – “Ernest & Celestine,” “The Triplets of Belleville”
Scott Clark – “Monsters University,” “Up”
Pierre Coffin – “Despicable Me 2,” “Despicable Me”
Esteban Crespo – “Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn’t Me),” “Lala”
Peter Del Vecho – “Frozen,” “The Princess and the Frog”
Kirk DeMicco – “The Croods,” “Space Chimps”
Doug Frankel – “Brave,” “WALL-E”
Mark Gill – “The Voorman Problem,” “Full Time”
David A. S. James – “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” “Megamind”
Fabrice Joubert – “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax,” “French Roast”
Jean-Claude Kalache – “Up,” “Cars”
Jason Katz – “Toy Story 3,” “Finding Nemo”
Jennifer Lee – “Frozen,” “Wreck-It Ralph”
Baldwin Li – “The Voorman Problem,” “Full Time”
Nathan Loofbourrow – “Puss in Boots,” “How to Train Your Dragon”
Lauren MacMullan – “Get a Horse!,” “Wreck-It Ralph”
Tom McGrath –  “Megamind,” “Madagascar”
Dorothy McKim – “Get a Horse!,” “Meet the Robinsons”
Hayao Miyazaki – “The Wind Rises,” “Spirited Away”
Ricky Nierva – “Monsters University,” “Up”
Chris Renaud – “Despicable Me 2,” “Despicable Me”
Benjamin Renner – “Ernest & Celestine,” “A Mouse’s Tale (La Queue de la Souris)”
Michael Rose – “Chico & Rita,” “The Gruffalo”
Toshio Suzuki – “The Wind Rises,” “Howl’s Moving Castle”
Selma Vilhunen – “Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitta? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?),”
“The Crossroads”
Anders Walter – “Helium,” “9 Meter”
Laurent Witz – “Mr. Hublot,” “Renart the Fox”

Sound
Niv Adiri – “Gravity,” “The Book Thief”
Christopher Benstead – “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” “Gravity”
Steve Boeddeker – “All Is Lost,” “Beasts of the Southern Wild”
Beau Borders – “Million Dollar Arm,” “Lone Survivor”
David Brownlow – “Lone Survivor,” “The Book of Eli”
Chris Burdon – “Captain Phillips,” “Philomena”
Brent Burge – “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” “The Hobbit: An Unexpected
Journey”
André Fenley – “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” “All Is Lost”
Glenn Freemantle – “Gravity,” “Slumdog Millionaire”
Greg Hedgepath – “Frozen,” “The Incredible Hulk”
Craig Henighan – “Noah,” “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
Tony Johnson – “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” “Avatar”
Laurent M. Kossayan – “Red Riding Hood,” “Public Enemies”
Thomas L. Lalley – “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” “Star Trek Into Darkness”
Ai-Ling Lee – “Godzilla,” “300: Rise of an Empire”
Stephen Morris – “Monsters University,” “Fruitvale Station”
Jeremy Peirson – “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Looper”
Mike Prestwood Smith – “Divergent,” “Captain Phillips”
Alan Rankin – “Iron Man 3,” “Star Trek”
Oliver Tarney – “Captain Phillips,” “Philomena”
Chris Ward – “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” “The Hobbit: An Unexpected
Journey”

Visual Effects
Gary Brozenich – “The Lone Ranger,” “Wrath of the Titans”
Everett Burrell – “Grudge Match,” “Pan’s Labyrinth”
Marc Chu – “Noah,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
David Fletcher – “Sabotage,” “Prisoners”
Swen Gillberg – “Ender’s Game,” “Jack the Giant Slayer”
Paul Graff – “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Identity Thief”
Alex Henning – “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “Hugo”
Evan Jacobs – “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Olympus Has Fallen”
Chris Lawrence – “Edge of Tomorrow,” “Gravity”
Eric Leven – “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2,” “The Twilight Saga: Breaking
Dawn Part 1”
Steven Messing – “Godzilla,” “Oz The Great and Powerful”
Ben Matthew Morris – “Lincoln,” “The Golden Compass”
Jake Morrison – “Thor: The Dark World,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Eric Reynolds – “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” “The Hunger Games:
Catching Fire”
David Shirk – “Gravity,” “Elysium”
Patrick Tubach – “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Bruno Van Zeebroeck – “Lone Survivor,” “Public Enemies”
Tim Webber – “Gravity,” “The Dark Knight”
Harold Weed – “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” “Star Trek”

Writers
Chantal Akerman – “A Couch in New York,” “Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce,
1080 Bruxelles”
Olivier Assayas – “Summer Hours,” “Irma Vep”
Craig Borten – “Dallas Buyers Club”
Scott Z. Burns – “Side Effects,” “Contagion”
Jean-Claude Carrière – “The Unbearable Lightness of Being,” “The Discreet Charm of
the Bourgeoisie”
Steve Coogan – “Philomena,” “The Parole Officer”
Claire Denis – “White Material,” “Beau Travail”
Larry Gross – “We Don’t Live Here Anymore,” “48 Hrs.”
Mathieu Kassovitz – “Babylon A.D.,” “Hate (La Haine)”
Diane Kurys – “For a Woman,” “Entre Nous”
Bob Nelson – “Nebraska”
Scott Neustadter – “The Spectacular Now,” “(500) Days of Summer”
Jeff Pope – “Philomena,” “Pierrepoint – The Last Hangman”
John Ridley – “12 Years a Slave,” “Undercover Brother”
Paul Rudnick – “In & Out,” ”Jeffrey”
Eric Warren Singer – “American Hustle,” ”The International”
Melisa Wallack – “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Mirror Mirror”
Michael H. Weber – “The Spectacular Now,” “(500) Days of Summer”
Terence Winter – “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Get Rich or Die Tryin'”

Associates
Matt Del Piano
Joe Funicello
Robert Hohman
Paul Christopher Hook
David Kramer
Joel Lubin
David Pringle
Melanie Ramsayer
Beth Swofford
Meredith Wechter

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries

2014 Nomination Predictions
Benedict Cumberbatch "Sherlock: His Last Vow"
Chiwetel Ejiofor "Dancing on the Edge"
Idris Elba "Luther"
Martin Freeman "Fargo"
Mark Ruffalo "The Normal Heart"
Billy Bob Thornton "Fargo"

Other Contenders - Christopher Plummer "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight", Jeremy Irons "The Hollow Crown", Paul Adelstein "Return to Zero", Rob Lowe "Killing Kennedy", Dominic West "Burton and Taylor", Jeremy Irons "The Hollow Crown", Ben Whishaw "The Hollow Crown", Tom Hiddleston "The Hollow Crown", Dylan McDermott "Hostages", Wendell Pierce "Treme", Clarke Peters "Treme", Larry David "Clear History".

Commentary - There is a three-way race brewing for the win here between Mark Ruffalo, the emotional center of The Normal Heart, which is surely the one to beat in the TV Movie category; Billy Bob Thornton, the kick-ass bad ass of Fargo, whose every second on screen, even the ones where he is quiet, grabs your attention; and Martin Freeman, who many would discount up against his co-star, but unlike this co-star, he has an emotional arc from good guy to bad guy that may be compelling to actors. Make no mistake, this will be a fight to the finish. But the three guys who fill out the race will not be one to scoff at, not with the lineup of talented potentials from the pool. Benedict Cumberbatch seems like he will always be a bridesmaid in this category, but he is probably a guaranteed nominee for the foreseeable future. After his Oscar nomination this year for 12 Years a Slave, the name Chiwetel Ejiofor is on a lot of people's minds. While Dancing on the Edge wasn't a masterpiece, it was solid work, and he was fantastic as always. I think he is a shoo-in for a nod. The final slot could be interesting. I actually pretty confident on picking Idris Elba. Luther has always been popular with the voters, and he is a great actor that is clearly well-liked among his peers. Despite my confidence, he does have incredible competition. Christopher Plummer is just legendary enough to overcome the stale reception to Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight. The Hollow Crown is a massive British period production (which Americans in general eat up like candy), and its three stars, Jeremy Irons, Ben Whishaw, and Tom Hiddleston are popular, talented, and well-respected thespians. Rob Lowe playing John Kennedy is certain to spark some votes, and other contenders such as Paul Adelstein, Dylan McDermott, Dominic West, and the leads of Treme are all angling to break through. It will be an interesting race to watch.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Actress in a TV Movie/MIniseries

2014 Nomination Predictions
Helena Bonham Carter "Burton and Taylor"
Rebecca Ferguson "The White Queen"
Whoopi Goldberg "A Day Late and Dollar Short"
Jessica Lange "American Horror Story: Coven"
Sarah Paulson "American Horror Story: Coven"
Cicely Tyson "The Trip to Bountiful"

Other Contenders - Minnie Driver "Return to Zero", Toni Collette "Hostages", Zoe Saldana "Rosemary's Baby", Mary-Louis Parker "Christmas in Conway", Khandi Alexander "Treme", Carrie Underwood "The Sound of Music"

Commentary - This is not a very deep category this year, as most of the contenders filling out the categories are doing so on name recognition, not necessarily because of the performance or show. Take Mary-Louise Parker and Toni Collette for example, two Emmy winners in less-than-stellar roles that still have a shot because they are, well them. But I essentially think that this is a seven-way race for six slots. I currently have Minnie Driver on the outside looking in, simply because I'm still not sure if the voters will respond to Return to Zero. We know that in the end, this will probably be a battle between Jessica Lange and Cicely Tyson. Lange took home the Critics Choice Award, but in the end, I think Emmy voters will have a better response to Tyson's Tony-winning role being brought to life on screen. Either way though it is going to be a hell of a race. Helena Bonham Carter makes a great Elizabeth Taylor, and the film received enough positive reviews, and lacks too much competition, to not make a splash in many categories, this one being a pretty safe bet. Many people are doubting Sarah Paulson's return to the race, but I think that she is really on the rise. She has earned back to back nominations in the supporting category, is fantastic this season, and has had some other splashy roles, including her turn the Best Picture winner 12 Years a Slave. I think shes in. The last two slots are between Driver, Whoopi Goldberg, who reminded us she is first and foremost an actress even though A Day Late and a Dollar Short was a bit underwhelming, and Rebecca Ferguson, who had a star-making turn in the adaptation of The White Queen. It will be interesting to see which of the three makes the cut. Or if all three do, and someone big gets snubbed.

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries

2014 Nomination Predictions
Matt Bomer "The Normal Heart"
Martin Freeman "Sherlock: His Last Vow"
John Goodman "Dancing on the Edge"
Colin Hanks "Fargo"
Frank Langella "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight"
Jim Parsons "The Normal Heart"

Other Contenders - Joe Mantello "The Normal Heart", Blair Underwood "The Trip to Bountiful", Alfred Molina "Return to Zero", Taylor Kitsch "The Normal Heart", Danny Huston "American Horror Story: Coven", Evan Peters "American Horror Story: Coven", Denis O'Hare "American Horror Story: Coven", Oliver Platt "Fargo", Danny Glover "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight", Keith Carradine "Fargo", William Hurt "Bonnie and Clyde", Jon Hamm "Clear History"

Commentary - The question in this category is, how many of The Normal Heart guys will make the cut? Matt Bomer seems like a lock at this point, and honestly, with his emotional portrayal, I'll be surprised if he doesn't win. Jim Parsons is clearly a favorite with the Television Academy voters, and will most likely be a double nominee this year. Beyond these two there are no guarantees. Joe Mantello is a Broadway favorite, and got the Critics Choice Television Award nod over Parsons, but when it comes to the Academy, I think Parsons has the edge. The other guys are all fighting for the spotlight, but it is probably one or more of these three. Martin Freeman has had a hell of a year on television, and like Parsons, could end up as a double nominee. He had a particularly good year on Sherlock, and was able to show his range a lot more than the first two seasons. The last three slots are tricky. I am not predicting Blair Underwood, but he really held his own against a legend in The Trip to Bountiful. The guys didn't have much chance to shine this season of American Horror Story, but they should not be counted out. And performances from Alfred Molina, Danny Glover, Keith Carradine, and William Hurt are certain to be noticed. But I think the last three slots are reserved for somebody else. First there is John Goodman, who has a great role in Dancing on the Edge. While he has never inspired enough support to earn him an overdue Oscar nomination, he has earned ten nominations, and one statue from the television community. Frank Langella has an incredibly baity role in Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight, but the film as a whole landed softly, and I do wonder if Emmy voters are even paying attention. Plus, Langella has a reputation for being unlikable, which is never good when your asking your peers to vote for you. Finally, I was so happy to see Colin Hanks get to shine in a role. I have always thought he was talented, but has never really found his stride. He was fantastic in Fargo, a perfect pair with Allison Tolman, and gets a great couple of scenes in the season finale. I think he earns his first Emmy nomination.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries

2014 Nomination Predictions
Angela Bassett "American Horror Story: Coven"
Kathy Bates "American Horror Story: Coven"
Jacqueline Bisset "Dancing on the Edge"
Ellen Burstyn "Flowers in the Attic"
Julia Roberts "The Normal Heart"
Allison Tolman "Fargo"

Other Contenders - Janet McTeer "The White Queen", Audra McDonald "The Sound of Music", Kathy Baker "Return to Zero", Vanessa Williams "The Trip to Bountiful", Connie Nielson "Return to Zero", Frances Conroy "American Horror Story: Coven", Gabourey Sidibe "American Horror Story: Coven", Emma Roberts "American Horror Story: Coven", Lily Rabe "American Horror Story: Coven", Jamie Brewer "American Horror Story: Coven", Taissa Farmiga "American Horror Story: Coven", Kate Walsh "Fargo", Kate Walsh "Full Circle", Amanda Abbington "Sherlock: His Last Vow", Anika Noni Rose "A Day Late and a Dollar Short", Tichina Arnold "A Day Late and a Dollar Short", Kimberley Elise "A Day Late and a Dollar Short", Holly Hunter "Bonnie and Clyde", Kate Hudson "Clear History", Ruth Wilson "Luther"

Commentary - This is an incredibly tough race, and it is really hard to gauge which way Emmy voters will go. I expect Julia Roberts will make the cut, simply because she is an Oscar-winning superstar. But I will say, while she was fine in the film, it was far from her best work (especially considering her work in August: Osage County last year), but that will not stop a lot of people voting for her. Some still say that Allison Tolman is on the borderline of making the cut, despite her recent win at the Critics Choice Television Awards. If she gets snubbed this year, it will be an awful tragedy. I don't think she can win up against the acting titans that will most likely populate the race, but I think the popularity of Fargo alone will help her at least earn her first Emmy nomination. Ellen Burstyn won this race last year, criminally robbing Sarah Paulson of a deserved Emmy, and you better believe she will be back again as the bad bitch of Flowers in the Attic, even if the production as a whole will most likely be ignored. Then there are the American Horror Story girls. There are about nine women in that cast that actually have a legitimate shot, but of course, only one or two will actually make it into the race. I think Kathy Bates is solidly in the top six, because she has the flashiest performance of the bunch. I also think though that her rival and counterpart Angela Bassett, who gets some meaty material as the Voodoo Queen, will also make it in. She is a popular actress, an Emmy and Oscar nominee, and a Golden Globe winner, and frankly one of the legends in the game right now. Her position is shaky, as is Jacqueline Bisset's. Sure she won the Globe, but we see so much disparity between the Television Academy and the HFPA. Also, when she did win, she gave this drunk, strange speech that might be endearing to some, but also might be a turn off. Either way I think she is a contender, but there are several actress aiming to unseat her. First is Janet McTeer, a two-time Oscar nominee that many are predicting (and I might soon), because of her stature in the acting community, and her great turn in the film. The Sound of Music may have been a dud, but Audra McDonald is certainly not. She is six-time Tony winner with an angelic voice. And when she sings, she wins awards. Definitely a dark horse contender. Vanessa Williams was nominated so many times for Ugly Betty, and holds her own against Cicely Tyson and Blair Underwood. Kathy Baker is a three-time Emmy winner in an incredibly emotional role in Return to Zero, a film whose buzz is growing at just the right time. And don't forget the rest of the Coven cast, especially Emma Roberts, Frances Conroy, and Gabourey Sidibe. This race will be a tight one to the finish line.

Monday, June 23, 2014

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Guest Actor and Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series - 2014 Nomination Predictions
Beau Bridges "Masters of Sex"
Dan Bucatinsky "Scandal"
Paul Giamatti "Downton Abbey"
Harry Hamlin "Mad Men"
Nathan Lane "The Good Wife"
Robert Morse "Mad Men"

Other Contenders - Joe Morton "Scandal", Pedro Pascal "Game of Thrones", John Benjamin Hickey "The Good Wife", Dylan Baker "The Good Wife", Ray Romano "Parenthood", Jeremy Davies "Justified", Walton Goggins "Sons of Anarchy", Jason Ritter "Parenthood", Elliott Gould "Ray Donovan", James Woods "Ray Donovan", Chris Messina "The Newsroom", Hamlish Linkalter "The Newsroom", James Wolk "Mad Men", Ben Feldman "Mad Men", Bradley Whitford "Law & Order: SVU", Reg E. Cathey "House of Cards", Michael Bowen "Breaking Bad", Eddie Izzard "Hannibal", Shaun Toub "Homeland", Louis Gossett Jr. "Boardwalk Empire"

Commentary - This is a category that usually has a lot of turnover, but it, and its counterpart look to keep a lot of returning favorites as nominees. Nathan Lane was a double nominee last year, and many thought he would be again this year. But Modern Family has not submitted him for his role of Pepper (which was a surprising move considering he had a winning episode this season). But I do think he will return for The Good Wife, which has had its best season yet, and the buzz for the show, and particularly its fantastic cast are at an all time high. Last year's winner Dan Bucatinsky was a surprise for many (not me, I felt it coming), but now know one will be underestimating him as he returns again to try to win a second. I thought this was the year that Robert Morse would finally miss the cut, but then his character has an incredible episode, and now I think he could actually win (although he will have to overcome the Mad Men acting curse to do so). And while I think Harry Hamlin is a shaky sixth slot right now, he is a popular actor, and a previous nominee, and even though no Mad Men actor has ever won an Emmy, they always seem to be nominated. Finally, I think two newcomers will enter the race, although there is nothing new about either of them. Paul Giamatti guest starred on the season finale of Downton Abbey opposite Shirley MacLaine. After her snub last year (and I presume snub this year), I am a little nervous to predict him. But he is a genuine film star, and an Emmy winner. I think he gets in. Finally, I think that one of the locks this season in terms of a nomination is Beau Bridges. He is a fine actor, but let's face it, the Television Academy voters have gone out of their way to nominated him, even for roles or shows that were not that great (which definitely makes him a threat for The Millers as well). But his role on the first season of Masters of Sex, opposite Allison Janney was actually fantastic. So I think that the three-time Emmy winner, out of thirteen nominations, will earn a deserved fourteenth. Beyond these six there is a lot of competition. Joe Morton could join Bucatinsky for Scandal, and honestly deserves that slot over this co-star. Pedro Pascal had an outstanding turn of this season of Game of Thrones, and the show added some acting nominations last year, so the acting branch is paying attention. Also be on the lookout for Dylan Baker, Jeremy Davies, Walton Goggins, Jeremy Davies, Elliott Gould, James Woods, and Bradley Whitford as potential spoilers.

Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series - 2014 Nomination Predictions
Jane Fonda "The Newsroom"
Allison Janney "Masters of Sex"
Lisa Kudrow "Scandal"
Margo Martindale "The Americans"
Carrie Preston "The Good Wife"
Diana Rigg "Game of Thrones"

Other Contenders - Marcia Gay Harden "The Newsroom", Julianne Nicholson "Masters of Sex", Kate Mara "House of Cards", Patricia Arquette "Boardwalk Empire", Dianne Wiest "The Blacklist", Shirley MacLaine "Downton Abbey", Kate Burton "Scandal", Charlotte Rampling "Dexter", Debbie Allen "Grey's Anatomy", Gillian Anderson "Hannibal", Khandi Alexander "Scandal", Jane Alexander "The Blacklist", CCH Pounder "Sons of Anarchy", Drea de Mateo "Sons of Anarchy", Mary Steenburgen "Justified", Roseanne Arquette "Ray Donovan"

Commentary - Like I mentioned before, this is a category that surprisingly could have little turnover. I definitely expect Jane Fonda to get back in for The Newsroom, if for no other reason than she is Jane Fonda. And she does have a great episode that could challenge the presumed front runner. Margo Martindale is a bit weaker this year, but a lot of people are expecting an Americans surge (I'm still not confident), and she is a proven Emmy favorite. Carrie Preston, deservedly, but not shockingly, won an Emmy last year for The Good Wife. She had another great season, and there have been hints that once True Blood is over, she could become a full-blown cast member. Either way, I think she gets another nod to honor her work. Finally, I think Diana Rigg will return for her scene-stealing turn on Game of Thrones, as the buzz for that show only grows louder. That leaves only two slots for new contenders, and there are a lot people fighting for them. Marcia Gay Harden is an Oscar winner, and has a great turn in The Newsroom. Julianne Nicholson made a name for herself against the titans of August: Osage County. She is great in Masters of Sex, but her role is not huge, and is a bit too subdued. Nonetheless, don't count her out. Kate Mara had another great season of House of Cards, Dianne Wiest plays a crazy woman in The Blacklist, Shirley MacLaine could avenge her snub last year, and veterans such as Debbie Allen, Kate Burton, Charlotte Rampling, Gillian Anderson, CCH Pounder, and Jane Alexander all have worthy turns. But I think that the two to watch for are Allison Janney and Lisa Kudrow. Kudrow is an Emmy-winner for Friends, and has made a name for herself in comedy. But it is her dramatic turn in Scandal that could bring her back into the Emmy fold. But the one to watch for is Allison Janney who just won two Critics Choice Television Awards for her awesome television season. She could easily win two Emmys as well, and damn does she deserve it.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

The 41st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Winners

I will update the winners live!:

Best Drama Series - The Young and the Restless
Best Drama Series (New Approaches) - Venice (The Series)
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Billy Miller "The Young and the Restless"
Best Actress in a Drama Series - Eileen Davidson "Days of Our Lives"
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Eric Marstolf "Days of Our Lives"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Amelia Heinle "The Young and the Restless"
Best Younger Actor - Chandler Massey "Days of Our Lives"
Best Younger Actress - Hunter King "The Young and the Restless"
Best Directing Team - One Life to Live
Best Writing Team - The Young and the Restless
Best Talk Show (Entertainment) - The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Best Talk Show (Informative) - Steve Harvey
Best Talk Show Host - (TIE) Dr. Mehmet Oz "The Dr. Oz Show" and Katie Couric "Katie"
Best Culinary Program - The Mind of a Chef
Best Culinary Host - Bobby Flay "Bobby Flay's Barbecue Addiction"
Best Game Show - Jeopardy!
Best Game Show Host - Steve Harvey "Family Feud"
Best Legal/Courtroom Program - The People's Court
Best Morning Show - Good Morning America
Best Entertainment News - (TIE) Entertainment Tonight and Extra
Best Special Class Special - The Young and the Restless - The Jeanne Cooper Tribute
Best Daytime Talent in Spanish - Rodner Figueroa "Sal y Pimienta"
Best Morning Program in Spanish - Un Nuevo Dia
Best Entertainment Program in Spanish - Cliques

Saturday, June 21, 2014

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Guest Actor and Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series - 2014 Nomination Predictions
Louis C.K. "Saturday Night Live"
Jimmy Fallon "Saturday Night Live"
Brad Garrett "The Crazy Ones"
James Earl Jones "Saturday Night Live"
Bob Newhart "The Big Bang Theory"
Carl Reiner "Two and a Half Men"

Other Contenders - Stephen Merchant "Modern Family", Andy Samberg "Saturday Night Live", Gary Cole "Veep", Tony Hale "About a Boy", Andrew Rannells "Girls", Pablo Schreiber "Orange is the New Black", Bill Hader "The Mindy Project", Damon Wayans Jr. "New Girl", Prince "New Girl", Jeremy Renner "Louie", John Lithgow "How I Met Your Mother", Mike O'Malley "Glee", Tim Conway "Glee", Scott Bakula "Looking", Billy Eichner "Parks and Recreation", Keegan Michael Key "Parks and Recreation", Christopher Meloni "Veep", Jonah Hill "Saturday Night Live", Fred Willard "Modern Family", James Franco "The Mindy Project", Patton Oswalt "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", Ed Asner "The Crazy Ones"

Commentary - This seems to be an easy race, which makes me extremely nervous, because we all know how these Guest categories can throw curve balls. Last year, one of my favorite wins was in this category, because Bob Newhart finally won an Emmy award after decades on television. And this year he returns, and could easily win a second, although he has some stiff competition. James Earl Jones had a particularly flashy role playing himself, also on The Big Bang Theory, and it is the type of showy role that wins Emmys, especially with a popular actor like Jones who has two Emmys already. Two other major threats come from previous Emmy winners. Jimmy Fallon and Louis C.K. are Emmy favorites, and they both had excellent turns as Saturday Night Live hosts. Even in the rocky season that was this season of SNL, I expect the popular guest stars to continue to be easy votes on a popular ballot. The last two slots area little tricky. Brad Garrett had a huge story arch on The Crazy Ones, with some great material opposite Robin Williams. But there are two thing going against him. First, The Crazy Ones was cancelled by CBS, so there probably is not much of an Emmy push. Second, while Garrett used to be an Emmy favorite, he has not had much traction with shows succeeding, and has yet to earn another nomination since the show ended, almost a decade ago. The last slot is really a shot in the dark. Emmy-winner Stephen Merchant (for The Office), and a great turn in the Vegas episode of Modern Family. Andy Samberg was in the season finale of SNL, returning as the host, and had a great first season with Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Tony Hale, Gary Cole, Mike O'Malley, Andrew Rannells, and plenty others could all be looking for that coveted dark horse status that seems to be a common factor in this race year after year. But I go with what I know. And I know that Carl Reiner is a legend, and that he has won nine Emmys in his long and illustrious television career. Even in Two and a Half Men is complete crap now, it is Carl Reiner, who is always a safe bet.

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series - 2014 Nomination Predictions
Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black"
Ellen Burstyn "Louie"
Joan Cusack "Shameless"
Tina Fey "Saturday Night Live"
Melissa McCarthy "Saturday Night Live"
Octavia Spencer "Mom"

Other Contenders - June Squibb "Girls", June Squibb "Glee", Dot-Marie Jones "Glee", Jane Krakowski "Modern Family", Susan Sarandon "Mike and Molly", Kathy Bates "Mike and Molly", Kerry Washington "Saturday Night Live", Sarah Baker "Louie", Shirley MacLaine "Glee", Laverne Cox "Orange is the New Black", Kristin Chenoweth "Glee", Gwyneth Paltrow "Glee", Elizabeth Banks "Modern Family", Kristen Bell "Parks and Recreation", Linda Cardellini "New Girl", Romy Rosemont "Glee", Mimi Kennedy "Mom", Amy Poehler "Broad City"

Commentary - Unlike its male counterpart, this category remains as confusing as ever. We know that Tina Fey is likely to get in for her season opener of Saturday Night Live. And Melissa McCarthy returned this year for SNL as well, and she is probably a safe bet. And even though she didn't have that much to do (a common issue with her) Ellen Burstyn is so damn popular she is likely to earn two more Emmy nominations this year for her guest turn in Louie and for Flowers in the Attic. Beyond these three though there is a lot of mystery. Uzo Aduba just won the Critics Choice Television, and Orange is the New Black is hot right now as its second season just debuted on Netflix. But she is an unknown actress, up against a lot of tough competition, and as we know all two well, critics and industry voters don't always line up. Joan Cusack continued to be nominated for Shameless when it was on the Drama side. This year, the show switched to Comedy, and she is poised to continue her streak, although every year it gets tougher and tougher for her. But this is a tough race, and nothing is certain. You have acting legends Susan Sarandon and Kathy Bates in eye-popping roles in Mike & Molly. You have the plethora of women from Glee, including previous nominees and winners for their roles, as well as legends and Oscar winners/nominees such as June Squibb (who has several potential roles for nomination), and Shirley MacLaine, as well as Romy Rosemont, who is the best of the bunch, period. Glee may not have the same level of popularity as it has had in past years, but these names alone will garner a lot of attention. Other names include Sarah Baker, who made quite a splash on Louie this year, Kerry Washington, Elizabeth Banks and Jane Krakowski for Modern Family (both real possibilities), Linda Caredellini, and Mimi Kennedy. But I think the last slot will go to Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, who has a hilarious turn on Mom opposite her former Help co-star Allison Janney (who is well on her way to an Emmy nod as well). Emmy voters love Oscar winners, love capturing their buzz while it is still hot, and Spencer certainly fits the profile.

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Reality-Competition Series and Best Reality Host

Best Reality Host - 2014 Nomination Predictions
Tom Bergeron "Dancing with the Stars"
Anthony Bourdain "The Taste"
Cat Deeley "So You Think You Can Dance?"
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn "Project Runway"
Jane Lynch "Hollywood Game Night"
Betty White "Betty White's Off Their Rockers"

Other Contenders - Jeff Probst "Survivor", Phil Keoghan "The Amazing Race", Carson Daly "The Voice", Ryan Seacrest "American Idol", Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio "Top Chef", Bobby Flay "Beat Bobby Flay", RuPaul Charles "RuPaul's Drag Race", Nick Cannon "America's Got Talent", Alison Sweeney "The Biggest Loser", Julie Chen "Big Brother", Billy Eichner "Funny or Die's Billy on the Street", Guy Fieri "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives".

Commentary - This category got some shakeup last year, providing a little excitement, and a lot of uncertainty about the future of this category. Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn together did what Klum alone couldn't, and I think submitting as a duo is a winning formula, and I expect them to be back. I also expect previous winner Tom Bergeron and previous nominee Cat Deeley to return as well. Their shows may be on the bubble, both both have enough appeal to get back in. I also expect last year's surprise nominee Anthony Bourdain to return. I have never quite understood his appeal, but clearly the voters enjoy his work on The Taste, and he is a popular food personality. And then of course there is Betty White. Every year the pundits write her off, there is no way she can get back in! But there is a way, and there is so much goodwill for this living television legend, and her so appeals to the older demographic, I think until something strange or tremendous happens, she is going to be a guaranteed spot filler. It is the last slot I think could be interesting. Phil Keoghan and Jeff Probst could get back in, but we all know that at the Emmys, once you are out it is really hard to convince voters to change their minds. Ryan Seacrest managed to get in again last year, and he may be the one I revert back to, even though Idol is clearly off their radar as a program. But I have a hunch that Jane Lynch is going to be a popular choice on a generic ballot. She got back in last year for Glee, despite the fact that the show had really dipped, and that she had been snubbed the previous year. The industry clearly loves her, and in a Betty White-esque move, they may make up for snubbing her in Supporting Actress, with a nomination here. Plus, it doesn't hurt that her show involves many of the stars that have influence over voting guest starring on the program. I think she will surprise and get in.

Best Reality-Competition Program - 2014 Nomination Predictions
The Amazing Race
Dancing With the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance?
Top Chef
The Voice

Other Contenders - Survivor, American Idol, MasterChef Junior, RuPaul's Drag Race, Beat Bobby Flay, The Next Food Network Star, America's Got Talent, Hollywood Game Night, Face Off, The Biggest Loser, Chopped, Funny or Die's Billy on the Street, The Taste.

Commentary - Like the Variety category, this was has kind of stagnated in terms of the nominees the last couple of years. I could make other predictions, but the Emmys prove that history is one of the most important factors in their voting. There was a big shakeup last year when The Voice beat the long-standing favorite The Amazing Race. Of course, Top Chef also pulled off that feat a couple of years ago, only for voters to go right back to their old ways. But I think that the age of The Amazing Race, and the immense popularity of The Voice means that this could finally be it for the juggernaut. Either way, it is going to be a tight race. And while Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance? have never managed to win one of these awards, they continue to be favorites, and its honestly one of those situations where until they are not honored, I am going to predict aka the Mariska Hargitay Syndrome. Last year, I thought the most vulnerable would be Project Runway, but when Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn won that hosting Emmy, I realized that it is still a popular show, led of course by its two extremely popular hosts. Finally, Top Chef makes it in again, I predict, simply because I do think that voters in this category pick the ones they are familiar with. But it and the dancing shows could be the ones that are the most vulnerable. American Idols doesn't deserve to get back in, but you never know. Survivor deserves to get back in after a stellar year, but I feel like voters have already moved on. The one that I think could surprise is RuPaul's Drag Race. It is definitely not up the voter's alley, but every year the critics have responded well, and the buzz keeps getting bigger. One of these days it could break through.

2014 Daytime Emmy Predictions: Final List

Best Drama Series - Days of Our Lives
Best Actor - Billy Miller "The Young and the Restless"
Best Actress - Eileen Davidson "Days of Our Lives"
Best Supporting Actor - Scott Clifton "The Bold and the Beautiful"
Best Supporting Actress - Jane Elliott "General Hospital"
Best Younger Actor - Chandler Massey "Days of our Lives"
Best Younger Actress - Kristen Alderson "General Hospital"
Best Directing Team - The Young and the Restless
Best Writing Team - Days of Our Lives
Best Talk Show (Entertainment) - The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Best Talk Show (Informative) - The Dr. Oz Show
Best Talk Show Host - Dr. Mehmet Oz "The Dr. Oz Show"
Best Game Show - Jeopardy!
Best Game Show Host - Wayne Brady "Let's Make a Deal"
Best Legal/Courtroom Show - Judge Judy
Best Lifestyle Show - This Old House
Best Culinary Show - Bobby Flay's Barbecue Addiction
Best Culinary Host -  Giada de Laurentis "Giada at Home"
Best Morning Show - CBS Sunday Morning

2014 Daytime Emmy Predictions: Best Drama Series

Will Win - Days of Our Lives

Could Win - The Young and the Restless or The Bold and the Beautiful

Should Win - The Young and the Restless

Commentary - While I would vote for Y&R every year, even in its down years, I think that it and its CBS counterpart The Bold and the Beautiful will lose out to the rejuvenated Days of Our Lives. After their surprise win last year, the first in a long time, Days has come back even stronger and is pushing for back to back wins. You never really know how these things are going to shake down, as the voters have always thrown curve balls in this category, look no further than last year. But of the bunch, I'll put my bets on Days.

2014 Daytime Emmy Creative Arts Winners

For the full list of winners and more information about this year's awards visit: http://emmyonline.com/daytime

Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Series 
Sesame Street  - PBS

Outstanding Children’s Series 
R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series - Hub Network

Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Animated Program
Peg+Cat - PBS

Outstanding Children’s Animated Program 
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness - Nickelodeon

Outstanding Special Class Animated Program
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Cartoon Network

Outstanding Lifestyle Program
Elbow Room - HGTV

Outstanding Travel Program
Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin - SYNDICATED

Outstanding Special Class Series
Super Soul Sunday -OWN

Outstanding Special Class – Short Format Daytime Program
mI promise - www.mIpromise.com

Outstanding New Approaches – Enhancement to a Daytime Program or Series
The Ellen DeGeneres Show - SYNDICATED

Outstanding New Approaches – Original Daytime Program or Series
The Scarecrow - YouTube.com

Outstanding Promotional Announcement – Episodic
Nature - PBS

Outstanding Promotional Announcement – Institutional
Awkward / It’s Your Sex Life – Gimme an “S” - MTV

Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series
JESSICA HONOR CARLETON, as Snail, Mouse, Monster, Cow & Lion "Green Screen Adventures" - MeTV

Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program
HAYLEY FAITH NEGRIN, as Peg "Peg+Cat" - PBS

Outstanding Host in a Lifestyle/Travel Program 
JOSEPH ROSENDO, Host - "Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope" - PBS

Outstanding Casting Director for a Drama Series
Mark Teschner, CSA "General Hospital" - ABC

Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction/Set Decoration/ Scenic Design for a Drama Series
(TIE) All My Children - TOLN.com and One Life To Live - TOLN.com                                                        
Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction for a Drama Series
The Young and the Restless - CBS

Outstanding Technical Team for a Drama Series
The Young and the Restless - CBS

Outstanding Achievement in Multiple Camera Editing for a Drama Series
The Bold and the Beautiful - CBS

Outstanding Achievement in Live and Direct to Tape Sound Mixing for a Drama Series
One Life To Live - TOLN.com

Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series
All My Children - TOLN.com

Outstanding Original Song – Drama
All My Children - "Parachute" - TOLN.com

Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design for a Drama Series
(TIE) The Bold and the Beautiful AND The Young and the Restless - CBS

Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling for a Drama Series
The Bold and the Beautiful - CBS

Outstanding Achievement in Makeup for a Drama Series 
The Bold and the Beautiful - CBS and General Hospital - ABC

Outstanding Casting for an Animated Series or Special
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Nickelodeon

Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation
(Winners determined in previously conducted Juried Panel judging)
Ernie Gilbert, Character Design "T.U.F.F. Puppy" - Nickelodeon

Eddie Gribbin, Background Design "Peter Rabbit" -  Nickelodeon
                                                                                             
Marten Jonmark, Storyboard "Peter Rabbit" -  Nickelodeon
                                                                                             
Jose Lopez, Character Design "Transformers Prime Beast Hunters" - HUB Network
                                                         
Yasuhiro Motoda, Character Animator - Transformers Prime Beast Hunters -  HUB Network
                                                     
Jennifer Oxley, Production Design "Peg+Cat" -  PBS
                                                                                                     
Stephen Robinson, Production Design "Peter Rabbit" - Nickelodeon
                                                                                                 
Christopher Voy, Color "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" -  Cartoon Network
                                                                   
Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program
Bubble Guppies - Nickelodeon

Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program
Arthur - PBS

Outstanding Writing in a Children’s Series
Sesame Street - PBS

Outstanding Special Class Writing
The Ellen DeGeneres Show - SYNDICATED

Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program
The Scarecrow - YouTube.com

Outstanding Directing in a Children’s Series
Sesame Street -  PBS

Outstanding Directing in a Lifestyle/Culinary/Travel Program
Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin - SYNDICATED

Outstanding Directing in a Talk Show/Morning Program
The Dr. Oz Show - SYNDICATED

Outstanding Special Class Directing
Giada in Paradise - Cooking Channel

Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design
The Ellen DeGeneres Show - SYNDICATED

Outstanding Achievement in Main Title and Graphic Design
Sabrina Secrets of a Teenage Witch - Hub Network

Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction
(TIE) The Ellen DeGeneres Show - SYNDICATED and Wheel of Fortune - SYNDICATED

Outstanding Technical Team
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade - ABC

Outstanding Achievement in Single Camera Photography
Giada In Paradise - Cooking Channel

Outstanding Achievement in Single Camera Editing
Giada In Paradise - Cooking Channel

Outstanding Achievement in Multiple Camera Editing 
Sesame Street - PBS

Outstanding Achievement in Live and Direct to Tape Sound Mixing
The Ellen DeGeneres Show - SYNDICATED

Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing – Live Action
Sesame Street - PBS

Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing – Animation
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness - Nickelodeon

Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Live Action
Sesame Street - PBS

Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Animation
SpongeBob SquarePants - Nickelodeon

Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition
Bubble Guppies - Nickelodeon

Outstanding Original Song
Let’s Make A Deal  “30,000 Reasons to Love Me” - CBS

Outstanding Original Song – Main Title and Promo
Disney Sofia the First “Disney Sofia the First: Main Title Theme” - Disney Channel

Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design/Styling
Spooksville - Hub Network

Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling
The Queen Latifah Show - SYNDICATED

Outstanding Achievement in Makeup
Green Screen Adventures - MeTV

Outstanding Stunt Coordination
The Aquabats! Super Show! - Hub Network

Friday, June 20, 2014

2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Variety Series

2014 Nomination Predictions
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Real Time with Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live
The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Other Contenders - Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, Portlandia, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Key and Peele, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Chelsea Lately, Last Call with Carson Daly, Hello Ross, Kroll Show, The Soup, Inside Amy Schumer

Commentary - Well, it is that time of year to start Emmy nomination predictions! So we start with Variety Series, a category that just recently took an interesting turn. For a decade The Daily Show dominated this category, and just when we were all about to give up hope that anything interesting would happen, The Colbert Report finally snuck up on its predecessor and finally won a well-deserved and long overdue program award. As we enter the 2014 Emmy season, these two shows lead the pack. Actually, I am predicting that things simply remain the same. Shows like David Letterman, Conan, Portlandia, Late Night, Key and Peele, Jay Leno, and so many others have been waiting in the wings for a while now to break into what has become a stalwart category. I think the same six that have gotten in the last couple of years are set to return. Jimmy Fallon is hot right now, with a win last night at the Critics Choice Television Awards, and of course his takeover the the coveted Tonight Show. If anything can become a dark horse to beat Colbert or Stewart, it is Fallon that is poised for the upset. Jimmy Kimmel seems to always be the bridesmaid, but I think another nomination is certain. The last two though are the ones that are set for potential upset. Real Time keeps getting in over and over (deservedly so), but has never managed to win an Emmy. After so many years of being snubbed, you wonder if this is the year it finally gets left off. The one that could be in real trouble is Saturday Night Live, despite some excellent work from a few cast members, the show overall has had a rough season. If it manages to earn yet another Emmy nomination despite its recent struggle to find its footing, then it proves that SNL is an endearingly popular show no matter what. Of those on the outside looking in, it could be David Letterman, whose show has missed out the last five years. But in the midst of all the turmoil that seems to be occurring in late night television, Dave continues to be a solid ratings draw, and always good for a laugh. The voters could easily respond by rewarding an old favorite with another Emmy nomination.

2014 Daytime Emmy Predictions - Best Actor

Will Win/Should Win - Billy Miller "The Young and the Restless"

Could Win - Peter Bergman or Doug Davidson "The Young and the Restless"

Commentary - All of the Y&R guys had juicy material, but none of them had quite the story line that Billy had this past year, with the lost of Delia. Unfortunately Billy Miller, who has won several Emmys portraying Billy on Y&R, is no longer with the cast, another actor who chose not to stick around (I do wonder when CBS is going to realize that their new show runner is running off the best of its talent, and not replacing them well. Hopefully before Y&R completely crumbles). But I think he gets a hell of a parting gift with one final Emmy.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

The 4th Annual Critics Choice Television Award Winners

I will be updating the winners live as they come in! Enjoy!

Best Drama Series - Breaking Bad
Best Comedy Series - Orange is the New Black
Best TV Movie - The Normal Heart
Best Miniseries - Fargo
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Matthew McConaughey "True Detective"
Best Actress in a Drama Series - Tatiana Maslany "Orphan Black"
Best Actor in a Comedy Series - Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"
Best Actress in a Comedy Series - Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Billy Bob Thornton "Fargo"
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Jessica Lange "American Horror Story: Coven"
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Bellamy Young "Scandal"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Andre Braugher "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - (TIE) Kate Mulgrew "Orange is the New Black" and Allison Janney "Mom"
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Matt Bomer "The Normal Heart"
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Allison Tolman "Fargo"
Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series - Allison Janney "Masters of Sex"
Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series - Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black"
Best Reality Competition Series - Shark Tank
Best Reality Series - Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
Best Reality Host - Neil deGrasse Tyson "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey"
Best Animated Series - Archer
Best Talk Show - The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon
Critics Choice Louie XII Genius Award - Ryan Murphy

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

The 4th Annual Critics Choice Television Award Predictions

Here is my list of predictions for tomorrow night's first-ever aired Critics Choice Television Awards:

Best Drama Series - Breaking Bad
Best Comedy Series - Orange is the New Black
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Matthew McConaughey "True Detective"
Best Actress in a Drama Series - Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Best Actor in a Comedy Series - Thomas Middleditch "Silicon Valley"
Best Actress in a Comedy Series - Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Josh Charles "The Good Wife"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Anna Gunn "Breaking Bad"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Andre Braugher "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Laverne Cox "Orange is the New Black"
Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series - Allison Janney "Masters of Sex"
Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series - Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black"
Best TV Movie - The Normal Heart
Best Miniseries - Fargo
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Billy Bob Thornton "Fargo"
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Cicely Tyson "The Trip to Bountiful"
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Matt Bomer "The Normal Heart"
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Allison Tolman "Fargo"
Best Reality Series - Cosmos
Best Reality Host - Neil DeGrasse Tyson "Cosmos"
Best Reality/Competition Series - The Voice
Best Talk Show - The Colbert Report
Best Animated Series - Bob's Burgers

2014 Daytime Emmy Predictions: Best Actress

Will Win/Should Win - Eileen Davidson "Days of Our Lives"

Could Win - Heather Tom "The Bold and the Beautiful"

Commentary - A lot of pundits assume that Heather Tom will win another Emmy for The Bold and the Beautiful, and they certainly could be right. She is on a winning streak with the voters, and continues to have emotional story lines (I personally get tired of her character's crap, but I understand that it takes talent to pull it off). Eileen Davidson has come back to Days of Our Lives to help revive the show, and she has been a intricate part of the creative rebirth. She has gone way too long on two shows without getting much credit, I think this is her year.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

The 4th Annual Awards Psychic Television Award Nominees

It has been a great season on television, and a lot of great shows and performers really stood out. So some hard decisions were made, and some grueling cuts were cut, but it is time for the 4th Annual Awards Psychic Television Awards. The full list of nominees is below, and the winners will be announced within the next couple of weeks:

Best Drama Series
The Americans
The Blacklist
Breaking Bad
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Grey’s Anatomy
House of Cards
Masters of Sex
Parenthood
Scandal
True Detective

Best Comedy Series
The Big Bang Theory
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Louie
The Mindy Project
Modern Family
Orange is the New Black
Parks and Recreation
Playing House 
Silicon Valley
Trophy Wife
Veep

Best TV Movie
Adventure in Time and Space
Burton and Taylor
Clear History
Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight
The Normal Heart
The Trip to Bountiful

Best Miniseries
American Horror Story: Coven
Fargo
Klondike
Luther
Sherlock
Treme

Best Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston “Breaking Bad”
Woody Harrelson “True Detective”
Freddie Highmore “Bates Motel”
Matthew McConaughey “True Detective”
Matthew Rhys “The Americans”
Michael Sheen “Masters of Sex”
Kevin Spacey “House of Cards”
James Spader “The Blacklist”

Best Actress in a Drama Series
Megan Boone “The Blacklist”
Lizzy Caplan “Masters of Sex”
Vera Farmiga “Bates Motel”
Julianna Margulies “The Good Wife”
Tatiana Maslany “Orphan Black”
Keri Russell “The Americans”
Kerry Washington “Scandal”
Robin Wright “House of Cards”

Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Louis C.K. “Louie”
Chris Messina “The Mindy Project”
Thomas Middleditch “Silicon Valley
Jim Parsons “The Big Bang Theory”
Andy Samberg “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Adam Scott “Parks & Recreation”
Bradley Whitford “Trophy Wife”
Robin Williams “The Crazy Ones”

Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Malin Akerman “Trophy Wife”
Anna Faris “Mom”
Mindy Kaling “The Mindy Project”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus “Veep”
Lennon Parham “Playing House”
Amy Poehler “Parks & Recreation”
Taylor Schilling “Orange is the New Black”
Jessica St. Clair “Playing House”

Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries
David Bradley “An Adventure in Time and Space”
Benedict Cumberbatch “Sherlock”
Chiwetel Ejiofor “Dancing on the Edge”
Martin Freeman “Fargo
Clarke Peters “Treme”
Wendell Pierce “Treme”
Mark Ruffalo “The Normal Heart”.
Billy Bob Thornton “Fargo

Best Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries
Khandi Alexander “Treme”
Helena Bonham Carter “Burton and Taylor
Whoopi Goldberg “A Day Late and a Dollar Short””
Jessica Lange “American Horror Story: Coven”
Sarah Paulson “American Horror Story: Coven”
Rebecca Ferguson “The White Queen”
Cicely Tyson “The Trip to Bountiful

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Josh Charles “The Good Wife”
Nickolaj Coster-Waldau “Game of Thrones”
Peter Dinklage “Game of Thrones”
Tony Goldwyn “Scandal”
Mads Mikkelson “Hannibal”
Dean Norris “Breaking Bad”
Aaron Paul “Breaking Bad”
Jeffrey Wright “Boardwalk Empire”

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Christine Baranski “The Good Wife”
Emilia Clarke “Game of Thrones”
Anna Gunn “Breaking Bad”
Annet Mahendru “The Americans”
Melissa McBride “The Walking Dead”
Michelle Monaghan “True Detective”
Sandra Oh “Grey’s Anatomy”
Maisie Williams “Game of Thrones”
Bellamy Young “Scandal”

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Andre Braugher “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Terry Crews “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Jesse Tyler Ferguson “Modern Family”
Tony Hale “Veep”
Joe La Truglio “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
T.J. Miller “Silicon Valley
Eric Stonestreet “Modern Family”
Albert Tsai “Trophy Wife”

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Mayim Bialik “The Big Bang Theory”
Anna Chlumsky “Veep”
Kaley Cuoco “The Big Bang Theory”
Marcia Gay Harden “Trophy Wife”
Allison Janney “Mom”
Kate McKinnon “SNL”
Chelsea Peretti “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Aubrey Plaza “Parks and Recreation”
Michaela Watkins “Trophy Wife”

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Mini
Matt Bomer “The Normal Heart”
Martin Freeman “Sherlock: His Last Vow”
John Goodman “Dancing on the Edge”
Colin Hanks “Fargo
Joe Mantello “The Normal Heart”
Jim Parsons “The Normal Heart”
Blair Underwood “The Trip to Bountiful

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries
Amanda Abbington “Sherlock: His Last Vow”
Angela Bassett “American Horror Story: Coven”
Kathy Bates “American Horror Story: Coven”
Jamie Brewer “American Horror Story: Coven”
Jessica Raine “Adventure in Time and Space”
Gabourey Sidibe “American Horror Story: Coven”
Allison Tolman “Fargo

Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Dylan Baker “The Good Wife”
Beau Bridges “Masters of Sex”
Michael J. Fox “The Good Wife”
Paul Giamatti “Downton Abbey”
Walton Goggins “Sons of Anarchy”
Nathan Lane “The Good Wife”
Joe Morton “Scandal”
Ray Romano “Parenthood”

Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Allison Janney “Masters of Sex”
Lisa Kudrow “Scandal”
Shirley MacLaine “Downton Abbey”
Kate Mara “House of Cards”
Margo Martindale “The Americans”
Carrie Preston “The Good Wife”
Diana Rigg “Game of Thrones”
Dianne Wiest “The Blacklist”

Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Louis C.K. “SNL”
Brad Garrett “The Crazy Ones”
James Earl Jones “The Big Bang Theory
Nathan Lane “Modern Family”
Bob Newhart “The Big Bang Theory”
Mike O’Malley “Glee”
Patton Oswalt “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Christopher Evan Welch “Silicon Valley

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Uzo Aduba “Orange is the New Black”
Sarah Baker “Louie”
Tina Fey “SNL”
Mimi Kennedy “Mom”
Melissa McCarthy “SNL”
Romy Rosemont “Glee”
Octavia Spencer “Mom”
June Squibb “Glee”

Best Animated Program
American Dad
Archer
Bob’s Burgers
Family Guy
The Simpsons
South Park

2014 Daytime Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor

Will Win - Scott Clifton "The Bold and the Beautiful"

Could Win - Bradford Anderson "General Hospital"

Should Win - Steve Burton "The Young and the Restless"

Commentary - Bradford Anderson has been prediction to win this award for most of the five years he's been nominated, and he has yet to win. Basically, until he does win, I am done predicting him, because history suggests that I will be wrong. Scott Clifton surprised last year with a tie with Billy Miller (who is now the front runner for the lead category), and since he is popular with the voters, I don't see why he doesn't repeat the win. Watch out for Steve Burton as well, he is also a popular vote and the dark horse here.

Monday, June 16, 2014

2014 Daytime Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress

Will Win - Jane Elliot "General Hospital"

Could Win/Should Win - Elizabeth Hendrickson "The Young and the Restless"

Commentary - Jane Elliot is a legend on General Hospital, but hasn't won an Emmy since 1981. This season she had incredible amount of material, and gets back into the race after an almost two-decade absence. But my personal favorite is Elizabeth Hendrickson. She is another unfortunate casualty of the Wicked Witch who has taken over Y&R (and seems hell bent on destroying it), so I do kind of hope that she gets an Emmy as a parting gift for her year-long struggle as a grieving mother. It as fantastic work, and I think she has a real shot at upsetting.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

2014 Daytime Emmy Predictions: Best Younger Actor

Will Win - Chandler Massey "Days of Our Lives"

Could Win - Chad Duell "General Hospital" or Bryan Craig "General Hospital"

Should Win - Daniel Polo "The Young and the Restless"

Commentary - I personally think that Daniel Polo, in his short stint on Y&R was the best of the bunch, and I hope voters recognize this as well. But I think this is a three way battle between two General Hospital stars and the perennial favorite. Both Chad Duell and Bryan Craig had plenty of material this year to warrant their Emmy nominations. But I think that voters will have a hard time picking between the two guys from the same show, basically I think they will split votes. Chandler Massey has dominated this category for awhile now, and with splitting votes, and another worthy year for his character, I think he takes home another Emmy.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

2014 Daytime Emmy Predictions: Best Younger Actress

Will Win - Kristen Alderson "General Hospital"

Could Win/Should Win - Kelly Missal "One Life to Live"

Commentary - A lot of people are picking Kelly Missal to win because, let's face it, she's the best of the bunch. But I wonder about the strength of One Life to Live this far beyond, and with the whole online medium. If enough people saw her work, she wins the Daytime Emmy. But I think instead, the next in line, who is Kristen Alderson from GH, will win on the strength of the show, and the traditional television medium. It will be a close race, and even some other contenders like Hunter King could surprise. But I think it will come down to Missal or Alderson.

Friday, June 13, 2014

2014 Daytime Emmy Predictions: Best Directing Team

Will Win/Should Win - The Young and the Restless

Could Win - The Bold and the Beautiful

Commentary - So I made a statement in yesterday's post that The Young and the Restless is the best of the bunch, despite some of its recent story lines that have angered some fans, and irked most of them. So what makes Y&R the best despite this flaw? First and foremost is the incredible cast, particularly the core that have stuck around through that evil witch's reign of terror. Also incredibly important are the directors, who help steady the rough patches and make it surge forward despite a few bumps. I think their efforts will give them an Emmy.