Impact of TIFF Part 5

A Single Man - This Colin Firth/Julianne Moore drama was one of the nicest surprises coming out of Toronto this year. While we still need to see box office and US critical reception, it looks as if this could be a dark horse contender in many categories. Firth is getting the most buzz, and many are now considering him a lock for a Best Actor nomination.

Up in the Air - The biggest surprise was not the positive reception to this movie, but the overwhelming nature of the positive reviews. Not only were they fantastic, but as soon as it was screened, it suddenly became a lock for a Best Picture nod. George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick have seen their buzz skyrocket, as well as Jason Reitman, who scored a surprise nod for Juno and could see himself in Kodak again.

Whip It! - Speaking of Juno, this quirky, girl-powered Drew Barrymore flick actually got some really good reviews at Toronto. Ellen Page is supposed to be phenomenal (another Oscar nod), and more importantly, it has proven that Barrymore is talented behind the camera. It's also said to be an absolute riot.

The White Ribbon - This one has been on the radar through most of the summer, and got its first dose of American critique. While I think it may be too small and unknown to score a Best Picture nod, I definitely think it is a lock for the Foreign Language one.

The Young Victoria - This one could be a nice surprise come Oscar morning. First off, Emily Blunt is said to be fantastic, and many thought she was robbed for The Devil Wears Prada, with all the newcomers in the Best Actress race, they may decided to go with a still relatively young actress, but one that has already made a mark. Technical nods should come as well.

Impact of TIFF Part 4

Mother and Child - This Naomi Watts, Sam Jackson, Annette Benning drama is getting some positive buzz coming out of the festival. The real name I'm hearing is Benning's. She is a fantastic actress, and as other contenders fall, and the whole host of newcomers, her name may be a name of comfort, and she could easily be a dark-horse contender. More reviews, and box office numbers are needed to really determine the possibility.

Precious: Based on Novel "Push" by Sapphire - This one was no shock. Word has been out for awhile about this one, and the success and popularity coming out of TIFF only enhanced its Best Picture possibilities. Also both Mo'Nique and Sidibe are now considered frontrunners for their respective categories. Welcome this year's Slumdog Millionaire.

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee - Reviews about this Robin Wright Penn/Alan Arkin/Maria Bello dramedy is supposed to have a limited script (so much for a screenplay nod) but fantastic turns from its three leads, especially the brilliant Robin Wright Penn. She has been in the news lately for her divorce from Senn Penn, and if this movie can have a great campaign, she could finally get the Oscar nomination she so desperately deserves.

The Road - The initial review by Todd McCarthy from Variety didn't spell good news for this long-awaited adaptation. However, since that intial backlash, the word has spread, and apparently this is going to be a pretty good movie. Viggo Mortensen and Robert Duvall are said to be phenomenal, and though it's bleak outlook maybe too much for downtrodden Americans (compared to the happy endings of things like Precious, and others), I think this one is a contender in a lot of categories, including Best Picture.

A Serious Man - This new comedy from the Coen brothers is supposed to be along the lines of their other movies, and said to have their unique signature stamped all over it. The Academy likes the Coen brothers, and buzz for the movie, and Richard Kind as Supporting Actor are really rising. If they want to include a comedy in this years race, this is just the sort of dark fair that would fit perfectly into the mix.

Impact of TIFF Part 3

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus - For Heath Ledger's last film, I would have hope it would have been incredible. Unfortunately early word is saying that this is mediocre at best. Now when it expands, and American audiences see it, the sentimental factor may grab hold. Otherwise, I think we might have to call this one a dissappointment.

The Informant! - With a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, this comedy earned some pretty decent reviews, and Matt Damon received excellent reviews, even when the whole movie didn't. While I think the only major category it could get in is for Best Actor. However, at the Golden Globes, and maybe if some other contenders fizzle out, a Best Picture nod is not out of the question.

The Invention of Lying - So far, word is pretty good for this new Ricky Gervais comedy. If Oscar is feeling funny this year, one of these comedies (including the one about this) could slide in, and take one of the spots. If not, I think we will see at least some Golden Globes. I hope this one gets some attention. Ricky Gervais is a genius, and recognition should follow.

Jennifer's Body - With Diablo Cody's name attached to this, and the raw sexual magnetism that exudes from Megan Fox, I had hoped that this one could rise above the usual horror drab. Unfortunately, reviewers and audiences have not put their seal of approval on Jennifer. Well at least it was a little fun to watch Megan Fox undress :).

The Men Who Stare At Goats - Of all the potential comedies coming out of TIFF, the two George Clooney movies seem to be the best shots at a Best Picture nod. This one is definitely the lesser of the two, but it still seems to be getting good buzz, and apparently Clooney, and especially Jeff Bridges. Maybe some GG nods, and a supporting nod for Bridges. In my opinion, the other Clooney movie (Up in the Air) is going to be the real contender.

Impact of TIFF Part 2

Dorian Gray - Intial reviews made this seem absolutely horrible. But as more reviews are coming in, it seems that while its not a good film, it's more mediocre. Its average at RT is at about 46% with about 20 reviews. Apparently the production is lavish (maybe some technical nods) but Ben Barnes is lifeless, as is the story. With an Oscar Wilde pretext, I would have expected better.

An Education - This one has been buzzed about for a while now, and after TIFF it's buzz has skyrocketed. It's Oscar potential as also followed in suite. Carey Mulligan, Alfred Molina, and Peter Saarsgard are said to be potential acting nominees (especailly Mulligan who is getting rave reviews), and with 10 Best Picture nominees, this is said to be one of the biggest contenders.

Fish Tank - This won the Cannes Jury Prize, which sometimes can lead to Oscar, but a lot of the time Cannes audiences are much different than Canadian/US audiences/critics. However, after TIFF, the word of mouth and buzz has grown, putting this as a potential threat. It needs some critic's attention to make up for the lack of star power. Katie Jarvis is supposed to be a wildcard contender, another newcomer that could make a splash.

Get Low - Now that this film has found a distributer, it is officially in the Oscar derby. Robert Duvall and Bill Murray are supposed to be fantastic, and could easily see their names called out on Oscar nomination morning. The question is, what about the film as a whole. With this kind of starpower and buzz, and with ten nominations, this little film could sneak in very easily.

Good Hair - While everyone is talking about Michael Moore's Captialism, many are forgeting about this Chris Rock documentary that is supposed to be interesting and hilarious. Hopefully the Oscars give is a documentary feature nomination, and embrace this in depth piece of an intricate part culture. Looks like it's going to be really good.

Impact of TIFF Part 1

This year, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) once again proved its status as the launching point for some of the year’s biggest Oscar contenders. Here is a rundown of the major films shown, their reception, and their Oscar potential.

Agora – The word on this film is very mixed. Some claim it’s breathtaking, while others say its story fails it from the beginning. I don’t expect this one to make a big splash at the Oscars, unless the rest of American critics suddenly fall in love with it, but it does have some potential in the technical categories.

Antichrist – Horror is a tough sell no matter what (I mean Hitchcock never won an Oscar!), and apparently this film is so gruesome, so sick, and so controversial, that I really can’t see the Academy going for this (Or audiences for that matter). Charlotte Gainsbourg is getting some positive attention, and apparently it is really well shot. Other than that, I think this one will be missed by all.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans – Okay, I really, really want to see this movie. Apparently the acting is good (Nicholas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val Kilmer, and Fairuza Balk), the directing by Werner Herzog is fantastic (did you expect less) and early reviews pen it as a fun, offbeat, disarming, action-packed, and one hell of a good ride. If the Academy is feeling hip, Nicholas Cage and the rest of the cast may get some attention, as well as Herzog, but my guess is that they will miss the boat for more Oscar-esque movies.

Broken Embraces – We had already heard good things about Pedro Almodovar’s new Penelope Cruz vehicle, Broken Embraces. So it is no surprise that reception was pretty good at Toronto. While it’s seen as a lesser entry than say Talk to Her or Volver, apparently Cruz is fantastic, and could see two Oscar nominations coming her way (here and Nine).

Capitalism: A Love Story – Reviews so far are pretty good, and of course the Right Wingers are gearing up for the controversy that will surround this film, but apparently if you like Michael Moore (or at least respect him, not many people like him), you will love this over-the-top, funny, yet convincing documentary that’s relevance and timeliness could not have played out better. If they want to use one slot of Best Picture for a documentary, I think we have our nominee.

PGA Expands to 10

So yesterday, the Producers Guild of America, considered to be one of the best precursors to the Oscars, announced that they too would be expanding their nomination count to ten. Here is the official statement:

“The PGA board approved the expansion of our Best Produced Picture category nominations to support our colleagues at the Academy, but also because we feel it better represents the unprecedented diversity of films being produced today,”

First off, as a blogger and an Oscar geek, this really helps out with predictions, cause with 5, the DGA, PGA, and WGA could have all matched up, making it very difficult to predict the rest of the category.

On the other hand, the PGA, to me at least, seems to be bowing down to the Academy, and instead of trying to keep its legitimacy, it is basically saying that it is a mere precursor to a more important award.

Either way, its going to be an interesting season.....

Emmy Reactions!

First off, this was one of the freshest, most entertaining Emmys in years. After last year's hosting debacle, Neil Patrick Harris was a breath of fresh air, was funny, charming, and really did an excellent job (now if they would just give him one already, we could be happy!). I also enjoyed them splitting it into sections, so I could do homework during the ones I actually cared about. So here are my reactions, done by category in honor of the show itself.

Variety
I like the Daily Show, I really do, but all I have to say is...enough is enough. SNL had a great year, and their election coverage might have been a huge factor in Sarah Palin's defeat. I think this category needs to see some change soon or people really won't take it seriously. Although I did enjoy the Music and Lyrics winner's speech from the Academy Awards. They were funny, self-depricating, and most importantly, entertaining.

Reality
This whole section was just blah for me. The Amazing Race is a great show, but as with the Daily Show, enough is enough. They added this category as a new and exciting thing, but since then, they have proven that no one cares anymore, because every year we know that Race is going to finish first. For all the great upsets and first time winners, there were still hangovers from past times. I think it is time to move on. I did, however, enjoy Jeff Probst's speech, he really is a classy guy.

TV Movie/Miniseries
There were some nice wins from Jessica Lange, Ken Howard, Brendan Gleeson, and Shohreh Aghdashloo, and their speeches were heartfelt and genuine (always nice to see hard-working and genuine actors get recognition). My only surprise was the abudance of love for Little Dorrit. In the Writing and Directing categories, areas where I thought Grey Gardens racked up, instead went to Little Dorrit. I also wished Generation Kill (which was the better of the two) had gotten some more love.

Comedy
For every predictable moment (30 Rock, Alec Baldwin), there were a plethora of wanted and unwanted surprises. The first one came on the first award of the night. Honestly, Kristin Chenoweth had a great shot according to most pundits, and a most likely split vote with the SNL ladies, probably is what propelled her. But for those expecting an Amy Poehler win, this was a nice surprise, combined with an emotional and funny speech. It was also a nice way to honor a great show that is no longer with us. Then came the real unwanted shocker. Now in my commentary, I made a point that Jon Cryer actually had submitted well. Who knew that the Emmy voters would be dumb enough to fall for it? I like Cryer as a person, and maybe now that he has earned his reward they will leave it be, but it just frustrates me that one of the best characters on TV (NPH) still gets the shaft, even though they like him enough to let him host the damn show! The final surprise, which wasn't really that surprising was Toni Collette. While I don't like USOT, I do like Collette, and I'm happy that she won, although it would have been nice to have seen a Chenoweth-esque award given to the charming Christina Applegate.

Drama
As with Comedy, there were some givens (Glenn Close, Bryan Cranston, and Mad Men). But they kept us on our toes with some nice surprises as well. I thought Michael Emerson was going to win all along, and I switched my vote because I thought I was being funny, I guess. A great win for a great actor. Now I'm still sad that Chandra Wilson has yet to win an Emmy, but Cherry Jones seemed genuinely happy and surprised and gave a heartwarming speech; I am really happy for her. It was also nice to see ER get at least one major award (Directing), a nice way to honor the loss of an incredible series.

So overall, I did a horrible job at predicting, as did most pundits. However, despite the many upsets, the staples in the top categories really ruled the night, and for every nice surprise there was a completely expected and boring moment. The Emmys and the Oscars are trying to reinvent themselves to include a wider array of movies and television (6, 7, and 10 nominees are an example). But if the Emmys really want to be inventive, they will start to be more Golden Globe-esque and stop lingering in the past, and look to the future, honor new and inventive shows before they become stale and routine, and then the Emmys have completely missed the mark. Start looking around for shows like True Blood, and stop ignoring shows altogether like Gilmore Girls, Battlestar Gallactica, and The Wire. Look to ratings and popularity and not just critics, and change the game. If they can do that, they can regain the relevance they are so desperately looking for.

Last Minute Emmy List

So here is a last minute list of my predicted winners.

Drama Series - Mad Men
Comedy Series - 30 Rock
Lead Actor/Drama - Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
Lead Actress/Drama - Glenn Close "Damages"
Lead Actor/Comedy - Alec Baldwin "30 Rock"
Lead Actress/Comedy - Tina Fey "30 Rock"
Supporting Actor/Drama - Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad"
Supporting Acress/Drama - Chandra Wilson "Grey's Anatomy"
Supporting Actor/Comedy - Neil Patrick Harris "How I Met Your Mother"
Supporting Actress/Comedy - Amy Poehler "SNL"
TV Movie - Grey Gardens
Miniseries - Generation Kill
Lead Actor Movie/Mini - Sir Ian McKellan "King Lear (Great Performances)
Lead Actress Movie/Mini - Sigourney Weaver "Prayers for Bobby"
Supporting Actor Movie/Mini - Bob Newhart "The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice"
Supporting Actress Movie/Mini - Shohreh Aghdashloo "House of Saddam"
Reality Competition - The Amazing Race
Reality Host - Phil Keogan "The Amazing Race"

Tune in Monday for Emmy reactions!

A Look At: Drama Series

Big Love was a nice edition, but to be honest, I haven't heard a word about it all season, maybe aa suprise winner? Most likely not.

Dexter is another one that has been completely off my radar. I know it's a great show, but where is the buzz?

House had an off year. Hopefully Hugh Laurie will win, other than that, be happy to be nominated.

In such a great year for TV, it is no surprise that Damages is so far down the list. This one and the next three are the real contenders, but once again the buzz seems to be going against them. Oh well, Glenn Close's win should be a nice consolation prize.

Lost just keeps getting more interesting, and yet, I think its Emmy chances are slowly slipping? Probably not, but in the year that seems to be all about Mad Men I think they will be lost for words....that was a really lame pun btw.

I think Breaking Bad has an excellent shot at this, and I no I am in the minority on that. If Bryan Cranston can win last year, when no one even thought about him, then it means there is a loud minority in the Academy waiting to honor this underground cult hit.

But, unfortunately for Breaking Bad, this year belongs to the Mad Men. I just really don't see anything stopping it, everyone is prediciting it, and so am I. However, I do always fear for shows like this though. It just seems to easy to pick it. Don't be surprised at an upset....

A Look at: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

William Hurt is an Academy Award winning legend, and his role on Damages is great, but it seems to me that the buzz for him, and the show itself is low. I just don't see him winning this year.

John Slattery submitted his best episode of the season, but it still wasn't that great. The fact that he got a nomination over Vincent Kartheiser is simply atrocious, but with Mad Men being the Drama Series frontrunner, don't count him out.

William Shatner is the least deserving nominee in Emmy history. Ok may I overexaggerate a little bit, but I really am tired of seeing him name. The sad part is, there are people that will vote for him, and (gasp!) he could actually win.

Christian Clemenson submitted an over-the-top episode, that may sway Emmy voters, it has in the past. However the sudden lack of BL love, makes me think not.

So then it comes down to two. For a while I thought that Michael Emerson was a shoo-in (I mean if Terry O'Quinn can win, why not Emerson), but the more I watch Aaron Paul's brilliant performance, and the more I realize how well liked Breaking Bad is, I think he is going to take home the gold.

A Look At: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Cherry Jones got a surprise nomination for her great role in 24. While I think she deserves to at least be considered in the conversation, I don't think she'll have enough support within the Academy, considering the other nominees.

Hope Davis snuck in over her much deserved co-star Allison Pill, and while I like Davis as an actress normally, I found her role in In Treatment to be kind of annoying, and I think if anyone gets it from In Treatment, it will be Dianne Wiest.

Sandra Oh is so overdue in this category, it's disgusting. However, this year I think she gets lost in the shuffle. She submitted well, and there is definitely a possibility, but unfortunately, I think she will have to wait again.

A lot of people are predicting Rose Byrne, and I can see why. In terms of episode submission, Byrne had the best tape of them all. However, in Damages, she really takes a backburner to the great Glenn Close, but she is definitely a possibility.

In my opinion it comes down to two. Most people are predicting Dianne Wiest to repeat, and they are most likely right. She really chews through her scenery with Gabriel Bryne.

However, the crazy person that I am, I am going to go out on a limb, and say that Chandra Wilson finally gets the recognition that she deserves. Go with me for a moment. She is super popular within the Academy this year (two nominations, scheduled presenter, announced nominees). With all this love, she must have a strong fan base. Another point: the last two season's of Grey's Anatomy have been a little rocky (lots of high moments, but a lot of low ones as well). Through all of that the one acting constant, the rock is the incredible Chandra Wilson. Plus, her new personal and work-related struggles in the story this year, gave her a little more range than in years past.

A Look At: Lead Actor in a Drama Series

So Simon Baker's nomination was a really nice surprise, one that I hope eventually leads him to the winner's circle. But for now, he should just sit back and enjoy the ride.

I know a lot of people think Gabriel Byrne has a really good shot at the award, I think he only has a minor shot. I just feel his character on In Treatment doesn't have the baity-type scenes you see from a lot of the other nominees.

Michael C. Hall might one day win for his murderous Dexter, but his episode selection this year, means he will once again the bridesmaid, not the bride.

Jon Hamm doesn't have the showiest performance, or the most Emmy-esque scenes, but Mad Men is hugely popular, and will most likely win Drama Series again. Simple math could tell you, this means he has a really good shot at winning.

So then it comes down to two. To be honest, I can't pick one without thinking I should change my prediciton. So right now, I am going with last year's champ over the one in my heart I feel may finally win. Bryan Cranston over Hugh Laurie. But don't be surprised if it is reversed come Sunday night.

A Look at: Best Actress in A Drama Series.

I feel completely underwhelmed by this category, as they once agian chose old favorites over sharper newcomers. And in this case, I think it comes down to about two, maybe three actress.

Let's start with the two I don't think have shot at hell at winning, yet, for some crazy reason could just as easily here their names called out. I personally love Holly Hunter and Sally Field, but I don't particuarlly like either of their shows, and I feel their characters are starting to get stale and redundant. I think next year the Emmys need to get new blood.

I guess I am one of the few people who still thinks Mariska Hargitay is great in SVU. Despite that, I feel that the quality of the show has dipped, making her chances of winning slimmer, as she will have to rely solely on her own popularity to take home another trophy (and don't count out that popularity!).

I loved Elisabeth Moss in Mad Men, but the episode she submitted seemed more like a supporting performance, and with all these over-the-top commanding performances, I think she will be simply over-powered.

Kyra Sedgwick has been patiently waiting to finally win an Emmy for The Closer, and despite a great episode submission, and the fact that she has never won, I think she'll have to have just a little more patience.

This leaves the reigning champ Glenn Close. I just think she is too good for them to pass up. Damages is such a great show, and because it doesn't seem it's going to win the top prize, this is nice way to give honor to the entire series.

Creative Arts Emmys 2009

So last night, the Creative Arts Emmy Winners were announced.

While they usually don't have that much implications for the ceremony next week, here are some interesting points from last night winners.

I went 1/4 (pathetic I know) in the Guest Acting Categories, only guessing the easiest of them all Tina Fey. Don't be fooled though, the winners were all considered great possibilities, and I personally love Michael J. Fox, Ellen Burstyn, and JT. Timberlake was the real shocker, not because he didn't deserve it, but because of his age, and the fact that most people still view him as a singer, not an actor.

Kathy Griffin ended her two-year Emmy streak, and lost to Intervention. Kinda surprising because she was hosting...does that mean NPH is out of luck too?

Little Dorrit got 4 CA Emmys, and Generation Kill got 3. Still makes predicting the miniseries category kinda difficult. But I think I am going to conform with the rest of the pundits, and switch my prediction to Little Dorrit.

Grey Gardens won the most of any TV Movie, which for me, means that all branches of the Academy really liked it. And the Emmy for Best TV Movie goes to....

Tune in this week for my Drama predictions, a final list of any last minute changes, etc. And after the Emmys I will be switching back into movie/Oscar mode, updating predictions, discussing the impact of TIFF, and making a list of the Best Directors of all time. Stay tuned.....

A Look at: Guest Actor in a Drama Series

These five nominees were almost considered locks, and each of them is a brand-name in terms of acting greatness, so choosing among them is a very hard task.

Ted Danson’s nomination was great, but after last year’s roll on Damages, this nomination feels like second place at best.

Ed Asner has won more Emmys than any other male actor. But this year, I feel there is too stiff of competition for him to triumph again.

Michael J. Fox was a breath of fresh air on Rescue Me, but the two ahead of him, I think, are going to be too much.

As with Fox, Jimmy Smit’s storyline on Dexter was the highlight of the season, and up until recently, I was predicting him to win.

But this year, I think they will take one more chance to honor ER, and more importantly, I think anyone with a heart will find it very hard to not check of Ernest Borgnine for his incredible part in the series finale.

A Look at: Guest Actress in a Drama Series

I personally thought Sharon Lawrence was fantastic in Grey’s Anatomy as Izzie’s mom, and brought some much needed comedy to a very serious situation. But unfortunately she is simply out-powered by her more legendary fellow nominees.

Speaking of legends, Carol Burnett is one of the best, but I feel this year she was simply a big name that could act as a nice placeholder, and really not much else.

Ellen Burstyn and Brenda Blethyn are both really good in Law and Order: SVU. The only problem I see for them is a potential vote split. Or that people can’t choose between the two, and end up voting for someone else to just end the feud. I like Blethyn had the baitier role, so if one of them can cancel out the other, I figure it will be her.

I am going out on a limb, and if the SVU gals cancel each other out, I think the victor will be CCH Pounder. She got one measly nomination for her role on The Shield, and is WAY overdue for some recognition. Although The Shield got the shaft in terms of nominations, people will be looking at her performance there as well as on The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, and will give her the recognition she deserves.

A Look at: Actor in a Miniseries/Movie

Kenneth Branagh has been here a few times before, and has won for a much better performance. In a weaker year he might be an easier pick, but not this one.

Kiefer Sutherland actually did a great job in 24: Redemption, but the overall lack of love for either the movie or the show, hurts his individual chances.

Kevin Kline is quirky and eccentric in Cyrano de Bergerac, but I think he was outdone this year by a few of the nominees, and probably won’t get a trophy this year.

Brendan Gleeson did an excellent job as Winston Churchill, but Albert Finney, in my opinion was much better a couple of years ago for The Gathering Storm, and some Emmy voters may think it is too soon for history to repeat itself.

For months I though Kevin Bacon was going to win for his role in Taking Chance. I still think he has a decent shot, but its subtlety can actually be a deterrent, simply because award’s voters like flashy performances, and while it was a great performance, it definitely wasn’t flashy.

So that leaves me with the great Sir Ian McKellen. His role was flashy, and very baity, and seeing as he has never won an Emmy, I think voters will take this opportunity to honor a legend in his own right, and maybe see a standing ovation.

A Look at: Actress in a Miniseries/TV Movie

Chandra Wilson is one of my favorite actresses, but I think her real nomination is in the Supporting Actress/Drama. This feels like a nice placeholder to me.

Shirley MacLaine is an Academy-Award winning legend, but her role was that big in Coco Chanel, and there is just so much competition ahead of her.

Speaking of Academy-Award winning legends, Jessica Lange was absolutely fantastic in Grey Gardens, and in most other years, would probably be a frontrunner, but internal and external competition, I believe, will over shadow her this year.

Then it comes down to two. Drew Barrymore is the true winner of this award, no matter what happens. Her performance in Grey Gardens was simply incredible and reminded all of us why we used to like her so much.


But I think sentiment, and political/current events will rule the night, and the highly emotional and stunning performance by Sigourney Weaver in Prayers for Bobby will take home the gold. It’s just too baity of a performance, and her legend status doesn’t hurt either.

A Look At: Supporting Actor in a Miniseries/Movie

I am surprised (although looking at the choices it’s not hard to see) that this category is seemingly weak. Not that the actors are bad, because they are very good, but because the overall performances just don’t stand out like the other acting mini/movie categories.

Andy Serkis got a lot of fame for his roles in Peter Jackson movies, but his crappy French accent and underwhelming performance will counteract his known capabilities.

While I think Grey Gardens will be dominant, I don’t think it will be enough for the underused Ken Howard, who I am kinda surprised, got in with such little screen time.

Len Cariou and Tom Courtenay have very baity roles (Courtenay’s being a lead, but whatever), but I think there seemingly unknown status in popular American television may hurt their cause, which is unfortunate.

So I go with Bob Newhart. Not because this is the best performance, or by any means a great TV movie, but because in his almost 50 year television career, he has yet to win an Emmy. I say it’s time to honor a legend, once and for all. Also with a seemingly weak category, this may be a nice slot for a standing ovation.

A Look At: Supporting Actress in a Miniseries/TV Movie

Cicely Tyson has already won her Emmys, and although she is a legend, I felt that she is merely a placeholder, a big name that they can flash on TV for some good ratings (I personally love her, but she doesn’t deserve to win this year).

Jeanne Tripplehorn failed to get a well-deserved nod for Big Love, so here is her consolation prize. In the recent death of Ted Kennedy, you never know what sentiment can do, but I think her role was a little too small, and she is up against some stiff competition.

A lot of people think Marcia Gay Harden has a shot. I would agree with them, but I think that the absence of Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler in a lot of other categories means she will have to rely solely on her name and fame.

Janet McTeer was good in Grey Gardens, but wasn’t spectacular. The reason I have her in the second spot is because of the magnitude of Grey Gardens this year.

So I am predicting Oscar nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo. Her performance in House of Saddam was simply terrific, and although it got left out of the lean Miniseries category, I think people will reward this actress that, as of a couple of years ago, was largely unknown, and has burst onto the scene.

A Look At: TV Movie

Compared to the Miniseries category, the TV Movie category is stocked full of great movies, and will surely be an interesting race to say the least.

Coco Chanel should have been named the Shirley MacLaine show, because the other parts of it were only so-so

Taking Chance was a really beautiful movie, but I think its subtleties and almost subdued (but brilliant) performance from Kevin Bacon may get lost in the shuffle.

Into the Storm was a nice historical drama, but there will be too many comparisons to other HBO vehicles like The Gathering Storm and Warm Springs, and too be honest it is a lesser entry by comparison.

Prayers for Bobby is the dark horse here, and could provide us with a big upset if people are paying attention. Sigourney Weaver is simply fantastic, and could upset as well in her own category. More importantly however is the social significance of the piece. Liberal Hollywood may love the fact that it is a vehicle for gay rights, especially with Prop 8 still floating around there, and may reward this simply to send an important message to the rest of the state of California.

However, like most people who try to keep up with the ways of television, I am predicting the overwhelmingly popular Grey Gardens. With Tour de France performances from the legendary Jessica Lange, and the surprisingly incredible Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens will most likely prove to be this year’s John Adams.

A Look At: Miniseries

With only two nominees in this year’s race (and the horrible exclusion of House of Saddam), this race really could go either way.


Little Dorrit a small entry compared to last year’s John Adams, was none the less a very good story, with some great performances throughout.


However, I am going with Generation Kill. I know war stories aren't very popular in Hollywood, but this particular series had such a larger impact than the uninventive Little Dorrit.


With a 50/50 chance, this race could go either way, and as soon as I predict one, the other one will win. Oh well