RIP Dennis Hopper

Some sad news, Dennis Hopper, legendary actor and director lost his struggle to prostate cancer today, dying at the age of 74. He will be missed, and always remembered.

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 1

100. Pleasantville - This quirky little dramaedy didn't get half the recognition it deserved for prefectly balancing the sweetness and retro of the world of Pleasantville, and the vibrant and dramatic of the world it became. Pleasantville helped launch the careers of Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon, and proved that fine actors such as Joan Allen, Jeff Daniels, and William H. Macy could expand their acting abilities. A fine piece to watch.

99. Jerry Maguire - SHOW ME THE MONEY! Cuba Gooding Jr. used to be a great actor, and in this Academy Award winning performance he brought enthusiasm and intensity to the role of a washed up football player, perfectly parallelling the downward spiral of Tom Cruise's Jerry. Cameron Crowe would top this effort a couple of years later with the incredible Almost Famous, but his winning combination of humor, romance, and sports showed how talented of a screenwrite he really is, and why we still feel completed by Renee Zellweger.

98. The Simpson's Movie - Still one of the more recent shocks, The Simpson's Movie may not have gotten a well-deserved Animated Feature nod, it still was one of the best in my opinion. It isn't easy to take the most successful television series of all time and create a movie that manages to still be original, funny, and keep us wanting more, but this film did it. Really it just felt like an extended version of a really good episode...and that is a high complement.

97. The Matrix - While its two successors may have fizzled out, fans of the series will always have this enduring sci-fi masterpiece. Avatar may have been a visual treat, but The Matrix revolutionized the game long before Jim even got his act together. What The Matrix did was give sci-fi geeks the break they had been looking for, combining the revolutionary technology at the turn of the century with a classic graphic novel appeal that had them cheering and wanting more.

96. The Breakfast Club - Probably one of the most influential and popular movies of the last quarter century, The Breakfast Club expressed the sentiment and trouble that teenagers feel unlike any other of the classic John Hughes 80's movies. The stereotypes that were represented, preppy, jock, geek, badass, and weird may have been overplayed, but it is because of The Breakfast Club that we have so many cliches, and why we have an entire genre of teen angst movies. In some ways it was groundbreaking, in other ways it simply said all the things we wish we could have said when we were that age.

95. X2: X-Men United - My favorite superhero franchise besides Christopher Nolan's Batman, but for those of us who truly love comic book movies, the second of the X-Men series was absolutely heaven. It combined all of the cool special effects and awesome powers of our favorite heroes and villians, but also combined a great psychological thriller that was dark, thrilling, emotional and superbly executed. While the third movie wouldn't hold up, this middle child turned out to be one of the best.

94. Out of Sight - In my opinion, this was one of the most underrated movies of the last 25 years. It had pitch perfect performances from George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, and combined an excellent blend of romance, action, and heist action to a make a little movie that was tight, thrilling, and exciting to watch. Steven Soderbergh may have gotten more recognition for Erin Brochovich and Traffic (well-deserved, I might add), but many of us will soon not forget this earlier classic.

93. Far From Heaven - 2002 was a great year for great movies, and one of the little gems that failed to gain much traction was this beautifully haunting story of a 1950's housewife that discovers that her husband is gay and potentially has a relationship with a sympathetic black man. This movie was impeccably acted, and Julianne Moore was robbed of a well-deserved Oscar. If you want a movie about change and the strength we find when our world is turned upside down, then this is your movie, and you can't go wrong.

92. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless of Mind - This quirky little comedy proved that Jim Carrey could act, that Kate Winslet could branch out of her comfort zone, and that even the strangest of plot lines could capture your mind and your heart in a rare feat. Michael Gondry has found a knack for creating these types of movies, and although some of his works have been just a little bit over the top, but in this instance, with this incredible cast, he hit the nail on the head.

91. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut - The crudest, loudest, and most political incorrect movie ever made, and one of the best. Like The Simpson's Movie did later, South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut combined the perfect elements of a great episode of South Park, and made it really work even in a much longer form. What was so great about the show/movie was how it was never afraid to take risks. While many were offended throughout its running (including myself in many parts), I can't help but love its tenacity and boldness.

Emmy Top Ten Lists: Best Actor in a Drama Series

1. Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
2. Michael C. Hall "Dexter"
3. Jon Hamm "Mad Men"
4. Hugh Laurie "House"
5. Kiefer Sutherland "24"
6. Simon Baker "The Mentalist"
7. Matthew Fox "Lost"
8. Bill Paxton "Big Love"
9. Denis Leary "Rescue Me"
10. Peter Krause "Parenthood"

Commentary: Unlike some of the other categories, there aren't many fresh faces to look for in this category. Peter Krause is great in Parenthood, but will most likely have to wait his turn. Denis Leary, Simon Baker, and Matthew Fox all have a shot, but I have no reason to think that the big six won't make the cut. Simon Baker, Jon Hamm, Hugh Laurie, and Bryan Cranston are all top contenders. Keifer Sutherland has only one more shot to win the prize. Michael C. Hall will have to beat out Bryan Cranston, but this particular season of Dexter was fantastic, and may get him the trophy.

Sorry...

My internet experienced a blackout this week, so I have been incapicated. Check back late this afternoon for either a new top ten Emmy, or maybe the first ten movies on my Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years countdown....or maybe both?

Emmy Top Ten Lists: Best Actress in a Drama Series

1. Glenn Close "Damages"
2. Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
3. January Jones "Mad Men"
4. Mariska Hargitay "Law & Order: SVU"
5. Kyra Sedgwick "The Closer"
6. Melissa Leo "Treme"
7. Sally Field "Brothers & Sisters"
8. Holly Hunter "Saving Grace"
9. Anna Paquin "True Blood"
10. Lauren Graham "Parenthood"

Commentary: So the battle begins, seeing as this may be Glenn Close's last chance out, she just increased her chances. But not far behind her is the wonderful Julianna Margulies who may strike Emmy gold again with The Good Wife. Some of the usual suspects pop up here such as Sally Field, Kyra Sedgwick, Holly Hunter, and Mariska Hargitay, all of whom could see their numbers called agian. They will find some competition from some not-so newtimers who have yet to be nominated such as Anna Paquin and January Jones. Finally some new blood will be added to the cateogry with the incredible talents of Lauren Graham and Melissa Leo, my two personal faves who I hope get in.

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Preview

I think I have finalized my Top 100 list for 1984-2009. This was incredibly hard to do with so many excellent choices and a lot of great movies didn't make the cut. Some movies I thought would be in like Scarface didn't make it due to dates (1983). Overall I think it is an interesting list that spans the three decades, with a mix of all genres and some personal favorites. There will be some interesting choices, some movies in places that were not expected, either too low or too high in many people's opinions. However, I think it will be a fun project over the summer, combined with my continuing Emmy coverage. Stay tuned!

Emmy Top Ten Lists: Best Actor in a Comedy Series

1. Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"
2. Alec Baldwin "30 Rock"
3. Steve Carell "The Office"
4. Larry David "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
5. Thomas Jane "Hung"
6. Matthew Morrisson "Glee"
7. Tony Shaloub "Monk"
8. Charlie Sheen "Two and a Half Men"
9. David Duchovny "Californication"
10. Joel McHale "Community"

Commentary: I think we are starting to see the shift in the Emmys, as there is now a nice mix of longtime shows and newcomers in this year's race. First you have the old faves like Larry David, Alec Baldwin, Steve Carell, Charlie Sheen, and Tony Shaloub who could all see their numbers called again, especially Carrell as his time on The Office may be coming to an end, or Tony Shaloub as Monk is finally going off the air. David Duchovny and Jim Parsons deserve some praise, especially Parsons who was robbed of an Emmy last year. Then there are three newcomers, two particular ones Thomas Jane and Matthew Morrison who could definitley get nominations, and if they like Community, Joel McHale could see his first nod in this category.

2010 BET Awards Nominees

I'm not sure when these were announced...but the ceremony is June 27th. Also I am beginning to compile my list of Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009), and am continuing to work on Emmy Top Ten Lists...so look out!

Best Female R&B Artist
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Melanie Fiona
Alicia Keys
Rihanna

Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Brown
Raheem DeVaughn
Maxwell
Trey Songz
Usher

Best Gospel
The Anointed Pace Sisters
Kirk Franklin Presents Artists United For Haiti
Tamela Mann
Marvin Sapp
Vickie Winans

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Ester Dean
Lil Kim
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Trina

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
B.o.B.
Drake
Fabolous
Jay-Z
Ludacris

Best Group
Black Eyed Peas
Clipse
Diddy-Dirty Money
New Boyz
Young Money

Best New Artist
Justin Bieber
Melanie Fiona
Nicki Minaj
Wale
Young Money

Best Collaboration
Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga – Video Phone
B.o.B. f/ Bruno Mars – Nothin’ On You
Drake & Trey Songz – Successful
Drake f/ Lil Wayne, Kanye West & Eminem – Forever
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – Say Aah

Video of the Year
Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga – Video Phone
B.o.B. f/ Bruno Mars – Nothin’ On You
Melanie Fiona – It Kills Me
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West – Run This Town

Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Gil Green
Anthony Mandler
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

Best Actress
Taraji P. Henson
Regina King
Mo’Nique
Zoe Saldana
Gabourey Sidibe

Best Actor
Quinton Aaron
Don Cheadle
Idris Elba
Jamie Foxx
Denzel Washington

YoungStars Award
Selena Gomez
Lil JJ
Keke Palmer
Willow Smith
Tyler James Williams

Best Movie
Avatar
Law Abiding Citizen
Michael Jackson’s This Is It
Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
The Blind Side

Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Tamika Catchings
Vanessa James
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year
Carmelo Anthony
Usain Bolt
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Tiger Woods

Viewers Choice Nominees
Beyoncé – Sweet Dreams
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Monica – Everything To Me
Rihanna f/ Young Jeezy – Hard
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – Say Aah
Young Money (Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Jae Millz, Drake, Tyga) f/ Lloyd – Bedrock

Centric Award
Melanie Fiona
Maxwell
Chrisette Michele
Monica
Sade

Best International Act
Kojo Antwi (Ghana)
Chipmunk (UK)
Dizzee Rascal (UK)
Estelle (UK)
Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) (South Africa)
K’NAAN (Somalia)
M.I. (Nigeria)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Corinne Bailey Rae (UK)
Sade (UK)

Emmy Top Ten Lists: Best Actress in a Comedy Series

1.Toni Collette "The United States of Tara"
2. Tina Fey "30 Rock"
3. Lea Michele "Glee"
4. Courtney Cox-Arquette "Cougar Town"
5. Edie Falco "Nurse Jackie"
6. Mary-Louise Parker "Weeds"
7. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss "The New Adventures of Old Christine"
8. Amy Poehler "Parks & Recreation"
9. Jane Adams "Hung"
10. Patricia Heaton "The Middle"

Commentary: Talked about a stacked category. First, we have the two finalists from last year Toni Collette and Tina Fey, who, despite the onslaught of newcomers, will most likely still be this year's top contenders. The next three contenders are from new shows, and Lea Michele is a true necomer to the game. The other two are long established TV vets who had incredible first seasons. Of course I'm talking about Courtney Cox and Edie Falco, both of whom deserve some recognition, as does Michele. The hypenated girls Mary-Louise Parker and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss could fight for the last spot, or could knock off one of the other contenders, my hope is that if one of them can stay in it is Parker. The last three spots go to some veterans who could see their names called including the hilarious Poehler, and the Emmy fave Heaton, who has won this category before.

Emmy Top Ten Lists: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

1. Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad"
2. Michael Emerson "Lost"
3. Martin Short "Damages"
4. Terry O'Quinn "Lost"
5. John Goodman "Treme"
6. John Slattery "Mad Men"
7. Campbell Scott "Damages"
8. Chris Noth "The Good Wife"
9. Patrick Dempsey "Grey's Anatomy"
10. Vincent Kartheiser "Mad Men"

This is a stacked year, with plenty of other contenders out of these ten that are possibilities. But these are probably the most likely. The Mad Men boys are back with at least two, maybe other possibilities. Same can be said about Damages, with Martin Short most likely being its best bet. Aaron Paul should have won last year, so hopefully he at least gets some recognition. Lost is in its finally season so previous winners Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson could see their names called again. Two newcomers Chris Noth and John Goodman are well-known and star in popular new TV shows and could easily make the final 6. Finally, Patrick Dempsey has constantly been good on Grey's and this year he had to stretch his ability and did well with it, and may get some recognition for his work.

2010 Daytime Emmy Nominations

Here are some of the nominees for the Daytime Emmys, the rest can be seen at this link:

http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/daytime_37th_nominations_data_only_nominees.html

OUTSTANDING DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
• The Bold and the Beautiful
• The Young and the Restless
• General Hospital
• All My Children

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
• Crystal Chappell, Guiding Light
• Michelle Stafford, The Young and the Restless
• Maura West, As the World Turns
• Sarah Brown, General Hospital
• Bobbie Eakes, All My Children

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
• Peter Bergman, The Young and the Restless
• Jon Lindstrom, As the World Turns
• Michael Park, As the World Turns
• Doug Davidson, The Young and the Restless
• James Scott, Days of Our Lives

OUTSTANDING TALK SHOW – ENTERTAINMENT
• Rachael Ray
• Live With Regis and Kelly
• The Ellen DeGeneres Show

OUTSTANDING TALK SHOW - INFORMATIVE
• Dr. Phil
• The Doctors
• The Dr. Oz Show

OUTSTANDING TALK SHOW HOST
• Rachael Ray, Rachael Ray
• Bonnie Hunt, The Bonnie Hunt Show
• Dr. Mehmet Oz , The Dr. Oz Show
• Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, Live With Regis and Kelly
• Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Sherri Shepherd and Barbara Walters, The View

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES WRITING TEAM
The Bold and the Beautiful
As the World Turns
The Young and the Restless
All My Children

OUTSTANDING LIFESTYLE/CULINARY HOST
Bobby Flay "Grill it With Bobby Flay"
Ina Garten "Barfoot Contessa: Back to the Basics"
Paula Deen "Paula's Best Dishes"
Martha Stewart "The Martha Stewart Show"
Giada de Laurentis "Giada At Home"

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Agnes Nixon

Emmy Top Ten Lists: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

1. Elisabeth Moss "Mad Men"
2. Chloe Sevigny "Big Love"
3. Rose Byrne "Damages"
4. Chrisitina Hendricks "Mad Men"
5. Chandra Wilson "Grey's Anatomy"
6. Sandra Oh "Grey's Anatomy"
7. Khandi Alexander "Treme"
8. Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"
9. Cherry Jones "24"
10. Ginnfer Goodwin "Big Love"

Commetary: Now that Elisabeth Moss has been put into supporting, she is now the frontrunner, as in the Best Actress category is stacked with Emmy faves. Her co-star Christina Hendricks should finally get some love this year, as she has been shunned for too long. Rose Byrne may have only one more chance to win a well-deserved Emmy for standing hall against Glenn Close for three years. The Grey's girls are always great (even when the show isn't), and are always in the mix and both deserve Emmys. Cherry Jones surprised everyone with a well-deserve win, but 24 is falling off the map and she may miss the cut altogether this year. The Big Love girls, Chloe Sevigny and Ginner Goodwin could see their names called, and Sevigny is fresh off her Golden Globe win, and could add an Emmy to her collection. Finally two newcomers (not really, but in terms of new shows) the Emmy fave Christine Baranski, and the fantastic Khandi Alexander in the wonderful new series Treme, could add some new blood to the race.

Emmy Top Ten Lists: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

1. Neil Patrick Harris "How I Met Your Mother"
2. Ty Burrell "Modern Family"
3. Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family"
4. Jeremy Piven "Entourage"
5. Rainn Wilson "The Office"
6. Tracy Morgan "30 Rock"
7. Jack McBrayer "30 Rock"
8. Jon Cryer "Two and a Half Men"
9. Ed O'Neill "Modern Family"
10. (Tie) Chris Colfer "Glee" and Kevin Dillon "Entourage"

Neil Patrick Harris has got to win one of these soon, hopefully this is the year. The Entourage boys and 30 Rock boys are always contenders, but they might not be as lucky with noms this year. Jon Cryer snuck one in the back door last year, but since TAAHM is falling off the map, a nomination maybe all he gets. Chris Colfer is hilarious on Glee, and if they get swept up with the show, he may get swept along with it. The last three spots go to the smart team at Modern Family, who submitted the whole lot as supporting instead of lead. If there is a God, Ed O'Neill will finally get some recognition.

2010 Tony Awards Nominations

Nominations for the 2010 American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards®
Presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing

Considering a weak year for Broadway, these are some great choices. The lead actor in a play looks like an Oscar category. Anyway, before the big show I will make some predictions, but for now enjoy!

Best Play

In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play
Author: Sarah Ruhl
Producers: Lincoln Center Theater, André Bishop, Bernard Gersten

Next Fall
Author: Geoffrey Nauffts
Producers: Elton John and David Furnish, Barbara Manocherian, Richard Willis, Tom Smedes, Carole L. Haber/Chase Mishkin, Ostar, Anthony Barrile, Michael Palitz, Bob Boyett, James Spry/Catherine Schreiber, Probo Productions, Roy Furman, Naked Angels

Red
Author: John Logan
Producers: Arielle Tepper Madover, Stephanie P. McClelland, Matthew Byam Shaw, Neal Street, Fox Theatricals, Ruth Hendel/Barbara Whitman, Philip Hagemann/Murray Rosenthal, The Donmar Warehouse

Time Stands Still
Author: Donald Margulies
Producers: Manhattan Theatre Club, Lynne Meadow, Barry Grove, Nelle Nugent/Wendy Federman

Best Musical

American Idiot
Producers: Tom Hulce & Ira Pittelman, Ruth and Steven Hendel, Vivek J. Tiwary and Gary Kaplan, Aged in Wood and Burnt Umber, Scott Delman, Latitude Link, HOP Theatricals and Jeffrey Finn, Larry Welk, Bensinger Filerman and Moellenberg Taylor, Allan S. Gordon/Elan V. McAllister, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Awaken Entertainment, John Pinckard and John Domo

Fela!
Producers: Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Roy Gabay, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Edward Tyler Nahem, Slava Smolokowski, Chip Meyrelles/Ken Greiner, Douglas G. Smith, Steve Semlitz/Cathy Glaser, Daryl Roth/True Love Productions, Susan Dietz/Mort Swinsky, Knitting Factory Entertainment, Alicia Keys

Memphis
Producers: Junkyard Dog Productions, Barbara and Buddy Freitag, Marleen and Kenny Alhadeff, Latitude Link, Jim and Susan Blair, Demos Bizar Entertainment, Land Line Productions, Apples and Oranges Productions, Dave Copley, Dancap Productions, Inc., Alex and Katya Lukianov, Tony Ponturo, 2 Guys Productions, Richard Winkler, Lauren Doll, Eric and Marsi Gardiner, Linda and Bill Potter, Broadway Across America, Jocko Productions, Patty Baker, Dan Frishwasser, Bob Bartner/Scott and Kaylin Union, Loraine Boyle/Chase Mishkin, Remmel T. Dickinson/Memphis Orpheum Group, ShadowCatcher Entertainment/Vijay and Sita Vashee

Million Dollar Quartet
Producers: Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions, American Pop Anthology, Broadway Across America, James L. Nederlander

Best Book of a Musical

Everyday Rapture
Dick Scanlan and Sherie Rene Scott

Fela!
Jim Lewis & Bill T. Jones

Memphis
Joe DiPietro

Million Dollar Quartet
Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

The Addams Family
Music & Lyrics: Andrew Lippa

Enron
Music: Adam Cork
Lyrics: Lucy Prebble

Fences
Music: Branford Marsalis

Memphis
Music: David Bryan
Lyrics: Joe DiPietro, David Bryan

Best Revival of a Play

Fences
Producers: Carole Shorenstein Hays and Scott Rudin

Lend Me a Tenor
Producers: The Araca Group, Stuart Thompson, Carl Moellenberg, Rodney Rigby, Olympus Theatricals, Broadway Across America, The Shubert Organization, Wendy Federman/Jamie deRoy/Richard Winkler, Lisa Cartwright, Spring Sirkin, Scott and Brian Zeilinger

The Royal Family
Producers: Manhattan Theatre Club, Lynne Meadow, Barry Grove

A View from the Bridge
Producers: Stuart Thompson, The Araca Group, Jeffrey Finn, Broadway Across America, Olympus Theatricals, Marisa Sechrest, The Weinstein Company, Jon B. Platt, Sonia Friedman Productions/Robert G. Bartner, Mort Swinsky/Joseph Deitch, Adam Zotovich/Ruth Hendel/Orin Wolf, Shelter Island Enterprises, The Shubert Organization

Best Revival of a Musical

Finian's Rainbow
Producers: David Richenthal, Jack Viertel, Alan D. Marks, Michael Speyer, Bernard Abrams, David M. Milch, Stephen Moore, Debbie Bisno/Myla Lerner, Jujamcyn Theaters, Melly Garcia, Jamie deRoy, Jon Bierman, Richard Driehaus, Kevin Spirtas, Jay Binder, StageVentures 2009 Limited Partnership

La Cage aux Folles
Producers: Sonia Friedman Productions, David Babani, Barry and Fran Weissler and Edwin W. Schloss, Bob Bartner/Norman Tulchin, Broadway Across America, Matthew Mitchell, Raise The Roof 4 Richard Winkler/Bensinger Taylor/Laudenslager Bergrère, Arelene Scanlan/John O'Boyle, Independent Presenters Network, Olympus Theatricals, Allen Spivak, Jerry Frankel/Bat-Barry Productions, Nederlander Presentations, Inc/Harvey Weinstein, Menier Chocolate Factory

A Little Night Music
Producers: Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, The Menier Chocolate Factory, Roger Berlind, David Babani, Sonia Friedman Productions, Andrew Fell, Daryl Roth/Jane Bergere, Harvey Weinstein/Raise the Roof 3, Beverly Bartner/Dancap Productions, Inc., Nica Burns/Max Weitzenhoffer, Eric Falkenstein/Anna Czekaj, Jerry Frankel/Ronald Frankel, James D. Stern/Douglas L. Meyer

Ragtime
Producers: Kevin McCollum, Roy Furman, Scott Delman, Roger Berlind, Max Cooper, Tom Kirdahy/Devin Elliott, Jeffrey A. Sine, Stephanie P. McClelland, Roy Miller, Lams Productions, Jana Robbins, Sharon Karmazin, Eric Falkenstein/Morris Berchard, RialtoGals Productions, Independent Presenters Network, Held-Haffner Productions, HRH Foundation, Emanuel Azenberg, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Michael Kaiser, Max Woodward

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play

Jude Law, Hamlet
Alfred Molina, Red
Liev Schreiber, A View from the Bridge
Christopher Walken, A Behanding in Spokane
Denzel Washington, Fences

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play

Viola Davis, Fences
Valerie Harper, Looped
Linda Lavin, Collected Stories
Laura Linney, Time Stands Still
Jan Maxwell, The Royal Family

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical

Kelsey Grammer, La Cage aux Folles
Sean Hayes, Promises, Promises
Douglas Hodge, La Cage aux Folles
Chad Kimball, Memphis
Sahr Ngaujah, Fela!

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical

Kate Baldwin, Finian's Rainbow
Montego Glover, Memphis
Christiane Noll, Ragtime
Sherie Rene Scott, Everyday Rapture
Catherine Zeta-Jones, A Little Night Music

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play

David Alan Grier, Race
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Fences
Jon Michael Hill, Superior Donuts
Stephen Kunken, Enron
Eddie Redmayne, Red

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play

Maria Dizzia, In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play
Rosemary Harris, The Royal Family
Jessica Hecht, A View from the Bridge
Scarlett Johansson, A View from the Bridge
Jan Maxwell, Lend Me a Tenor

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical

Kevin Chamberlin, The Addams Family
Robin De Jesús, La Cage aux Folles
Christopher Fitzgerald, Finian's Rainbow
Levi Kreis, Million Dollar Quartet
Bobby Steggert, Ragtime

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical

Barbara Cook, Sondheim on Sondheim
Katie Finneran, Promises, Promises
Angela Lansbury, A Little Night Music
Karine Plantadit, Come Fly Away
Lillias White, Fela!

Best Scenic Design of a Play

John Lee Beatty, The Royal Family
Alexander Dodge, Present Laughter
Santo Loquasto, Fences
Christopher Oram, Red

Best Scenic Design of a Musical

Marina Draghici, Fela!
Christine Jones, American Idiot
Derek McLane, Ragtime
Tim Shortall, La Cage aux Folles

Best Costume Design of a Play

Martin Pakledinaz, Lend Me a Tenor
Constanza Romero, Fences
David Zinn, In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play
Catherine Zuber, The Royal Family

Best Costume Design of a Musical

Marina Draghici, Fela!
Santo Loquasto, Ragtime
Paul Tazewell, Memphis
Matthew Wright, La Cage aux Folles

Best Lighting Design of a Play

Neil Austin, Hamlet
Neil Austin, Red
Mark Henderson, Enron
Brian MacDevitt, Fences

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Kevin Adams, American Idiot
Donald Holder, Ragtime
Nick Richings, La Cage aux Folles
Robert Wierzel, Fela!

Best Sound Design of a Play

Acme Sound Partners, Fences
Adam Cork, Enron
Adam Cork, Red
Scott Lehrer, A View from the Bridge

Best Sound Design of a Musical

Jonathan Deans, La Cage aux Folles
Robert Kaplowitz, Fela!
Dan Moses Schreier and Gareth Owen, A Little Night Music
Dan Moses Schreier, Sondheim on Sondheim

Best Direction of a Play

Michael Grandage, Red
Sheryl Kaller, Next Fall
Kenny Leon, Fences
Gregory Mosher, A View from the Bridge

Best Direction of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Memphis
Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Ragtime
Terry Johnson, La Cage aux Folles
Bill T. Jones, Fela!

Best Choreography

Rob Ashford, Promises, Promises
Bill T. Jones, Fela!
Lynne Page, La Cage aux Folles
Twyla Tharp, Come Fly Away

Best Orchestrations

Jason Carr, La Cage aux Folles
Aaron Johnson, Fela!
Jonathan Tunick, Promises, Promises
Daryl Waters & David Bryan, Memphis

* * *

Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre
Alan Ayckbourn
Marian Seldes

Regional Theatre Tony Award
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Waterford, Connecticut

Isabelle Stevenson Award
David Hyde Pierce

Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre
Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York
B.H. Barry
Tom Viola


Tony Nominations by Production

Fela! - 11
La Cage aux Folles - 11
Fences - 10
Memphis - 8
Ragtime - 7
Red - 7
A View from the Bridge - 6
The Royal Family - 5
Enron – 4
A Little Night Music - 4
Promises, Promises - 4
American Idiot - 3
Finian's Rainbow - 3
In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play - 3
Lend Me a Tenor - 3
Million Dollar Quartet - 3
The Addams Family - 2
Come Fly Away - 2
Everyday Rapture - 2
Hamlet - 2
Next Fall - 2
Sondheim on Sondheim - 2
Time Stands Still - 2
A Behanding in Spokane - 1
Collected Stories - 1
Looped - 1
Present Laughter - 1
Race - 1
Superior Donuts - 1

Emmy Top Ten Lists: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

1. Jane Lynch “Glee”
2. Jane Krakowski “30 Rock”
3. Vanessa Williams “Ugly Betty”
4. Sofia Vergara “Modern Family”
5. Kristin Wiig “SNL”
6. Julie Bowen “Modern Family”
7. Jenna Fischer “The Office”
8. Elizabeth Perkins “Weeds”
9. Holland Taylor “Two and a Half Men”
10. (tie) Merritt Wever “Nurse Jackie” / Anna Deveare Smith “Nurse Jackie”

Although last year’s champ Kristin Chenoweth won’t be back (which is a shame because Pushing Daisies was an incredible show) this is going to be a tough category to fill, with a lot of new blood coming in to upset the balance. Some old favorites such as Vanessa Williams (who has only one more shot at winning), Jane Krakowski, Elizabeth Perkins, Kristin Wiig, Jenna Fischer, and Holland Taylor, are perennial favorites, and are once again in the running. But this year a crop of well-reviewed new comedies hopes to knock off a few spots. Modern Family has a couple contenders, but I would go with Sofia Vergara as a lock, and Julie Bowen as a very good possibility. Nurse Jackie may be all about Edie Falco, but Merritt Wever and Anna Deveare Smith, both are fantastic on the show, and could be pulled in if the series gets a lot of recognition. But the real newcomer who has shot to the pack is comedy fave Jane Lynch, as her character Sue is one of the best parts about Glee, which is saying a lot considering everything is good about that show.

RIP Lynn Redgrave

Some sad news...Two time Academy Awards Nominee Lynn Redgrave died today. This is an incredible loss to the Hollywood community. Rest in Peace