Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Directing/Writing in a Comedy Series

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
1. Ryan Murphy "Glee - Pilot"
2. Jason Winer "Modern Family - Glee"
3. Larry Charles "Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Table Read"
4. Paul Feig "The Office - Niagara"
5. Don Scardino "30 Rock - I Do Do"


Alternates: Joe & Anthony Russo "Community - Pilot", Paris Barclay "Glee - Wheels", Allen Coulter "Nurse Jackie - Pilot", Jeff Schaffer "Curb Your Enthusiasm - Seinfeld"


Commentary: I'm probably stupid for not putting Curb Your Enthusiasm in the final spot, especially considering it was the Seinfeld reunion, but I went with 30 Rock instead, as it is a frontrunner for the top prize. The other four I am pretty certain about, as they seem to be the consensus of most pundits.


Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
1. Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan & Ryan Murphy "Glee - Pilot"
2. Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd "Modern Family - Pilot"
3. Matt Hubbard "30 Rock - Anna Howard Shaw Day"
4. Kay Cannon, Tina Fey "30 Rock - Lee Marvin vs. Derek Jeter"
5. Mindy Kaling & Greg Daniels "The Office - Niagara"

Alternates: Paul Corrigan, Brad Walsh "Modern Family - Fitzbo", Liz Brixius, Linda Wallem, Evan Duncksy "Nurse Jackie - Pilot", Dan Harmon "Community - Pilot"

Commentary: I think that the Glee and Modern Family Pilots are safe, as is at least one of the 30 Rock episodes, and I think both as well. The Office has a great shot, but don't count out another Modern Family episode slipping in and taking that spot.

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

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

1. Betty White "SNL"
2. Kristin Chenoweth "Glee"
3. Tina Fey "SNL"
4. Elaine Stritch "30 Rock"
5. Catherine O'Hara "Crub Your Enthusiasm"

Alternates: Kathleen Turner "Californication", Julia Louis-Dreyfuss "Curb Your Enthusiasm", Kathy Bates "The Office", Minnie Driver "Modern Family", Judith Ivey "Nurse Jackie", Christine Baranski "The Big Bang Theory"

Commentary: Not sure if there will be five or six nominees, so I went with five, and Judith Ivey, Kathy Bates, and Christine Baranski are the next in line. I think that Tina Fey and Betty White are locks for their SNL turns. I also think that Kristin Chenoweth is in for her singing turn in Glee. Finally, I think that Stritch is in because of name recognition, and O'Hara is a guilty pleasure pick that deserves some recognition.

Outstading Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

1. Neil Patrick Harris "Glee"
2. Jon Hamm "SNL"
3. Carl Reiner "Two and a Half Men"
4. Harvey Fierstein "Nurse Jackie"
5. Mike O'Malley "Glee"

Alternates: Fred Willard "Modern Family", Will Arnett "30 Rock", Matt Damon "30 Rock", James Franco "30 Rock", Eli Wallach "Nurse Jackie"

Commentary: I'm going out on a limb and predicting that Glee makes a big statement getting in both Harris and O'Malley, although this is a tough category, and neither could make it. Jon Hamm is the frontrunner at this point, and Reiner and Fierstein are industry vets that deserve more credit than they usually get. This is a tough category and any of the alternates could get in. We'll wait and see.

Winners of the 2010 BET Awards

Lifetime Achievement

Prince

Viewers' Choice

Rihanna

Best R&B Female Artist

Alicia Keys

Best Male R&B Artist

Trey Songz

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist

Nicki Minaj

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist

Drake

Best Collaboration

"Empire State of Mind," Jay-Z and Alicia Keys

Best New Artist

Nicki Minaj

Best Group

Young Money

Video of the Year

"Video Phone," Beyonce and Lady Gaga

Youngstars Award

Keke Palmer

Best Actress

Mo'Nique

Best Actor

Idris Elba

Best Movie

"Precious"

Best Gospel

Marvin Sapp

Centric Award

Monica

Sportsman of the Year

LeBron James

Sportswoman of the Year

Serena Williams

Best International Act

Dizzee Rascal

Humanitarian Award

John Legend

2010 Daytime Emmy Winners

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama

Julie Pinson as Janet Ciccone on As The World Turns.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama

Billy Miller as Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless.

Outstanding Talk Show - Informative

The Doctors.

Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama

Drew Tyler Bell as Thomas Forrester in The Bold and the Beautiful.

Outstanding Talk Show - Entertainment

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Outstanding Younger Actress in a Daytime Drama

Julie Marie Berman as Lulu Spencer in General Hospital

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

The Bold and the Beautiful

Outstanding Talk Show Host

Dr. Mehmet Oz for The Dr. Oz show

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

The Bold and the Beautiful

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Michael Park as Jack Snyder in As The World Turns

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Maura West, As the World Turns

Outstanding Drama Series

The Bold and the Beautiful

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 5

60. Rain Man - Despite winning four Academy Awards in 1989, Rain Man still falls into the love/hate category, even today. Well in case there was any confusion, I fit on the love side. Dustin Hoffman gives the performance of a lifetime, as the unknown son of a rich yuppie who receives most of his fortune, then sees himself wisked away by his older brother (Tom Cruise), who is looking to capture what he feels is his rightful money. While it can sometimes be pat, Hoffman's endearing performance and Levinson's supple script make for excellent entertainment.

59. Pretty Woman - Before she went all serious on us in Erin Brocovich, Julia Roberts was America's Sweetheart, and this quirky little romance between a hooker and an upper-class businessman was the crowning achievement of that well-earned title. What could have been a class-less, taudry movie about hookers, turns quickly into an endearing, warm romantic comedy that capitalizes on conventions, and makes a fun, and romantic story that captured the hearts of Americans, including all the hookers with hearts of gold.

58. The Color Purple - Steven Spielberg, in his early days at least, was a sci-fi master, creating some of the best movies in that genre we had ever seen. But in 1985, he broke from that form and tackled one of the most serious, deep American novels of 20th century. What could have been a complete disaster turned into one of the most poignant and moving films of the last quarter century. It was nominated for 11 Oscars, and in a cruel twist of fate, lost every single one of them. But no one will ever forget the incredible performances from Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, or Oprah, nor will they forget the power of this beautiful film.

57. The Hurt Locker - I know what you're saying....weren't you not exactly this film's biggest fan? True as it may be, I cannot deny the power, grittiness, and lasting impression that Kathryn Bigelow's little gem had on me, and apparently the Academy. What The Hurt Locker perfectly captured the grittiness, harshness, and reality of our current oversea endeavors. More importantly, it finally gave the world a reason to honor the brilliant, yet underground and underseen career of the great Kathryn Bigelow, and if that isn't worth a spot on this countdown, then I don't know what is.

56. Children of Men- This post-apocalyptic thriller that came out in the best year for movies in the last 8 or so, 2006, would have been in the top ten spots had there been ten nominees. This dark fantasy world not only boasted great performances, but it gave us all a message to take home. Really Children of Men is just one of the many fantasy movies that teleports us to a made-up world, yet gives us lessons on our lives that can be taken back with us to reality. Not to mention that the story of the one pregnant woman who must be transported to save mankind in the year 2027 is totally awesome.

55. Dead Man Walking - This is the story that all of us face everytime we turn on CNN. We see that a brutal murder has occured, and the first you want to do is see the bastard fry. Then you start to here that person's story. Then suddenly you are torn between feeling sorry for the person, and feeling sorry for the victim and their families. Dead Man Walking perfectly captured this struggle, and featured some incredible performances from Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn. Featuring a surprising excellent direction from Tim Robbins, Dead Man Walking turned out to be objective, yet moving.

54. Office Space - When this film first hit theatres it was a huge bomb, and went away without a peep. But like all great underdogs, it came roaring back as huge cult hit, and is not a pop culture phenomenon (as i sit here typing in my Bill Lumbergh t-shirt), and has become one of the most popular and well-received films of the last 25 years. It was quirky, featured some great performances, and more importantly expressed what every individual who has ever worked through the monotamous grind of office work, always wanted to say, and do, and that is an achievement.

53. No Country for Old Men - In 2007 The Coen Bros. once again proved that they could create excellent art. But instead of having a comedy, or even a dramedy, they went straight to their most serious, dark film to date. When a case full of money is taken from a drug deal gone wrong, an infamous cat and mouse chase begins, with the frightening Anton on the prowl. Between the mood that they created, matched perfectly with a Hitchcockian style, and the best silent scenes ever written, combined with endearing performances, especially the bruding Javier Bardem, No Country For Old Men have us all at the edge of our seats. If only we could figure out what actually happened....guess that is the magic of suspense.

52. The Lion King - In my senior English class in highschool, we had to discuss the artistic merit of Hamlet based on an academic argument between T.S. Eliot and C.S. Lewis. In mine, I took it a step furhter and argued that a particular remake of that classic story was more of a work of art than Shakespeare's original, that movie was The Lion King. With vivid animation, classic music from the great Elton John, and a variety of capable voice performances, The Lion King perfectly capped Disney's animated comeback, and set the bar for films to come.

51. Godsford Park - While it is no Nashville, Robert Altman's quirky British murder-mystery remains one of the best entries into his incredible arsenal, and continues his incredible string of ensemble-based movies, that no one has quite been able to match since (although many have tried). Had some great actors like Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren, and Michael Gambon, as well as the best script of the last decade, and an endearing director whose memory still lives on.

Quick Update

This weekend has been kinda crazy, but today or tomorrow I hope to have Part 5 of my Top 100 Movies of Last 25 Years posted. Also the BET Awards and Daytime Emmys are tonight, so by tomorrow morning I'll post the winners. This week I'll continue my Emmy nomination predictions, and work on Part 6, as well as post a review for Toy Story 3 which I am finally seeing today. That is a lot to do...hope you enjoy!

New Academy Members

135 new individuals were added to the Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences. Most were new nominees, but some notable others include, Tobin Bell, James Gandolfini, Ryan Reynolds, Zoe Saldana, Adam Sandler, Bono, The Edge, and Adam Shankman.

Actors

Tobin Bell – “Saw,” “The Firm”
Vera Farmiga – “Up in the Air,” “The Departed”
Miguel Ferrer – “Traffic,” “RoboCop”
James Gandolfini – “In the Loop,” “Get Shorty”
Anna Kendrick – “Up in the Air,” “Twilight”
Mo’Nique – “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” “Phat Girlz”
Carey Mulligan – “An Education,” “Public Enemies”
Jeremy Renner – “The Hurt Locker,” “28 Weeks Later”
Ryan Reynolds – “The Proposal,” “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”
LaTanya Richardson Jackson – “Mother and Child,” “Losing Isaiah”
Peter Riegert – “Traffic,” “Crossing Delancey”
Sam Robards – “A.I. Artificial Intelligence,” “American Beauty”
Saoirse Ronan – “The Lovely Bones,” “Atonement”
Zoe Saldana – “Avatar,” “Star Trek”
Adam Sandler – “Funny People,” “Punch-Drunk Love”
Peter Sarsgaard – “An Education,” “Boys Don’t Cry”
Gabourey Sidibe – “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Shaun Toub – “Iron Man,” “The Kite Runner”
Christoph Waltz – “Inglourious Basterds”
George Wyner – “A Serious Man,” “American Pie 2”

Animators

Ken Bielenberg – “Monsters vs Aliens,” “Shrek”
Peter de Seve – “Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs,” “Ratatouille”
Steve Hickner – “Bee Movie,” “The Prince of Egypt”
Angus MacLane – “Toy Story 3,” “WALL-E”
Darragh O’Connell – “Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty,” “Give Up Yer Aul Sins”
Simon Otto – “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Kung Fu Panda”
Bob Pauley – “Toy Story 3,” “Monsters, Inc.”
Willem Thijssen – “The Aroma of Tea,” “A Greek Tragedy”

Art Directors

Kim Sinclair – “Avatar,” “Cast Away”
Dave Warren – “Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “Bridget Jones’s Diary”

At-Large

Darcy Antonellis
John Lowry
Casting Directors
Laura Rosenthal – “The Messenger,” “I’m Not There”
Cinematographers
Barry Ackroyd – “The Hurt Locker,” “United 93”
Christian Berger – “The White Ribbon,” “Cache”
Hagen Bogdanski – “The Young Victoria,” “The Lives of Others”
Shane Hurlbut – “Terminator Salvation,” “We Are Marshall”
Tom Hurwitz – “Valentino The Last Emperor,” “Ghosts of Abu Ghraib”
Dan Mindel – “Star Trek,” “Mission: Impossible III”
Tobias Schliessler – “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3,” “Hancock”
Stephen Windon – “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” “House of Wax”
Robert Yeoman – “Get Him to the Greek,” “The Squid and the Whale”

Costume Designers

Catherine Leterrier – “Coco before Chanel,” “Avenue Montaigne”
Janet Patterson – “Bright Star,” “The Piano”

Directors

Jacques Audiard – “A Prophet,” “The Beat That My Heart Skipped”
Juan Jose Campanella – “The Secret in Their Eyes,” “Son of the Bride”
Lee Daniels – “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” “Shadowboxer”
Claudia Llosa – “The Milk of Sorrow,” “Madeinusa”
Lone Scherfig – “An Education,” “Italian for Beginners”
Adam Shankman – “Bedtime Stories,” “Hairspray”

Documentary

Nancy Baker – “Rehearsing a Dream,” “Born into Brothels”
Rick Goldsmith – “The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers,” “Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press”
Davis Guggenheim – “It Might Get Loud,” “An Inconvenient Truth”
Tia Lessin – “Capitalism: A Love Story,” “Trouble the Water”
Cara Mertes – “The Betrayal,” “My Country, My Country”
Frazer Pennebaker – “Al Franken: God Spoke,” “The War Room”
Julia Reichert – “The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant,” “Seeing Red”
Morgan Spurlock – “Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden?,” “Super Size Me”

Executives

Christopher W. Aronson
Jim Berk
Philippe Dauman
Sheila DeLoach
Donald Peter Granger
Nathan Kahane
Andrew Karpen
Ryan Kavanaugh
David Kosse
David Andrew Spitz
Emma Watts

Film Editors

Robert Frazen – “Synecdoche, New York,” “Smart People”
Dana E. Glauberman – “Up in the Air,” “Thank You for Smoking”
Joe Klotz – “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” “Grace Is Gone”
Bob Murawski – “The Hurt Locker,” “Spider-Man”
John Refoua – “Avatar,” “Reno 911!: Miami”

Live Action Short Films

Joachim Back – “The New Tenants”
Gregg Helvey – “Kavi,” “The Knife Grinder’s Tale”
Makeup Artists and Hairstylists
Kris Evans – “X-Men The Last Stand,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”
Jane Galli – “Knight and Day,” “3:10 to Yuma”
Mindy Hall – “Star Trek,” “World Trade Center”
Joel Harlow – “Star Trek,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
Jenny Shircore – “The Young Victoria,” “Elizabeth”

Music

Christophe Beck – “The Hangover,” “Bring It On”
Bono – “Gangs of New York,” “In the Name of the Father”
T Bone Burnett – “Crazy Heart,” “Cold Mountain”
The Edge – “Gangs of New York,” “GoldenEye”
Brian Tyler – “Fast & Furious,” “Aliens vs. Predator Requiem”

Producers

Stephanie Allain – “Black Snake Moan,” “Hustle & Flow”
Gregory Jacobs – “The Informant!,” “The Good German”
Jon Landau – “Avatar,” “Titanic”
Marc Turtletaub – “Away We Go,” “Little Miss Sunshine”
Glenn Williamson – “Sunshine Cleaning,” “Hollywoodland”
Production Designers
Kirk M. Pertruccelli – “The Incredible Hulk,” “The Patriot”
Edward S. Verreaux – “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” “Jurassic Park III”

Public Relations

Dwight Caines
Suzanne M. Cole
Tommy Gargotta
Sophie Gluck
Josh Greenstein
Pamela Levine
Wendy Lightbourn
Michele Robertson
Tony Sella

Set Decorators

Maggie Gray – “The Young Victoria,” “Ella Enchanted”
Douglas A. Mowat – “Role Models,” “The Sixth Sense”
Caroline Smith – “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus,” “Match Point”

Sound

Frank Eulner – “Iron Man 2,” “Hellboy”
Adam Jenkins – “I Love You, Man,” “Crash”
Tony Lamberti – “Inglourious Basterds,” “Sideways”
Dennis Leonard – “Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” “The Polar Express”
Tom Myers – “Up,” “WALL-E”
Paul N.J. Ottosson – “The Hurt Locker,” “Spider-Man 3”
Resul Pookutty – “Ghajini,” “Slumdog Millionaire”
Gary A. Rizzo – “How to Train Your Dragon,” “The Dark Knight”
Michael Silvers – “Up,” “Ratatouille”
Gwendolyn Yates Whittle – “Avatar,” “The Simpsons Movie”

Visual Effects

Matt Aitken – “District 9,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
Karen Ansel – “Angels & Demons,” “Men in Black II”
Richard Baneham – “Avatar,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”
Eric Barba – “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Zodiac”
Paul Debevec – “Avatar,” “King Kong”
Russell Earl – “Star Trek,” “Transformers”
Steve Galich – “Date Night,” “Transformers”
Andrew R. Jones – “Avatar,” “I, Robot”
Dan Kaufman – “District 9,” “Ocean’s Thirteen”
Derek Spears – “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” “Superman Returns”
Steve Sullivan – “Avatar,” “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith”
Michael J. Wassel – “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” “The Bourne Identity”

Writers

Neill Blomkamp – “District 9”
Mark Boal – “The Hurt Locker,” “In the Valley of Elah”
Geoffrey Fletcher – “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Nick Hornby – “An Education,” “Fever Pitch”
Alex Kurtzman – “Star Trek,” “Mission: Impossible III”
Tom McCarthy – “Up,” “The Visitor”
Roberto Orci – “Star Trek,” “Mission: Impossible III”
Terri Tatchell – “District 9”

Emmy Nomination Predictions: TV Movie/Miniseries

Outstanding Made for Television Miniseries

1. You Don't Know Jack
2. Georgia O'Keefe
3. Temple Grandin
4. The Special Relationship
5. When Love is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story

Alternates: Endgame, A Dog Year, Capturing Mary, Moonshot

Commentary: I think there are four safe spots for the high profile projects of Temple Grandin, You Don't Know Jack, The Special Relationship, and Georgia O'Keefe. The final slot could go to Endgame or A Dog Year or even Moonshot, but the Winona Ryder vehicle When Love is Not Enough, gets the final spot.

Outstanding Miniseries
1. The Pacific
2. Emma

Alternates: Return to Cranford, The Prisoner, Alice

Commentary: With only five eligible minis this year, and a clear cut winner (most likely) with The Pacific, I went with Emma in the second spot, although Return to Cranford could easily get the gig.

Saturn Award Winners

Avatar cleans up (no surprise) at the Saturn Awards. Here is the complete list of winners:

Best Science Fiction Film: AVATAR

Best Fantasy Film: WATCHMEN

Best Horror Film: DRAG ME TO HELL

Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film: INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

Best Actor: SAM WORTHINGTON (Avatar)

Best Actress: ZOE SALDANA (Avatar)

Best Supporting Actor: STEPHEN LANG (Avatar)

Best Supporting Actress: SIGOURNEY WEAVER (Avatar)

Best Performance by a Younger Actor: SAOIRSE RONAN (The Lovely Bones)

Best Director: JAMES CAMERON (Avatar)

Best Writer: JAMES CAMERON (Avatar)

Best Music: JAMES HORNER (Avatar)

Best Costume: MICHAEL WILKINSON (Watchmen)

Best Make-Up: BARNEY BURMAN, MINDY HALL, JOEL HARLOW (Star Trek)

Best Production Design: RICK CARTER, ROBERT STROMBERG (Avatar)

Best Special Effects: JOE LETTERI, STEPHEN ROSENBAUM, RICHARD BANEHAM, ANDREW R. JONES (Avatar)

Best International Film: DISTRICT 9

Best Animation Film: MONSTERS VS. ALIENS

Best Television Series: LOST

Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series: BREAKING BAD

Best Presentation on Television: TORCHWOOD: CHILDREN OF EARTH

Best Actor on Television:JOSH HOLLOWAY (Lost)

Best Actress on Television:ANNA TORV (Fringe)

Best Supporting Actor on Television:AARON PAUL (Breaking Bad)

Best Supporting Actress on Television: JULIE BENZ (Dexter)

Guest Starring Role on Television: LEONARD NIMOY (Fringe)

Best DVD Release: NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

Best DVD Television Release: LOST (The Complete Fifth Season)

Best DVD Special Edition: WATCHMAN: THE ULTIMATE CUT

Best DVD Collection: Star Trek Original Motion Picture Collection

Best Local Stage Production: Fantasy/Musical:MARY POPPINS (Ahmanson Theatre)

Best Local Stage Production: Play/Dramatic Musical: PARADE (Mark Taper Forum)

Best Local Stage Production: Small Theatre: FELLOWSHIP: THE MUSICAL (Falcon Theatre)

The Visionary Award: JAMES CAMERON

The George Pal Memorial Award: ROBERTO ORCI & ALEX KURTZMAN

The Producers Showcase Award: LAUREN SHULER DONNER

The Life Career Award:IRVIN KERSHNER

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

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Made For Television Movie/Miniseries

1. Hope Davis “The Special Relationship”
2. Claire Danes “Temple Grandin”
3. Maggie Smith “Capturing Mary”
4. Joan Allen “Georgia O’Keefe”
5. Judi Dench “Return to Cranford”

Alternates: Caterina Scorsone “Alice”, Romola Garai “Emma”

Commentary: This one is basically set in stone. Two Academy Award winners, lock. Joan Allen, lock. Claire Danes and Hope Davis are industry insiders......lock.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Made For Television Movie/Miniseries

1. Dennis Quaid “The Special Relationship”
2. Michael Sheen “The Special Relationship”
3. Al Pacino “You Don’t Know Jack”
4. Ian McKellen “The Prisoner”
5. Jeremy Irons “Georgia O’Keefe”

Alternates: Tom Wilkinson “A Number”, Chiwitel Ejiofor “Endgame”, William Hurt “Endgame”, Tom Selleck “Jesse Stone: No Remorse”

Commentary: This one is not so locked in stone. I think Quaid, Pacino, McKellen, and Irons are in, but that last spot is tricky. I go with Sheen, cause if Quaid gets in, so should Sheen. But William Hurt is hot on their trail, simply because he is William Hurt. And don't count out Wilkinson, Ejiofor, and Selleck, who are well known contenders. Also don't count out The Pacific boys, but I think they cancel each other out, plus it is not an acting showcase.

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

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Made For Television Movie/Miniseries

1. Imelda Staunton “Return to Cranford”
2. Tyne Daly “Georgia O’Keefe”
3. Susan Sarandon “You Don’t Know Jack”
4. Brenda Vaccaro “You Don’t Know Jack”
5. Julia Ormond “Temple Grandin”

Alternates: Catherine O’Hara “Temple Grandin”, Kathy Bates “Alice”, Lois Smith “A Dog
Year”, Diahann Carroll “Patricia Cornwell's The Front”

Commentary: This is a seven-way race for five spots. I think that Staunton, Daly, Sarandon, and Vaccaro are locks for nods, but the last spot is up for grabs. Julia Ormond might have the better role, but the popularity of O'Hara and Bates could put one of them in instead.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Made For Television Movie/Miniseries

1. John Goodman “You Don’t Know Jack”
2. Michael Gambon “Emma”
3. David Strathairn “Temple Grandin”
4. Danny Huston “You Don’t Know Jack”
5. Patrick Stewart “Hamlet”

Alternates: Jim Broadbent “Einstein & Eddington”, Jonathan Pryce “Return to Cranford”

Commentary: This one is almost set in stone, as I think that these five are going to be in. The only possible upsets will come from Broadbent or Pryce, but I think they will miss the cut.

Emmy Nomination Predictions: Writing/Directing TV Movie/Miniseries

Outstanding Writing for a Made For Television Movie or Miniseries
1. Bruce C. McKenna & Robert Schenkkan "The Pacific - Home"
2. Christopher Monger & Merritt Johnson "Temple Grandin"
3. Peter Morgan "The Special Relationship"
4. Michael Christofer "Georgia O'Keefe"
5. Adam Mazer "You Don't Know Jack"
Alternate: Sandy Welch "Emma"
Commentary: The Pacific, Temple Grandin, and You Don't Know Jack are pretty much locks, as is The Special Relationship, with Two0Time Oscar Nominee Peter Morgan most likely making the list simply by name recognition. The last spot is a close race between Georgia O'Keefe and Adam Mazer, but since O'Keefe got the WGA nod, I'm liking its chances.

Outstanding Directing for a Made For Television Movie or Miniseries
1. Bob Balaban "Georgia O'Keefe"
2. Mick Jackson "Temple Grandin"
3. Richard Loncraine "The Special Relationship"
4. Barry Levinson "You Don't Know Jack"
5. David Nutter & Jeremy Podeswa "The Pacific - Iwo Jima"
Alternate: Tim Van Patten "The Pacific - Okinawa"
Commentary: There is a good chance that The Pacific gets more than one nod, but for now, I'm going with the top contenders all getting just the one nod, and including the popular choices of The Special Relationship, Georgia O'Keefe, Temple Grandin, and You Don't Know Jack.

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 4

70. Mulholland Drive - While the events that occured in this film are still fuzzy to this very day, and we still have no idea what really happened, the images and themes of David Lynch's masterpiece are still burned into our hearts and minds. While some find Lynch as pretentious and too damn wierd for his own good, it is impossible to not get swept up in the blending of mystery, fantasy, and reality, as a young woman tries to piece together the confusion of a car wreck. While this doesn't top his 1980's classic Blue Velvet, it gets pretty damn close.

69. Back to the Future - What Star Wars was for children of the 70's, Back to the Future, and its successors, was for children of the 80's. In 1985, Robert Zemeckis created a time machine that, when stumbled upon by a young Michael J. Fox, could eliminate his whole existence. The whimsical blend of comedy and fantasy, plus an over-the-top performance from Christopher Lloyd only add to the surprising depth and adventruous nature of this 80's classic. Not only does it tackle the issue of ones parents having sex (a little humor), but more importantly, shows us the dangers of some fantasies coming true.

68. A Few Good Men - "You can't handle the truth!" This exclamation from the always fantastic Jack Nicholson was just the icing on the cake, as A Few Good Men is a stunning drama about the honor and loyalty the armed forces, and the steps they take to protect those American ideals. I just realized that I sounded like a Republican and it scared me, so for now I will just say that this movie was a tense legal tumble that shows us the secrecy of our goverment and the trials of a whistleblower, something we should all take notice of.

67. Boogie Nights - In 1997, Paul Thomas Anderson tackled probably the biggest taboo subject in popular culture: porn. Boogie Nights is the story of a young man with a particularly large asset, and the trials and tribulations that he faces on his quick rise in the adult film industry. With a biting script that captures the campiness of most porn, with the psychological effects it can have on its stars, Boogie Nights put Anderson on the map. It didn't hurt that some excellent performances from Mark Whalberg, Burt Reynolds, Heather Graham, William H. Macy, Don Cheadle, Julianne Moore, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

66. Little Miss Sunshine - The story of a little girl participating in a child's beauty pageant didn't sound like my type of fare, but I buckled down and paid for the ticket, and have yet to regret it. The ensuing adventure that deals with issues such as vehicle problems, beauty issues, the crushing of dreams, and the death of a love one, is one of the funniest, yet heart-felt stories of the last 25 years. Add an incredible cast of Greg Kinnear, Steve Carrell, Alan Arkin, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, and Abigail Breslin, and Little Miss Sunshine is a winner.

65. The Big Lebowski - To date, it still remains one of the best Coen bros movie ever made, and features "The Dude" aka recent Oscar winner Jeff Bridges in the role that made him a cult phenomenon. Like Dazed and Confused, and many others, The Big Lebowski is the non-existant, yet somehow fluid story about the ultimate slacker, and his journey to remain...well, an ultimate slacker. It is one of those movies where noting happens, yet the humor, performances, and sharp writing make it one of the best non-movies of all time.

64. The Truman Show - When Jim Carrey's Truman finds out that his entire life is really a reality TV show, he decides to find a way out of his personal hell. Peter Weir's The Truman Show can be called a modern masterpiece for its in depth look at our overly televised world, and how the stories that absorb us could all be a lie. More importantly, it makes all of us take a look at the lives we lead, and wonder if our world is really a fantasy or not. Jim Carrey and Laura Linney give fine performances, and Andrew Niccol's masterful script is funny, yet hearfelt, combines with Weirs tactful direction to create absorbing filmmaking.

63. Pan's Labyrinth - This 2006 masterpiece was grossly overlooked by many, and for all those that hated ten nominees, I can’t help but wonder if there had been ten in 2006, this brilliant gem (which won 3 Oscars) might have gotten the recognition it deserved. Set in Fascist Spain in 1944, it presents an alternate reality to the cruel world of one young girl, and brings us a dark, compelling, and gripping drama that as a war movie alone is brilliant, but with Guillermo del Toro’s imagination was completely transformed.

62. JFK- Even my bleeding liberal self thinks that Oliver Stone is a whack-job. However, I am also happy to say that he is an incredibly talented whack-job with a knack for conspiracy theory, that has yet to be matched in modern cinema history. This particular conspiracy deals with a New Orleans DA who thinks he has discovered more to the JFK assassination. Even in 1991, that horrific event still left a scar on Americans, and Stone's suggestion of us knowing absolutely nothing rattled a few brains, but it was all worth it with a taut political thriller that was extremely well written, and enthralling entertainment.

61. Ghostbusters - A Bill Murray classic in the works here, and this one is a doozey. Once again combing effortless, laugh out loud humor, and fantasy is not easy work, but Ivan Reitman (who recently received a long-overdue Oscar nod for producing Up in the Air with his son Jason), Bill, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, and Rick Moranis), manage to find an inherent balance between the two genres creating one of the most classic films of the 80’s, and one of the best comedies and fantasies of all time.

My Dream Emmy Nominations

If I had a ballot, these would be the nominations...plain and simple. I am going to have Part 4 of my Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years before Monday, and will start making final nomination predictions for the Emmys next week, in preperation for the July 8th announcement. Enjoy!

Best Drama Series

Breaking Bad
Damages
Grey’s Anatomy
Lost
Mad Men
Parenthood
Treme

Best Comedy Series

The Big Bang Theory
Cougar Town
Glee
How I Met Your Mother
Modern Family
30 Rock
Weeds

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Bryan Cranston “Breaking Bad”
Michael C. Hall “Dexter”
Jon Hamm “Mad Men”
Peter Krause “Parenthood”
Timothy Olyphant “Justified”
Clarke Peters “Treme”

Best Actress in a Drama Series

Glenn Close “Damages”
Lauren Graham “Parenthood”
Melissa Leo “Treme”
Julianna Margulies “The Good Wife”
Ellen Pompeo “Grey’s Anatomy”
Kyra Sedgwick “The Closer”

Best Actor in a Comedy Series

Alec Baldwin “30 Rock”
Larry David “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Thomas Jane “Hung”
Zachary Levi “Chuck”
Matthew Morrison “Glee”
Jim Parsons “The Big Bang Theory”

Best Actress in a Comedy Series

Courtney Cox Arquette “Cougar Town”
Edie Falco “Nurse Jackie”
Tina Fey “30 Rock”
Lea Michele “Glee”
Eva Longoria Parker “Desperate Housewives”
Mary-Louise Parker “Weeds”

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Andre Braughter “Men of a Certain Age”
Patrick Dempsey “Grey’s Anatomy”
John Goodman “Treme”
John Noble “Fringe”
Chris Noth “The Good Wife”
Aaron Paul “Breaking Bad”

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Khandi Alexander “Treme”
Christina Hendricks “Mad Men”
S. Epatha Merkerson “Law & Order”
Elisabeth Moss “Mad Men”
Sandra Oh “Grey’s Anatomy”
Chandra Wilson “Grey’s Anatomy”

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Fred Armisen “SNL”
Ty Burrell “Modern Family”
Chris Colfer “Glee”
Neil Patrick Harris “How I Met Your Mother”
Ed O’Neill “Modern Family”
Eric Stonestreet “Modern Family”

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Julie Bowen “Modern Family”
Anna Deavere-Smith “Nurse Jackie”
Jane Lynch “Glee”
Megan Mullally “Party Down”
Sofia Vergara “Modern Family”
Vanessa Williams “Ugly Betty”

Oscar Watch: Toy Story 3

As of now, at 108 reviews put in on Rotten Tomatoes, Toy Story 3 still ranks at 100% fresh, not to mention a 90 on Metacritic, and a 95 from the BFCA.

I think it is safe to say that this is the best movie of the year so far, and to be honest, could end up being the best movie of the year.

Thats right folks, I think that with these kind of reviews, and what is sure to be an incredible box-office haul, that Toy Story 3 can go where Up and Beauty and the Beast couldn't - The Best Picture of the Year.

I have not seen it yet, so my judgment might change with a viewing, but for now, I think that this is going to be an interesting year at the Oscars, and watch out live-action films, the toys are coming.....

Tony Award Winners 2010

A better commentary later this week, but for now here are the winners!

Best Play

WINNER: Red, John Logan

Best Musical

WINNER: Memphis

Best Book of a Musical

WINNER: Memphis

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

WINNER: Memphis

Best Revival of a Play

WINNER: Fences

Best Revival of a Musical

WINNER: La Cage aux Folles

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play

WINNER: Denzel Washington, Fences

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play

WINNER: Viola Davis, Fences

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical

WINNER: Douglas Hodge, La Cage aux Folles

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical

WINNER: Catherine Zeta-Jones, A Little Night Music

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play

WINNER: Eddie Redmayne, Red

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play

WINNER: Scarlett Johansson, A View from the Bridge

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical

WINNER: Levi Kreis, Million Dollar Quartet

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical

WINNER: Katie Finneran, Promises, Promises

Best Scenic Design of a Play

WINNER: Christopher Oram, Red

Best Scenic Design of a Musical

WINNER: Christine Jones, American Idiot

Best Costume Design of a Play

WINNER: Catherine Zuber, The Royal Family

Best Costume Design of a Musical

WINNER: Marina Draghici, Fela!

Best Lighting Design of a Play

WINNER: Neil Austin, Red

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

WINNER: Kevin Adams, American Idiot

Best Sound Design of a Play

WINNER: Adam Cork, Red

Best Sound Design of a Musical

WINNER: Robert Kaplowitz, Fela!

Best Direction of a Play

WINNER: Michael Grandage, Red

Best Direction of a Musical

WINNER: Terry Johnson, La Cage aux Folles

Best Choreography

WINNER: Bill T. Jones, Fela!

Best Orchestrations

WINNER: Daryl Waters & David Bryan, Memphis

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 3

80. Requiem For a Dream - Darren Aronofsky made a soaring sports movie with grit and heart called The Wrestler. While it didn't make this list, his older, yet better (if thats possible) film does. Aronofsky has a knack for the quirky, and his choppy, fast-forwarded style combined with a touchy subject of drugs combines for a disturbing, yet brilliant, and original work that shocked viewers, leaving our jaws dropped. It doesn't hurt that Ellen Burstyn, one of the finest actors of all time, gave one of her best performances. But that is just icing on the cake.

79. The Thin Red Line - While it's no Saving Private Ryan, in its own way, Terrence Malick's look at Guadalcanal during World War II stands on its own as a great cinematic achievement. What it does achieve is showing us the bonds between soldiers, especially when the battle is tough, tedious, and more importantly, significant. Led by a great cast of Adrien Brody, Sean Penn, George Clooney, John Cusack, Woody Harrelson, and Nick Nolte, The Thin Red Line is an epic and emotional tale that sticks with you long after you left the theater.

78. Dead Poets Society - There's a line from one of Meredith Grey's voiceovers on Grey's Anatomy that says "the damn poets urging us to seize the day". While the quip might have had a ring of animosity to it, you can't deny the impact of that single line from this incredible movie. Back in the day, Robin Williams used to make incredible movies, and this one was no exception. His tenacity and enthusiasm that he brought to the film made us truly believe. It's doesn't hurt to have a great supporting class and a soaring storyline that makes you want to stand up and cheer at the end.

77. Speed - Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock, and Keanu Reeves engage in a high speed race for life, as a cop tries to save the passengers on a bus, knowing that it cannot go below a certain speed, or its over. If it sounds intense, your right. And for all of us that watched Speed grasping our chairs, holding our breath, and becoming fully enthralled by its suspense, we couldn't have asked for more. It wasn't the most emotionally deep movie, or the most romantic movie, but it did what it aimed to do. Way too many movies try to be more than they are. Those that make movies like that should go back to Speed, and see how great commercial entertainment is made.

76. Se7en - Darren Aronofsky and David Fincher should have a contest to see who can make the wierdest, darkest, and most disturbing movies. At this point, I wouldn't have a clear winner. But for what it's worth, Se7en should be added to the competition. The story of a young and old cop who go after a killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his MO, is taut, thrilling, complicated, and absolutely the most mind boggling of the last quarter century. It doesn't hurt that you have two of the most talented actors in front of the camera, Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. In all aspects, it is a modern masterpiece.

75. A Fish Called Wanda - It is not often that a purely comedic performance wins an Academy Award. But in 1989, the Academy broke rank and gave an Oscar to one of the finest actors of our time, Kevin Kline, for one of the most brilliant performances of all time as Otto. The story of four individuals who doublecross each other after committing armed robbery was one of the quirkiest, wittiest, and most British movies of the last 25 years, and that is a complement. It doesn't hurt that John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis are the shit. I give it high marks for simply being hilarious, with not too much forced, something all directors should take note of.

74. Working Girl - 1988 was apparently the year for comedies, cause Mike Nichols also has a knack for creating brilliant comedies, and did so with this office-politics-comedy that showcased the talents of Melanie Griffith. While it only won one Oscar for Carly Simon in the Original Song category, it will go down as one of the best movies of the 80's, and one of the funniest, and most romantic movies of all time. Add in some Sigourney Weaver, Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin, Joan Cusack Oliver Platt, Olympia Dukakis, and Kevin Spacey and you have pure movie gold. Plus, there isn't a better story than a working-class American using their own cunning to get back at their greedy boss. It's a story that survives the test of time.

73. The Fugitive - Before Speed even thought of changing the thriller movie game, this 1993 thriller gave us two great performances, and some of the best cat and mouse chasing ever put on the screen. It is one of the few movies where the supposed bad guy, turns out not to be bad at all. A wrongly accused wife murderer seeks to clear his name by becoming a fugitive that must combine skill, tenacity, and the art of begging to stay on the run, while try to convince the feds of his innocence. This combination of heart and pulse creates a wildly entertaining plot that has depth and purpose.

72. The Little Mermaid - Disney was broken in 1980, as you can see in the wonderful new documentary called Waking Sleeping Beauty. But with this brilliant little movie that brought a classic tale to life, Disney itself was brought back to life to began the now almost twenty year run of greatness. The Little Mermaid may have been based on an old story, but with humor, music, romance, and a little darkness, it hypnotized viewers with vivid animation and an incredible story that to this day is one of the best animated films of all time. Oh to hell with it, it is one of the best films of all time...period.

71. Lost in Translation - This movie was surprisinly left off my list from last summer that covered only the 2000's, and after such a huge mistake, I had to make sure that this one made the list this time. Bill Murray gave the performance of a lifetime, as a down-and-out commercial actor that travels to Japan to sell liquor, and ends of finding himself lost in the tall buildings, millions of people, and bright lights of the Tokyo skyline. It doesn't hurt that he falls for a much younger woman that offers him a beautiful escpae from reality. Scarlett was great as well, and the direction and writing by Sofia Coppola meant that in less than a month, this gem was shot, now that is a feat.

Tony Award Predictions

This Sunday, the 64th Annual Tony Awards will be presented at 8 on CBS. Here is a quick look at the top contenders before the big night. I will post the winners either late Sunday, or probably Monday. Enjoy!

Best Musical

Will Win: Memphis
Should Win: American Idiot
Commentary: While I thought that American Idiot was the hardest to pull off, and done so miraculously well, I think that Memphis will dance away with the top prize.

Best Play

Will Win/Should Win: Red
Commentary: John Logan created a two-man show that, at this point, is unbeatable.

Best Revival of a Musical

Will Win/Should Win: La Cage Aux Folles
Commentary: I think this one is lock.

Best Revival of a Play

Will Win/Should Win: Fences
Commentary: This one got the best reviews of the year...lock.

Best Lead Actor - Play

Will Win: Alfred Molina "Red"
Should Win: Denzel Washington "Fences"
Commentary: This one is the big battle of the night. While I preferred Denzel's performance, I think the wonderful Molina will take the prize, but it will be a close one.

Best Lead Actress - Play

Will Win/Should Win: Viola Davis "Fences"
Commentary: I think this one is a lock, and after losing a well-deserved Oscar, she deserves a major award for her work.

Best Featured Actor - Play

Will Win - Eddie Redmayne "Red"
Should Win - Stephen McKinley Henderson "Fences"
Commentary: Another close one. While I preferred Henderson's performance in Fences, I think that Redmayne's supporting role will take the prize.

Best Featured Actress - Play

Will Win/Should Win - Jan Maxwell "Lend Me a Tenor"
Commentary: I loved both Scarlett Johansson, but Jan Maxwell was simply terrific, and is most likely a shoo-in.

Best Lead Actor - Musical

Will Win/Should Win: Douglas Hodge "La Cage Aux Folles"
Commentary: While I think that Sahr Ngaujah and Sean Hayes (who is hosting) have a shot, it may be futile with Hodge's showstopping turn in La Cage Aux Folles

Best Lead Actress - Musical

Will Win: Catherine Zeta-Jones "A Little Night Music"
Should Win: Montego Glover "Memphis"
Commentary: Zeta-Jones was fantastic and will probably win based on name recognition, but newcomer. Glover was the real star in her incredible turn in Memphis, and is not far behind.

Best Featured Actor - Musical

Will Win: Levi Kreis "Million Dollar Quartet"
Should Win: Robin de Jesus "La Cage Aux Folles"
Commentary: Another close battle, but I think that Jerry Lewis will beat the butler.

Best Featured Actress - Musical

Will Win: Katie Finneran "Promises, Promises"
Should Win: Angela Lansbury "A Little Night Music"
Commentary: A month ago, Lansbury was still a possibility, but quickly Finneran has become the frontrunner, and will most likely take the prize.

Emmy Top Ten Lists: Best Drama Series

1. Lost
2. Mad Men
3. Breaking Bad
4. Damages
5. Dexter
6. Big Love
7. The Good Wife
8. House
9. Treme
10. Parenthood

Commentary: Mad Men may have some tough competition this year, as Damages is going off the air, Breaking Bad is getting better and better, and Dexter had its best season yet. But this year Lost's last season, and particularly its last episode could easily and should easily carry the day. Big Love could be back in again this year, even though this season wasn't as good as lasts. House is always in the mix, but is falling off the map. Finally there are some newcomers like Parenthood, Treme, and The Good Wife who could make their mark. While not on the list, 11-15 or so may include some stiff competition I wouldn't count out like True Blood, Friday Night Lights, Grey's Anatomy, and Justified.

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 2

90. Traffic - At the turn of this past decade, we were introduced to the pinnacle of Steven Soderbergh's amazing career with this gritty ensemble drama about the interworkings of the drug trafficking world and its collision with law enforcement. While the writing and directing were terrific it was the incredible performances from Benico Del Toro, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, Don Cheadle, and the mulititude of other incredible actors that truly captured the intensity that Soderbergh was going for. Oh and it was totally robbed of Best Picture from that dreck Gladiator.

89. The American President - This is a personal fave, and might surprise some, but back in 1995, Carl Reiner perfectly combined a mix of politicals and passion with a little humor with a two-fold story about two important pieces of legislation and the effects of a politician dating a lobbyist. If it sounds like a lot it is, and yet it is a pitch perfect blend that never exceeds its welcome and always mananges to fascinate and charm. It doesn't hurt that the incredible talents of Michael Douglas, Annette Benning, Michael J. Fox, Martin Sheen, Anna Deveare Smith, and Samantha Mathis shine.

88. The Insider - Michael Mann was never able to top his 1995 classic Heat (as you will see much later on), but he got pretty damn close with this 1999 whistleblowing thriller with the great talents of Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, and Christopher Plummer, and an incredible story. When Mann hits his target on thrillers, he has an incredible knack for combining a great storyline with choppy, yet effective editing that creates a gritty, surreal environment that is hard to match.

87. Dreamgirls - While many dissed this glitzy, pop musical, I can honestly say that this was one of the best times I have ever had in a movie theater. Too many musicals tried to copy the success of Chicago by trying to make the story too gritty or focusing too much on making it stylish, and forgetting to make it fun. Not to say that Dreamgirls was pop heaven, stuffed with the style and attitude of the 1960's, but still managed to make a toe-tapping musical that had great performances, most notably Jennifer Hudson, and had the crowds singing long after they left the theater.

86. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl - While its sequels never really amounted to much more than popcorn trash, this surprise little hit was one of the most fun and entertaining movies that was released in the last quarter century, and it put Johnny Depp on the map. His performance as Capt. Jack Sparrow will go down as one of the greatest movie characters of all time, and it is my belief that he was closer to winning an Oscar than most people think. But overall, the magic, style, and the popcorn perfection of this movie made it the perfect summer outing.

85. Up - Pixar will appear a lot on this list (sorry for giving up too many hints), but its most recent entry cannot be so quickly forgotten. Not only was it the second animated movie to ever receive a Best Picture nomination, but more importantly, it proved that Pixar is the best studio in Hollywood. It is the only studio that continually, and annually releases not just popular movies, but incredible movies with incredible stories. And the story of the unlikely pair of a old man and a young scout on a whirlwind adventure was no exception.

84. Election - Alexander Payne has a knack for the quirky, and in 1999, he hit his stride with this pitch perfect comedy about the brutality of high school, seen through the lens of school elections. The relationships that were developed between students, teachers, were so realistic and so bitter, I think we all felt like we were back in high school. It perfectly captured the bitterness and cynicism of high school, and had some great performances, particularly the wonderful Reese Witherspoon.

83. Dazed and Confused - If Election captured the bitterness of high school, then Dazed and Confused captured what could be so great about high school. Of course if all I did was smoked pot and looked like I was 25 in high school, I probably would have been happy too. What Dazed and Confused did was provide a new generation a look back at the culture and attitudes of those at the Bicentennial. Furthermore, while Cheech and Chong were anything but subtle, D & C took the pot culture to a new level, allowing for characterizations, subtletly, and humor.

82. There's Something About Mary - I love great comedy films as well, I mean who doesn’t like to laugh? This one is definitely in that category, and will leave you laughing long after it’s over. Cameron Diaz was a revelation in this movie, and it was the only movie, with the exception of Crash that Matt Dillon did that was worth anything in the last twenty five years. This one is raunchy, yet has a lot of heart, and is definitely worth the rent.

81. Chicago - When Rob Marshall directed Nine, he tried so hard to make it Chicago, and it simply couldn't live up to its predecessor. Chicago was stylish, sexy, had great music, great performances from Queen Latifah, Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, John C. Reilly, and Richard Gere, and helped relaunch the movie musical. Just when we thought that all hope for musicals was gone, Marshall, and this amazing team helped us believe in their everlasting spirit, and all that jazz.

RIP Rue McClanahan

Some incredibly sad news, one of our favorite Golden Girls, Emmy Award winning Rue McClanahan died today at the age of 76 from a stroke. She was a television goddess and will never be forgotten. RIP old friend.

Emmy Top Ten Lists: Best Comedy Series

1. Glee
2. 30 Rock
3. The Office
4. Modern Family
5. Weeds
6. Curb Your Enthusiasm
7. The Big Bang Theory
8. How I Met Your Mother
9. Family Guy
10. Nurse Jackie

Commentary: CBS has a slew of sitcoms that could make the cut, but the two most likely are The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother. Weeds and Nurse Jackie give Showtime a chance, but they are more focused on their leading ladies. Family Guy got a surprise nomination last year, but anyone who loves this series (like me) knows that this season is a huge disappointment. Curb Your Enthusiasm is back in the race after a stellar season. Modern Family and Glee are the newcomers who I predict will give 30 Rock for its money. Finally, The Office gets its designated spot. Overall, a pretty interesting category which is going to be hard to narrow down.