Emmy Analysis and Future Projects

Before I dive into the winners, I would like to make a few comments about the show itself. Jimmy Fallon did a great job as host, and this is coming from someone who is not a Jimmy Fallon fan. He was funny, and kept the show moving at a brisk pace, as it managed to stay under the three-hour mark, and instead of being about useless things (like the Oscars this year) it was about the awards, and the winners. In terms of the winners, this was the most exciting list of winners, and some of the best deserved Emmys I have seen in a long time. Sure there were some old favorites, but a lot of newcomers to the party as well celebrating new and old shows as well as new and veteran actors. Now on to the winners!

Drama

While the Drama category kicked my butt this year in terms of predictions, I was pleasantly surprised, and in some cases down right thrilled by the winners. The only major category I got was the writing award for Mad Men (I know only one! so sad). I should have known that Mad Men was going to win the Best Drama Series award again, but was hoping Lost to triumph. Also, after the smug little speech that Matthew Weiner gave after winning, I hoping that voters move on to one of the many other great television dramas there are today, and let the three peat not be four. Bryan Cranston winning wasn't shocking although Michael C. Hall or Hugh Laurie finally winning would have been nice as well. But the Kyra Sedgwick win was a little surprising, and very well-deserved. After many excellent seasons on The Closer, she deserved a Emmy for her work. That category also proved that just because the SAG, GG, and TV Critics anoint the same winner (Julianna Margulies) doesn't mean that he or she will win the Emmy. Then came the supporting categories. I was thrilled by the Aaron Paul win, especially since it should be his second, and the Archie Panjabi win was the biggest surprise of the night, and the most welcomed one. The only category I thought was not well deserved was the directing one. I like Dexter, but the Lost series finale was one of the most stunning television events I have ever witnessed, and it getting completely shut out of the top awards was a travesty.

Comedy
Now this category I actually did incredibly well, missing only one major category, and it was the one I was most excited about. Modern Family was so well deserved, and so well received by everyone, that I hoping that the Emmys continue to honor great comedies, and not neccisarily the most popular (aka like they did with 30 Rock). Jane Lynch and Eric Stonestreet were expected to win, and both deserved so, and gave funny, yet warm speeches. Another thing I learned about the Emmys is that they love Edie Falco, in any shape or form, they love her, and she will win.....period. The writing and directing awards went the way that they should, but for me the real surprise was Jim Parsons, who was the person who I thought should have won. I was thrilled over his win, and hope that there are more to come for him in the near future.

The Rest

• They love Jon Stewart....get over it haters
• Temple Grandin was extremely popular, and provided for great television last night.
• The Amazing Race FINALLY lost, and to the well-deserved Top Chef...now it is a race for now on.
• George Clooney is the man.
• Finally...and most imporantly, the Emmys are unpredictable, and sometimes they get it right, and sometimes they don't. This year....they got it right.

For the next couple of weeks, I need to focus on school, but have a Best of the Decade Television Awards project underway which will get me through till TIFF in mid-September, then the Oscar season offcially begins! Thanks for tuning in to my Emmy coverage. I hope to improve it for next year, and hope that you keep reading.

Live Emmy Winners!

• Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family"
• Writing for a Comedy Series - Modern Family (Pilot)
• Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Jane Lynch "Glee"
• Directing in a Comedy Series - Ryan Murphy "Glee - Pilot"
• Actor in a Comedy Series - Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"!!!!! (this is one time where I'm glad I was wrong)
• Actress in a Comedy Series - Edie Falco "Nurse Jackie"
• Reality Competition Program - Top Chef!!!! (Surprising and awesome win!)
• Writing in a Drama Series - Mad Men (Shut the Door. Have A Seat)
• Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad"!!!! (Another one where I'm happy to be wrong)
• Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Archie Panjabi "The Good Wife" (Who saw that coming? Awesome win!)
• Lead Actor in a Drama Series - Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad" (Should have seen that one coming)
• Directing for a Drama Series - Steve Shill "Dexter" (Love Dexter, but Lost was robbed!) 
• Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Kyra Sedgwick "The Closer" (well deserved)
• Writing for a Variety Special - The 63rd Annual Tony Awards
• Directing for Variety Special - Vancouver Olympics
• Variety Series - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
• Supporting Actress Mini/Movie - Julia Ormand "Temple Grandin"
• Supporting Actor Mini/Movie - David Straithairn "Temple Grandin" (I'm feeling a sweep coming on)
• Writing for Mini/Movie - Adam Mazer "You Don't Know Jack" (apparently not)
• Lead Actress Mini/Movie - Claire Danes "Temple Grandin"
• Directing for Mini/Movie - Mick Jackson "Temple Grandin" (so acting/directing, but not writing?)
• Lead Actor in a Mini/Movie - Al Pacino "You Don't Know Jack"
• Miniseries - The Pacific
• Made for Television Movie - Temple Grandin
• Best Comedy Series - Modern Family
• Best Drama Series - Mad Men

That's all folks.....analysis coming tomorrow!

Emmy Predictions: Recap

Here is a recap of my Emmy Predictions before tonight's ceremony:


Drama Series - Lost

Comedy Series - Modern Family

Actor in a Drama Series - Hugh Laurie "House"

Actor in a Comedy Series - Tony Shaloub "Monk"

Actress in a Drama Series - Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Actress in a Comedy Series - Edie Falco "Nurse Jackie"
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Andre Braughter "Men of a Certain Age"
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Sharon Gless "Burn Notice"
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family"
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Jane Lynch "Glee
Directing for a Drama Series - Lost
Writing for a Drama Series - Mad Men
Directing for a Comedy Series - Glee
Writing for a Comedy Series - Modern Family

And Here are some predictions in categories that I really didn't discuss at all:

Made for Television Movie - Temple Grandin
Miniseries - The Pacific
Actor in a Movie/Mini - Al Pacino "You Don't Know Jack"
Actress in a Movie/Mini - Claire Danes "Temple Grandin"
Supporting Actor in a Movie/Mini - Patrick Stewart "Hamlet"
Supporting Actress in a Movie/Mini - Susan Sarandon "You Don't Know Jack"
Directing Movie/Mini - Tim Van Patten "The Pacific - Part 9"
Writing Movie/Mini - Temple Grandin
Reality/Competition - The Amazing Race
Variety Series - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Emmy Predictions: Drama Series

The Nominees:

1. Breaking Bad

2. Dexter

3. The Good Wife

4. Lost

5. Mad Men

6. True Blood

Should Win/Will Win: Lost

Commentary: Finally True Blood in its second season starts to get some Emmy love. Unfortuantely, the episode submissions were less than stellar, so a nomination may be all it gets this time around. The other five contenders make this predictions probably the shakiest of them all. Dexter is an incredible show,  but I think it is all about Michael C. Hall, although I am predicting he won't even win, so why should the show? Breaking Bad has its small, but enthusiastic fan base, but I don't think it will be enough to push it over the edge. The next three are the real contenders. The Good Wife, in my opinion, is the big question mark in this race, the real dark horse that could shock all of the pundits and take the prize. Then there were two. I am probably insane for not picking Mad Men to win its third straight Emmy for Drama Series, and it most likely will. But I am hoping, and putting my predicting prowless on the line this once that the Emmys reward, one last time, the most original and fantastic piece of television drama that has sustained us for a couple of years since the departing of the greats like The West Wing and The Sopranos. In its final season, Lost was never better, and maybe, just maybe, a sentimental voting body will give it one last glimpse of glory.

Emmy Predictions: Comedy Series

The Nominees:

1. Curb Your Enthusiasm

2. Glee

3. Modern Family

4. Nurse Jackie

5. The Office

6. 30 Rock

Should Win/Will Win: Modern Family

Commentary: Curb Your Enthusiasm got rewarded for its return, but since it missed out so many times before, I can't really see it winning the prize this time. The Office, I feel, may have its big year next year, especially if it is Steve Carrell's last year, plus it has already won, and really is just a nice placeholder. Nurse Jackie snuck in this year, and deservedly so, but I feel like it is all about Edie Falco, and should be happy just to be nominated. 30 Rock could easily walk away with its third straight Emmy, and it would deserve it, however, I feel that the two new hot shows are overshadowing it this year. Glee is a phenomenon, but the Emmys rarely reward such highly popular shows, so I am going with the incrediblly funny new Modern Family will take the prize, as it should.

Emmy Predictions: Best Actor in a Drama Series

The Nominees:

1. Kyle Chandler "Friday Night Lights"

2. Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"

3. Jon Hamm "Mad Men"

4. Michael C. Hall "Dexter"

5. Hugh Laurie "House"

Should Win: Kyle Chandler "Friday Night Lights"

Will Win: Hugh Laurie "House"

Commentary: This has proven to be one of the most difficult to predict. Kyle Chandler is fantastic in Friday Night Lights, but should be happy with a nomination. Despite Mad Men's success I think that Jon Hamm will once again be on the outside looking in. Then come the big three. Bryan Cranston has won this category two years in a row, and has a lot of passioniate supporters, but I think that he faces some stiff competition and may miss out, although his winning would not shock me one bit. Michael C. Hall has the story of survival, plus his devilish role on Dexter that I think he is the one to beat. However, Hugh Laurie's submission this year on House was his best yet, and he has yet to win an Emmy, so the overdue combination plus the best submission leads me to believe that he will finally win an Emmy for this show.

Emmy Predictions: Best Actress in a Drama Series

The Nominees:

1. Kyra Sedgwick "The Closer"

2. Glenn Close "Damages"

3. Connie Britton "Friday Night Lights"

4. Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"

5. Mariska Hargitay "Law & Order: SVU"

6. Januray Jones "Mad Men"

Should Win: Connie Britton "Friday Night Lights"

Will Win: Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"

Commentary: Connie Britton deserves so much credit for her work on FNL, but her episode submission this year put the nail in the coffin, hell i'm just happy she got nominated. Mariska Hargitay is good, but her show has declined and quality, and really she is just filling space. I was thrilled with the January Jones nods, but I feel that she lacks the starpower of her fellow nominees, and should just be happy for a nomination. Then come the big three. Glenn Close could easily win her third straight Emmy, but her episode was weak, and she has much stiffer competition that she has had in the past. Kyra Sedgwick could finally win for her incredible episode submission, and I think that she is a dark horse who could pull off an upset pretty easily. But I stuck with the majority of pundits and went with the consensus pick of the wonderful Julianna Margulies. Especially with all the support the show as a whole got, this seems like the perfect conselation prize.

Emmy Predictions: Directing in a Comedy Series

The Nominees:

1. Glee - Pilot

2. Glee - Wheels
3. Modern Family - Pilot
4. Nurse Jackie - Pilot

5. 30 Rock - I Do Do

Should Win/Will Win - Glee - Pilot

Commentary: If Modern Family is a writer's paradise, then Glee is a director's paradise, flashy, big numbers, and an even bigger production require a skilled director to put together, aka Ryan Murphy for Glee's wonderful Pilot. I was glad that the Wheels episode also got nominated, and hope that it doesn't steal votes away. I was also thrilled with all of the Nurse Jackie love,  but I think that it may have to settle for the Best Actress award. Finally, the 30 Rock episode was funny, and if the Emmys still love the show, it may steal a win, but my guess is that the 30 Rock train will be derailed by either Glee or Modern Family come Sunday night.

Emmy Predictions: Writing in a Comedy Series

The Nominees:

1. Glee - Pilot

2. Modern Family - Pilot

3. The Office - Niagara

4. 30 Rock - Lee Marvin vs. Derek Jeter

5. 30 Rock  - Anna Howard Shaw Day

Should Win/Will Win: Modern Family - Pilot

Commentary: I think that the writing/directing awards will split this year as I think they will in the drama categories. Glee is a TV phenomenon, but is more of a directors/actors show (hint!), than a well-written show, although through pure popularity it could win the prize. The Office submitted a decent episode, but simply pales in comparison to the rest of the nominees. 30 Rock has done well in this category, and although it seems to be losing steam to Glee and Modern Family, I would not count out one of its episodes winning yet again. However, I think that the strongest point of the great Modern Family is its incredible writing, and my gut tells me that the Academy agrees.

Review: The Switch

When Cassie (Jennifer Aniston) decides she wants to have a baby through artificial insemination, her best friend Wally, in his normal neurotic way is against it. When Cassie goes ahead and has a party to go through the act, apparently with a turkey baster, Wally gets slizzard and accidently spills out the sperm of Cassie's donor (Patrick Wilson), he decides to replace it with his own. Flash to seven years later, and Cassie has returned to New York with her kid Sebastian and after spending time with him, Wally begins to piece together the events of that fateful night only to discover that Sebastian is in fact his son, and that he must tell Cassie before she marries Roland (the donor), and he loses his son and the love of his life forever.

The Switch, starring Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston follows many of the standard rom-com parts of the formula, but still manages to be a delightful little movie that is both warm and funny. What helps it rise above the normal romantic chatter is its actors who handle a less-than-stellar script with ease, allowing for it to acutally blossom, and for us to actually care about what we are watching. The little boy who plays Sebastian, Thomas Robinson, is absolutely adorable, and really has some incredible chemistry with Bateman and Aniston. Jeff Goldblum and Juliette Lewis are hilarious and scene-stealers as the two sidekicks, but also do a great job at not being too corny. Jennifer Aniston does a pretty good job, showing both great comedic timing and emotional depth, while maintaining a certain level of class in every scene. But the real force that carries the weight of the movie is the always fantastic Jason Bateman, whose hilarious, neurotic Wally is a wonderfully flawed character, whose personality is both annoying, yet sort of lovable at the same time. 

Where the movie falls flat is in its stories, the writers did nothing great to help their characters develop chemistry, which is a testament to the ability of these actors that we actually felt something between them. More importantly, the premise of the whole story is just too contrived, too shaky, and too unrealistic, because although we are laughing at the insemination party, we all are also thinking in the back of our minds at how truly ridiculous all of this is. The best romantic movies are the ones that are not forced, and this one is definitely forced on to us in a way that can sometimes feel stiff. 

Despite its flaws, The Switch is a warm and funny movie that shows us the difficulties of parenthood, the twists and turns of modern-day science and medicine, and the bond that develops between people who finally realize their true feelings. While its no modern masterpiece, The Switch is a nice end-of-summer movie that makes you feel good, allows you to sit back and relax and enjoy some nice performances. 

Oscar Potential: Absolutely none. Bateman might get some Golden Globe love if the competition is weak, but other than that it should just enjoy some hopefully decent box office. 

Review: B

Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

The Nominees:

1. Chris Colfer "Glee"
2. Neil Patrick Harris "How I Met Your Mother"

3. Ty Burrell "Modern Family"

4. Jesse Tyler Ferguson "Modern Family"

5. Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family"

6. Jon Cryer "Two and a Half Men"

Should Win/Will Win: Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family"

Commentary: Now that Neil Patrick Harris has won an Emmy, I find it hard to believe that he will win this category as well, but it is definitely a possibility. Jon Cryer sneaked in a win last year, but it seems as if the Academy has gone sour Two and a Half Men, so hopefully he is one and done. Jesse Tyler Ferguson got in over his more deserving co-star Ed O'Neill, and his episode selection almost guarantees a loss. Chris Colfer could be a dark horse, if the other two Modern Family guys split votes, or if the Academy decides it likes Glee better. Then it comes down to those aforementioned boys. My gut tells me that Eric Stonestreet;s episode selection is strong enough for him to beat out the competition and avoid vote splitting to take the prize from Ty Burrell.

Creative Arts Emmy Winners

I went 3/4 on the Guest Acting categories, missing Ann-Margaret for Lily Tomlin..still pretty good if you ask  me!

Guest Actor in a Comedy: Neil Patrick Harris, Glee
Guest Actress in a Comedy: Betty White, Saturday Night Live
Guest Actor in a Drama: John Lithgow, Dexter
Guest Actress in a Drama: Ann-Margaret, Law and Order: SVU

Reality Host: Jeff Probst, Survivor
Reality Program: Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

Animated Series: Disney Prep and Landing
Animated Series (Short Form): Robot Chicken
Voiceover: Anne Hathaway, The Simpsons

Art Direction for a Single Camera Series: The Tudors
Art Direction for a Variety Series or Special: 82nd Annual Academy Awards
Art Direction for a Miniseries or TV Movie: The Pacific

Casting for a Comedy: Modern Family
Casting for a Drama: Mad Men
Casting for a Miniseries or TV Movie: The Pacific

Children's Program: Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie
Children's Nonfiction Program: Nick News with Linda Ellerbee - The Faces of Courage: Kids Living with Cancer
Choreography: Mia Michaels, So You Think You Can Dance
Cinematography for an Hour-Long Series: CSI
Cinematography for a Half-Hour Series: Weeds
Cinematography for a Miniseries or TV Movie: Return to Cranford
Cinematography for Reality: Survivor
Cinematography for a Nonfiction Series: Life

Commercial: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like, Old Spice Body Wash

Costumes for a Series: The Tudors
Costumes for a Miniseries or TV Movie: Return to Cranford

Directing for a Variety Series: Saturday Night Live
Directing for Nonfiction: My Lai

Editing for a Comedy: Modern Family
Editing for a Drama: Lost
Editing for a Miniseries or TV Movie: Temple Grandin
Editing for a Reality Series: Intervention
Editing for a Nonfiction Program: By the People: The Election of Barack Obama
Editing for Short Form: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series: Mad Men
Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series: Dancing with the Stars
Hairstyling for a Miniseries or TV Movie: Emma

Interactive Media (Fiction): Star Wars: Uncut
Interactive Media (Nonfiction): The Jimmy Fallon Digital Experience

Lighting: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

Main Title Design: Bored to Death
Main Title Theme Song: Nurse Jackie

Music Direction: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games: Opening Ceremony
Musical Score for a Series: 24
Musical Score for a Miniseries or TV Movie: Temple Grandin
Music and Lyrics: "When I'm Gone" from Monk

Nonfiction Series: The National Parks: America's Best Idea
Nonfiction Special: Teddy: In His Own Words
Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking: Nerakhoon (The Betrayal)

Non-Prosthetic Makeup for a Single-Camera Series: Grey's Anatomy
Non-Prosthetic Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series: Saturday Night Live
Non-Prosthetic Makeup for a Miniseries or TV Movie: The Pacific
Prosthetic Makeup: The Pacific

Sound Mixing for An Hour-Long Series: Glee
Sound Mixing for a Half-Hour Series: Entourage and Modern Family
Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or TV Movie: The Pacific
Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special: The 25 Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert and the 52 Annual Grammy Awards

Special Class Program: 63rd Annual Tony Awards

Stunt Coordination: FlashForward

Technical Direction for a Series: Dancing with the Stars
Technical Direction for a Special: The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert

Variety Special: Kennedy Center Honors

Visual Effects in a Series: CSI
Visual Effects in a Miniseries or TV Movie: The Pacific

Writing for a Variety Series: The Colbert Report
Writing for Nonfiction: The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Emmy Predictions: Best Actor in a Comedy Series

The Nominees:

1. Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"

2. Larry David "Curb Your Enthusiasm"

3. Matthew Morrison "Glee"

4. Tony Shalhoub "Monk"

5. Steve Carrell "The Office"

6. Alec Baldwin "30 Rock"

Should Win: Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"

Will Win: Tony Shaloub "Monk"

Commentary: This category is stacked, yet I found it pretty easy to come to a winner prediction. Matthew Morrison sings incredibly in Glee, but is just overmatched by the other nominees. Steve Carrell's Emmy should come with his last season on The Office, so my guess is that he wins next year. Larry David comes back into the race with the return of Curb Your Enthusiasm, but as before, many feel he is simply playing himself, and doesn't show enough range for an actual win. The final three are the real contenders. Alec Baldwin could easily win his third Emmy for 30 Rock, and it wouldn't shock me, but my guess is that he barely misses this time around. Jim Parsons should win for his quirky, yet lovable role on The Big Bang Theory, but rarely at the Emmys does the person who should win actually wins, but he is not far behind his biggest competition. Tony Shalhoub is an Emmy fave, and in his last season on Monk he submitted the best episode for him, as it is really long, and shows a lot of dramatic depth, which ironically, I think will win him his fourth lead actor Emmy for a comedy series.

Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

The Nominees:

1. Sharon Gless "Burn Notice"

2. Rose Byrne "Damages"

3. Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"

4. Archie Panjabi "The Good Wife"

5. Christina Hendricks "Mad Men"

6. Elisabeth Moss "Mad Men"

Should Win: Christina Hendricks "Mad Men"

Will Win: Sharon Gless "Burn Notice"

Commentary: While they finally nominated Christina Hendricks, but I think that vote splitting will occur with the great Elisabeth Moss meaning neither gets the prize. Rose Byrne will probably never win for Damages, which is sad to say. Christine Baranski and Archie Panjabi both got surprising nods for the new hit series The Good Wife, but like their Mad Men counterparts, too much vote splitting will occur. So I went with the real shocking nominee, Sharon Gless. She is an Emmy favorite, and old-school actors tend to win when they get nominated years after their last wins. Think her former co-star Tyne Daly in the less than stellar Judging Amy, the show never got much Emmy attention, but she won, more than once I believe, simply because she was Tyne Daly.

Emmy Predictions: Best Actress in a Comedy Series

The Nominees:

1. Lea Michele "Glee"
2. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss "The New Adventures of Old Christine"
3. Edie Falco "Nurse Jackie"
4. Amy Poehler "Parks & Recreation"
5. Tina Fey "30 Rock"
6. Toni Collette "The United States of Tara"

Should Win/Will Win: Edie Falco "Nurse Jackie"

Commentary: I am still flabbergasted that the wonderful Courtney Cox was once again shut out of the Emmys, but I have learned to forgive, and am moving on. This category looks like it would be a tough one, yet for me it was one of the easiest to pick. Lea Michele is excellent in Glee, but may have to wait her turn for an Emmy. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss has won this category, and others, and should be happy to keep getting nominated for a so-so series. Amy Poehler finally gets a well-deserved nod of Parks & Recreation, and could be a dark horse for the win. Then there are the big three. While Tina Fey and Toni Collette are previous winners, both of them will be sitting in their chairs as the Emmy fave Edie Falco, who has already conquered the drama category, takes away another Emmy for her incredible turn in the new hit series Nurse Jackie.

Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

The Nominees:

1. Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad"

2. Martin Short "Damages"

3. Michael Emerson "Lost"

4. Terry O'Quinn "Lost"

5. John Slattery "Mad Men"

6. Andre Braugher "Men of a Certain Age"

Should Win: Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad"

Will Win: Andre Braughter "Men of a Certain Age"

Commentary: This category, as well as the Supporting Actress, has proved to be the most difficult to predict. Martin Short and John Slattery probably don't have much of a shot at winning, but I thought the same of Jon Cryer last year, and the bastard pulled off a win, so I'm being cautious. The Lost boys could both win, as they are both previous winners, but I think that they might cancel each other out, although I think O'Quinn could pull a quick one. Aaron Paul is absolutely brilliant in Breaking Bad, and should have won last year, and should win this year, but I think his role can sometimes be overshadowed by the great Bryan Cranston. So I went with the nominee who many people (including myself), didn't think would make the cut, and now seems to be the one to beat. I am hesitant to do this, but Andre Braugher has gotten surprising Emmy love before, and his role on this underappreciated show is really great, so despite my hesitancy, I think he will walk away with the trophy.

Emmy Predictions: Directing for a Drama Series

The Nominees:

1. Michelle MacLaren "Breaking Bad - One Minute"

2. Steve Shill "Dexter - The Getaway"

3. Jack Bender "Lost - The End"

4. Lesli Linka Glatter "Mad Men - Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency"

5. Agnieszka Holland "Treme - Do You Know What It Means?"

Should Win/Will Win - Jack Bender "Lost - The End"

Commentary: While Mad Men has the writing bascially sewn up, it is a little over its head in this category. I was thrilled that Treme got at least one big nomination, and hope that the series will eventually get Emmy voters on board, but it won't win this year. The Dexter and Breaking Bad episodes are strong, but those series' best bets are in the acting categories. Finally, that pits Mad Men and Lost, the two juggernauts against each other. I think that Lost will win at least one, maybe two or three big awards come August 29th. The almost movie-esque quality of its final episode will be enough to give it one more shot at glory.

Emmy Predictions: Best Writing for a Drama Series

The Nominees:

1. Rolin Jones "Friday Night Lights - The Son"

2. Michelle King &Robert King "The Good Wife - Pilot"

3. Carlton Cuse & Damon Lindelof "Lost - The End"

4. Matthew Weiner & Robin Veith "Mad Men - Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency"

5. Matthew Weiner & Erin Levy "Mad Men - Shut the Door. Have a Seat"

Should Win: Rolin Jones "Friday Night Lights - The Son"

Will Win: Matthew Weiner & Erin Levy "Mad Men - Shut the Door. Have a Seat"

Commentary: I would love to see Friday Night Lights get some Emmy love in at least one top category, but I know that that is a dream which is probably never going to come true. Lost was never really a writer's show, so I predict it will not win this category, but maybe directing. The Good Wife is a brilliant new show, and may surprise some, but this category really belongs to Emmy powerhouse Mad Men. I went with the better of the two episodes, as I think Emmy voters will do so as well.

Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

The Nominees:

1. Mike O'Malley "Glee - Wheels"

2. Neil Patrick Harris "Glee - Dream On"

3. Fred Willard "Modern Family - Travels With Scout"

4. Eli Wallach "Nurse Jackie - Chicken Soup"

5. Jon Hamm "30 Rock - Emmanuelle Goes To..."

6. Will Arnett "30 Rock - Into the Crevasse"

Should Win/Will Win: Neil Patrick Harris

Commentary: My gut tells me that this one is tough race, and that Fred Willard will come up and win the award, but I'm going with the flashier performance of Neil Patrick Harris, who gets to not only act, but sing, and has much more screentime than his competitors. But he's younger, and has missed the cut with his How I Met Your Mother Role a few times, for lesser quality actors, so maybe they don't like him as much as everyone else does. Also don't count out the rest of the competition. Jon Hamm and Will Arnett had great turns on 30 Rock, but this year all the buzz is going to its two newest competitors. Eli Wallach is an acting legend, and an Emmy winner, so don't count him out. Finally Mike O'Malley had a great turn in Glee, but I think that the NPH will have more support.

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

1. Pulp Fiction - After a long journey that began in May, and has lasted all summer, my summer-long project, alot like my summer, has sadly come to an end. Of course, I'm already working on ideas for next summer, maybe a greatest of all time list? Who knows? But for now, let us celebrate the film named by Entertainment Weekly, and many other publications as the best of the last quarter century, and although I don't like to always follow the pack, this time they got it right. Pulp Fiction is simply one of the strangest, yet fascinating and interesting movies ever made. The best part of it was the fact that to this day, it bewilders all those that take the time to dive into its frames. What exactly happened to Butch? What exactly was glowing in that suitcase? And more importantly, what the hell happened? Like all Tarantino films, the order of the story is never quite right, and the dialogue, while slightly comedic is also immensly cheesy, and can sometimes drag on, but that is the point. Pulp Fiction isn't about hero vs. villains, or a love story, or even a story at all, it is about a style. A stylish crime thriller that confuses, makes you think, and leaves you wondering what really happened. It is about the pulp style, and the characters that happen to bump into each other in a 24 hour, it is simply a work of art, and that is its only purpose. Furthermore, it is a star-studded affair featuring excellent performances from Uma Thurman, John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Harvey Keitel, Ving Rhames, Rosanne Arquette, and many others. I could go on and on about the greatness of Pulp Fiction, but for now it is simply safe to say that in the last quarter century, there hasn't been anything even close, and just take a gander at the rest of the list to see why that is one high compliment. Thanks to all those that read and enjoyed this list, I know I sure enjoyed the process of creating it, and hope to continue to bring you interesting and in-depth lists and analysis. See you tomorrow for more Emmy Predictions!

Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

The Nominees:

1. Beau Bridges "The Closer - Make Over"

2. Ted Danson "Damages - The Next One's Gonna Go..."

3. John Lithgow "Dexter - Road Kill"

4. Alan Cumming "The Good Wife - Fleas"

5. Dylan Baker "The Good Wife - Bad"

6. Robert Morse "Mad Me - Shut the Door. Have a Seat."

7. Gregory Itzin "24 - Day 8: 1-2 pm"

Should Win/Will Win: John Lithgow "Dexter"

Commentary: This is a pretty stacked category with some great nominees. Both Alan Cumming and Dylan Baker had great turns on The Good Wife, but will most likely cancel each other out. Robert Morse was great in a particularly brilliant Mad Men episode, and I think could be a dark horse contender. Perennial nominees/winners Beau Bridges and Ted Danson get in again for good turns in The Closer and Damages respectively, but in my opinion are more of placeholders than anything else. Gregory Itzin was great for years on 24, and never really got enough recognition for this role, so I am happy to see him here, and if there are any sympathy votes for the last season of 24, he could be a contender. However, I think that John Lithgows killer character on Dexter was a scenestealer, has already been honored, and is a Emmy fave...he's in.

Teen Choice Awards 2010: Winners

Cause I guess somebody out there care about this. Some actually cool choices like Shutter Island, Toy Story 3, and Avatar, and some horrible choices like Twilight, Justin Bieber, and The Vampire Diaries which make me scared for the future. Anyway, here is the very, very, very long list of winners.

MOVIES

• Choice Movie: Action Adventure
• Sherlock Holmes
• Choice Movie Actor: Action Adventure 
• Channing Tatum, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
• Choice Movie Actress: Action Adventure
• Rachel McAdams, Sherlock Holmes
• Choice Movie: Sci-Fi
• Avatar  
• Choice Movie: Liplock
• Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
• Choice Movie: Fight
• Mia Wasikowska vs. The Jabberwocky, Alice in Wonderland 
• Choice Movie: Hissy Fit
• Miley Cyrus, The Last Song 
• Choice Movie: Chemistry
• Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
• Choice Movie: Male Breakout
• Liam Hemsworth, The Last Song
• Choice Movie: Female Breakout 
• Taylor Swift, Valentine’s Day
• Choice Movie: Male Scene Stealer 
• Kellan Lutz, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
• Choice Movie: Female Scene Stealer
• Ashley Greene, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
• Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi
• Sam Worthington, Avatar
• Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi
• Zoë Saldana, Avatar
• Choice Movie: Fantasy
• The Twilight Saga: New Moon
• Choice Movie Actor: Fantasy 
• Taylor Lautner, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
• Choice Movie Actress: Fantasy 
• Kristen Stewart, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
• Choice Movie: Drama
• The Blind Side
• Choice Movie Actor: Drama 
• Robert Pattinson, Remember Me
• Choice Movie Actress: Drama
• Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
• Choice Movie: Romantic Comedy
• Valentine’s Day
• Choice Movie Actor: Romantic Comedy
• Ashton Kutcher, Valentine’s Day 
• Choice Movie Actress: Romantic Comedy
• Sandra Bullock, The Proposal
• Choice Movie: Comedy
• Date Night
• Choice Movie Actor: Comedy
• Ashton Kutcher, Killers
• Choice Movie Actress: Comedy
• Tina Fey, Date Night
• Choice Movie: Horror/Thriller
• Paranormal Activity
• Choice Movie Actor: Horror/Thriller
• Leonardo DiCaprio, Shutter Island
• Choice Movie Actress: Horror/Thriller
• Megan Fox, Jennifer’s Body
• Choice Movie: Animated 
• Toy Story
• Choice Movie: Villain
• Rachelle Lefevre, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
• Choice Movie: Dance
• Sandra Bullock and Betty White, The Proposal
• Choice Summer Movie
• The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
• Choice Summer Movie Star: Male
• Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
• Choice Summer Movie Star: Female
• Kristen Stewart, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

TELEVISION

• Choice TV Show: Drama
• Gossip Girl
• Choice TV Actor: Drama
• Chace Crawford, Gossip Girl
• Choice TV Actress: Drama
• Leighton Meester, Gossip Girl
• Choice TV Show: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
• The Vampire Diaries
• Choice TV Actor: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
• Paul Wesley, The Vampire Diaries
• Choice TV Actress: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
• Nina Dobrev, The Vampire Diaries
• Choice TV Show: Action
• NCIS: Los Angeles
• Choice TV Actor: Action
• Zachary Levi, Chuck
• Choice TV Actress: Action
• Yvonne Strahovski, Chuck
• Choice TV Show: Comedy
• Glee
• Choice TV Actor: Comedy
• Jonas Brothers, JONAS
• Choice TV Actress: Comedy
• Selena Gomez, Wizards of Waverly Place
• Choice TV: Animated Show
• Family Guy
• Choice TV: Reality Show
• Keeping Up with the Kardashians
• Choice TV: Reality Competition Show
• American Idol
• Choice TV: Male Reality/Variety Star
• Lee DeWyze, American Idol
• Choice TV: Female Reality/Variety Star
• The Kardashians, Keeping Up with the Kardashian
• Choice TV: Villain
• Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries
• Choice TV: Personality
• Ryan Seacrest
• Choice TV: Breakout Show
• The Vampire Diaries
• Choice TV: Female Scene Stealer
• Hilary Duff, Gossip Girl
• Choice TV: Male Scene Stealer
• Chris Colfer, Glee
• Choice TV: Female Breakout Star
• Nina Dobrev, The Vampire Diaries
• Choice TV: Male Breakout Star
• Paul Wesley, The Vampire Diaries
• Choice TV: Parental Unit
• Mike O’Malley, Glee
• Choice Summer TV Show
• Pretty Little Liars
• Choice Summer TV Star: Male
• Ian Harding, Pretty Little Liars
• Choice Summer TV Star: Female
• Lucy Hale, Pretty Little Liars

MUSIC

• Choice Music: Male Artist
• Justin Bieber
• Choice Music: Female Artist
• Lady Gaga
• Choice Music: Group
• Selena Gomez & The Scene
• Choice Music: Rap Artist
• Eminem
• Choice Music: R&B Artist
• Beyoncé
• Choice Music: Rock Group
• Paramore
• Choice Music: Male Country Artist
• Keith Urban
• Choice Music: Female Country Artist
• Taylor Swift
• Choice Music: Country Group
• Lady Antebellu 
• Choice Music: Single
• “California Gurls,” Katy Perry
• Choice Music: Hook Up
• “Airplanes,” B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams
• Choice Music: Breakout Artist, Male
• Justin Bieber 
• Choice Music: Breakout Artist, Female
• Selena Gomez and The Scene
• Choice Music: Love Song
• “When I Look At You,” Miley Cyrus
• Choice Music: R&B Track 
• “OMG,” Usher
• Choice Music: Rap/Hip-Hop Track
• “Love The Way You Lie,” Eminem featuring Rihanna
• Choice Music: Rock Track
• “Ignorance,” Paramore
• Choice Music: Country Song
• “Fifteen,” Taylor Swift
• Choice Music: Album, Pop
• “My World 2.0,” Justin Bieber
• Choice Music: Album, Rock
• “Brand New Eyes,” Paramore
• Choice Music: Album, R&B
• “Jason Derülo,” Jason Derülo
• Choice Music: Album, Rap
• “Relapse,” Eminem
• Choice Music: Album, Country
• “Fearless,” Taylor Swift
• Choice Summer Music Star: Male
• Justin Bieber
• Choice Summer Music Star: Female
• Lady Gaga
• Choice Summer Music: Song
• “California Gurls,” Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dog

SPORTS

• Choice Athlete: Male
• David Beckham (soccer)
• Choice Athlete: Female
• Serena Williams (tennis)
• Choice Action Sports Athlete: Male
• Ryan Sheckler (skateboarding)
• Choice Action Sports Athlete: Female
• Maya Gabeira (surfing)

FASHION AND BEAUTY

• Choice Male Hottie
• Taylor Lautner
• Choice Female Hottie
• Megan Fox
• Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon- Female
• Selena Gomez
• Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon-Male
• Taylor Lautner
• Choice: Celebrity Fashion Line
• “Miley and Max,” Miley Cyrus and Max Azria

OTHER

• Choice Comedian
• Ellen DeGeneres
• Choice Twit
• Ellen DeGeneres
• Choice Web Star
• Shane Dawson
• Choice Videogame
• The Sims 3
• Choice Smile
• Taylor Lautner
• Choice Activist
• Shakira
• Choice American Idol Alum
• David Archuleta
• Most Fanatic Fans
• Twilight Cast

Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

The Nominees:

1. Lily Tomlin "Damages - Your Secrets Are Safe"

2. Sissy Spacek "Big Love - End of Days"

3. Mary Kay Place "Big Love - The Mighty & The Strong"

4. Shirley Jones "The Cleaner - Does Everybody Have a Drink?"

5. Ann-Margaret "Law & Order: SVU - Bedtime"

6. Elizabeth Mitchell "Lost - The End Parts 1&2"

Should Win: Elizabeth Mitchell for Lost

Will Win: Lily Tomlin "Damages"

Commentary: Lily Tomlin is about to add another Emmy to her shelf, for her tough gal part this season on Damages. However she does have some decent competition. Sissy Spacek and Mary Kay Place both had respectible turns on Big Love, but the intercompetition might end up in neither getting glory. I was personally thrilled with the Shirley Jones nomination, but The Cleaner is a series that not many people know about, and name recoginition is probably not enough for her to reach the podium. Ann-Margaret was this year's Law & Order: SVU representative as it seems they get at least one or more guest stars in every year. The person who should win this category is the excellent Elizabeth Mitchell, as a reward for her excellent world throughout the series, but that is just wishful thinking.

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 12

4. Goodfellas - While its no Godfather, Martin Scorsese takes up what Coppola started. To put it simply, Goodfellas is a gangster classic. Combining the Italian-American world of New York, with a pitch perfect drug-influenced storyline, and the style of many different decades to create what seems like The Godfather reincarnated, and that is the highest compliment any film can receive. The cast is incredible, especially Ray Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, Academy Award Winner Joe Pesci (for this role), and the great Robert DeNiro. While it failed to win Best Picture (a travesty, the Academy should be ashamed of), for me it not only remains the best movie of 1990, but one of the best movies of all time, and the third greatest gangster/mobster movie of all time (behind the first two Godfathers of course). Martin Scorsese is an incredible director, and Goodfellas perfectly captures what makes him so incredible...enough said.

3. Almost Famous - So it topped by best of the 2000's list, and while it still remains probably my favorite movie of all time, it missed the cut by two on this particular list. I know I have probably written just a little too much about this incredible movie, but I can't help it, I simply love it. I read an article recently that labeled Almost Famous as one of the most overrated movies of the last couple of decades, and I was appauled. To tell the truth, I thought it was underrated for so long, and as critics started to do their best of the decade lists, they realized just how great it was. It is the perfect passion project, and the heart and style that went into it is prevalent from the first frame till the very last one. Kate Hudson is perfection, Frances McDormand is hilarious, and the rest of this incredible cast shine so bright, you lose track of all the stars that are stuffed into its frames. It has an incredible screenplay, and if you want ot know more just go and look at my many articles written about the film. Simply one of the best...of all time.

2. Schindler's List - I thought about making this incredible movie number one, but I simply couldn't put it ahead of the real number one (as you shall see in a couple of days). Despite that, Schindler's List remains not only one of the greatest movies of the last twenty five years, but also remains one of the greatest of all time (just take a gander at AFI's top 100 movies of all time if you need further proof). Spielberg really took his Jewish roots seriously in this modern historical classic that tells the story of a Holocaust-era gentleman that saves many individuals from thier grueling fate of death in a horrible concentration camp. I had the unpleasant, yet important pleasure/devastating act of visiting Dachau, on a seventeen day, seven country tour of Europe back in 2000. It is the feeling that you get when you walk into that place that makes you remember why it is important to remember the horrific events that the world witnessed under the Nazi regime. For all of us Schindler's List is a quiet, yet powerful reminder of that painful history, that happens to be incredibly directed, impeccably acted, and powerfully written, which combines together to create one of the most moving and influential movies of all time.

Emmy Predictions: Best Reality Program

Nominees:

1. Antiques Roadshow

2. Dirty Jobs

3. Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

4. Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List

5. MythBusters

6. Undercover Boss

Should Win: Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List

Will Win: Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

Commentary: Last year's winner, Intervention, didn't make the cut this year, which is pretty surprising, and only managed one nomination for picture editing. Undercover Boss was a new series that did pretty well, but will have to just be happy just to be nominated. MythBusters, Dirty Jobs, and Antiques Roadshow have been around for awhile, but neither has a lot of buzz, and were merely space fillers in this category. For me, this category comes down to two. Kathy Griffin's Life of the D-List is always a hilarious riot, and has won this category twice, so it is definitely in the running. But this year I think that it is all about the highly-rated, well-received Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, and it looks like the buzz and the popularity will be enough to push it over the edge.

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 11

7. Saving Private Ryan - To this day, many World War II veterans still refer to this Steven Spielberg classic as the most realistic and accurate representation of the invasion of D-Day ever presented on the silver screen. But, as all of know, that is simply the beginning. To me at least, what is probably the best beginning to a movie ever, doesn't dissapoint, as it becomes one of the greatest war epics ever as its story unfolds. A team of soliders is sent to save a Private Ryan, whose brothers have all been killed. Along the way, they lose some of their own, bond, and run into the war-torn world that they are fighting for. Unlike most war epics, the story really isn't about the fighting, the military strategy, or even the victory. Saving Private Ryan is about the soldiers, their families, and the bond that happens when you fight everyday to not only save your own life, but the lives of others. There is merit in this kind of emotional, engaging filmmaking, something that so many directors today never quite capture. A masterpiece to say the least.

6. Terminator 2: Judgment Day - To date, it remains probably the second greatest sci-fi movie ever made (Sorry to all you Terminator fans, but The Empire Strikes Back still remains top for me). For all of the detractors against James Cameron, no one can deny that the man knows how to not only create a fascinating and thrilling world, but also give us a wild action adventure, combined with a little bit of heart as well. This time, the Terminator must protect the son of the woman he had tried to kill from an even more dangerous cyborg. This movie won four Oscars, and like all good James Cameron movies, continued to improve the technical aspects of movie making. But this wasn’t just a visual treat. Even with the boring, dull expression that is a constant on the the Governator's face, you cannot deny that the reason this movie soars isn't because of its technical aspect, but because of its story. It has a little bit of heart, and a whole lot of mind-blowing adrenaline that blows your senses away, captures your attention, and never lets up.

5. The Lord of Rings Trilogy - I know most of the Lord of the Rings geeks are starting an internet war because their beloved trilogy wasn't higher on the list, but they should be grateful and appreciative that this fantasy epic is so well-loved as it is. Going into production there were a lot of questions of whether a relatively unknown director, and a source material that while thrilling would be hard to replicate on the screen could acutally suceed. Yet for three straight years, movie theaters were packed by eager fans amd critics were drooling with anticipation, and the world was not only pleased, but mesmerized and astonished. And all that lined up for a show quickly realized that Peter Jackson succeeded in not only putting it on the silver screen, but doing so in a way that has changed cinema forever. The world that he created not only reflected the legacy of Tolkien, but created for us a new and exciting place filled with incredible characters, daring adventures, and utter movie magic in a way that had never been done before, and has yet to be topped.

Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees:

1. Christine Baranski "The Big Bang Theory"

2. Kathryn Joosten "Desperate Housewives"

3. Kristin Chenoweth "Glee"

4. Tina Fey "SNL"

5. Betty White "SNL"

6. Elaine Stritch "30 Rock"

7. Jane Lynch "Two and a Half Men"

Will Win/Should Win: Betty White "SNL"

Commentary: If you have gone without television or internet for the last year, and simply looked at these names, you would think that this is a tough, hell, almost impossible race to call. Tina Fey, Kathryn Joosten, and Elaine Stritch have already won this category for these same characters, so they are def. in the running. Kristin Chenoweth sang and acted superbly in Glee, and won an Emmy last year, meaning that she is popular among the Academy. Christine Baranski is a household name, and could easily see her name pop up. Jane Lynch has had a hell of year, but her best shot comes in the supporting actress category. However, none of the previously mentioned six, have anything on the great Betty White. Not only was she awesome on Saturday Night Live, but has become the most talked about star in Hollywood, and even has a new sitcom out on TV Land called Hot in Cleveland. If she doesn't win, I think every pundit on record will have a conniption, and quit.

If There Had Been Ten: 1998

The Nominees:

1. Shakespeare in Love
2. Saving Private Ryan
3. Elizabeth
4. Life is Beautiful
5.The Thin Red Line

The Next Five:

6. The Truman Show
7. Out of Sight
8. Gods and Monsters
9. Primary Colors
10. A Simple Plan

Possibilities:

11. What Dreams May Come
12. Pleasantville
13. Bulworth
14. Affliction
15. There's Something About Mary
16. Central Station
17. A Bug's Life
18. The Horse Whisperer
19. The Prince of Egypt
20. Mulan
21. A Civil Action
22. Hilary and Jackie

Commentary: In my heart, I wish that the tenth spot could have gone to There's Something About Mary, Pleasantville, or What Dreams May Come, but considering they either got no nods, or a few technical nods, which have less weight than acting/writing nods, they are on the outside looking in. So I went with the Billy Bob Thorton led A Simple Plan, which managed a nod for him and for the script. Out of Sight got an editing nod and a writing nod, and was well received, so its in. Peter Weir managed a director's nod for The Truman Show, so I stuck with my director/picture theory. Finally, Primary Colors and Gods and Monsters managed screenplay nods (and one win), as well as some acting nods, and seemingly had a lot of support to make the final ten.

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 10

10. The Shawshank Redemption - To this day, it remains the highest rated movie on IMDB's top 250 list by users of the site, and there is a reason for it. While I would probably not rank it as high as most people, The Shawshank Redemption still remains today one of the most influential and stunning movies to ever grace the silver screen. Adapted from a Stephen King work, writer/director Frank Darabont does a wonderful job, combining the depth and thickness of King's work, translating it into a moving and interesting movie that doesn't linger too long at the parade. Well-written, well-directed, uplifiting movies that are neither too long, nor too cheesy and campy, are hard to come by. It doesn't hurt that Morgan Freeman, Tim Robbins, and a whole host of capable supporting actors handle Darabont's script with care, and develop deep, and conflicted characters, that bring the story to life. So the question remains, why is this particular movie the one that seems to stick with its audience? Because it is a story of hope. Too often in today's society, we dwell in the things we cannot change, and every once in a while, it is nice to escape to a new and incredible world that tells people that hope is possible.

9. The Dark Knight - Between my If There Had Been Ten series, Top 50 Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Comic Book Movies of all time, and my random diatribes hidden in the many articles published by this blog, it should be clear to anyone paying attention, that I think that The Dark Knight is one of the greatest movies released on all time. It is a mind-blowing blend of perfect mob crime drama and comic book fantasy, that has never been seen, and may never be seen again. Christopher Nolan has a knack for the mind-bending wierd, see my recent Inception review for proof. So it came as a shock to most of us, that he had the capability to tackle an old classic, in a crime-drama, mainstream thriller. Not only did he tackle it, he did it so amazingly well that the comic-book genre will simply never be the same. His high-flying three act masterpiece was Heat with a bat suit. It didn't hurt that there were some great performances including Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman, Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine. But the true talent here is the late great Heath Ledger. He not only created the greatest film villian since Darth Vader, but created a whole new level of acting greatness, only proving how much talent he had, and how our world has not been the same since his early, and untimely death.  

8. Blue Velvet - Some movies are sick and twisted, just look at most of the crappy horror movies that have come out in the last ten years. So it takes a great talent to turn something creepy and twisted, and turn it into something mysterious, thrilling, dark, a little scary, and down right brilliant. Of course the talent I am speaking of is the great David Lynch. The story involves a man returning to his hometown. When he finds a human ear in a field, he, and the police began an investigation only to find a dark and twisted world that involves sexual digust and crimes by violent and evil people. While sometimes a hard movie to watch for its sexual exploitation and unapologetic violence, David Lynch's Blue Velvet remains one of the most talked about movies of all times. It doesn't hurt that it is well-written, beautifully shot, and incredibly well acted by Isabella Rosselini, Laura Dern, Kyle MacLachlan, and especially by the incredible, late Dennis Hopper, whose Frank Booth ranks as one of the great movie villians of all time, as he plays it with gusto, energy, and a sinister appeal that makes it hard to look away, and hard to watch all at the same time.

Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

So I am now starting to make some Emmy predictions. I know it is early, and I will do a full redo a day or two before the ceremony, and make any appropriate changes. So here is the first category:

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees:

1. Jane Lynch "Glee"

2. Julie Bowen "Modern Family"

3. Sofia Vergara "Modern Family"

4. Kristin Wiig "SNL"

5. Jane Krakowski "30 Rock"

6. Holland Taylor "Two and a Half Men"

Will Win/Should Win: Jane Lynch "Glee"

Commentary: Three previous nominees, Krakowski, Taylor, and Wiig are all great on their respective shows, but are not the strongest contenders, and should be satisfied that they received a nomination. However, it seems that there is a three-way battle for the top prize from two new and popular series. I think that the Modern Family girls are great, but could suffer from split votes. More importantly, it is going to be hard to stop the momentum of the incredible Jane Lynch. Her Sue Sylvester has already been engrained into modern pop culture. Furthermore, she did an almost impossible task of being a female supporting character to win best comedy performance at the recent TCA awards. It is going to take a huge upset for her not to win the prize.

2010 TCA Awards

There were shockers at this year's Television Critics Association, as two women took home the performance categories which is shocking considering women rarely get nominated let alone win. But this year, Julianna Margulies and Jane Lynch took home the prize for drama and comedy respectively, and Glee surprised most critics winning the best program award. Does this set these winners up for Emmy glory? Only time will tell.

Winners:

Program of the year: "Glee" (Fox)


Outstanding new program: "Glee" (Fox)

Individual achievement in comedy: Jane Lynch, "Glee" (Fox)

Outstanding achievement in comedy: "Modern Family" (ABC)

Outstanding achievement in drama: TIE – "Lost" (ABC) and "Breaking Bad" (AMC)

Individual achievement in drama: Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife" (CBS)

Outstanding achievement in news and information: "Life" (Discovery)

Outstanding achievement in youth programming: "Yo Gabba Gabba" (Nick Jr.)

Outstanding acheievement in movies, miniseries and specials: "The Pacific" (HBO)

Heritage Award: "MASH" (CBS)

Career achievement: James Garner

If There Had Been Ten: 1999

The Nominees:

1. American Beauty

2. The Green Mile

3. The Sixth Sense

4. The Insider

5. The Cider House Rules

The Next Five:

6. Being John Malkovich

7. The Matrix

8. Toy Story 2

9. Topsy-Turvy

10. The Talented Mr. Ripley

Possibilities

11. Magnolia

12. The Hurricane

13. Sleepy Hollow

14. Sweet and Lowdown

15. Analyze This

16. Fight Club

17. Election

18. The End of the Affair

19. Angela's Ashes

20. The Red Violin

21. Man on the Moon

Commentary: I would love to see something clever like Election, thrilling like Fight Club, or quirky like Magnolia make the final list, but alas, this isn't what I would want to be nominated (although that does give me an idea for a new series for the blog), but instead this is about what would have been nominated. The Matrix was nominated for four awards, and won every single one of them, and would have been the big blockbuster of the bunch. Being John Malkovich got a direction nod for Spike Jonze, and could have been a quirky, yet well liked nominee. The Academy does love Mike Leigh, and although he didn't get a directing nod this time, the movie managed four nods, and could have easily gotten in. Finally I went with the less than stellar The Talented Mr. Ripley because it managed five nods, and could have easily stolen a nod for picture. Finally, while there was no Animated Feature category at the time, Toy Story 2 got perfect reviews, and probably would have been the designated animated movie for 1999.