2013 Emmy Contenders: Best Drama Series

2013 Contenders
Homeland
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Mad Men
Game of Thrones
House of Cards
The Newsroom
Boardwalk Empire
The Good Wife
Dexter
Scandal
The Americans
The Walking Dead
Justified
Damages
Parenthood
True Blood
Sons of Anarchy
Nashville
Elementary
Revolution
Bate's Motel
The Following
Revenge
Once Upon a Time
Grey's Anatomy
Southland
Shameless
Vikings
Vegas
Touch
Dallas
Chicago Fire
Hannibal
Person of Interest
NCIS
NCIS: Los Angeles
CSI
Hell on Wheels
White Collar
Burn Notice
Suits
Smash
The Borgias
Boss
Doctor Who
Orphan Black
Copper

Commentary - This year, the six shows that were nominated last year are all returning to the race. As is previous nominee The Good Wife, which remains the only major broadcast show in a real position to get a nomination (there are some on the outside that are possibilties, but not strong). So the question once again is, which shows get in, and which are left out? I think that four of them are safe, those being: Homeland, Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey, and Mad Men. Game of Thrones has been able to overcome its genre premise the last two years, and while there is some stiff new competition to face, I think that the show is just too big to ignore. Its ratings go up week after week, and it continues to be a hit with critics. HBO's other project Boardwalk Empire may not be as lucky. It definitely has the technical branches of the Academy behind it, but I think that newer competition will force it out. The two new shows I keep mentioning are The Newsroom and House of Cards. The Newsroom will have to overcome so-so initial reviews and legitimate calls of sexism, but let's face it, it is the kind of show that Emmy voters eat up. House of Cards may be hindered by its medium of Netflix, but if the voters are willing to embrace the online medium, then it will be a huge powerhouse at the Emmys. Shows like Nashville, Scandal, Justified, Parenthood, Dexter, The Walking Dead, and Damages are all potentials in acting, writing/directing, and technical nominations, but I think that a series nod is not on the horizon. I think that the other major contender is FX's The Americans. I personally think its a great show, but with so many other big names ahead of it, I think I, and a lot of other people, are underestimating it, and we may end up regretting it.

2013 Tony Awards Predictions: Best Featured Actor in a Musical

Will Win - Terrence Mann "Pippin"

Could Win - Gabriel Ebert "Matilda"

Commentary -  Like its counterpart, this one looks to be a fairly easy race to predict. While Gabriel Ebert is apparently as scene stealer in the musical frontrunner Matilda, I think that three-time Tony nominee Terrence Mann, who apparently is fantastic in the revival of Pippin, will finally win his first Tony Award.

2013 Emmy Contenders: Best Comedy Series

2013 Contenders
Modern Family
30 Rock
Girls
The Big Bang Theory
Arrested Development
Veep
Louie
Parks & Recreation
New Girl
Glee
Nurse Jackie
Episodes
The Middle
Community
The Mindy Project
The Office
Cougar Town
Bunheads
Raising Hope
House of Lies
Weeds
How I Met Your Mother
Family Guy
Enlightened
The Neighbors
Last Man Standing
The New Normal
Go On
Mike & Molly
2 Broke Girls
Two and A Half Men
Happy Endings
Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23
Awkward
Hot in Cleveland
Suburgatory
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Wilfred
Happily Divorced
Malibu Country
The Soul Man
Up All Night
Californication
Eastbound and Down

Commentary - With Curb Your Enthusiasm out of the race, there is at least one spot open for the taking. Of the returning shows, my guess is that Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, Girls, and the final season of 30 Rock are all safe bets to return. Veep only got two nominations last year, including this one, and while its second season is certaintly funny, I think it is incredibly vulnerable. The elephant in the room this year is Arrested Development. The reviews are in, and while they are good, there seems to be more detraction than in the previous efforts. But I think the biggest obstacle AD will have to face is not the reviews or the ratings, but instead the medium. I am still not sure that the Television Academy, which was so slow to embrace cable, will respond this quickly to the new online medium of Netflix. That being said, Arrested Development is an established name and it has a better chance of overcoming that handicap than its drama counterpart House of Cards. That still leaves one spot (if we assume that Veep is not a lock). Louie has consistently done better at the Emmys since it first started, and I think that this is the year that it could finally break into the top race. Other contenders include previous nominees like Parks & Recreation, Glee, Nurse Jackie, and the last season of The Office, although all of them seem to have peaked at the Emmys. I also think that New Girl, which mananged to miss the cut last year but got lots of key nominations, is a show to watch out for. Finally, some outside contenders like The Middle, Episodes, Community, Happy Endings, The Mindy Project, and Bunheads are all looking to surprise and overcome the Goliaths in the race.

2013 Tony Award Predictions: Best Featured Actress in a Musical

Will Win - Andrea Martin "Pippin"

Could Win- Annaleigh Ashford "Kinky Boots", Lauren Ward "Matlida", Victoria Clark "Cinderella"

Commentary - The great Tony and Emmy Award winner Andrea Martin needs no real introduction, and after doing some research on this year's race, it looks like she is almost unbeatable at this year's Tonys. She received rave reviews for the well-received revival of Pippin, she is a previous Tony winner, and mulitple nominee, and is recognizable by many voters. Ashford, Ward, and Clark are all possibilities, but I think they will have to wait their turn.

2013 Emmy Contenders: Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

2013 Contenders
Michael J. Fox "The Good Wife"
Nathan Lane "The Good Wife"
Dylan Baker "The Good Wife"
Matthew Perry "The Good Wife"
T.R. Knight "The Good Wife"
John Noble "The Good Wife"
Brian Dennehy "The Good Wife"
Wallace Shawn "The Good Wife"
F. Murray Abraham "The Good Wife"
Jimmy Smits "Sons of Anarchy"
Walton Goggins "Sons of Anarchy"
Robert Morse "Mad Men"
William Daniels "Grey's Anatomy"
Ray Romano "Parenthood"
Jason Ritter "Parenthood"
Matt Lauria "Parenthood"
Mike O'Malley "Justified"
Jim Beaver "Justified"
Patton Oswalt "Justified"
Raymond J. Barry "Justified"
Ron Eldard "Justified"
Jere Burns "Justified"
Rupert Friend "Homeland"
Ciaran Hinds "Game of Thrones"
Andre Braugher "Law & Order: SVU"
Ed Asner "Law & Order: SVU"
Ray Stevenson "Dexter"
Sean Hayes "Smash"
Jesse Plemmons "Breaking Bad"
Victor Garber "Damages"
John Hannah "Damages"
M. Emmet Walsh "Damages"
Chris Messina "Damages"
Chris Messina "The Newsroom"
Bradley Whitford "Shameless"
Lennie James "The Walking Dead"
Richard Thomas "The Americans"

Commentary - Once again The Good Wife seems like it could end up dominating the Guest categories, as four contenders in particular: Matthew Perry, Michael J. Fox, Dylan Baker, and Nathan Lane, all have a legitimate chance of getting a nomination. This could become like a Modern Family type sweep. But they have some stiff compeition. Previous Emmy winner and television legend Jimmy Smits once agian competes for an Emmy nomination. Sons of Anarchy has never been a favorite of the Television Academy, but if anyone can break that streak it is Jimmy Smits. Parenthood finally got its first Emmy nomination last year for Jason Ritter. While he returns to the race, I think that it is Ray Romano who has the better shot this year at a nomination. I would love to see William Daniels get another Emmy nomination, as I loved his role on Grey's and let's face it: he's Mr. Feeny! In all seriousness though, he is definitely a name to consider. Some other strong contenders include Chris Messina (in several roles), Ciaran Hinds in Game of Thrones, one of the many choices from Justified, particularly O'Malley and Barry, Rupert Friend for Homeland, and two Emmy favorites, Ed Asner and Andre Braugher for their roles in SVU.

2013 Tony Award Predictions: Best Featured Actor in a Play

Will Win - Danny Burstein "Golden Boy"

Could Win - Courtney B. Vance "Lucky Guy", Tony Shalhoub "Golden Boy" Richard Kind "The Big Knife"

Commentary - A really tough race is brewing in this category, and the winner could end up being a surprise. Courtney B. Vance holds his own against the legendary Tom Hanks, and it is his third nomination with no win. Both Tony Shalhoub and Richard Kind are known for their roles in television and film, and could ride to a win based on that popularity alone, as well as their baity performances. But I think that after four Tony nominations that Danny Burstein finally takes home his first Tony for his role in the revival of Golden Boy. But I have no doubt that it will be a close race to the finish.

2013 Emmy Contenders: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

2013 Emmy Contenders
Shirley MacLaine "Downton Abbey"
Stockard Channing "The Good Wife"
Martha Plimpton "The Good Wife"
Carrie Preston "The Good Wife"
Maura Tierney "The Good Wife"
Christina Ricci "The Good Wife"
Audra McDonald "The Good Wife"
Anika Noni Rose "The Good Wife"
Amanda Peet "The Good Wife"
Joan Cusack "Shameless"
Alfre Woodard "True Blood"
Alfre Woodard "Private Practice"
Loretta Devine "Grey's Anatomy"
Debbie Allen "Grey's Anatomy"
Jane Fonda "The Newsroom"
Margo Martindale "The Americans"
Diana Rigg "Game of Thrones"
Laura Fraser "Breaking Bad"
Linda Cardellini "Mad Men"
Julia Ormond "Mad Men"
Alison Brie "Mad Men"
Jennifer Hudson "Smash"
Liza Minnelli "Smash"
Marcia Gay Harden "Law & Order: SVU"
Patricia Arquette "Law & Order: SVU"
Janet McTeer "Damages"
Jenna Elfman "Damages"
Diahann Carroll "White Collar"
Jennifer Jason Leigh "Revenge"
Abby Miller "Justified"
Betty White "The Client List"
Yvonne Strahovski "Dexter"

Commentary - I think everyone can agree that as wonderful as it was to see Shirley MacLaine on Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes and his team did not give her enough to do. That being said, she is a screen legend, and the show is beloved, so I expect her to not only get nomination but to be the frontrunner to win (for now). Right on her heels is another legend in her own right, the great Jane Fonda, who has a turn in The Newsroom. Joan Cusack and Loretta Devine both come back into the spolight for roles they have either been nominated for or won for in the last two years, and both could easily see their names reappear. Alfre Woodard also returns with her nominated role in True Blood, as well as a potential nod for her turn in Private Practice as well. She is so popular within the Television community that she can never be discounted. Then we get to The Good Wife. Its overload of incredible television actresses this year makes it so difficult to narrow down who gets in or who doesn't. Stockard Channing is well-liked among the Academy and even got nominated for Out of Practice, my guess is that she is in. Last year Martha Plimpton won for this role, and could also be one of the top tier to get in. I would love to see Carrie Preston, who is just hilarious on the show, but I also think that Maura Tierney could get in as well. Margo Martindale returns to the Emmy race with her turn in The Americans, and she is a knockout as always. Diana Rigg for Game of Thrones, Laura Fraser for Breaking Bad, and the three contenders from Mad Men all are on top-tier shows, and should not be discounted. Finally, while Smash was a flop in the end, don't discount the popularity of names like Jennifer Hudson and Liza Minnelli. They are Academy Award winning actresses, and both get plenty of juicy singing and acting material to be noticed.

2013 Tony Award Predictions: Best Featured Actress in a Play

Will Win - Judith Light "The Assembled Parties"

Could Win - Shalita Grant "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike", Carrie Coon "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", Condola Rashad "The Trip to Bountiful"

Commentary - This is a tough race with a lot of names thrown into the pot. Shalita Grant holds her own against some big names in VSMS, as does Condola Rashad (Phylicia Rashads' daughter) against Cicely Tyson in The Trip to Bountiful. Another possibility is Carrie Coon, who is getting her first nomination for her work in the revival of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? By my guess is that Judith Light, who earns her third consecutive nomination, will go for the gold again. Her win last year for Other Desert Cities may cause pause with some Tony voters, but in the end I think she wins her second Tony in a row.

2013 Tony Award Predictions: Best Musical Score and Book of a Musical

Best Original Score
Will Win - Tim Minchin "Matilda: The Musical"

Could Win- Cyndi Lauper "Kinky Boots"

Commentary - Cyndi Lauper is a legend in modern music, and as the race for Best Musical heats up, her popular hit Kinky Boots is quietly and quickly sneaking up on the frontrunner Matilda. But in the end I think that voters will go for Matilda in the big category, which will help it out down the ballot, especially in this category. Although voters could easily split just to honor Lauper, a real possibility that should not be discluded.

Best Book of a Musical
Will Win - Dennis Kelly "Matlida"

Could Win - Harvey Fierstein "Kinky Boots"

Commentary - You know, looking at all of the big names involved with Kinky Boots makes me think that Tony voters could really go for it, especially in this category with the mutiple Tony winning Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein. But for now I am sticking with my guns, and my guts, that say that Matilda will be the big winner come June 9th, including for Dennis Kelly's book.

2013 Emmy Contenders - Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

2013 Emmy Contenders
Bob Newhart "The Big Bang Theory"
Justin Timberlake "SNL"
Martin Short "SNL"
Louis C.K. "SNL"
Seth MacFarlane "SNL"
Ben Affleck "SNL"
Bobby Cannavale "Nurse Jackie"
Morris Chestnut "Nurse Jackie"
Steve Carell "The Office"
Will Arnett "30 Rock"
Bryan Cranston "30 Rock"
Steve Buscemi "30 Rock"
James Marsden "30 Rock"
Dean Winters "30 Rock"
Will Forte "30 Rock"
Ken Howard "30 Rock"
Rob Reiner "New Girl"
Josh Gad "New Girl"
Dennis Farina "New Girl"
Rob Riggle "New Girl"
Matthew Broderick "Modern Family"
Nathan Lane "Modern Family"
Fred Willard "Modern Family"
Rob Riggle "Modern Family"
Benjamin Bratt "Modern Family"
Patrick Wilson "Girls"
Chris O'Dowd "Girls"
Peter Scolari "Girls"
Andrew Rannells "Girls"
David Lynch "Louie"
F. Murray Abraham "Louie"
Henry Winkler "Arrested Development"
Ben Stiller "Arrested Development"
John Slattery "Arrested Development"
Matt Damon "House of Lies"
Matt Bomer "The New Normal"
Seth Rogen "The Mindy Project"
Jason Alexander "Community"
James Brolin "Community"
Robin Williams "Wilfred"
Matt Walsh "Parks & Recreation"
Jonathan Banks "Parks & Recreation"
Gary Cole "Veep"

Commentary - After all these years in television, is this the time that Bob Newhart finally wins an Emmy Award? I kind of hope so since it has been so long, but he will face some stiff competition. SNL has a host of contenders (pun not intended), the most likely being previous winner Justin Timberlake and Emmy favorite Louis C.K. and Martin Short. 30 Rock also has its share of possibilities, especially recurring actor on the show Will Arnett (who is also in contention for two other shows this year), as well as the always great Bryan Cranston. Bobby Cannavale surprisingly got in last year for Nurse Jackie, and he is a winner in this category for Will & Grace, so it is not safe to discount him. Modern Family's guest stars could see a match between former Producer's co-stars Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, with Fred Willard in the mix. Patrick Wilson has an lot of screentime in his episode and if Girls is really popular, it will reflect so down the ballot. This year, Louie has a real chance to expand in the acting categories, and in this category look for legends like David Lynch and F. Murray Abraham to make a splash. We are just starting to get reactions to Arrested Development, and I haven't heard yet whether the performances of Ben Stiller, John Slattery, or Henry Winkler, are good enough to get in. Finally, after years of losing in Best Actor, this might just be the year where Steve Carell finally wins his Office Emmy, of course we can only hope.

2013 Cannes Film Festival Award Winners

Blue is the Warmest Color was getting rave reviews out of the festival, and maybe it will enter the Oscar race as France's Foreign Language entry? Inside Llewyn Davis starts its potential march to Oscars with the Grand Prix award, and rave reviews to back it. Finally, in the two acting categories, two potential Oscar contenders make a splash. Asghar Farhadi's last film A Separation went onto a win in the Foreign Language category and a nomination in Best Original Screenplay. His latest The Past got great reviews out of Cannes, and its star Berenice Bejo just won the Best Actress award. She is now a recognizable figure after her breakthrough performance (and Oscar nomination) in The Artist, and could easily be on the minds of Academy voters this year. Although I haven' t seen Nebraska, I really like the win for Bruce Dern, and with Payne's name behind him, he could definitely get into Best Actor. Will these contenders make a splash on this Oscar season? As always we'll have to wait and see.

Palme d’Or: "Blue is the Warmest Color," Director: Abdellatif Kechiche

Grand Prix: "Inside Llewyn Davis," Director: Joel and Ethan Coen

Prix de la Mise en Scene (best director): Amat Escalante, "Heli"

Prix du Scenario (best screenplay): "A Touch of Sin," Writer: Jia Zhangke

Camera d’Or (best first feature): "Ilo Ilo," Director: Anthony Chen

Prix du Jury (jury prize): "Like Father, Like Son," Director: Kore-Eda Hirokazu

Prix d’interpretation feminine (best actress): Berenice Bejo, "The Past"

Prix d’interpretation masculine (best actor): Bruce Dern, "Nebraska"

Camera d'Or (Best Debut Feature): "Ilo Ilo," Anthony Chen 

Palme d'Or (Short Film): "Safe," Moon Byoung-gon

2013 Tony Award Predictions: Best Director of a Play/Musical

Best Director of a Play
Will Win - Nicholas Martin "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike"

Could Win - George C. Wolfe "Lucky Guy"

Commentary - Nicholas Martin has never won a Tony Award, but on his second nomination, he could get the gold for his new play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike", which is the frontrunner for the big prize: Best Play. However, do not discount the power and popularity of George C. Wolfe. Not only did he direct the great Tom Hanks to his first Tony nomination, but he is clearly popular with the American Theater Wing having won a total of five Tony Awards over his illustrious career.

Best Director of a Musical
Will Win - Matthew Warchus "Matilda"

Could Win - Diane Paulus "Pippin"
Commentary - Matthew Warchus is a previous Tony winner with lots of a credentials, and his latest effort Matilda: The Musical is the frontrunner for Best Musical. But I think that this year, after adapting successfully three revivals (Hair, Porgy and Bess, and now Pippin), that Diane Paulus is going to be tough competition as she fights to win her first Tony for the revival of Pippin (also the frontrunner in its respective category). In the end, I am going with Warchus simply because I think it is going to be the bigger winner of the night.

2013 Emmy Contenders - Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

2013 Contenders
Elaine Stritch "30 Rock"
Catherine O'Hara "30 Rock"
Chloe Grace Moretz "30 Rock"
Octavia Spencer "30 Rock"
Nina Arianda "30 Rock"
Melissa McCarthy "SNL"
Kristen Wiig "SNL"
Jennifer Lawrence "SNL"
Anne Hathaway "SNL"
Elizabeth Banks "Modern Family"
Elizabeth Pena "Modern Family"
Wendi McLendon-Covey "Modern Family"
Parker Posey "Louie"
Melissa Leo "Louie"
Dot-Marie Jones "Glee"
Kate Hudson "Glee"
Sarah Jessica Parker "Glee"
Lauren Potter "Glee"
Melissa Benoist "Glee"
Patty Duke "Glee"
Nene Leakes "Glee"
Megan Mulally "Parks & Recreation"
Kathryn Hahn "Parks & Recreation"
Kristen Wiig "Arrested Development"
Liza Minnelli "Arrested Development"
Molly Shannon "Enlightened"
Courtney Cox "Go On"
Lauren Graham "Go On"
Olivia Munn "New Girl"
Carla Gugino "New Girl"
Chloe Sevigny "The Mindy Project"
Rosanne Arquette "Girls"

Commentary - With so many names, it is probably best to tackle them show by show. First there is 30 Rock, which has always done well in the guest categories. Once again there are a lot of potential names, but I think that the two to watch out for are Elaine Stritch, who has won for this character before and Catherine O'Hara. SNL always has a list of potentials, and while Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway both won Oscars this year, I think they are going to have to wait in line behind SNL returning star Kristen Wiig, and one of television's hottest stars at the moment (and a nominee for SNL last year), Melissa McCarthy.  Modern Family (unlike 30 Rock and SNL), has never done that great in its guest categories, but I think that Elizabeth Banks could get in this year. Glee on the other hand, has always done better in its guest performances, and while Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Hudson are the obvious choices, watch out for two-time Emmy nominee Dot-Marie Jones, a character actor popular among the Television Academy, who remains one of the best parts of the show. This year, Louie may get some acting nods beyond Louis C.K. himself, including potential nods for Parker Posey and Melissa Leo in this category. Finally, look out for the guest turns of Kristen Wiig and Liza Minnelli in Arrested Development and Megan Mullaly in Parks & Recreation as real possibiltiies as well.

2013 Cannes Film Festival: Nebraska Reviews

I personally love Alexander Payne movies, and while critics are a bit mixed on this, the biggest complaint against the film is that it is a bit more sentimental than his other film, without as much sardonic bite. I personally think this will only help him, not hurt him, when it comes to AMPAS, but as always we'll have to wait and see.

Scott Foundas at Variety writes:

"Dern is simply marvelous in a role the director reportedly first offered to Gene Hackman, but which is all the richer for being played by someone who was never as big of a star. Looking suitably disheveled and sometimes dazed, he conveys the full measure of a man who has fallen short of his own expectations, resisting the temptation to overplay, letting his wonderfully weathered face course with subtle shades of sorrow, self-loathing and indignation. Given the less innately attention-getting role (a la Tom Cruise in “Rain Man”), Forte does similarly nuanced work, his scenes with Dern resonating with the major and minor grievances that lie unresolved between parents and children. Had Payne not already used it, “The Descendants” would have been an equally apt title here, so acute is the film’s sense of the virtues and vices passed down from one generation to the next."

Jamie Graham at Total Film likes the movie, but doesn't think it will be as popular with audiences or with the Academy as Payne's last film, The Descendants:

"Nebraska is unlikely to attract the box office rewards or Academy attention of his last film, The Descendants, starring George Clooney – it’s shot in low contrast black-and-white and gifts its father-son leads to Bruce Dern and Will Forte – but it is altogether superior.Dern plays Woody Grant, a Montana resident who begins the movie shuffling along the highway until he’s retrieved by the sheriff. His proposed destination, delightfully, is Nebraska, and it seems he doesn’t even have a lawnmower to get him there."

Finally, Peter Bradshaw the The Guardian (UK) writes:

"Along with these hard truths, the movie has a soft heart. Perhaps punches are being pulled, just a little. It doesn't stop Nebraska from being a thoroughly sweet and charming movie, and a reminder of Dern's quality as an actor."

2013 Tony Award Predictions: Technical Categories

The countdown to June 9th begins, as The Awards Psychic lays out its predictions for this year's Tony Awards!

Best Choreography
Will Win - Pippin
Could Win - Malilda or Kinky Boots

Best Orchestrations
Will Win - Motown: The Musical
Could Win - Matilda or Kinky Boots

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Will Win - The Nance
Could Win - Golden Boy or The Assembled Parties

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Will Win - Matilda
Could Win - Pippin

Best Costume Design of a Play
Will Win - The Nance
Could Win - The Heiress, Golden Boy, or Cyrano de Bergerac

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Will Win - Cinderella
Could Win - Pippin or Kinky Boots

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Will Win - Lucky Guy
Could Win - Golden Boy

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Will Win - Matlida
Could Win - Pippin

Best Sound Design of a Play
Will Win - Golden Boy
Could Win - The Nance

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Will Win -  Pippin
Could Win - Motown or Kinky Boots

2013 Emmy Contenders: Best Made for Television Movie/Miniseries

2013 Contenders
Behind the Candelabra
American Horror Story: Asylum
Parade's End
Top of the Lake
Political Animals
The Bible
Phil Spector
The Girl
The Big C: Hereafter
The Hour
Steel Magnolias
Betty and Coretta
Call the Midwife
Call Me Crazy
Wallander
Ring of Fire
Mary and Martha
Liz and Dick
Upstairs, Downtstairs
Titanic: Blood and Steel
Killing Lincoln
Restless
World Without End
Coma
Remember Sunday

Commentary - Last year, American Horror Story led the nominations but ended up losing to the politically charged Game Change. Will Asylum have the same fate this year? Honestly it looks like the answer may be yes, as Steven Soderbergh's Behind the Candelabra is hitting the circuit at the just the right time with its premeire at Cannes and its rave reviews. But it is not the only competition that AHS will face. Top of the Lake was well-liked by critics after its premeire on the Sundance Channel and features top performances from Emmy favorites Elisabeth Moss and Holly Hunter. One of the my personal favorites is Political Animals, which failed to get picked up for a second season, but was juicy political drama that while trashy at times was always entertaining and featured some great performances from top-notch actors, especially Sigourney Weaver. HBO has several more contenders including the big British entry Parade's End, Mary and Martha, Phil Spector and The Girl. The latter three were mixed in terms of reviews, but all of them have HBO and star power behind them  Other contenders include The Hour, which many thought would get in last year, the remake of Steel Magnolias, the final season of The Big C, the Civil Rights saga Betty and Coretta, and Kenneth Branagh's return to Wallander. But I think that the real dark horse here is The Bible. It may not have been a critical favorite, but it has Mark Burnett and Roma Downey behind it, both of whom are well-liked within the television community. Furthermore, it was a huge hit in the ratings, and honestly, I think it may be too big to ignore.

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Finalists - Dramas

The Sopranos

The West Wing

Law & Order

NYPD Blue

ER

The Practice

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

The X-Files

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

24

The Shield

Six Feet Under

Alias

Law & Order: SVU

Smallville

Firefly

Deadwood

Nip/Tuck

Battlestar Gallactica

Doctor Who

Boston Legal

House, M.D.

NCIS

Lost

Grey’s Anatomy

Rescue Me

The Closer

Big Love

Rome

Supernatural

Prison Break

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Private Practice

Brothers and Sisters

Heroes

Friday Night Lights

The Tudors

Dexter

In Treatment

Mad Men

Breaking Bad

Damages

Criminal Minds

The Wire

Treme

Bones

Castle

Fringe

Sons of Anarchy

True Blood

The Good Wife

Parenthood

Boardwalk Empire

Justified

Shameless

Game of Thrones

The Walking Dead

Southland

Homeland

Downton Abbey

Scandal

House of Cards

The Newsroom

Veronica Mars

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Finalists - Comedies

Frasier

3^rd Rock from the Sun

Will & Grace
Everybody Loves Raymond

Friends

Sports Night

Malcolm in the Middle

Sex and the City

Ally McBeal

Freaks and Geeks

The Bernie Mac Show

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Gilmore Girls  

Monk

Arrested Development

Scrubs

Two and a Half Men

The Office (UK)

The Office (US)

Desperate Housewives

Entourage

Extras

The Comeback

The New Adventures of Old Christine

My Name is Earl

Weeds

How I Met Your Mother

Ugly Betty
30 Rock

The Sarah Silverman Program

The Big Bang Theory

Glee

Modern Family

Nurse Jackie

Parks & Recreation

Happy Endings

Louie

Cougar Town

Veep

Girls

New Girl

Community

The Middle

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

2013 Cannes Film Festival: Only God Forgives and All is Lost Reviews

First we'll start with JC Chandor's latest All is Lost featuring Robert Redford. I liked Margin Call, and the reviews for this one are pretty good, especially for Redford who is already garnering early Oscar buzz for his performance.

Justin Chang from Variety writes:

"As close to pure existential cinema as American filmmaking is likely to get these days, “All Is Lost” finds writer-director J.C. Chandor decisively avoiding the sophomore slump with a picture that could scarcely be more different from his 2011 debut, “Margin Call.” An impressively spare, nearly dialogue-free stranded-at-sea drama that strips characterization down to basic survival instinct, this emotionally resonant one-man showcase for Robert Redford faces a fair number of marketing challenges, given its audacious minimalism and proximity to a much splashier castaway adventure, 'Life of Pi.'"

Andrew Pulver was a little less enthusiastic claiming that the one man show is almost too spare, but still

praises Redford:

"On one level this pared-down strategy makes for a beautifully simple idea: we are presented with the human as animal, scrapping with the fish and sharks (occasionally seen, creepily, circling under Redford's craft). But it also makes forcefully clear the advantages of the conventions of character fleshing-out: we are never allowed inside Redford's mind, and the character remains almost entirely opaque. That said, Redford delivers a tour de force performance: holding the screen effortlessly with no acting support whatsoever. After a period of scaling back his acting work, to accommodate directing and the Sundance festival, he now appears to be re-emerging energised."

The other film that  I was really excited about was Nicholas Winding Refn's Only God Forgives. It appears that unlike with Drive, where critics united behind it despite its European style and its ultra-violence, this film appears to be very divisive. I still think it will be an interesting watch, but it makes me wonder if it is not going to be as good as his previous effort.

Peter DeBruge from Variety was not impressed:

"The wallpaper emotes more than Ryan Gosling does in “Only God Forgives,” an exercise in supreme style and minimal substance from “Drive” director Nicolas Winding Refn. In retrospect, the controlled catatonia of Gosling’s previous perfs is nothing compared to the balled fist he plays here, a cipher easily upstaged by Kristin Scott Thomas’ lip-smacking turn as a vindictive she-wolf who travels to Bangkok seeking atonement for the death of her favorite son. As hyper-aggressive revenge fantasies go, it’s curious to see one so devoid of feeling, a veniality even “Drive” fans likely won’t be inclined to forgive."

David Rooney at The Hollywood Reporter says that fans of Refn's will enjoy the film:

"If Drive was a chill muscle-car cruise through the pulpy noir territory of late 1960s and ‘70s getaway movies, bathed in cool blue neon, Nicolas Winding Refn’s follow-up, Only God Forgives, is a hypnotic fugue on themes of violence and retribution, drenched in corrosive reds. The skeletal narrative mixes martial arts action with sexually loaded mother-son conflict that makes superficial nods to Shakespeare and Greek tragedy. Even more than the Danish director’s previous film, this one has way more style than subtext, not that it’s likely to diminish its cultish allure for avid genre fans."

3rd Annual Critics Choice Televison Award Nominees

Some very interesting nominees, none of them bad at all, just interesting to say the least. They definitely went out of their way to not be like the Emmys, but in some cases I think they chose the wrong choices or failed to include them with their co-stars. Like I love the nods for Kaley Cuoco and Melissa Rauch, but where is Mayim Bialik? Adam Pally and Chris Pratt over Nick Offerman and Damon Wayans Jr? Sarah Hyland over Julie Bowen? Jonathan Banks, but no Aaron Paul?  Overall though it is nice to see some alternative people get some recognition and I particularly love the nods for Sutton Foster, Monica Potter, Regina King, Michael Cudlitz, The Good Wife, Archer, and all the love for Parks and Recreation, New Girl, and The Big Bang Theory.

Best Comedy Series
"The Big Bang Theory"
"Louie"
"The Middle"
"New Girl"
"Parks and Recreation"
"Veep"

Best Comedy Actor
Don Cheadle, "House of Lies"
Louis C.K., "Louie"
Jake Johnson, "New Girl"
Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"
Adam Scott, "Parks and Recreation"
Jeremy Sisto, "Suburgatory"

Best Comedy Actress
Laura Dern, "Enlightened"
Zooey Deschanel, "New Girl"
Lena Dunham, "Girls"
Sutton Foster, "Bunheads"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep"
Amy Poehler, "Parks and Recreation"

Best Comedy Supporting Actor
Max Greenfield, "New Girl"
Simon Helberg, "The Big Bang Theory"
Alex Karpovsky, "Girls"
Adam Pally, "Happy Endings"
Chris Pratt, "Parks and Recreation"
Danny Pudi, "Community"

Best Comedy Supporting Actress
Carly Chaikin, "Suburgatory"
Kaley Cuoco, "The Big Bang Theory"
Sarah Hyland, "Modern Family"
Melissa Rauch, "The Big Bang Theory"
Eden Sher, "The Middle"
Casey Wilson, "Happy Endings"

Best Comedy Guest Performer
Melissa Leo, "Louie"
David Lynch, "Louie"
Bob Newhart, "The Big Bang Theory"
Patton Oswalt, "Parks and Recreation"
Molly Shannon, "Enlightened"
Patrick Wilson, "Girls"

Best Drama Series
"The Americans"
"Breaking Bad"
"Downton Abbey"
"Game of Thrones"
"The Good Wife"
"Homeland"

Best Drama Actor
Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
Damian Lewis, "Homeland"
Andrew Lincoln, "The Walking Dead"
Timothy Olyphant, "Justified"
Matthew Rhys, "The Americans"
Kevin Spacey, "House of Cards"

Best Drama Actress
Claire Danes, "Homeland"
Vera Farmiga, "Bates Motel"
Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"
Tatiana Maslany, "Orphan Black"
Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men"
Keri Russell, "The Americans"

Best Drama Supporting Actor
Jonathan Banks, "Breaking Bad"
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, "Game of Thrones"
Michael Cudlitz, "Southland"
Noah Emmerich, "The Americans"
Walton Goggins, "Justified"
Corey Stoll, "House of Cards"

Best Drama Supporting Actress
Jennifer Carpenter, "Dexter"
Emilia Clarke, "Game of Thrones"
Anna Gunn, "Breaking Bad"
Regina King, "Southland"
Monica Potter, "Parenthood"
Abigail Spencer, "Rectify"

Best Drama Guest Performer
Jim Beaver, "Justified"
Jane Fonda, "The Newsroom"
Martha Plimpton, "The Good Wife"
Carrie Preston, "The Good Wife"
Diana Rigg, "Game of Thrones"
Jimmy Smits, "Sons of Anarchy"

Best Movie or Miniseries
"American Horror Story: Asylum"
"Behind the Candelabra"
"The Crimson Petal and the White"
"The Hour"
"Political Animals"
"Top of the Lake"

Best Movie/Miniseries Actor
Benedict Cumberbatch, "Parade's End"
Matt Damon, "Behind the Candelabra"
Michael Douglas, "Behind the Candelabra"
Toby Jones, "The Girl"
Al Pacino, "Phil Spector"
Dominic West, "The Hour"

Best Movie/Miniseries Actress
Angela Bassett, "Betty & Coretta"
Romola Garai, "The Hour"
Rebecca Hall, "Parade's End"
Jessica Lange, "American Horror Story: Asylum"
Elisabeth Moss, "Top of the Lake"
Sigourney Weaver, "Political Animals"

Best Movie/Miniseries Supporting Actor
James Cromwell, "American Horror Story: Asylum"
Peter Mullan, "Top of the Lake"
Zachary Quinto, "American Horror Story: Asylum"
Sebastian Stan, "Political Animals"
David Wenham, "Top of the Lake"
Thomas M. Wright, "Top of the Lake"

Best Movie/Miniseries Supporting Actress
Ellen Burstyn, "Political Animals"
Sienna Miller, "The Girl"
Sarah Paulson, "American Horror Story: Asylum"
Lily Rabe, "American Horror Story: Asylum"
Imelda Staunton, "The Girl"
Alfre Woodard, "Steel Magnolias"

Best Reality Series
"Duck Dynasty"
"The Moment"
"Pawn Stars"
"Push Girls"
"Small Town Security"
"Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan"

Best Reality-Competition Series
"Chopped"
"Face Off"
"Shark Tank"
"So You Think You Can Dance"
"Survivor"
"The Voice"

Best Reality Host
Tom Bergeron, "Dancing with the Stars"
Cat Deeley, "So You Think You Can Dance"
Gordon Ramsay, "Hell's Kitchen"/"Masterchef"
RuPaul, "RuPaul's Drag Race"
Ryan Seacrest, "American Idol"
Kurt Warner, "The Moment"

Best Talk Show
"Conan"
"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"
"The Ellen DeGeneres Show"
"Jimmy Kimmel Live"
"Late Night with Jimmy Fallon"
"Marie"

Best Animated Series
"Adventure Time"
"Archer"
"Phineas and Ferb"
"Regular Show"
"The Simpsons"
"Star Wars: The Clone Wars"

2013 Emmy Contenders: Best Actor in a Drama Series

2013 Contenders
Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
Damian Lewis "Homeland"
Jon Hamm "Mad Men"
Jeff Daniels "The Newsroom"
Kevin Spacey "House of Cards"
Steve Buscemi "Boardwalk Empire"
Hugh Bonneville "Downton Abbey"
Michael C. Hall "Dexter"
Andrew Lincoln "The Walking Dead"
Timothy Olyphant "Justified"
Peter Krause "Parenthood"
Travis Fimmel "Vikings"
Kevin Bacon "The Following"
Matthew Rhys "The Americans"
Mads Mikkelson "Hannibal"
William H. Macy "Shameless"
Simon Baker "The Mentalist"
Jeremy Irons "The Borgias"
Hugh Dancy "Hannibal"
Kelsey Grammer "Boss"
Nathan Fillion "Castle"
Andre Braugher "The Last Resort"
Aden Young "Rectify"
Jonny Lee Miller "Elementary"
Mark Harmon "NCIS"
Matt Bomer "White Collar"
Charlie Hunnam "Sons of Anarchy"
Jim Caviezel "Person of Interest"
Michael Emerson "Person of Interest"
Tom Selleck "Blue Bloods"
Patrick J. Adams "Suits"
Billy Burke "Revolution"
Michael Chiklis "Vegas"
Dennis Quaid "Vegas"

Commentary -  For all the names on this list (and there are a lot of them), it seems that the race is really between less than a dozen of them. The usual suspects of Jon Hamm, Damian Lewis, and Bryan Cranston, all look to return with relative ease. And even if the Television Academy does not embrace the new format of Netflix with open arms, I could still see Kevin Spacey being a strong contender, simply because he is Kevin Spacey. Looking to return, but not as strong are names like Steve Buscemi, Michael C. Hall, Hugh Bonneville, and Timothy Olyphant, all of whom are great possibilities, but are not locks. The one I think that all of these guys need to look out for is Jeff Daniels. The Newsroom wasn't the most popular series, but if he can get in (which I think he will), he will be a tough contender for the win. He has all those Aaron Sorkin ranty monologues that are brilliant, and brilliantly delivered. More importantly, he gives the type of performance that simply wins Emmys. Of the other contenders, be on the look out for Matthew Rhys, Kevin Bacon, Travis Fimmel, Andrew Lincoln, Kelsey Grammer, and Nathan Fillion, who are outside possibilties, outside being the operative term.

2013 Emmy Contenders: Best Actress in a Drama Series

2013 Contenders
Claire Danes "Homeland"
Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Michelle Dockery "Downton Abbey"
Robin Wright "House of Cards"
Glenn Close "Damages"
Elisabeth Moss "Mad Men"
Connie Britton "Nashville"
Kerry Washington "Scandal"
Keri Russell "The Americans"
Katey Segal "Sons of Anarchy"
Emily Van Camp "Revenge"
Madeleine Stowe "Revenge"
Ellen Pompeo "Grey's Anatomy"
Vera Farmiga "Bate's Motel"
Emmy Rossum "Shameless"
Thandie Newton "Rogue"
Anna Torv "Fringe"
Mariska Hargitay "Law & Order: SVU"
Kyra Sedgwick "The Closer"
Stana Katic "Castle"
Anna Paquin "True Blood"
Lucy Liu "Elementary"
Jennifer Morrison "Once Upon a Time"
Ginnifer Goodwin "Once Upon a Time"
Piper Perabo "Covert Affairs"
Mary McDonnell "Major Crimes"
Dana Delaney "Body of Proof"
Jennifer Love Hewitt "The Client List"
Callie Thorne "Necessary Roughness"

Commentary - I personally think that there are a total of about nine (maybe 11-12 at most) that will be fighting for six slots. Claire Danes and Julianna Margulies are probably the only two major locks at this point, although I think that Downton has enough good will for Michelle Dockery to get back in as well. House of Cards is still on the fence for me because of its format, but if it is accepted by the Academy expect Robin Wright to easily get in. Glenn Close is always a safe bet, but last year she was the shows only major nomination and there is a lot of competition. Elisabeth Moss should be safe, but she has lacked the meaty storylines this season on Mad Men. I personally think that Kerry Washington is fantastic, and would love to see her get in. Her show is a guily pleasure, which hurts it, but it also has an addicting quality, and she is the only black actress in contention, so there may be enough support. Of the new shows Keri Russell and Connie Britton are grey possibilties. I would love to add Vera Farmiga, but I wonder if voters will embrace Bates Motel. Of the rest names like Mariska Hargitay and Ellen Pompeo are always on the radar, but most likely are not real contenders.

The 58th Annual Drama Desk Award Winners

Will these shows repeat at the Tonys? At this point it looks very likely for some of the big contenders like Matlida, VSMS, Billy Porter, Cicely Tyson, and others.

Outstanding Musical

"Matilda"

Outstanding Play

Christopher Durang, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike"

Outstanding Revival of a Musical or Revue

"Pippin"

Outstanding Revival of a Play

"Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Billy Porter, "Kinky Boots"

Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Laura Osnes, "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella"

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical

Bertie Carvel, "Matilda"

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Andrea Martin, "Pippin"

Outstanding Actor in a Play

Tracy Letts, "Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Outstanding Actress in a Play

Cicely Tyson, "The Trip to Bountiful"

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Richard Kind, "The Big Knife"

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Judith Light, "The Assembled Parties"

Outstanding Book of a Musical

Dennis Kelly, "Matilda"

Outstanding Music

David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, "Here Lies Love"

Outstanding Lyrics

Tim Minchin, "Matilda"

Outstanding Music in a Play

Glen Kelly, "The Nance"

Outstanding Director of a Musical

Diane Paulus, "Pippin"

Outstanding Director of a Play

Pam MacKinnon, "Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Outstanding Orchestrations

Danny Troob, "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella"

Outstanding Choreography

Chet Walker and Gypsy Snider, "Pippin"

Unique Theatrical Experience

"Cirque Du Soleil: Totem"

Outstanding Revue

"Old Hats"

Outstanding Solo Performance

Michael Urie, "Buyer & Cellar"

Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, "Here Lies Love"

Outstanding Set Design

Rob Howell, "Matilda"

Outstanding Costume Design

William Ivey Long, "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella"

Outstanding Projection Design

Peter Nigrini, "Here Lies Love"

Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical (3-way tie)

Steve Canyon Kennedy, "Hands on a Hardbody"

Scott Lehrer and Drew Levy, "Chaplin: The Musical"

Tony Meola, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood"

Outstanding Sound Design in a Play

Fergus O'Hare, "Macbeth"

Outstanding Ensemble Performance

"Working"

Special Awards

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), Wakka Wakka (Gabrielle Brechner, Kirjan Waage, and Gwendolyn Warnock), Jayne Houdyshell, Samuel D. Hunter, Maruti Evans.

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Finalists - Variety

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Saturday Night Live

Chris Rock: Bigger and Blacker

Late Show with David Letterman

Eddie Izzard: Dress to Kill

The Chris Rock Show

MADtv

Late Night with Conan O’Brien

Ellen Degeneres: The Beginning

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Chappelle’s Show

Penn and Teller: Bullshit!

Elaine Stritch at Liberty

Chris Rock: Never Scared

The Academy Awards

The Grammy Awards

The Emmy Awards

The Tony Awards

The Screen Actors’ Guild Awards

The BAFTA Awards

Ellen Degeneres: Here and Now

Real Time with Bill Maher

The Colbert Report

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Lewis Black: Red, White and Screwed

AFI's 100 Years... 100 Cheers: America's Most Inspiring Movies

Wanda Sykes: Sick & Tired

AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies: 10th Anniversary Edition

Will Ferrell: You're Welcome America - A Final Night with George W Bush

Beijing 2008: Games of the XXIX Olympiad

Louis C.K.: Chewed Up

By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

Conan

Portlandia

2013 Emmy Contenders: Best Actor in a Comedy Series

2013 Contenders
Alec Baldwin "30 Rock"
Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"
Louis C.K. "Louie"
Jon Cryer "Two and a Half Men"
Jason Bateman "Arrested Development"
Matt Leblanc "Episodes"
Don Cheadle "House of Lies"
Johnny Galecki "The Big Bang Theory"
Jake Johnson "New Girl"
Matthew Perry "Go On"
Adam Scott "Parks and Recreation"
Rob Lowe "Parks & Recreation"
Chris Messina "The Mindy Project"
Andrew Rannells "The New Normal"
Justin Bartha "The New Normal"
Matthew Morrison "Glee"
Joel McHale "Community"
Danny McBridge "Eastbound and Down"
Elijah Wood "Wilfred"
Garret Dillahunt "Raising Hope"
Lucas Neff "Raising Hope"
Ashton Kutcher "Two and a Half Men"
Neil Flynn "The Middle"
Charlie Sheen "Anger Management"
Josh Radnor "How I Met Your Mother"
Will Arnett "Up All Night"
Billy Gardell "Mike & Molly"
Tim Allen "Last Man Standing"
Jeremy Sisto "Suburgatory"
Cedric The Entertainer "Soul Man"

Commentary - Will Louis C.K. ever win this category? Unfortunately history is not on his side. There have been many shows over the years where the main characters were playing slightly different versions of themselves (think Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm), and they tended not to do well. But he will probably be nominated alongside Jim Parsons and Alec Baldwin, these three being the best bets for the win. I guess Jon Cryer could win again, but I am hoping that the Academy got a lot of flack for his win last year (not completely shocking considering the episode submissions, but undeserved either way). But he will probably be nominated either way. If Arrested Development is any good then Jason Bateman could return, as could Johnny Galecki, who was left out last year for Larry David and Don Cheadle, but may have enough support to get back in. Speaking of Don Cheadle. I know he's a great actor and the movie star of the group, but House of Lies was just not very good in its second season, and sadly, none of the talented cast really deserve any recognition. New Girl's Jake Johnson made a smart move this year going lead, opening up the supporting category for his two co-stars, and now being placed in a relatively weak category where he has a real shot of getting in without Modern Family dominance. Some new contenders like Andrew Rannells, Justin Bartha, and Matthew Perry, but with Go On and The New Normal cancelled recently, it probably hurts their chances. Other names to look out for are the Parks & Recreation guys, Matthew Morrison, Matt Leblanc (who wasn't eligible last year, but was nomianted the year before, so definitely one to watch for), and Joel McHale.

2013 Cannes Film Festival: Inside Llewyn Davis Reviews

One of the most anticipated films of the festival was the Coen Bros. latest, Inside Llewyn Davis. They have become Academy favorites as A Serious Man, No Country For Old Men (which won), and True Grit have all been nominated for Best Picture. Well the early reviews suggest that once again, the Coens have struck gold as it is getting positive reviews across the board. Here are some sample reviews:

Scott Foundas at Variety:

"The sounds of the early 1960s folk music revival float on the air like a strange, intoxicating perfume in the Coen brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis,” a boldly original, highly emotional journey through Greenwich Village nightclubs, a bleak New York winter, and one man’s fraught efforts to reconcile his life and his art."

Kevin Jagernaugh at The Playlist at Indiewire:

"Definitely a bit darker than people might expect, particularly in the latter stages, "Inside Llewyn Davis" celebrates those whose moment at fame will forever be a phantom. Llewyn Davis is endlessly striving, gets knocked down and picks himself up again, brushes off his rumpled clothes and gives it another go. He'll make mistakes, he'll fuck up, he'll be down and out and perhaps even on top if ever so briefly. But when that light goes on, and you can connect for even four minutes on stage, in a club you've played hundreds of times, sometimes that's enough. "Inside Llewyn Davis" isn't about someone trying to make it big, but someone just trying to make it, and the Coens celebrate the hard road that can inspire great art."

Eric Kohn at Indiewre:

"Critics of the Coens often fixate on their alleged disdain for their protagonists as they endure Job-like suffering with no end in sight. Llewyn's plight provides no exception, but his conundrum is more understandable because he's trapped by his passion. After a private performance for one potential client, he's told, "I don't see a lot of money in this;" he has no rebuttal prepared. An ode to art for art's sake, "Inside Llewyn Davis" is the most innocent movie of the Coens' career, which in their case is a downright radical achievement."

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Finalists: Reality/Nonfiction/Sports/Food/News

Survivor

Big Brother

Nick News with Linda Ellerbee

Inside the Actors Studio

The Osbournes

Project Greenlight

Iron Chef America

Chopped

American Idol

Da Ali G Show

Antiques Roadshow

The Amazing Race

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

The Apprentice

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Project Runway

Dancing with the Stars

Deadliest Catch

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List

When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts

Planet Earth

Top Chef

Intervention

Little People, Big World

The Kennedy Center Honors

Mythbusters

Undercover Boss

Louis C.K.: Hilarious

GasLand

Frozen Planet

The Voice

60 Minutes

Duck Dynasty

SportsCenter

The Real World

Jersey Shore

Keeping Up With the Kardashians

The Hills

The Bachelor

America’s Next Top Model

RuPaul’s Drag Race

Jackass

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Finalists: Daytime

The Young and the Restless

General Hospital

Days of Our Lives

Guiding Light

The Bold and the Beautiful

One Life to Live

As the World Turns

All My Children

The Oprah Winfrey Show

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Sesame Street

The View
Live with Regis & Kelly

Good Morning America

The Today Show

CBS Sunday Morning

The Price is Right

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Jeopardy!

Wheel of Fortune

Cash Cab

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

Martha Stewart Living

Arthur

Dora the Explorer

Everyday Italian

Paula’s Best Dishes

Judge Judy

Barefoot Contessa

Rachel Ray

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Finalists - TV Movies/Miniseries

Death of a Salesman

Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows

Wit

The Gathering Storm

Path to War

The Matthew Shepard Story

Band of Brothers

Laramie Project

Door to Door

My House in Umbria

Live from Baghdad

Hysterical Blindness

Something the Lord Made

And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself

Angels in America

The Lion in Winter

Iron-Jawed Angels

The Life and Death of Peter Sellers

Warm Springs

Empire Falls

Lackawanna Blues

There Eyes Were Watching God  

Elizabeth I

The Girl in the Café

Into the West

Broken Trail

The Starter Wife

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee

John Adams

Recount

Cranford

A Raisin in the Sun

The Andromeda Stain

Into the Storm

Grey Gardens

Prayers for Bobby

Little Dorrit

Generation Kill

Relative Stranger

House of Saddam

You Don’t Know Jack

The Special Relationship

Temple Grandin

The Pacific

Luther

Thurgood

The Sunset Limited

Carlos

Too Big to Fail

Mildred Pierce

Cinema Verite

Downton Abbey

Sherlock

Hatfields & McCoys

Game Change

Sherlock: Scandal in Belgravia

American Horror Story

Page Eight

Five

The Hour

Political Animals

2013 Emmy Contenders: Best Actress in a Comedy Series

2013 Contenders
Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Amy Poehler "Parks & Recreation"
Tina Fey "30 Rock"
Lena Dunham "Girls"
Zooey Deschanel "New Girl"
Edie Falco "Nurse Jackie"
Melissa McCarthy "Mike & Molly"
Mindy Kaling "The Mindy Project"
Patricia Heaton "The Middle"
Martha Plimpton "Raising Hope"
Laura Dern "Enlightened"
Lea Michele "Glee"
Courteney Cox "Cougar Town"
Beth Behrs "2 Broke Girls"
Kat Dennings "2 Broke Girls"
Mary-Louise Parker "Weeds"
Krysten Ritter "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23"
Dreama Walker "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23"
Ashley Rickards "Awkward"
Georgia King "The New Normal"
Reba McEntire "Malibu Country"
Fran Drescher "Happily Divorced"
Jane Levy "Suburgatory"
Dakota Johnson "Ben and Kate"
Jami Gertz "The Neighbors"

Commentary - This race was so stacked last year that they had a tie somewhere and came up with seven total nominees. Well, this year, all seven are returning to the race, and the question remins, will it happen again? My guess is no, but then the other question pops up: who gets left out? McCarthy seems like the obvious choice, but she is clearly well liked and just had another outing on SNL which gives her some nice coverage going into voting season. Nurse Jackie had a better year in the guilds, even managing a SAG nod, but I wonder if Edie Falco will finally miss the cut. Probably not. Zooey Deschanel was great as always on New Girl, but unfortunately her love story with Jake (which I did enjoy), also meant some of her quirk was downplayed. Will this affect her getting in again? These questions will probably not be answered until the nominees are revealed. Beyond those seven, there are other names that we will forget or put on the backburner but shouldn't. Lea Michele and Martha Plimpton are both previous nominees, so they are always possibilities. Patricia Heaton is excellent on The Middle, and while the Emmys have continually ignored the show, one of these days they may catch up. The rest of the names are all possibilities, but honestly the only other two that deserve real consideration are Laura Dern (although the show was cancelled), and a new addition. Of all the new comedies on tv this year, the only real new contender to emerge in this category is the excellent Mindy Kaling. I think she deserves a nod, but I'm sure the show as a whole will be embraced.

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Finalists - Animation

The Simpsons

King of the Hill

Family Guy

South Park

Futurama

Spongebob Squarepants

Samurai Jack

Star Wars: Clone Wars

Robot Chicken

Archer

The Cleveland Show

American Dad

2013 Emmy Contenders - Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries

2013 Contenders
Michael Douglas "Behind the Candelabra"
Matt Damon "Behind the Candelabra"
Benedict Cumberbatch "Parade's End"
Toby Jones "The Girl"
Al Pacino "Phil Spector"
Dominic West "The Hour"
Ben Whishaw "The Hour"
Diogo Morgado "The Bible"
Kenneth Branagh "Wallander"
Rufus Sewell "Restless"
Ed Stoppard "Upstairs, Downstairs"
Ben Chaplin "World Without End"
Billy Campbell "Killing Lincoln"
Steven Pasquale "Coma"
Grant Bowler "Liz and Dick"
Zachary Levi "Remember Sunday"
Kevin Zegers "Titanic: Blood and Steel"

Commentary - This is a pretty weak year in this category (as evidenced by the plethora of space fillers in the list). This is why actors who, while giving decent performances, are in less than stellar productions have a great shot at getting in, including Al Pacino in Phil Spector and Toby Jones in The Girl. Benedict Cumberbatch could also return to this category with Parade's End, especially as right in voting time, he is the villain in the new Star Trek movie (which is getting pretty good reviews). Dominic West and Ben Whishaw are great on The Hour, and since this year is relatively weak, they could both steal enough votes to make it in. Also watch our for Kenneth Branagh. He hasn't been nominated for Wallander in a long time, but he can never be counted out. Also, The Bible wasn't a big critical hit, but it was a monster in the ratings, and if there is a lot of support, its lead Diogo Morgado could be a surprise contender. All of this being said, I think that the film that is going to the king of the Emmys this year is Steven Soderbergh's Behind the Candelabra, which has tremendous amount of buzz, and is about to premeire at Cannes. Michael Douglas and Matt Damon as its leads are definitely in for nominations, and my guess is that one of them walks away with an Emmy.