AMPAS Announces 2015 Governors Awards

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced their 2015 honors for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, and the Honorary Oscars for the upcoming ceremony in February.

1) Harry Belafonte is this year's recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Not only is he a film and music icon, but he has work with the UN to fight AIDS and other global travesties, and of course, his work on and off the screen advanced civil rights for African Americans for decades.

2) Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary Japanese director who produced countless classics over his decades in the industry, and won an Oscar for Spirited Away, is receiving one of this year's Honorary Oscars.

3) Jean-Claude Carriere was a brilliant French screenwriter, who won an Oscar in in 1962 for the Live Action Short "Heureux Anniversaire (Happy Anniversary)". Over his career he has worked with some of France's finest directors creating masterful scripts for the likes of Luis Bunuel, Jean-Luc Godard, and Philip Kaufman.

4) Finally, Maureen O'Hara, the legendary actress, who was never nominated for an Oscar during her long career, is finally getting her deserved recognition with the final Honorary Oscar. She starred in such films as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, How Green Was My Valley, Rio Grande, The Quiet Man, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Parent Trap.

For more information about these talented artists, the upcoming Oscars, and the Academy as a whole, visit www.oscars.org.

2014 Emmys: The End

I needed a day to really process this year's Emmys, because there was just something about them that seemed off. I have finally figured out the problem. With the exception of The Blacklist, and renewing Parenthood and Parks & Recreation for another season, NBC really can't do anything right. By moving up the Emmys entire month, in ensured that there were few surprises in major categories, probably because by the time that voters had the episodes to watch, there was little time to actually absorb the episodes and the performances within them. That extra month that is usually given is where voters have time to really watch and see, and it is also where we get our surprises, which make for an exciting evening. What I saw Monday night was an incredibly dull show, and also incredibly too predictable because voters simply fell back on their old favorites. Now let me stop here and put out an important disclaimer. There was not one bad or undeserving winner in the Comedy and Drama Categories. Breaking Bad ended in superb style, so the wins for the series, Gunn, Cranston, and Paul were certainly worthy. The Good Wife's resurgent season ended with its star Julianna Margulies earning another Emmy representative of the season as a whole, and her stunning performance week after week. Even True Detective earned a directing win for its great season. I know that we are all sick of Modern Family winning, but this past season was one of its best, and Burrell and Mancuso are always good for laughs and quality directing. Jim Parsons gets a lot of hate around the blogosphere, but he has created one of the most iconic and endearing television characters of the last decade, so it is not hard to see what voters keep going back to him, especially since his category has been relatively weak for years now. And Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Allison Janney are two of the best actress working in television today, so even though their continued honors may seem excessive, they are not undeserved. All of this being said, I think it would have been nice to see at least a few newcomers, a few surprises, if for anything, for the fact that we as viewers watch the ceremony to not only view the honors, but also to be entertained. I think NBC is doing it again next year, which is a real shame for us Emmy fanatics. I hope that they sense that that an extra month would do all the voters a bit of good, and change their policy. If not, we will probably continue to see old favorites.

There were a few surprises, but almost all of them occurred in the Television Movie/Miniseries categories. Fargo and The Normal Heart took the program categories as expected, and while most people were predicting someone else, it was not a shock that Kathy Bates and Jessica Lange took home honors, their veteran statuses probably helping in this shortened period. But there must have been some Sherlock fans in those panels, because after not winning any Emmys for its first two seasons, it won a total of seven (including Creative Arts), becoming the most honored program this year. Martin Freeman's win was probably a combination of Fargo and Sherlock fans, so it wasn't that surprising. But when Steven Moffatt beat out Larry Kramer, and Benedict Cumberbatch beat the Fargo guys and Mark Ruffalo, I was shocked. The Normal Heart clearly had enough broad support in the larger program panels, but in the smaller ones, its support was simply not very deep, and that is probably the biggest surprise. We expected it to explode that the Emmys, and it ended up winning a total of two out of twelve nominations. The folks over at HBO are probably still scratching their heads, while the PBS folks are probably still celebrating.

But other than those couple of surprises, the evening overall was dull, and uneventful, and poor Seth Meyers just paled in comparison to last year's host Neil Patrick Harris. And because of their shortened scedule, the whole season seemed like a gigantic blur, there was not enough time to absorb them or really enjoy them. So here's to hoping next year will be a bit more exciting, and until then, the Oscar race is officially on, as the Venice Film Festival has officially begun, and the Oscar buzz is already building. Stay tuned!!!

2014 Venice Film Festival: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's Birdman

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu has made plenty of excellent films that have garnered critical and Oscar attention. But according to early reviews out of the Venice Film Festival, Birdman may be his finest yet. The cast and crew are all getting raves, but it looks like it is Michael Keaton that is the center of the film, and of the critics positive reviews. He apparently is electrifying and could well be on his way to his first Oscar nomination.

Peter DeBruge from Variety writes:

"Alejandro G. Inarritu’s fifth and best feature provides the delirious coup de grace — a triumph on every creative level, from casting to execution, that will electrify the industry, captivate arthouse and megaplex crowds alike, send awards pundits into orbit and give fresh wings to Keaton’s career."

Full review at: http://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/venice-film-review-birdman-or-the-unexpected-virtue-of-ignorance-1201287921/

Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter had a similar response:

"Birdman flies very, very high. Intense emotional currents and the jagged feelings of volatile actors are turned loose to raucous dramatic and darkly comedic effect in one of the most sustained examples of visually fluid tour de force cinema anyone's ever seen, all in the service of a story that examines the changing nature of celebrity and the popular regard for fame over creative achievement. An exemplary cast, led by Michael Keaton in the highly self-referential title role of a former superhero-film star in desperate need of a legitimizing comeback, fully meets the considerable demands placed upon it by director Alejandro G. Inarritu, as he now signs his name."

Full Review: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/birdman/review/727190

And if you keep digging, you will continue to find a plethora of positive reviews, all along the same vein, praising the efforts of Inarritu, Keaton, the crew, and supporting turns from Edward Norton and Emma Stone. As always, there is an important disclaimer to early festival reviews. We do not know how these films will play to a broader consensus, to the American populous, or more importantly, to Academy voters. But if it can maintain this buzz, it is sure to be a contender through this long season ahead.

The 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Award Winners

Best Drama Series - Breaking Bad
Best Comedy Series - Modern Family
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
Best Actress in a Drama Series - Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Best Actor in a Comedy Series - Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"
Best Actress in a Comedy Series - Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Anna Gunn "Breaking Bad"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Ty Burrell "Modern Family"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Allison Janney "Mom"
Best TV Movie - The Normal Heart
Best Miniseries - Fargo
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Benedict Cumberbatch "Sherlock: His Last Vow"
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Jessica Lange "American Horror Story: Coven"
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Martin Freeman "Sherlock: His Last Vow"
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Kathy Bates "American Horror Story: Coven"
Best Variety Series - The Colbert Report
Best Reality-Competition Series - The Amazing Race
Best Directing in a Comedy Series - Gail Mancuso "Modern Family - Las Vegas"
Best Writing in a Comedy Series - Louis C.K. "Louie - So Did the Fat Lady"
Best Directing in a Drama Series - Cary Fukunaga "True Detective - Who Goes There"
Best Writing in a Drama Series - Moira Walley-Beckett "Breaking Bad - Ozymandias"
Best Directing in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Colin Bucksey "Fargo - Buridan's Ass"
Best Writing in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Steven Moffat "Sherlock: Hist Last Vow"
Best Directing in a Variety Special - Glenn Weiss "The 67th Annual Tony Awards"
Best Writing in a Variety Special - Sarah Silverman "Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles"

2014 Emmy Predictions: Final List

Ok, so here we go! Months of watching and predicting have all led up to this, the final predictions list. Will post the winners, obviously, tonight, and will do a full rundown of the show, the season, and etc. soon after before we take a look at the upcoming Oscar season with the beginning of the fall festivals.

Best Drama Series - Breaking Bad
Best Comedy Series - Modern Family
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Matthew McConaughey "True Detective"
Best Actress in a Drama Series - Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Best Actor in a Comedy Series - Ricky Gervais "Derek"
Best Actress in a Comedy Series - Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Josh Charles "The Good Wife"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Anna Gunn "Breaking Bad"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Jesse Tyler Ferguson "Modern Family"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Allison Janney "Mom"
Best TV Movie - The Normal Heart"
Best Miniseries - Fargo
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Mark Ruffalo "The Normal Heart"
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Cicely Tyson "The Trip to Bountiful"
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Matt Bomer "The Normal Heart"
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Julia Roberts "The Normal Heart"
Best Variety Series - The Colbert Report
Best Reality-Competition Series - The Voice
Best Directing in a Comedy Series - Gail Mancuso "Modern Family - Las Vegas"
Best Writing in a Comedy Series - Louis C.K. "Louie - So Did the Fat Lady"
Best Directing in a Drama Series - Cary Fukunaga "True Detective - Who Goes There"
Best Writing in a Drama Series - Vince Gilligan "Breaking Bad - Felina"
Best Directing in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Ryan Murphy "The Normal Heart"
Best Writing in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Larry Kramer "The Normal Heart"
Best Directing in a Variety Special - Glenn Weiss "The 67th Annual Tony Awards"
Best Writing in a Variety Special - Billy Crystal and Alan Zweibel "Billy Crystal: 700 Sundays"

2014 MTV VMA Award Winners

The full list is below:

Video of the Year
Miley Cyrus "Wrecking Ball"

Best Male Video
Ed Sheeran ft. Pharrell "Sing"

Best Female Video
Katy Perry feat. Juicy J. "Dark Horse"

Best Pop Video
Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea "Problem

Best Hip Hop Video
Drake feat. Majid Jordan "Hold On, We're Going Home"

Best Rock Video
Lorde "Royals"

Best Collaboration
Beyonce feat. Jay-Z "Drunk in Love"

Best Lyric Video
5 Seconds of Summer "Don't Stop"

MTV Artist to Watch
Fifth Harmony "Miss Moving On"

MTV Clubland Award
Zedd feat. Hayley Williams "Stay the Night"

Best Video with a Social Message
Beyonce "Pretty Hurts"

Best Direction
Daniels for DJ Snake & Lil Jon "Turn Down for What"

Best Art Direction
Arcade Fire "Reflektor"

Best Choreography
Sia "Chandelier"

Best Cinematography
Beyonce "Pretty Hurts"

Best Editing
Eminem "Rap God"

Best Visual Effects
OK GO "The Writing's On the Wall"

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Drama Series

Will Win - Breaking Bad

Should Win - Breaking Bad

Could Win - True Detective or House of Cards

Commentary - People say that Breaking Bad cannot win because it aired so long ago. And yes, that could be a significant factor. And yet, all these months later, as AMC is reliving the entire series through their Breaking Bad Binge, those last couple of episodes seems to be all anybody can talk about. Breaking Bad was a cultural phenomenon, it was as addicting as the drugs that these characters sold and cooked, it was and will always remain one of the greatest drama series to ever air on television. True Detective is the new, shiny toy, and did well at the Creative Arts Emmys showing a lot of support. Plus HBO is hungry to win this prize again, that is why they moved it into this category instead of Miniseries. And House of Cards is a political heavyweight with genuine movie stars and a killer premise.  But I think both will have to just wait one more year. I think that this industry recognizes the need to honor Breaking Bad one more time, and least I hope they do.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Comedy Series

Will Win - Modern Family

Should Win - Veep or The Big Bang Theory

Could Win - Veep, Orange is the New Black, or The Big Bang Theory

Commentary - In order to take down the juggernaut Modern Family, there need to be a clear winner, and honestly, while there are three real possibilities, none of them seem to be standing out as the one to beat it. Veep had another great season, and finally got a writing nomination, something that is almost essential to winning. And I do think that if anything can take down Modern Family it is Veep. It its a straight up, laughh-out-loud comedy with a great ensemble (basically the formula for winning  Best Comedy Series), and has a political twist, which also helps its cause. Speaking of no writing (or directing), The Big Bang Theory once again missed the mark on those accounts. But it is always a threat, as it is the biggest show on television, and reminds me a lot of the last winner to win without either writing or directing, Friends. If voters are looking for an opportunity to reward this show, this year with multiple contenders and no clear front runner could be the one that lands them the top prize. Then there is Orange is the New Black. It is the hot new show, won an impressive amount of Creative Arts Emmys, and has crazy buzz. But here is the sticking point for me. This type of dramedy show has never won this category, despite plenty of nominations for the genre over the last decade. Voters for this category like comedies, they like to laugh, and while Orange is the New Black has its moments, it is not really a comedy, and I think its dramatic parts (which compromise the majority of the series) will cause it to lose. So we come back to Modern Family. It had a much better season than last year's (probably the best season since the first two), is still clearly beloved by this industry, and in a close race, I go with what I know. And what I know is that Emmy voters will have no problem giving Modern Family a fifth Emmy in a row.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win - Matthew McConaughey "True Detective"

Should Win - Matthew McConuaghey or Woody Harrelson "True Detective" or Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"

Could Win - Woody Harrelson "True Detective" or Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"

Commentary - As always this is a brutal race, this year it looks like that race is between three acting titans. You have television veteran, Emmy winner, and movie star Woody Harrelson vs. recent Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey vs. three-time Emmy winner Bryan Cranston. And we haven't even gotten to the rest of the nominees, all of which have their own pedigrees as well. This is just one of those races were literally voters could do no wrong. But I think it is between these three guys. Harrelson is just as fantastic as McConaughey in True Detective, and is a television veteran. But I think he will be encompassed by the McConaissance. Bryan Cranston could ride the Breaking Bad wave to another Emmy victory, but we all noticed how he stopped winning when his character lost the sympathy factor. I think that McConaughey gets to play so many different emotions and worlds in his role that Emmy voters will eat it up in a very close race.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Actress in a Drama Series

Will Win - Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"

Should Win - Lizzy Caplan "Masters of Sex" or Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"

Could Win - Claire Danes "Homeland" or Kerry Washington "Scandal"

Commentary - After missing the cut last year, Julianna Margulies has come back in full force. Not only did she secure a nomination, but she has a knock out episode submission backed by a knock out season and I think that she is going to take home a second Emmy for her role as Alicia Florrick. The acting branch went to bat for The Good Wife this year, and gave it four well-deserved nominations. I think between her episode and the goodwill for her and the cast this year will be enough to overcome two incredibly competitive contenders. I had thought Robin Wright would play a role in this race, but her episode was underwhelming. Contrarily, I thought Claire Danes would be out (not in terms of a nod but for the win), and she once again submitted a great episode that shows her range as an actor. Even though Homeland has slipped in terms of overall recognition, they clearly love Danes, and this character. Do not be surprised if she pulls off a third win in a row. Finally, none of us should discount Kerry Washington. She is fierce on Scandal, an icon of style, politics, and film/television, and still has the ability to make history. Plus, Emmy voters clearly like Scandal, especially the actors, so if that particular panel is filled with Gladiators, it could easily happen.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Actor in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Ricky Gervais "Derek"

Should Win - Louis C.K. "Louie"

Could Win - Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory" or William H. Macy "Shameless"

Commentary - Can Jim Parsons win a fourth Emmy for The Big Bang Theory? Of course he can, be he has proven that he can be beaten if there is still competition, and this year two major contenders have the material that rivals Parsons and could stop him from another win. First is William H. Macy. Almost everyone thought he was going to be nominated for Shameless on the Drama side. But it turns out it took a switch to comedy for Macy to finally get some Emmy recognition. His character, the over-the-top, drunk character that he has mastered over the last several seasons is built for the Emmys, and he is a real threat to win. But remember when Ricky Gervais shocked the hell out of everyone and won for Extras a couple of years ago? I am not going to be caught off guard again. He has a knockout episode from Derek, he is beloved by this industry, and he surprised us all with a nomination. I think he surprises again with a win.

Debbie Reynolds to Receive 2014 SAG Lifetime Achievement Award

Over the history of the SAG Awards, the actors have rewarded some legends with their coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. This year, they had another excellent entry with the honoring of the great Debbie Reynolds. She is an icon of screen and stage, with iconic roles on Broadway including Irene and Woman of the Year, on the silver screen with roles in Singin in the Rain, Three Little Words, Bundle of Joy, Mother, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, The Rat Race, How the West Was Won, In & Out, and on the small screen with roles in Will & Grace, The Debbie Reynolds Show, Behind the Candelabra, The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and countless other iconic roles. Congrats to the legendary Debbie Reynolds. The 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will take place on Jan. 25th.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Actress in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"

Should Win - Amy Poehler "Parks & Recreation"

Could Win - Amy Poehler "Parks & Recreation" or Melissa McCarthy "Mike & Molly"

Commentary - What will it take for Amy Poehler to win an Emmy? Honestly, if she could win last year for the two-part wedding extravaganza, I don't know if she is ever going to win one of these things, at least not for Parks & Recreation, which honestly is freaking ridiculous. This year she has another great episode, and maybe this is the year that voters finally realize the mistakes they have made in the past, but I do think she is a third place. Melissa McCarthy surprised me when I finally sat down and watched this season of Mike & Molly. Overall, she had a great season, and her episode is pure Emmy bait. She shows a range of emotions, and honestly, it is a nice reminder that she is a full-fledged actress, not just a physical humor joke. She nails it with her pick this year, and another Emmy could be in the cards. But both of these women, while fantastic and deserving, will most likely have to sit back and watch Julia Louis-Dreyfus take home another Emmy. She had another great season on Veep, whose Emmy profile continues to rise season after season, and she is beloved by this industry. McCarthy and Poehler are significant threats, but I don't think either can topple the reigning queen of comedy.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win - Josh Charles "The Good Wife"

Should Win - Josh Charles "The Good Wife"

Could Win - Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad" or Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones"

Commentary - For most of this season, it looked like this was going to be a battle between two previous winners, Peter Dinklage and Aaron Paul. And this could very well happen. Both are previous winners, well-liked, and both have incredible Emmy-bait scenes in their episodes. But I think both have some issues. Neither episode has enough material for each. They have their big scenes, and sometimes that is enough. If they nail it, which they do, then Emmys could follow. But I am going out of a limb here for Josh Charles. The acting branch went to bat this year for the great season of The Good Wife, and one of their actors has won in each year (although, this year it could be two). Josh Charles made a smart move in submitting Hitting the Fan. He has so much to do, so many layers from anger to love and back. Plus, the episode as a whole is simply fantastic. I think that there is an upset brewing, and if I had to bet, I would bet on Charles. If for no other reason, than he, and this wonderful show, deserve some recognition.

2014 Creative Arts Emmy Award Winners

The full list of winners is below, and tomorrow I will work on a recap of the winners, the good, bad, and ugly, and what it tells us (if anything) about next week's ceremony. Stay tuned!

Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series -  Joe Morton, Scandal
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series -  Allison Janney, Masters of Sex
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series -  Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series - Uzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black
Best Reality Host - Jane Lynch "Hollywood Game Night"
Best Structured Reality Program - Shark Tank

Best Unstructured Reality Program - Deadliest Catch
Best Variety Special - AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mel Brooks

Best Writing for a Variety Series: - The Colbert Report

Best Directing for a Variety Series - Saturday Night Live

Best Animated Program - Bob's Burgers

Best Short-Form Animated Program - Disney Mickey Mouse

Best Character Voice-Over Performance - Harry Shearer, The Simpsons

Best Narrator - Jeremy Irons, Game of Lions

Best Children's Program - One Last Hug: Three Days at Grief Camp

Best Special Class Program - The 67th Tony Awards

Best Short-Form Live Action Entertainment Program - Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis

Best Interactive Program - The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Digital Experience

Best Informational Series or Special - (TIE) Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and Vice

Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series - (TIE) American Masters and Years of Living Dangerously

Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special - JFK (American Experiences)

Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking -  Life According to Sam

Best Short-Form Nonfiction Program - 30 for 30 Shorts

Best Writing for Nonfiction Programming - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey

Best Directing for Nonfiction Programming - The Square

Best Casting for a Drama Series - True Detective

Best Casting for a Comedy Series - Orange Is the New Black

Best Casting for a Miniseries, TV Movie or Special - Fargo

Best Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series - True Detective

Best Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series - How I Met Your Mother

Best Cinematography for a Miniseries or TV Movie - Sherlock: His Last Vow

Best Cinematography for Reality Programming - Deadliest Catch

Best Cinematography for Nonfiction Programming - The Square

Best Choreography - Tabitha and Napoleon D'Umo, So You Think You Can Dance

Best Commercial - "Misunderstood," Apple

Best Costumes for a Series - Game of Thrones

Best Costumes for a Miniseries, TV Movie or Special - American Horror Story: Coven

Best Costumes for a Variety Program or Special - (TIE) Saturday Night Live and So You Think You Can Dance

Best Art Direction for a Single-Camera Contemporary or Fantasy Series - Game of Thrones

Best Art Direction for a Period Series, Miniseries or TV Movie -  Boardwalk Empire

Best Art Direction for a Half-Hour Series - House of Lies

Best Art Direction for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program - The 86th Academy Awards

Best Picture Editing for a Drama Series - Breaking Bad

Best Picture Editing for a Single-Camera Comedy Series - Orange Is the New Black

Best Picture Editing for a Multi-Camera Comedy Series - The Big Bang Theory

Best Picture Editing for a Miniseries or TV Movie - Sherlock: His Last Vow

Best Picture Editing for Reality Programming - Deadliest Catch

Best Picture Editing for Short-Form Segments and Variety Specials - The Daily Show

Best Picture Editing for Nonfiction Programming - The Square

Best Make-Up for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) - True Detective

Best Make-Up for a Multi-Camera Series or Special (Non-Prosthetic) - Saturday Night Live

Best Make-Up for a Miniseries or TV Movie (Non-Prosthetic) - The Normal Heart

Best Prosthetic Makeup - Game of Thrones

Best Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series - Downton Abbey

Best Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special - Saturday Night Live

Best Hairstyling for a Miniseries or TV Movie - American Horror Story: Coven

Best Lighting Design/Direction  for a Variety Series - Dancing with the Stars

Best Lighting Design/Direction for a Variety Special - 2014 Winter Olympics: Opening Ceremony

Best Main Title Theme Music - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey

Best Main Title Design - True Detective

Best Original Music and Lyrics - "Bigger!," The 67th Tony Awards

Best Music Composition for a Series - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey

Best Music Composition for a Miniseries, TV Movie or Special - Sherlock: His Last Vow

Best Music Direction - The Beatles: The Night That Changed America

Best Sound Mixing for a One-Hour Series - House of Cards

Best Sound Mixing for a Half-Hour Series -  Nurse Jackie

Best Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or TV Movie - Treme

Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special - The 56th Grammy Awards

Best Sound Mixing for Nonfiction Programming - American Masters 

Best Sound Editing for a Series - Black Sails

Best Sound Editing for a Miniseries, TV Movie or Special - Sherlock: His Last Vow

Best Sound Editing for Nonfiction Programming - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey

Best Special Visual Effects - Game of Thrones

Best Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role - Black Sails

Best Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Miniseries or TV Movie - The Blacklist

Best Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or Variety Program - Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Best Technical Direction for a Series - Dancing with the Stars

Best Technical Direction for a Miniseries, TV Movie or Special: - The Sound of Music Live!

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Jesse Tyler Ferguson "Modern Family"

Should Win - Jesse Tyler Ferguson "Modern Family"

Could Win - Tony Hale "Veep", Ty Burrell "Modern Family", or Andre Braugher "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

Commentary - I have always thought that Jesse Tyler Ferguson was the unsung hero of Modern Family, and I was so thrilled to see him have an incredible amount of material this season to work with, especially the fact that they give him a lot of range this season. I think that, despite the fact that none of the Modern Family guys won last year, this is the year that Jesse Tyler Ferguson finally gets some recognition. But this is not a slam dunk win for him, as there are three guys fighting for that spot including Ty Burrell, who won the SAG Award this year, and is clearly a favorite among voters. I just don't think his tape will match Ferguson's, and he has lost (twice) to his co-star Eric Stonestreet, so there is a precedent there. Tony Hale surprised everyone last year with a win, and his episode this year is a lot better than last year's. But I just don't see it this year. I love Veep, and voters clearly do too, but without his Arrested Development support chipping in, I think that Ferguson's better episode will win the day. The one wild card here is Andre Braugher. He is a beloved television actor, has won several of these here, and his deadpan character is a hoot. But Brooklyn Nine-Nine, like his last series Men of a Certain Age, failed to really register across the board. His tape and his personal popularity though make him a contender to watch for come next Monday.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Creative Arts Predictions

Tomorrow night the Creative Arts Emmys will be announced, so here are my predictions for the long list of technical honors.

Best Character Voice-Over Performance - Harry Shearer "The Simpsons"
Best Narrator - Jane Lynch "Penguins: Waddle All the Way"
Best Animated Program - Bob's Burgers
Best Short Form Animated Program - Mickey Mouse "O Sole Minnie"
Best Art Direction for Contemporary or Fantasy Series - Game of Thrones
Best Art Direction for Period Series/Movie/Mini - Boardwalk Empire
Best Art Direction for Half Hour Contemporary Series - The Big Bang Theory
Best Art Direction for Variety/Nonfiction/Reality Program - Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games
Best Casting for a Comedy Series - Orange is the New Black
Best Casting for a Drama Series - True Detective
Best Casting for TV Movie/Miniseries - The Normal Heart
Best Choreography - Derek Hough "Dancing With the Stars"
Best Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series - How It Met Your Mother
Best Cinematography for a Single Camera Series - True Detective - Who Goes There
Best Cinematography for a TV Movie/Miniseries - Fargo - The Crocodile's Dilemma
Best Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey
Best Cinematography for a Reality Program - Deadliest Catch
Best Commercial - Nike - Possibilities
Best Costumes for a Series - Game of Thrones
Best Costumes for a TV Movie/Miniseries - The White Queen
Best Directing for a Nonfiction Series - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series - Breaking Bad - Felina
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - Orange is the New Black - Tit Punch
Best Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - How I Met Your Mother
Best Picture Editing for Short Form and Variety - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Best Picture Editing for a TV Movie/Miniseries - The Normal Heart
Best Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey
Best Picture Editing for a Reality Program - Deadliest Catch
Best Hairstyling for a Single Camera Series - Downton Abbey
Best Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series/Special - Saturday Night Live - Anna Kendrick
Best Hairstying for a TV Movie/Miniseires - The White Queen
Best Lighting Design for a Variety Series - The Voice
Best Lighting Design for a Variety Special - Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show Starring Bruno Mars
Best Main Title Design - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey
Best Makeup for Single-Camera Series (Non Prosthetic) - Game of Thrones
Best Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series (Non Prosthetic) - Saturday Night Live - Jimmy Fallon
Best Makeup for a Movie/Miniseries (Non Prosthetic) - The Normal Heart
Best Prosthetic Makeup - The Normal Heart
Best Music Composition for a Series - Downton Abbey
Best Music Composition for a TV Movie/Miniseries - The White Queen
Best Music Direction - The Sound of Music Live!
Best Original Music and Lyrics - SNL - Jimmy Fallon "Home for the Holiday (Twin Bed)"
Best Original Main Title Theme Music - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey
Best Special Class Program - The 67th Annual Tony Awards
Best Short-Form Live Action Program - Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis - President Barack Obama
Best Short-Form Nonfiction Program - I Was There - Boston Marathon Bombings
Best Children's Program - Nick News with Linda Ellerbee
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special - The Square
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey
Best Information Series or Special - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking - Life According to Sam
Best Sound Editing for a Series - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Editing for a Movie/Miniseries - Fargo - The Crocodile's Dilemma
Best Sound Editing for a Nonfiction Series - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey
Best Sound Mixing for a One-Hour Series - Breaking Bad - Felina
Best Sound Mixing for a Miniseries/Movie - Fargo - The Crocodile's Dilemma
Best Sound Mixing for a Half-Hour Series - Nurse Jackie
Best Sound Mixing for Variety Series/Special - The 56th Grammy Awards
Best Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program - Deadliest Catch
Best Special and Visual Effects - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey
Best Special and Visual Effects in a Supporting Role - Black Sails
Best Stunt Coordination for a Comedy or Variety Series - Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Best Stunt Coordination for a Drama/Movie/Miniseries - Revolution
Best Technical Direction for a Series - Saturday Night Live
Best Technical Direction for a Special - The Sound of Music Live
Best Writing for a Nonfiction Special - COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Allison Janney "Mom"

Should Win - Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live" or Allison Janney "Mom"

Could Win - Kate Mulgrew "Orange is the New Black" or Anna Chlumsky "Veep"

Commentary - For a while this really looked like it was going to be a tight race. And Kate Mulgrew, who is the biggest competitor to the front runner could still pull it off. She has a great episode, she is a veteran of television, and she is on the hot new show that scored a ton of Emmy nominations, particularly from this acting branch. And Anna Chlumsky surprised me on how well she submitted. Of course even favorites like Julie Bowen and Mayim Bialik cannot be discounted. Popular actresses from popular shows that make us laugh can easily win to Emmys. The only one who probably doesn't have a shot is, unfortunately, the great Kate McKinnon, who, week in and week out, saved SNL from hitting complete rock bottom this season. At the end of the day, I just don't know how voters can get past the great Allison Janney. She has already won a boatload of these things for The West Wing, and while Mom does not enjoy the same overall support as West Wing did in its first season, Janney has enough personal popularity to overcome whatever her show may be lacking. Plus, in every episode of Mom, including her submission, she is just absolutely hilarious. She also manages to be dark, and caring, and the combination is astounding. I think she wins yet another (maybe two) Emmy this year.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Will Win - Anna Gunn "Breaking Bad"

Should Win - Anna Gunn "Breaking Bad" or Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"

Could Win - Christine Baranski "The Good Wife" or Joanne Froggatt "Downton Abbey"

Commentary - Last year I wasn't sure if Anna Gunn could beat the great Maggie Smith. She had won two years in a row for the same role, and she was, well, Maggie Smith, a beloved icon. But Gunn had the better episode, and voters agreed. This proved two things: 1) This particular panel actually watched the episode, and 2)That Maggie Smith is beatable. That being said, while I didn't list her above, I would not discount Maggie Smith ever. Just because she can be beaten, doesn't mean she will be. I do however think though that this year is completely out-shined by her co-star Joanne Frogatt, whose material this year, especially the episode she submitted regarding rape, is jaw-dropping good. Plus, her emotion in the story line this year fixes one of the big problems that Downton actors have had in the past, and that is that they are stuffy and subtle. She is far from it in her last scene, and it could help her take home a surprise upset at the Emmys. My personal choice this year would be Christine Baranski. She has always been fantastic on The Good Wife, and this year, she, and the rest of the cast, were given so much juicy material that she finally has a shot of winning. She gets to mourn the lost of Will, and gets some ferocity as well, and proves why she is a legend, and one of the best. Unfortunately for all of these women though, it looks like sometimes things do come full circle, and it looks like it will be circling back to Anna Gunn. By submitting Ozymandias, she has cemented the fact that no one will have a better episode than she will. That doesn't mean her win is a sure thing, we know that Emmy voters are a quirky bunch. But when you sit down and consider the material of all of these incredibly talented women, it is hard to bet against Anna Gunn.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win - Joe Morton "Scandal"

Should Win - Joe Morton "Scandal"

Could Win - Robert Morse "Mad Men", Reg E. Cathey "House of Cards", or Beau Bridges "Masters of Sex"

Commentary - This is another interesting race with some real power here. First, let's start with Robert Morse. No actor has ever won an Emmy for Mad Men, but in his character's final episode this season, he has a real shot to finally break that dreaded curse. He gets to emote and show off his Broadway skills. But it is a small part, and once again, none of these guys have ever won. Beau Bridges has a great arc on Masters of Sex, but I think its one of those unfortunate performances that is great in the long run of the season, but doesn't have a particular episode to shine with. So for me it really comes down to two guys, neither of which I predicted would even be nominated. First is Reg E. Cathey a great character veteran who is finally getting some due. He has a great story line this season, and it is really hard to not put him in first. But I think that there is heat behind Joe Morton. He has a great arch as well, and has more explosive scenes, more scenery-chewing than Cathey, so in a very close battle I will go for the bigger and bolder performance over the quieter, yet just as effective one.

RIP Lauren Bacall

Man when it rains, it freaking pours. Just a day after losing Robin Williams, we have lost yet another indelible American icon in the great Lauren Bacall, who until now, was the finest living American actress. Her career spanned over seven decades, and included some of the greatest roles in American film, and roles in some of the greatest American films ever put on the silver screen including: To Have and Have Not, The Big Sleep, Key Largo, Written on the Wind, Designing Woman, The Shootist, Murder on the Orient Express, Misery, The Mirror Has Two Faces, and countless others. She only received one Oscar nomination in her entire career, a black mark that I hope makes Academy voters feel guilty at this moment, but at least they did finally give her an Honorary Oscar back in 2010. She did win a Golden Globe and the Cecille B. DeMille Award, earned three Emmy nominations, and countless other deserved honors. She was an American icon, and I am so grateful I got to live in a world where Lauren Bacall made movies. She will be incredibly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends in this difficult time.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Will Win - Allison Janney "Masters of Sex"

Should Win - Allison Janney "Masters of Sex"

Could Win - Kate Burton "Scandal" or Jane Fonda "The Newsroom"

Commentary - Allison Janney has had a hell of a year on television, and I think that she could easily walk away with two Emmys. But both of her races have some tough competition. First there is Kate Burton. She is a previous nominee, a Shonda Rhimes favorite, and has a knockout turn in this season of Scandal. I was not expecting her to even be nominated, especially with Lisa Kudrow from the same show. But once I re-watched her performance, I realized that she is a force to be reckoned with, and could easily win this award. Dan Bucatinsky's win last year proved that the actors panels are open to Scandal, and they give the big, bold performances that usually win Emmy Awards. The other one to watch for is Jane Fonda. She doesn't have a lot of screen time, but she is a legend, has a big scene that could easily cause her to triumph. All of that being said, I still think it is going to be Janney. Her arch on Masters of Sex has the emotional devastation and triumphant that will hit voters hearts, a place you want to hit if you want to win an Emmy.

RIP Robin Williams

I am still in shock over the incredibly sad news that Robin Williams has passed away at the age of 63. We still don't know all the details, although early reports suggest suicide. In the end it doesn't matter how he died, it does matter that he is no longer with us, and that it is a tremendous loss to American film. Comedy is hard, and we have lost two of the best recently. The first was Elaine Stritch, and now Robin Williams. He was an incredible actor whose indelible roles included: Mork & Mindy, Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Awakenings, The Fisher King, Hook, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Birdcage, Deconstructing Harry, Good Will Hunting, What Dreams May Come, Patch Adams, A.I., One Hour Photo, Insomnia, Happy Feet, Night at the Museum, Lee Daniel's The Butler, and The Crazy Ones. He was funny, warm, and yet at the right moments could hit a dramatic note unlike any other. Over his career he won an Oscar, five Golden Globes and the Cecil B. DeMille Award, 2 Emmys, and a plethora of other honors. He will be incredibly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace old friend.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Jimmy Fallon "Saturday Night Live"

Should Win - Steve Buscemi "Portlandia"

Could Win - Steve Buscemi "Portlandia", Nathan Lane "Modern Family", or Bob Newhart "The Big Bang Theory"

Commentary - Can we all just agree upfront that this is kind of a flat year for this category? I am currently predicting Jimmy Fallon because he was, as always, great on SNL. Although I do feel like it wasn't as great this time around. Bob Newhart could win another, now that they finally realize how good it feels to reward this legend. But once again, his stint on The Big Bang Theory this year didn't have quite the same impact (I really wish James Earl Jones had made it in here for his magnetic performance this year on the same show). Nathan Lane finally had enough to do in Modern Family, but he still might not have quite enough to actually pull it off. The one that I was surprised to see nominated, then surprised to see how good he was was Steve Buscemi. Portlandia is a strange show, but the Emmy voters clearly like it well enough to give it several nominations, and Buscemi is hilarious. But in the battle of sketch show performances I think the favorite Fallon wins again.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black"

Should Win - Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black"

Could Win - Melissa McCarthy "Saturday Night Live", Joan Cusack "Shameless" or Laverne Cox "Orange is the New Black"

Commentary - This race is turning out to be one of the most interesting ones, and so I'm happy we get to find out sooner (next weekend!!) who is the lucky winner. Going into this race, Uzo Aduba was the front runner, the breakout star, and the one actress people could not stop talking about. A few months later, and all of that is still the case. Crazy Eyes is a dynamic character, she commands the screen every time she is on it, and she has the buzz on her side. But she is not a slam dunk. Joan Cusack has always had great episodes, but they were too funny for her drama nominations. This time around, in the comedy category, she has just the type of material that voters love. It doesn't hurt that she is a beloved, Oscar-nominated veteran who has a strong due factor. Uzo could also be beaten out by her co-star Laverne Cox. She is not as funny as Aduba, which does hurt her in a comedy category, but she has a lot of great material and is magnetic on screen. Plus, she has history and popularity on her side. She recently graced the cover of Time Magazine as a proud transsexual individual. If she wins, she will be the first transgender actor to win an Emmy Award. If she does, it will be well deserved, and an incredibly awesome moment in the struggle for equality for all. Last but not least, someone that needs to be taken seriously is Melissa McCarthy (in both categories she is nominated for). She has yet to win for SNL, which does hurt her because she has lost with excellent material. But she has a knack for this live comedy stuff, and she will make voters laugh out loud. Voters that have already proven that they like her a lot. All of this being said, it is Uzo's to lose, and I think, and hope, she pulls it off.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Directing in a Drama Series

Will Win - Cary Joji Fukunaga "True Detective - Who Goes There"

Should Win - Cary Joji Fukunaga "True Detective - Who Goes There"

Could Win - Vince Gilligan "Breaking Bad - Felina" or Neil Marshall "Game of Thrones - The Watchers on the Wall" or Tim Van Patten "Boardwalk Empire - Farewell Daddy Blues"

Commentary - When Breaking Bad and AMC did not submit Ozymandias for this category (which probably would have been a slam dunk), the next best one that popped into my mind was the work of Cary Fukunaga, a genuine movie director (Jane Eyre, Sin Nombre) who dropped by HBO and directed all of the episodes of the first season of True Detective. One of the best sequences on television this year was the last half or so of Who Goes There. It was thrilling, ridiculous, and absolutely brilliant. I think that the directors will respect this feat and reward him with an Emmy. Now don't count out Breaking Bad. Felina is a great episode, and it is another way to honor Vince Gilligan, the show's creator. I also think that the directors will respect The Watchers on the Wall, a well-crafted piece on Game of Thrones, but there may just be too much competition ahead of it. And finally, we should always watch out for Tim Van Patten. He is beloved by television directors, and has already had a surprise win in this category in before. He could catch everyone off guard again.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Writing in a Drama Series

Will Win - Moira Walley-Beckett "Breaking Bad - Ozymandias"

Should Win - Moira Walley-Beckett "Breaking Bad - Ozymandias"

Could Win - Vince Gilligan "Breaking Bad - Felina" or Nic Pizzolatto "True Detective - The Secret Fate of All Life"

Commentary - I think that whatever happens here that Breaking Bad will walk away with an Emmy for writing. The only other show I think has a shot here is True Detective for its complex dramatic themes. But I think this is going to be the Breaking Bad show. Most people agree that Ozymandias will go down as not only one of the best Breaking Bad episodes of all time, but one of the greatest television episodes of all time. It was pure brilliance, and its buzz and reception make it look like a slam-dunk. But the other episode Felina is nothing to snort at. It is another finally crafted masterpiece. And it has something going for it that could end up with a win. That is, of course, that it is written by series creator Vince Gilligan. If they are picking between the two, and they want to reward Gilligan the person, then Felina could easily topple the more obvious choice of Ozymandias.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Directing in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Jodie Foster "Orange is the New Black - Lesbian Request Denied"

Should Win - Jodie Foster "Orange is the New Black - Lesbian Request Denied"

Could Win - Gail Mancuso "Modern Family - Las Vegas"

Commentary - This is a tough one to predict. Gail Mancuso has won this category before for Modern Family, and Las Vegas may be one of her best episodes. It is hilarious, and in terms of the directing, it easily juggles its fast-moving parts with ease. This is the kind of episode that wins Emmys. But Modern Family clearly is slipping with Emmy voters, even in this rejuvenated season. Plus, there is a hot new toy on the block, that is incredibly well-structured, and that of course is Orange is the New Black. But one of the biggest reasons I am putting it ahead in a close race is because of the name involved. Jodie Foster is a two-time Academy Award winner, hell at this point she is a legend. And while Gail Mancuso might be a favorite among television directors, I think that the popularity and buzz of Orange is the New Black, combined with the respect and awe for Jodie Foster will lead to an Emmy victory.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Writing in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Louis C.K. "Louie - So Did the Fat Lady"

Should Win - Louis C.K. "Louie - So Did the Fat Lady"

Could Win - Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche, Armando Iannucci "Veep - Special Relationship" or Liz Friedman and Jenji Kohan "Orange is the New Black - I Wasn't Ready (Pilot)"

Commentary - These writing and directing awards are hard to gauge. You would think that, like at the Oscars, that they are directly related to the top prize. But that is not always the case, and these panels have a tendency to throw some curve balls at us. It would seem that this is a two-way race. Orange is the New Black is the hot new show, and its pilot will certainly have its supporters. After missing out in this race (surprisingly) the last two years, Veep, led by its Oscar-nominated writer Armando Iannucci, has a knock out episode submission featuring the veep in relations with the British. Both are great episodes, and both shows have a lot of other potential wins including Best Comedy Series. Louie, on the other hand, most likely is not in the running for the top prize despite several nominations in a row. While it is a brilliant show, it is just not the type of show that wins this category, at least not yet. That being said, it has already won this award before, and while the show may never win the top prize, Louis C.K. has won several Emmys over the years and is clearly a beloved icon on television these days. And anyone who watches So Did the Fat Lady, particularly the incredible monologue by the snubbed Sarah Baker. It was not only a brilliant feat of acting, but was a perfectly constructed script that I think will end up being rewarded by fellow writers who will see its utter brilliance.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Made for Television Movie

Will Win - The Normal Heart

Should Win - The Normal Heart

Could Win - The Trip to Bountiful or Sherlock: His Last Vow

Commentary - There are some nice contenders here, but really they all should just be happy to be nominated. This year Ryan Murphy's adaptation of the Tony-winning play The Normal Heart is set to sweep so many categories across the board. It is a huge production, with an all-star cast (that could take a few Emmys with it as well), a popular Emmy-winning director, and has HBO behind it, something that really helps when it comes to winning these long-form Emmy awards. I know this post is short and sweet, but honestly there is not much else to say other than this: if anything other than The Normal Heart wins, I will be absolutely shocked.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Miniseries

Will Win - Fargo

Should Win - Fargo

Could Win - American Horror Story: Coven

Commentary - I kind of feel bad for American Horror Story. It finally has the luxury of not having to compete with the big HBO movies like Behind the Candelabra or Game Change because the the Television Academy finally restored the two individual program categories instead of combining them. But American Horror Story still cannot catch a break. Even when True Detective moved over the Drama (which I still think was not a smart move in terms of winning the top prize, it would have had a much better shot than its brutal battle with Breaking Bad and House of Cards), it looks like the Ryan Murphy-led anthology series will have to wait its turn once again. Fargo was an excellent miniseries, which, like its FX counterpart, will become an anthology series. It was raved by critics, beloved by fans, and completely stole any buzz that American Horror Story had going into the spring. I think Fargo takes this in a walk, while the producers of True Detective look on, wishing they had chosen a different tact.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries

Will Win - Mark Ruffalo "The Normal Heart"

Should Win - Billy Bob Thornton "Fargo"

Could Win - Billy Bob Thornton or Martin Freeman "Fargo"

Commentary - Billy Bob Thornton's sly, evil, yet kind of charming character on Fargo was excellent, but I think that he was too subtle for Emmy voters that like their actors loud and with a lot of range. Martin Freeman for Fargo, who is a double nominee this year, probably will affect more Emmy voters, especially because he finally showed a lot of range as an actor. But I think that if they are going with loud and a lot of range, no one fits that bill quite like Mark Ruffalo for The Normal Heart. The film is set to really rack up at this month's Emmys, and he is the emotional center and leader for the film. Plus he is a genuine movie star, and Oscar nominee, therefore fitting into what has become the common winner in these categories particularly (think about last year's winners Michael Douglas, Laura Linney, James Cromwell, and Ellen Burstyn). Movie star, plus emotional heartbreak, plus ranting and raving most likely will equal Mark Ruffalo winning his first Emmy Award.

2014 Emmy Predictions: Best Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries

Will Win - Cicely Tyson "The Trip to Bountiful"

Should Win - Cicely Tyson "The Trip to Bountiful"

Could Win - Sarah Paulson or Jessica Lange "American Horror Story: Coven"

Commentary - The actors have always loved American Horror Story, as they continually reap nominations on its popular actors. And both Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange are well-liked actors, both of whom had excellent seasons on this entry of American Horror Story. But let's be honest, neither had their best season, and I am not sure if either has enough power to be the front runner. The Trip to Bountiful has been adapted and re-adapted so many times, you think that people would be tired of it. But the past two years, the legendary Cicely Tyson breathed life into a well-worn story and a well-worn character both on stage and in the Lifetime movie adaptation. The film as a whole was pretty good, especially coming from Lifetime, but the real reason to see it was Cicely Tyson who was simply heartbreaking and breathtaking every moment on screen. For me, she was the best of the bunch, and I think Emmy voters will agree. She is an acting legend and Emmy winner, she has already won a Tony for this role, and adding in Geraldine Page's Oscar win, I think that this particular role takes home the triple crown of acting awards.