The Oscar Narrative: Post Venice/Telluride/Toronto Predictions - Best Animated Feature

Post Venice/Telluride/Toronto Predictions
Anomalisa
The Good Dinosaur
Inside Out
Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet
Shaun the Sheep Movie

Other Contenders - The Peanuts Movie, When Marnie Was There, Minions, Phantom Boy, Home, The Spongebob Squarepants Movie: Sponge Out of Water, Giovanni's Island, Hell and Back, The Little Prince, Zarafa, The Boy and the World, Strange Magic, Storks, Hotel Transylvania 2, Underdogs, Monster Trucks

Commentary - This one is always hard to predict early on, because it could be anywhere between 3 and 5 nominees, and a lot of that depends on if some of these films in the list are actually eligible come year's end. We know one thing though, Inside Out is going to be crazy hard to beat. Pixar has dominated this category, and usually they deserve it. It's own The Good Dinosaur could steal the spotlight later on (I am predicting it to be nominated), or maybe Shaun the Sheep Movie becomes another Wallace and Gromit. Maybe the creative mind of Charlie Kaufman wins for the festival favorite Anomalisa, or maybe GKids finally takes home gold with The Prophet. None of those potentials are out of the realm of possibility, its just that right now, no film has the power or buzz that Inside Out has. The Peanuts Movie is on a lot of folks radar, and the trailer looks interesting. But that is one of those that I will believe when I see. Despicable Me 2 got in here, which means I am probably crazy for underestimating Minions, but the reviews were mixed, and this could be a more competitive year for the category. There are a few other GKids, as well as other studio projects like When Marnie Was There (a real possibility), Zarafa, Giovanni's Island, The Little Prince, The Boy and the World, and others. Will any of these emerge as top contenders? As always, we'll have to wait and see.

The 36th Annual News & Documentary Emmys

Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast
NBC Nightly News - Ukraine

Outstanding Continuing Coverage of a News Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast
CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley - Challenge Academy

Outstanding Feature Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast
CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley - On the Road: Pay it Forward

Outstanding Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast
NBC Nightly News and Today - Hooked

Outstanding Hard News Report in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast
NBC Nightly News - Inside Kobani

Outstanding Investigative Journalism in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast
PBS NewsHour - Hazardous Work: Diving Into the Philippines' Dangerous Underwater Mines

Outstanding Business and Economic Reporting in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast
(TIE) Nightline - Brian Ross Investigates: Herbalife - The Dream and the Reality AND PBS NewsHour & The Center for Investigative Reporting - Who's Behind the Chinese Takeover of the World's Biggest Pork Producer?

Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story in a News Magazine
Frontline - The Battle for Ukraine

Outstanding Continuing Coverage of a News Story in a News Magazine
48 Hours - Perilous Journey

Outstanding Feature Story in a News Magazine
60 Minutes - The Shooting at Chardon High

Outstanding Report in a News Magazine
60 Minutes - The Case of Alex Rodriguez

Outstanding Investigative Journalism in a News Magazine
Frontline - Hunting Boko Haram

Outstanding Business and Economic Reporting in a News Magazine
60 Minutes - Over a Barrel

Outstanding News Discussion and Analysis
All in with Chris Hayes - Fifty Year War: The Changing Face of Poverty in America

Outstanding Live Coverage of a Current News Story - Longform
NBC News Specials - Malaysia Flight 17

Outstanding Coverage of a Current News Story - Longform
Frontline - United States of Secrets

Outstanding Investigative Journalism - Long Form
Frontline - Firestorm and the Warlord

Outstanding Information Program - Long Form
POV - When I Walk

Outstanding Historical Programming - Long Form
Independent Lens - The Trials of Muhammad Ali

Outstanding Business and Economic Programming - Long Form
Independent Lens - Medora

Outstanding Interview
60 Minutes - Recruiting for ISIS

Outstanding Arts & Culture Programming
HBO Documentary Films - Dangerous Acts Starring the Unstable Elements of Belarus

Outstanding Science & Technology Programming
CNN Films - Dinosaur 13

Outstanding Nature Programming
Nature - Snow Monkeys

Best Documentary
(TIE) Frontline - United States of Secrets AND POV - After Tiller

New Approaches - Current News Coverage
Guardian (US) and The Texas Observer - Beyond the Border - The US's Deadly Immigration Crisis

New Approaches - Documentaries
(THE AND)

New Approaches - Arts, Lifestyle and Culture
The New York Times - Notes on Blindness

Outstanding Writing
Scott Pelley, Robert G. Anderson, and Aaron Weisz "60 Minutes - The Shooting at Chardon High"

Outstanding Research
Frontline - Firestone and the Warlord

Outstanding Video Journalism - News
60 Minutes - War and Hunger

Outstanding Cinematography - Documentary and Long Form
Nature - Snow Monkeys

Outstanding Editing - News
Go or No Go: The Challenger Legacy

Outstanding Editing - Documentary and Long Form
Mission Blue

Outstanding Graphic Design and Art Direction
(TIE) Future Cat AND Your Inner Fish

Outstanding Music and Sound
Nature - Misfits

Outstanding Lighting Direction and Scenic Design
A Crime to Remember - 36 Witnesses

Outstanding Promotional Announcement
Nature - News Season of Nature: Sneak Preview

Outstanding Regional News Story - Spot News
KFOR-TV News - Moore Tornado: May 20, 2013

Outstanding Regional News Story - Investigative Reporting
KNTV NBCBay Area - Sysco's Dirty Secret: Hidden Food Shelves Across America

Outstanding Newscast or News Magazine in Spanish
Aqui y Ahora

Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story in Spanish
Aqui y Ahora - Univision Investiga

Outstanding Investigative Journalism in Spanish
(TIE) Aqui y Ahora - Univision Investiga  AND Telemundo, The Weather Channel, and The Investigative Fund - Muriendo Por Cruzar

2016 Grammys: Early Look at Album of the Year

This year's Grammy eligibility period ends on Wednesday, so it is time to start wading through the plethora of contenders this year. First, Album of the Year:

Ryan Adams "1989"
Alabama Shakes "Sound & Color"
Jason Aldean "Old Boots, New Dirt"
Azealia Banks "Broke With Expensive Taste"
B.O.B. "Psycadelik Thoughtz"
Big Sean "Dark Sky Paradise"
Bjork "Vulnicura"
Leon Bridges "Coming Home"
Garth Brooks "Man Against Machine"
Chris Brown & Tyga "Fan of a Fan: The Album"
Luke Bryan "Kill the Lights"
Luke Bryan "Spring Break...Checkin' Out"
Charli XCX "Sucker"
Ciara "Jackie"
Kelly Clarkson "Piece by Piece"
J. Cole "2014 Forest Hills Drive"
Keyshia Cole "Point of No Return"
Miley Cyrus "Miley Cyrus and the Dead Petz"
D'Angelo and the Vanguard "Black Messiah"
Dr. Dre "Compton"
Drake "If You're Reading This You're Too Late"
Hillary Duff "Breathe In. Breathe Out"
Bob Dylan "Shadows in the Night"
Estelle "True Romance"
Fall Out Boy "American Beauty/American Psycho"
Fetty Wap "Fetty Wap"
Lupe Fiasco "Tetsuo & Youth"
Florence and The Machine "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful"
Florida Georgia Line "Anything Goes"
Flying Lotus "You're Dead"
Foo Fighters "Sonic Highways"
Selena Gomez "For You"
Macy Gray "The Way"
Josh Groban "Stages"
Halestorm "Into the Wild Life"
Calvin Harris "Motion"
Hunter Hayes "21"
Hozier "Hozier"
Sam Hunt "Montevallo"
Imagine Dragons "Smoke + Mirrors"
Alan Jackson "Angels and Alcohol"
Jessie J "Sweet Talk"
Jewel "Picking Up the Pieces"
Nick Jonas "Nick Jonas"
K. Michelle "Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart"
Tori Kelly "Unbreakable Smile"
Kendrick Lamar "To Pimp a Butterfly"
Adam Lambert "The Original High"
Mary Lambert "Heart On My Sleeve"
Annie Lennox "Nostalgia"
Leona Lewis "I Am"
Little Big Town "Pain Killer"
Ludacris "Ludaversal"
Madonna "Rebel Heart"
Reba McEntire "Love Somebody"
Shawn Mendes "Handwritten"
Nicki Minaj "The Pinkprint"
Mumford & Sons "Wilder Mind"
Muse "Drones"
Kacey Musgraves "Pageant Material"
Ne-Yo "Non-fiction"
Of Monsters and Men "Beneath the Skin"
OK Go "Hungry Ghosts"
One Direction "Four"
Lana Del Rey "Honeymoon"
Keith Richard "Crosseyed Heart"
Mark Ronson "Uptown Special"
Rick Ross "Hood Billionaire"
Darius Rucker "Southern Style"
Nate Ruess "Grand Romantic"
Bob Seeger "Ride Out"
Snoop Dogg "BUSH"
Jordin Sparks "Right Here, Right Now"
Rae Sremmurd "SremmLife"
Ringo Starr "Postcards From Paradise"
Jazmine Sullivan "Reality Show"
Taylor Swift "1989"
T.I. "Paperwork"
James Taylor "Before This World"
Meghan Trainor "Title"
Weezer "Everything Will Be Alright in the End"
Wilco "Star Wars"
Brian Wilson "No Pier Pressure"
The Weeknd "Beauty Behind the Madness"
You + Me "Rose Ave."
Zac Brown Band "Jekyll & Hyde"

My First Predictions
D'Angelo and the Vanguard "Black Messiah"
Bob Dylan "Shadows in the Night"
Foo Fighters "Sonic Highways"
Kendrick Lamar "To Pimp a Butterfly"
Taylor Swift "1989"

Commentary - With no Kanye or Adele record released in time, it looks like we have our final list of major contenders. Swift and Lamar are set to rake in a ton of nominations, not only for their duo Bad Blood, but for both of their albums respectively which look to sweep the Pop and Rap categories. Bob Dylan is doing covers, so that may exclude him, but they love him so much, I don't think it matters. Sonic Highways is no where near the best album the Foo Fighters have put out. But once again, they are Grammy favorites, and ar definitely in the mix. Finally, while this will most likely be passed over for a more radio-friendly pop album, I hope that voters are paying attention to D'Angelo and his brilliant Black Messiah. So who else is out there? James Taylor had his first number 1 album of all time, Meghan Trainor and Hozier could build on last year's general nominations, The Weeknd is hotter than ever, and don't discount Alabama Shakes, Wilco, Mark Ronson, Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine, Kacey Musgraves, Mumford & Sons, Sam Hunt, Leon Bridges, Charli XCX, Kelly Clarkson, Dr. Dre, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Fall Out Boy, and Imagine Dragons.

The Oscar Narrative: Post Venice/Telluride/Toronto Predictions - Best Original Screenplay

Post Venice/Telluride/Toronto Predictions
Matt Charman, Joel & Ethan Coen "Bridge of Spies"
Quentin Tarantino "The Hateful Eight"
David O. Russell and Annie Mumolo "Joy"
Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer "Spotlight"
Peter Docter, Ronaldo Del Carmen, Meg LeFauve, and Josh Cooley "Inside Out"

Other Contenders - Abi Morgan "Suffragette", Laszlo Nemes and Clara Royer "Son of Saul", Paul Weitz "Grandma", Amy Schumer "Trainwreck", Paolo Sorrentino "Youth", Taylor Sheridan "Sicario", Michael Alan Lerner and Oren Moverman "Love & Mercy", Andrea Berloff, Jonathan Herman, Alan Wenkus, S. Leigh Savidge "Straight Outta Compton", Charlie Kaufman "Anomalisa", Alex Garland "Ex Machina", Angelina Jolie "By The Sea", Nancy Meyers "The Intern", Diablo Cody "Ricki and the Flash", Marc Basch and Brett Haley "I'll See You Me In My Dreams", Olivier Assayas "Clouds of Sils Maria", Rick Famuyiwa "Dope", Ramin Bahrani, Amir Naderi, Bahareh Azimi "99 Homes", Woody Allen "Irrational Man", Alan Bennett "The Lady in the Van", Guillermo Del Toro and Matthew Robbins "Crimson Peak", Tim Talbott "The Stanford Prison Experiment", Paula Pell "Sisters"

Commentary - Right now this feels like a five-way race, which is disconcerning because three of the major ones here have not been seen yet, and could be less than stellar. First, let's start with the ones we have seen. At the top of the list right now is Tom McCarthy's Spotlight. I am personally surprised at how this film has risen so quickly to the top, when its reviews out of the fests were a bit muted. But nonetheless, it has done well enough, and apparently is just the right formula (timely, fast-paced, well-acted) for Oscar consideration. Not just consideration, it has jumped to the lead for Picture and other categories as well, at least until some of the later contenders emerge. The other big one is Inside Out. After a few years of dry spells for animated films, Inside Out could return Pixar to Oscar glory in Best Picture, and in other categories outside the Animated Feature one. The Pixar greats almost always seemed to bring a screenplay nod along with them, and Inside Out's script is definitely going to be one of the best come year's end. The other three are prestige projects with a lot of potential. Quentin Tarantino's last film won his category, and The Hateful Eight looks like another classic from the master. While Unbroken failed to make much of a mark, the Coen Bros hope this time around things are different, with Steven Spielberg's Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies. Finally, David O. Russell has been waiting five years to win an Oscar, and Joy might just be his ticket to glory. It doesn't hurt that previous nominee Annie Mumolo is joining him. These feel like the five, and nothing else seems to be sticking out. Suffragette did well at the fests, but no one is talking about Morgan's script. Son of Saul could be the foreign contender that sometimes slips in. Sicario is getting raves, but is also getting immediately written off as an Oscar contender. Trainwreck was no Bridesmaids, Anomalisa is weird, Love & Mercy is a dark horse, and By The Sea just has question marks written all over it. Sisters could be a comedy hit, Crimson Peak and Ex Machina could overcome their genre trappings, and early contenders like The Lady in the Van, I'll See You In My Dreams, and Clouds of Sils Maria could survive the long haul. Youth seems like a safe sixth or seventh slot coming out of the festivals, The Stanford Prison Experiment won the Sundance screenwriting prize, and 99 Homes is hanging on. Throw in contenders who have fallen from the lead, but still think they can make a dent like Cody for Ricki and the Flash, and Meyers for The Intern, and this race is a mess from number 6 on.

New Page in Sidebar

It occurred to me, that while I am trying to create a database of my own personal awards, I have never created one for my top 20 (or ten) lists for film. So in the sidebar, there is the archive of my top twenty (or again ten) films of each year. It is fun to go back and look at your past choices and see how time has changed your mind or remained the same. Check it out, and watch out for the top ten television shows page coming soon!

The Oscar Narrative: Post Venice/Telluride/Toronto Predictions - Best Adapted Screenplay

Post Venice/Telluride/Toronto Predictions
Phyllis Nagy "Carol"
Lucinda Coxon "The Danish Girl"
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and Mark L. Smith "The Revenant"
Emma Donoghue "Room"
Aaron Sorkin "Steve Jobs"

Other Contenders - Nick Hornby "Brooklyn", Andrew Haigh "45 Years", Cary Fukunaga "Beasts of No Nation", Drew Goddard "The Martian", James Vanderbilt "Truth", George Miller, Brendan McCarthy, and Nick Lathouris "Mad Max: Fury Road", Charles Leavitt, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver "In the Heart of the Sea", Christopher Browne and Robert Zemeckis "The Walk", Jez Butterworth and Mark Mallouk "Black Mass", Adam McKay and Charles Randolph "The Big Short", John McNamara "Trumbo", J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens", John Logan, Neal Purvis, and Robert Wade "Spectre", Simon Beaufoy and William Monahan "Everest", Donald Margulies "The End of the Tour", John Madden and Ol Parker "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", Jacob Kaskoff, Todd Louiso, and Michael Lesslie "Macbeth", Peter Landesman "Concussion", David Nicholls "Far From the Maddening Crowd", Billy Ray "The Secret in Their Eyes", Jesse Andrews "Me & Earl & The Dying Girl", Peter Straughn "Our Brand is Crisis", Marielle Heller "The Diary of a Teenage Girl", Derek Cianfrance "The Light Between Oceans", John Logan "Genius", Bill Condon "Mr. Holmes"

Commentary - This race has tightened as the festivals end, with a solid six leading contenders for five slots, and lots and lots and lots of potentials hoping to break into the group. Brooklyn right now is my sixth. It has continued to hold on to its Sundance buzz, and has played well with different groups, but there is a hot contender in Room, adapted by its own author Emma Donoghue, that has suddenly rocketed to the front of the pack with buzz, after its People's Choice win at Toronto. Last year's Gillian Flynn missed the cut at the last minute, but that doesn't necessarily change the game for Donoghue. The other four have not changed. We haven't see The Revenant, but it is one of those projects that you predict to do well, until proven otherwise. The Danish Girl landed a bit mixed at the fests, but everyone seems to agree that while it won't be the critical favorite, that Academy voters are once again going to fall for the Tom Hooper emotion. Carol continues to impress on its tour of the fests, and Phyllis Nagy's work seems like a safe bet. But I think the one leading the pack is once again Aaron Sorkin, for his work in Steve Jobs. He has been praised for his work, as usual, and the tempo, and the structure apparently cause fireworks. Beyond those six there are so many contenders big and small hoping to build momentum as we move into the fall season. There are the mixed-reviewed festival premieres that hope to build better credentials with a wider audience such as: Trumbo, Black Mass, Truth, and Our Brand is Crisis. Macbeth, Beasts of No Nation, 45 Years all were warmly received, but may be too dark or too obscure for the Academy. Then there are a load of the bigger, effects-driven, blockbuster type films that want to break stereotypes: The Martian, Mad Max: Fury Road, Star Wars, Spectre, The Walk, In the Heart of the Sea, Everest. Throw in the smaller or earlier contenders (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Far From the Maddening Crowd, Mr. Holmes, The Diary of a Teenage Girl), with the unknowns (Concussion, The Big Short, The Secret in Their Eyes), and the ones that may or may not actually premiere this year (Genius and The Light Between Oceans), and this could be one of the most competitive years this category has had in a long time.

2015 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Award Winners

I know I'm a bit behind on these, but better late than never! Room gets a big boost here, and while the initial reviews seemed mixed, but apparently as a consensus grows, so do its awards prospects. There is especially a lot of love for its two stars.

People's Choice Award - Room

People's Choice Award for Documentary - Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom

People's Choice Award for Midnight Madness - Hardcore

Best Canadian Feature Film - Closet Monster

Special Citation, Canadian Feature Film - My Internship in Canada

Prizes of the International Critics (FIPRESCI) for Special Presentations Section - Desierto

Prizes of the International Critics (FIPRESCI) for Discovery Section - Eva Nova

Discovery Program Filmmakers Award - Black

NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film - The Whispering Star

Best International Short Film - Maman(s)

Best Canadian Short Film - Overpass

Platform Prize - Hurt

2015 Emmys: The End

Awards shows, by their nature, are long and clunky, and usually are an overall let down. Even those of us who dedicate so much time and energy to tracking the awards season understand this. We love celebrating our favorite movies, television shows, music, etc. each year, and we're in it for the actors, directors, cinematographers, and makeup folks whose work we admire. So usually, we are able to overlook the fact that the ceremony it self is usually a hot mess. But this year, I was so happy to see that not only were there a ton of great winners, and some nice surprises along the way, but this was actually one of the best ceremonies in recent Emmy history. Andy Samberg, like most hosts, had a few jokes that fell flat, and a few moments that felt overwrought. But overall, he was goofy and light and funny, and not too much of anything, which can sometimes be a problem for Samberg. He had a great Lonely Island song to start the show, and some of his jokes, like Paula Deen, landed really well. The show got done exactly at 11 like it was supposed to. There were a few interruptions, like the In Memoriam and the spoiler-alert nightmare that was the final season montage (although despite the spoilers, it was a nice idea, and a nice moment for a lot of shows, especially those that weren't nominated for Emmys this year). But overall, the show was smooth, fast-paced, and had some great winners. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now let's go to the winners. First, let's take a second to talk about how the process this year affected the outcome. A few years from now, we are going to be bemoaning the repeat winners, and the populist lean of the voters, and the under-appreciated performances that get overlooked. Because without episodes mattering as much, the bigger names will win over the performances. But let's face it, for every great winner that came out of that old system, there were more probably that were huge shocks, and not always good shocks. Remember Jon Cryer winning actor that year after Charlie Sheen left? Remember how some of those overdone David E. Kelley winners won year after year because they had big speeches? There are going to be flaws in who wins every single year. No matter how they change the rules, or move around shows, there are going to be folks who are not happy. But for its first year, the new rules knocked it out of the park. We got to see veterans like Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, and Regina King (I was so rooting for Paulson, but if someone was going to beat her, I'm glad it was the awesome Regina King) finally win Emmys after decades of being ignored. Jon Hamm finally won an Emmy for Mad Men, breaking the show's streak, and delivering an Emmy to one of television's most iconic characters. Viola Davis, my personal favorite of the night, finally made history by becoming the first black actress to win that category, a barrier which had stood for way too long. Game of Thrones was finally able to win, so geeks around the world are celebrating, and smaller panels weren't able to rubber-stamp another Modern Family victory, with Veep finally winning in its fourth season. Sure, while the Emmys used to spread the love more, popular shows were able to basically sweep in their categories (Veep, Game of Thrones, and Olive Kitteridge), but wins for Davis, Hamm, Transparent and Jeffrey Tambor, King, and others broke up some of that, and proved that voters are not so lazy that they can't pick some different offering. Speaking of Tambor, after 22 years and 7 Emmy nominations along the way, one of our best wins an historic and well-deserved Emmy.

There are plenty of things to be mad about. I love Peter Dinklage, but even he knew that it should have gone to Jonathan Banks (who would have won under the old tape system, I told you it wasn't perfect), and while Don Draper and Jon Hamm finally got their due, Leslie Knope and Amy Poehler are still Emmy-less, and will remain so. This was the one that really got me. I love Julia Louis-Dreyfus, but the fact that Poehler has made it through SNL, 3 Golden Globes, and Parks & Recreation without an Emmy is simply ridiculous. But the fact that there were really only two categories I thought were off, shows that while there will be plenty of issues with the new voting system, their first time at bat, they knocked it out of the park.

Thank you for a wonderful Emmy season. As always, I loved the whole process, and while the Oscars will be my first love always, the Emmys are a good time, and a great way to spend a long, hot summer. Congratulations to all the winners, and the nominees, and to the Emmys this year for a great show. The Oscar season has already started, and yes, I am a bit behind with my Toronto coverage, and promise to do some updated predictions soon to try to start to sort out this year's race. For now, I bid the Emmys farewell, and I thank all of my wonderful followers who have continued to stick with me all this years. And, to quote this year's Best Drama Series, winter is coming, and I can't wait.

The 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards

A great Emmys, a lot to talk about! Tomorrow morning we recap the good, the bad, and the ugly of this year's Emmy Awards!!!

Best Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Comedy Series - Veep
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Jon Hamm "Mad Men"
Best Actress in a Drama Series - Viola Davis "How to Get Away With Murder"
Best Actress in a Comedy Series - Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Best Actor in a Comedy Series - Jeffrey Tambor "Transparent"
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Tony Hale "Veep"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Allison Janney "Mom"
Best Directing in a Drama Series - David Nutter "Game of Thrones - Mother's Mercy"
Best Writing in a Drama Series - David Benioff and D.B. Weiss "Game of Thrones - Mother's Mercy"
Best Directing in a Comedy Series - Jill Soloway "Transparent - Best New Girl"
Best Writing in a Comedy Series - Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, and Tony Roche "Veep - Election Night"
Best Limited Series - Olive Kitteridge
Best Actor in a Limited Series/Movie - Richard Jenkins "Olive Kitteridge"
Best Actress in a Limited Series/Movie - Frances McDormand "Olive Kitteridge"
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series/Movie - Bill Murray "Olive Kitteridge"
Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series/Movie - Regina King "American Crime"
Best Directing in a Limited Series or Movie - Lisa Cholodenko "Olive Kitteridge"
Best Writing in a Limited Series or Movie - Jane Anderson "Olive Kitteridge"
Best Variety Talk Series - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Best Variety Sketch Series - Inside Amy Schumer
Best Directing in a Variety Series - Chuck O'Neil "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - Show 20103"
Best Writing in a Variety Series - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Best Reality-Competition Series - The Voice

2015 Emmy Predictions: Final List

Best Drama Series - Game of Thrones

Best Comedy Series - Veep

Best Actor in a Drama Series - Jon Hamm "Mad Men"

Best Actress in a Drama Series - Viola Davis "How to Get Away With Murder"

Best Actor in a Comedy Series - Jeffrey Tambor "Transparent"

Best Actress in a Comedy Series - Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Jonathan Banks "Better Call Saul"

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black"

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Tony Hale "Veep"

Best Directing in a Drama Series - David Nutter "Game of Thrones - Mother's Mercy"

Best Writing in a Drama Series - Matthew Weiner "Mad Men - Person to Person" 

Best Directing in a Comedy Series - Armando Iannucci "Veep - Testimony"

Best Writing in a Comedy Series - Jill Soloway "Transparent - Pilot" 

Best Limited Series - Olive Kitteridge

Best Actor in a Limited Series/Movie - David Oyelowo "Nightingale" 

Best Actress in a Limited Series/Movie - Frances McDormand "Olive Kitteridge"

Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series/Movie - Bill Murray "Olive Kitteridge"

Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series/Movie - Sarah Paulson "American Horror Story: Freak Show"

Best Directing in a Limited Series/Movie - Lisa Cholodenko "Olive Kitteridge"

Best Writing in a Limited Series/Movie - Jane Anderson "Olive Kitteridge"

Best Variety Series - Talk - The Colbert Report

Best Variety Series - Sketch - Inside Amy Schumer

Best Reality-Competition Series - The Amazing Race 

Best Directing for a Variety Series - Jerry Foley "The Late Show With David Letterman"

Best Writing for a Variety Series - The Colbert Report 

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Drama Series

Will Win - Game of Thrones

Could Win - Mad Men

Should Win - Mad Men or Game of Thrones

Commentary - A battle is waging for Best Drama Series, and it will be an interesting one to wait for, and either would be worthy winners. Mad Men has the sentimentality in its favor, it has been a beloved show for so long, and will easily go down as one of the greatest dramas in television history. And up until Emmy nomination morning, I thought it was going to walk away with it. Then Game of Thrones got a stunning 24 Emmy nominations, five more than the next program, and thirteen more than any of its drama contenders (Mad Men and House of Cards). Last week, it took home a stunning eight Creative Arts Emmys, and it only needs one on Sunday to tie The West Wing's record of nine. Considering that The West Wing is my personal favorite drama series of all time, I was hoping that its Emmy glory would stand a little longer, but if any show is going to beat it, I am glad it is something that is as good as Game of Thrones. Mad Men is the past, and while final seasons have done well in the last ten years or so, there is no overdue factor. Game of Thrones is overdue for some big recognition, it is beloved and dominant across all major categories, and it is clearly its time.

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Comedy Series

Will Win - Veep

Could Win - Transparent or Modern Family

Should Win - Parks & Recreation

Commentary - A three-way race has emerged, and it seems to be tightening as we get closer to the finish line. Modern Family could make history, and while most people are not predicting it, don't count it out. Yes, it is now down to just Burrell and Bowen in terms of the casting nods, and it finally missed the cut for directing (a real shocked considering the Connection Lost episode felt like a perfect fit for these directors). But it is so beloved, and the other options have either been passed over before or are not funny. But I really don't see Modern Family taking it again, the support is clearly gone, and in its place is clearly tons of support for two other options. Transparent did well at the Creative Arts Emmys, and is the critical favorite of the bunch. It had the most nominations of the seven total, and support in key categories. But here is the caveat: it's not funny. It's a great show, a groundbreaking drama with fantastic performances, but it is not a comedy, not really. Bradley Whitford won last week, probably because of his personal popularity, and because he is one of the few performances that inspired laughs (like Uzo Aduba last year for Orange). Other than Ally McBeal, which was a heck of a lot funnier than Transparent, this category has gone to big, funny shows, with large casts and lots of laughs as of late (consider some of the recent winners over the last 15 years or so: Modern Family, 30 Rock, The Office, Everybody Loves Raymond, Arrested Development, Friends, Sex and the City, and Will & Grace). If I were picking based on that criteria, it would be for Parks & Recreation, who managed a surprising and wonderful nomination for its final season. It has been one of the best, if not the best, comedies on television the last decade, and the fact that it has only gotten in here twice, and never won, is a true travesty. But this seems like Veep's to lose, and it also brings back Modern Family into the conversation. Veep has been steadily gaining in terms of total nominations, and has finally won its first Creative Art Emmy this year for casting, in its fourth season with little turnover (impressive). It once again broke its nomination total, all three acting nods have a good shot at winning, as well as its nominated writers and directors, and honestly, it just feels likes it's its time. That is not a cogent argument, but the buzz seems to favor it, they love political shows, and it is definitely the funnier of the two front runners. Remember, this is a comedy category.

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win - Jon Hamm "Mad Men"

Could Win - Kyle Chandler "Bloodline", Bob Odenkirk "Better Call Saul", Kevin Spacey "House of Cards", or Jeff Daniels "The Newsroom"

Should Win - Jon Hamm "Mad Men"

Commentary - Kyle Chandler is fantastic on Bloodline, has surprised here before, and has a great episode. But Bloodline really didn't hit the mark this year, despite many predicting it to do so, and episodes are clearly not as important this year. But his personal popularity keeps him in the running. Kevin Spacey has been waiting patiently for an Emmy while the Bryan Cranston show was going on the last two years. While House of Cards might have slipped overall, the actor still clearly love it, and Reg E. Cathey has already won. Bob Odenkirk won the Critics Choice, and has a killer episode. Better Call Saul got better with age, and while many doubt its Emmy chances, it was clearly well-liked among voters. Plus Odenkirk is a well-liked veteran, who could benefit from lingering Breaking Bad love. Finally, if episodes are still being watched, watch out for Jeff Daniels, who, despite zero love for The Newsroom, is a well-liked actor and has already won once for this role. But this is the year of Jon Hamm. There is no guarantee, of course, but with the popular vote playing a bigger role, and with a dominating narrative, I think that Jon Hamm can finally win his first Emmy Award. This whole Emmy season has been dominated by the narrative that Jon Hamm has never won an Emmy for playing Don Draper. Celebrities are going to bat for him, the campaigns have driven that into voters' heads. He has never won an Emmy, neither have any of his co-workers, so the decks are stacked against him. But no one deserves this more, no one has more buzz, and the time has certainly come.

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Actress in a Drama Series

Will Win - Viola Davis "How to Get Away With Murder"

Could Win - Taraji P. Henson "Empire", Robin Wright "House of Cards", or Tatiana Maslany "Orphan Black"

Should Win - Viola Davis "How to Get Away With Murder" or Taraji P. Henson "Empire"

Commentary - Listen up Academy voters, the time has come. It is time to reward a black actress with this award, and it just so happens that the two of the fiercest, most complicated, and more endearing performances on television this year were from the likes of Viola Davis or Taraji P. Henson. With the more popular voting system, I am really looking more at Henson, as Empire was a mega-hit. But Viola Davis won the SAG, she is not only beloved by these voters on a popular new show, but is just so well-respected by this community. She deserves the Emmy, and I think she is going to win. Tatiana Maslany is great in Orphan Black, and her portrayal of so many characters helps her chances. But this was a terrible season overall, if any of the voters actually watch her episode they will have no idea what the hell is going on, and the show's ratings are so small, I don't know if she can win on a more populist ballot. The wild card here is Robin Wright. She had a fantastic season, and if episodes still matter, a lot of voters are going to like hers, its a knockout.

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Actor in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Jeffrey Tambor "Transparent"

Could Win - Anthony Anderson "black-ish", Will Forte "The Last Man on Earth", or William H. Macy "Shameless"

Should Win - Anthony Anderson "black-ish" or Jeffrey Tambor "Transparent"

Commentary - I think we can rule Don Cheadle, Matt LeBlanc, and Louis C.K. off right at the top. They have all been nominated continuously, and to no avail. Noneof them have either the heat of popularity, or the episode to pull off a win, and I would be jaw-dropped if they did (although after Margo Martindale's win for The Americans, anything is possible). William H. Macy won the SAG Award back in January and is a beloved character actor. Also Joan Cusack just won for Shameless, proving that there are voters out there that like that show. If they were going for funny, and if they actually watch some of the tapes, then Will Forte and Anthony Anderson would definitely be in the running, and should be. Both are commanding on screen in their episodes, anchor new sitcoms that both got picked up for a second season, and are really funny, this is a comedy award, remember? But I don't think that funny matters as much this year, and with the popular vote seemingly playing a more important role, I think that this is Jeffrey Tambor's to lose. Don't get me wrong, his episode is fantastic, and it is truly a remarkable performance. And in the past, under the old system, more dramatic performances like Toni Collette and Edie Falco have managed to win. But he is just not funny, and that is the one thing that gives me hesitation here. But there are simply too many factors working in his favor. He already has several pieces of hardware for this performance, he is a beloved television veteran with seven career nominations, and no wins, and of the bunch, his show is clearly the most popular, and is one of the front runners for the Best Comedy Series prize. It is his to lose.

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Actress in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"

Could Win - Amy Schumer "Inside Amy Schumer" or Amy Poehler "Parks & Recreation"

Should Win - Amy Poehler "Parks & Recreation" or Lisa Kudrow "The Comeback"

Commentary - Since we are still not sure whether tapes or popularity matters most (the guest categories were a mess last night, and seemed to be based more on popularity, but Whitford and Cusack had good submissions, so that's not a hundred percent). There are three women that I think can either win based on popularity or the episodes. My personal favorite was Lisa Kudrow, whose Valerie Cherish is just one of the best television characters of the last decade. But she didn't submit her best episode, and The Comeback simply did not have enough people watching it this season. Edie Falco could inspire some support, as it was Nurse Jackie's last season, but there is too much competition this year. And if Grace and Frankie had gotten more support across the board, I would put Lily Tomlin higher. But, like I said, I think this is a three-way race. While everyone is talking about Jon Hamm's overdue factor, they are ignoring the fact that Amy Poehler is even more overdue for an Emmy. She once again has a great episode, Parks & Recreation got back into Comedy Series this year (a really nice surprise), and like Hamm, she has never won an Emmy Award. She should win, she should take that stage, and as iconic as Don Draper is, Leslie Knope is right up there. But alas, I think she ends her brilliant run on that brilliant show with zero Emmy awards. Amy Schumer is the real dark horse here. She could easily pull a Melissa McCarthy. She is the upstart comedian, with the hit summer blockbuster, and a clearly a lot of support from these voters (her show jumped from one nomination to six). But Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a television legend, Veep is one of the front runners for the Best Comedy Series prize, and she has yet to lose this award. I love JLD, but I would not be upset to see one of these other folks take the prize. I'm just not brave enough, or stupid enough, to predict anybody else.

2015 Toronto Film Festival: The Fest Brings Oscar Contenders

With all of the Creative Arts Emmys buzz over the last couple of days, I am now way behind on my Oscar watching, which is a real shame because TIFF started this week, and has brought along a lot of contenders into the fold, in a very short time. So let's take a look at the fest so far:

1) The Martian - Ridley Scott has had a rough couple of films, including last year's slog Exodus: Gods and Kings, The Counselor, and Prometheus. Well, the first reviews out of Toronto seem to suggest that his losing streak might be over. There is some mixed reaction in some corners, but overall, the film is being praised for being funny, entertaining, thrilling (but not Gravity thrilling), and lead by a great performance from Matt Damon, who is yet another entry into this really crowded Best Actor race. I figure it will also play well with the technical branches, as films like this tend to do. But I do wonder about its Best Picture potential. It would be a great addition to a lineup that is probably going to be very serious and dark, but sometimes being too fun can hurt you with Oscar voters, because they don't take the film seriously. Plus, it's science fiction which is hit or miss at The Academy. All of that being said, it looks like one to watch for this fall.

2) Our Brand is Crisis - After seeing the trailer, I was fascinated to see how his one would play, and man are the results polarizing. Some think the film is messy, but funny and entertaining, and some think it is just a mess. So probably not going to be a big player across the board at the Oscars this year. But there is one element that seems to have some heat, and that is Sandra Bullock. Even the more negative reviews of the film seem to recognize that she is a force here. Unlike in recent years, the Best Actress race actually has some heat on it, and might not be easy to crack the top five. But she is a recent winner and nominee, is well-liked and well-respected, and after years of being ignored by the Academy, has finally seemed to have captured their attention.

3) The Lady in the Van - The overall product is probably not heading to Best Picture, but apparently Maggie Smith knocks it out of the park, and the Best Actress Oscar buzz is already building up, adding her to a list that is looking like an impressive lineup this year for the category. Throw in Vikander (if she goes lead), Blanchett, Mulligan, Theron, Tomlin, Larson, Rampling, Ronan, Danner, Blunt, McCarthy, and Schumer, and the unseen potentials Lawrence, Moore (we will know soon), and Kidman, and this is set to be the most competitive Best Actress race in years.

4) Truth - Cate Blanchett now has a third performance of note this year, as Truth premieres to pretty good reviews. I had honestly not heard much about the film going into the season, but both Blanchett and Redford are getting great notices, and honestly, it feels like an Oscar film. The reviews are not knock-em dead by any means, but with so many potentials in that mixed zone so far, good reviews look really good for the upcoming campaign.

5) Trumbo and I Saw the Light - So-so movies according to early reviews, but Tom Hiddleston and Bryan Cranston are getting a second look.

More to come!!!

Final 2015 Emmy Poll in Sidebar

We are now one week away from the Emmys, and we have one more category to pick. So go to the sidebar and make your choice for who you think is going to win Best Drama Series! Is it just the Game of Thrones vs. Mad Men battle, or are the other five going to surprise? Make your pick!

2015 Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Best TV Movie - Bessie
Best Variety Special - Saturday Night Live The 40th Anniversary Special
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series - Reg E. Cathey "House of Cards"
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series- Margo Martindale "The Americans"
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series - Bradley Whitford "Transparent"
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series - Joan Cusack "Shameless"
Best Reality Host - Jane Lynch "Hollywood Game Night"
Best Unstructured Reality Program - Deadliest Catch
Best Structured Reality Program - Shark Tank
Best Special Class Program - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Live From Lincoln Center)
Best Animated Program - Over the Garden Wall
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special - Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series - The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
Best Information Series or Special - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking - Citizenfour
Best Interactive Program - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Directing for a Variety Special - Don Roy King "The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special"
Best Writing for a Variety Special - Louis C.K. "Louis C.K.: Live at the Comedy Store"
Best Directing for a Nonfiction Program - Alex Gibney "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief"
Best Writing for a Nonfiction Program - Alex Gibney "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief"
Best Short-Form Live Action-  Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis
Best Short-Fort Animated Program - Adventure Time
Best Short-Form Nonfiction - A Tribute to Mel Brooks
Best Character Voiceover Performance - Hank Azaria "The Simpsons"
Best Narrator - Peter Coyote "The Roosevelts: An Intimate History"
Best Casting for a Comedy Series - Veep
Best Casting for a Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Casting for a Limited Series/Movie - Olive Kitteridge
Best Childrens Program - Alan Alda and the Actor Within You: A YoungArts Masterclass
Best Choreography - (TIE) Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, and Tessandra Chavez "Dancing With the Stars" and Travis Wall  "So You Think You Can Dance"
Best Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series - Boardwalk Empire
Best Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series - Mike and Molly
Best Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie - Bessie
Best Cinematography for a Reality Programming - Deadliest Catch
Best Commercial - #Like a Girl - Always
Best Costume Design for a Period, Fantasy Series or Limited Series/Music - American Horror Story: Freak Show
Best Costume Design for a Contemporary Series, Limited Series, or Movie - Transparent
Best Costumes for Variety or Music - (TIE) Drunk History and Superbowl XLIX Halftime Show with Katy Perry
Best Picture Editing for a Multi-Camera Series - The Big Bang Theory
Best Picture Editing for a Single-Camera Comedy Series - Silicon Valley
Best Picture Editing for a Single-Camera Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Pictured Editing for a Limited Series/Movie - Olive Kitteridge
Best Picture Editing for Reality Programming - Deadliest Catch
Best Picture Editing for Variety Programming - The Colbert Report
Best Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Programming - The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
Best Hairstyling in a Multi-Camera Series or Special - Saturday Night Live
Best Hairstyling in a Single-Camera Series - Downton Abbey
Best Hairstyling in a Limited Series/Movie - American Horror: Freak Show
Best Lighting Design for Variety Series - The Voice
Best Lighting Design for a Variety Special - Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show with Katy Perry
Best Main Title Design - Manhattan
Best Original Main Title Theme Music - Transparent
Best Non-Prosthetic Makeup for a Limited Series/Movie - American Horror Story: Freak Show
Best Non-Prosthetic Makeup for a Single-Camera Series - Game of Thrones
Best Non-Prosthetic Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special - The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special
Best Prosthetic Makeup - American Horror Story: Freak Show
Best Music Composition for a Series - Jeff Beal "House of Cards"
Best Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or Special - Rachel Portman "Bessie"
Best Original Music and Lyrics - Kyle Dunnigan and Jim Roach "Inside Amy Schumer - Girl You Don't Need No Makeup"
Best Music Direction - Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life - An All-Star Grammy Salute
Best Original Main Title Theme Music -
Best Production Design for a Contemporary or Fantasy Program - Game of Thrones
Best Production Design for a Narrative Period Program - (TIE) Boardwalk Empire and The Knick
Best Production Design for a Half-Hour Narrative Program - Silicon Valley
Best Production Design for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality - Portlandia
Best Sound Editing in a Series - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Editing for a Limited Series/Movie - Houdini
Best Sound Editing for a Nonfiction Program - Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways
Best Sound Mixing for One-Hour Comedy or Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Mixing Limited Series or Movie - Bessie
Best Sound Mixing Half-Four Comedy or Drama Series - Modern Family
Best Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Programming - Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways
Best Sound Mixing for Variety - Saturday Night Live The 40th Anniversary Special
Best Stunt Coordination for Drama Series, Limited Series, TV Movie - Game of Thrones
Best Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or Variety - Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Best Technical Direction for a Series - Saturday Night Live
Best Technical Direction for a Limited Series/Movie or Special - The Oscars
Best Visual Effects - Game of Thrones
Best Visual Effects in a Supporting Role - American Horror Story: Freak Show

2015 Emmy Predictions: Creative Arts Emmy Awards - Part 2

Here is the second part of my Creative Arts predictions, which are tomorrow night!:

Best Variety - Sketch Show - Inside Amy Schumer
Best TV Movie - Bessie
Best Interactive Program - Saturday Night Live: SNL40
Best Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Series - Dancing With the Stars
Best Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special - Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show Starring Katy Perry
Best Main Title Design - American Horror Story: Freak Show
Best Makeup for a Single Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) - Game of Thrones
Best Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special (Non Prosthetic) - Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special
Best Makeup for a Limited Series or Movie - American Horror Story: Freak Show
Best Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie, or Special - Game of Thrones
Best Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) - Mychael and Jeff Danna "Tyrant"
Best Music Composition for a Limited Series or Movie - Rachel Portman "Bessie"
Best Music Direction - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Live From Lincoln Center)
Best Original Music and Lyrics - Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez "The Oscars - Moving Pictures"
Best Original Main Title Theme Music - Jeff Danna and Mychael Danna "Tyrant"
Best Narrator - Neil deGrasse Tyson "Hubble's Cosmic Journey"
Best Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program - Billy On the Street with First Lady Michelle Obama
Best Short-Format Nonfiction Program - A Tribute to Mel Brooks
Best Children's Program - Nick News with Linda Ellerbee
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special - Virunga
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series - The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
Best Informational Series or Special - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking  - Citizenfour
Best Sound Editing for a Series - Black Sails
Best Sound Editing for a Limited Series or Movie - 24: Live Another Day
Best Sound Editing for Nonfiction Programming - The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
Best Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or a Movie - Bessie
Best Sound Mixing for a Comedy/Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation - Modern Family
Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special - The 57th Annual Grammy Awards
Best Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program - Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways
Best Special Visual Effects - Game of Thrones
Best Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role - Marvel's Daredevil
Best Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or Variety Program - Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Best Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series, or Movie - The Blacklist
Best Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Series - Dancing With the Stars
Best Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Limited Series, Movie, Special - The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special
Best Writing for a Variety Special - The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special
Best Writing for a Nonfiction Special - Geoffrey C. Ward "The Roosevelts: An Intimate History"

2015 Emmy Predictions: Creative Arts Emmy Awards - Part 1

With so many awards, I am splitting these up into two, and including my final predictions for those categories I have already predicted that will be presented on Saturday:

Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series - Beau Bridges "Masters of Sex"
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series - Cicely Tyson "How to Get Away With Murder"
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series - Bill Hader "Saturday Night Live"
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series - Christine Baranski "The Big Bang Theory"
Best Unstructured Reality Series - Deadliest Catch
Best Structured Reality Series - Shark Tank
Best Reality Host - Jane Lynch "Hollywood Game Night"
Best Variety Special - Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special
Best Special Class Program - The 68th Annual Tony Awards
Best Character Voice-Over Performance - Tress MacNeille "The Simpsons"
Best Animated Program - Bob's Burgers
Best Short-Form Animated Program - Disney Mickey Mouse - "Mumbai Madness"
Best Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program - Game of Thrones
Best Production Design for a Narrative Period Program - Boardwalk Empire
Best Production Design for a Half-Hour Narrative Program - Transparent
Best Production Design for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Program - The Oscars
Best Casting for a Comedy Series - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Best Casting for a Drama Series - Mad Men
Best Casting for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special - Olive Kitteridge
Best Choreography - Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, Tessandra Chavez "Dancing With the Stars"
Best Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series - 2 Broke Girls
Best Cinematography for a Single Camera Series - Fabian Wagner "Game of Thrones - Hardhome"
Best Cinematography for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special - American Horror Story: Freak Show
Best Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program - Virunga
Best Cinematography for a Reality Program - Deadliest Catch
Best Commercial - Snickers - Brady Bunch
Best Costumes for a Period/Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Movie - Game of Thrones
Best Costumes for a Contemporary Series, Limited Series, or Movie - Empire - Pilot
Best Directing for a Variety Series - The Late Show with David Letterman
Best Directing for a Variety Special - Don Roy King "The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special"
Best Directing for a Nonfiction Special - Andrew Jarecki "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst"
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series - Better Call Saul - Five-O
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - The Last Man on Earth
Best Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - The Big Bang Theory
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a TV Movie/Miniseries - Olive Kitteridge
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Variety Program - Late Show with David Letterman
Best Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program - Citizenfour
Best Picture Editing for a Reality Program - Deadliest Catch
Best Hairstyling for a Single Camera Program - Downton Abbey
Best Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special - Saturday Night Live
Best Hairstyling for a Limited Series or Movie - American Horror Story: Freak Show

2015 Emmy Awards: Juried Award Winners

The Emmys have announced their juried award winners this year, which includes Taylor Swift and Jimmy Fallon. Check out the winners below, and as always go to www.emmys.com for more Emmy news and exciting updates!:

Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation
Tom Herpich "Adventure Time - Walnuts & Rain”
Alonso Ramirez Ramos "Gravity Falls - Not What He Seems”
JJ Villard, "King Star King - Fat Frank's Fantasy Lounge”
Nick Cross "Over The Garden Wall"
Bradley Schaffer "Robot Chicken - Robot Chicken's Bitch Pudding Special”
Nick Cross "Tome of the Unknown"
Chris Tsirgiotis "Tome of the Unknown"

Outstanding Costumes For A Variety Program Or A Special
Christina Mongini and Cassandra Conners "Drunk History - Hollywood”
Marina Toybina and Courtney Webster "Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show Starring Katy Perry"

Outstanding Motion Design
Miles Presland Donovan, Luke Best, Peter Mellor, and Chris Sayor "How We Got To Now With Steven Johnson"

Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media - Multiplatform Storytelling
Tim Farrell and Mark Paterson "Archer Scavenger Hunt"
Bravo "The Singles Project"

Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media - Original Interactive Program
Bernie Su, Tamara Krinsky, Alexandra Edwards, Tracy Bitterolf, and Kate Rorick "Emma Approved"
Taylor Swift and Radical Media "AMEX Unstaged: Taylor Swift Experience"

Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media - Social TV Experience
Chris Hardwick, Jack Martin, Joe Farrell, Jason U. Nadler, and Myke Furhman "@midnight With Chris Hardwick"
Gavin Purcell, Marina Cockenberg, Jimmy Fallon, Christina Friar, and Felicia Daniels "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"

Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media - User Experience And Visual Design
Robin Benty, Naom Dromi, and Jay Williams "Sleepy Hollow Virtual Reality Experience"

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win - Jonathan Banks "Better Call Saul"

Could Win - Ben Mendelsohn "Bloodline", Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones", or Michael Kelly "House of Cards"

Should Win - Alan Cumming "The Good Wife"

Commentary - Since Better Call Saul premiered, it has seem like a destiny that Jonathan Banks was going to win this award, and at this point, it still feels like the best choice. He is a beloved veteran actor, expanded his character from Breaking Bad, and had a knockout episode. But as the season has gone on, it has become clear that he is not a slam dunk winner. Ben Mendelsohn managed to get in even though voters are clearly not in love with, and he, like Kyle Chandler in the lead category, submitted well. Peter Dinklage is always a threat for Game of Thrones, especially after he snagged that surprise win a couple of years ago. He has a good episode, especially for a Thrones actor (none of them have enough scenes usually). But he has lost for better episodes. Finally, Michael Kelly finally nabs a nomination for House of Cards, with a knockout episode. But House of Cards has slipped a lot, and there is still a lot of subtlety to his performance. Although there is one branch that is still on the bandwagon, and it is the acting branch. He is the real wild card here, and the one I am really watching. But in the end, I still think this is Jonathan Banks to lose, and I don't think he will.

Our Brand is Crisis Trailer

Our Brand is Crisis is from David Gordon Green, and from Argo producer George Clooney. And after watching the trailer, I am definitely getting the Argo vibe. There is clearly a lot of humor, but also an interesting slice of history that is very serious and dramatic. Sandra Bullock looks fantastic in the lead role, and if this lands in Toronto as well as I think it will, it could become a big Oscar contender, as a well as a box office draw. As always, we'll have to wait and see...

2015 Country Music Association (CMA) Award Nominations

Entertainer of the Year

Garth Brooks

Luke Bryan

Kenny Chesney

Eric Church

Miranda Lambert

Female Vocalist of the Year

Kelsea Ballerini

Miranda Lambert

Kacey Musgraves

Carrie Underwood

Lee Ann Womack

Male Vocalist of the Year

Dierks Bentley

Luke Bryan

Eric Church

Blake Shelton

Chris Stapleton

Album of the Year

Jason Aldean "Old Boots, New Dirt"

Kacey Musgraves "Pageant Material"

Little Big Town "Pain Killer"

Kenny Chesney "The Big Revival"

Chris Stapleton "Traveller"

New Artist of the Year

Kelsea Ballerini

Sam Hunt

Maddie & Tae

Thomas Rhett

Chris Stapleton

Song of the Year

“American Kids,” Kenny Chesney (Written by Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)

“Girl Crush,” Little Big Town (Written by Lori McKenna, Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose)

“Like a Cowboy,” Randy Houser (Written by Randy Houser, Brice Long)

“Like a Wrecking Ball,” Eric Church (Written by Eric Church, Casey Beathard)

“Take Your Time,” Sam Hunt (Written by Sam Hunt, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally)

Single of the Year

“American Kids,” Kenny Chesney

“Girl Crush,” Little Big Town

“I Don’t Dance,” Lee Brice

“Take Your Time,” Sam Hunt

“Talladega,” Eric Church

Vocal Group of the Year

The Band Perry

Lady Antebellum

Little Big Town

Rascal Flatts

Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year

Brothers Osborne

Dan + Shay

Florida Georgia Line

Maddie & Tae

Thompson Square

Musical Event of the Year

“Django and Jimmie,” Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard

“Lonely Tonight,” Blake Shelton (Feat. Ashley Monroe)

“Raise ‘Em Up,” Keith Urban (Feat. Eric Church)

“Smokin’ and Drinkin’,” Miranda Lambert (Feat. Little Big Town)

“Wild Child,” Kenny Chesney (Feat. Grace Potter)

Music Video of the Year

“Biscuits,” Kacey Musgraves

“Girl Crush,” Little Big Town

“Girl in a Country Song,” Maddie & Tae

“Little Red Wagon,” Miranda Lambert

“Something in the Water,” Carrie Underwood

Musician of the Year

Sam Bush

Jerry Douglas

Paul Franklin

Dann Huff

Mac McAnally

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

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

Could Win - Lena Heady "Game of Thrones", Christina Hendricks "Mad Men", or Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"

Should Win - Lorraine Toussaint "Orange is the New Black" (oh wait!) Among the Six - Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"

Commentary - Let's first take a moment to move past the fact that Lorraine Toussaint was snubbed, and move on to the six lucky actresses who did make it. I don't see Joanne Froggatt winning this year. Her episode last year was much better, and the Downton Abbey Emmy train has slowed tremendously. Emilia Clarke's character is so popular, and if the popular vote means anything, she has a much better shot than I think. But if any of these voters actually watch her episode, she is definitely near the bottom of the group. I think this is really between four actress. Lean Heady was my initial choice, but her episode, while having a couple of great scenes, simply does not have enough of her. That being said, she has had a great couple of seasons on Game of Thrones, and if it does as well as I think it will, she could be brought along with the show. Christine Baranski is a double nominee this year, with a great episode. But she has been passed over so many times, there are better episodes out there, and I think she might win on the Comedy side. With The Good Wife dropping as much as it did this season in terms of overall support, I just don't see a win this year for her. Christina Hendricks has a great episode, and if the voters are nostalgic for Mad Men, maybe this is the year she pulls it off. But, I think this is Uzo Aduba's to lose. She won last year, was the SAG winner, and the only Orange female cast member to make the move over to drama, which is really a feat considering that five were nominated last year on the comedy side. She is so popular with these voters as a person, and has a great episode. For me, she wins on either type of voting. If episodes still matter, I think she wins. If the popular vote matters more with the expanded voting, I think she wins. This, like a lot of these races this year, is a tough vote, and it really could go any which way. But I personally think she is the strongest candidate of the bunch.

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"

Could Win - Tony Hale "Veep" or Ty Burrell "Modern Family" or Keegan Michael Key

Should Win - Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"

Commentary - So this one is tough. Andre Braugher is a legend, and I love him in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and would love to see him win for this under-appreciated show. But I don't see it. Keegan Michael Key is the lead of his show, and it feels like those SNL guest submissions that win Emmys. I don't think he can pull it off, but don't be surprised if he does. Adam Driver is a movie star now, with the upcoming Star Wars film. So even though his Girls role was less this season, don't discount the new popular voting system. But I think this is a three-way race. Ty Burrell has won this several times, and cannot be discounted, but with two big contenders ahead of him, and the fact that Modern Family has dropped so much in terms of overall buzz, I think he is a solid third place. A solid dark horse. Tony Hale has won before with less of an episode than he has this year. He is fantastic in his episode this year, and Veep is the leader for Best Comedy Series. But I think there is someone ahead of him. Tituss Burgess had a breakout year for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a show they clearly like. If episodes still matter, he has the best one of the bunch, and he has, I think the popularity to pull off a win.Hale could eclipse him, but it is Burgess' to lose.

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Allison Janney "Mom"

Should Win - Anna Chlumsky "Veep" or Allison Janney "Mom"

Could Win - Anna Chlumsky "Veep" or Julie Bowen "Modern Family"

Commentary - I watched Mom every week, and there was literally not one episode that wasn't a good Emmy submission. She just knocked it out of the park every single week. I think she wins another Emmy. Her episode is fantastic, and she has the popularity with these voters, in case the expanded voting leads to more populist results. But watch out for Anna Chlumsky. Veep is on the rise, and is in the lead to win Best Comedy Series, and Chlumsky's character has transformed this year. We see her slowly building to the point of exploding, and that scene where she lays into Selina Meyer is classic, and brilliant. But I don't know if she has the power to overcome the Allison Janney train. Her show's popularity, versus the lack thereof for Mom, could be the factor that puts her over the top. Finally, I think Julie Bowen is a threat. Modern Family's buzz is dead, but she has won here twice, is really popular, and has a killer episode. As for the other ladies: Gaby Hoffman is better in her Girls tape than here, Niecy Nash is too understated and Getting On is such a small show, Jane Krakowski could get the one they owe her from 30 Rock, but there is not enough heat on her nod, Kate McKinnon faces the same problem supporting SNL stars have for years, and Mayin Bialik should just be happy for the nomination.

2015 Telluride Film Festival: Steve Jobs Emerges as Contender

So far we have had a lot of contenders that have emerged that have components that seem good, that seem like Oscar contenders. But across the board, the attitude has seemed to say: let's wait and see. But as of last night/this morning, it seems like we are our first surefire contender. As always, things can change, but the reviews so far have suggested that it is well written, well-directed, and well-acted, and surprisingly unconventional and thrilling film. Even the more muted reviews have still be pretty positive. At the center of the attention is Michael Fassbender. Sorkin's script is apparently fantastic as always, and the technical elements and supporting cast (supposedly Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen are the standouts). But it is Fassbender that is rising to the top, joining Johnny Depp and Eddie Redmayne as an early Best Actor contender. He is apparently commanding, and conflicted, and gives us the portrayal of Jobs, the good and especially the bad, that we have been waiting for. It looks like we have an Oscar contender on our hands.

New Emmy Poll in Sidebar

This weeks poll is for Best Comedy Series! Can Modern Family make history? Will Veep or Transparent crash the party?  Can Parks & Rec pull off a nostalgic surprise? Will Silicon Valley or Louie match their critical success? Or are we underestimating newcomer Kimmy Schmidt? You decide in the sidebar! Two weeks folks, two weeks!

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Writing and Directing in a Drama Series

Best Directing in a Drama Series
Will Win - David Nutter "Game of Thrones - Mother's Mercy"

Could Win - Any of the other four

Should Win - Jeremy Podeswa "Game of Thrones - Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken"

Commentary - How the epic white walkers battle of Hardhome did not get nominated is beyond me, because those scenes would be hard to beat. With two episodes nominated though it is clear that the directors branch loved this season of Game of Thrones. Of the two, Mother's Mercy is the most popular, with a writing nomination as well, and just feels like the right winner. But this one is truly a toss up. The Homeland episode won the DGA Award this past January, The Knick (a real spoiler here) has Steven Soderbergh at its helm, and while Emmy voters have longed moved on from Boardwalk Empire (except for the technical elements), Tim Van Patten has already surprised for the show, is an Emmy favorite, and has been continuously nominated for the now ended series. But I really do think that Game of Thrones is going to take one of these writing/directing awards as it marches to a Best Drama Series win, and this looks like its best bet.

Best Writing in a Drama Series
Will Win - Matthew Weiner "Mad Men - Person to Person"

Could Win - Any of the other four

Should Win - Matthew Weiner "Mad Men - Person to Person"

Commentary - Mad Men has two options this year, Better Call Saul's entry is fantastic, Game of Thrones' Mothers Mercy got nominated for writing and directing, so must be a favorite episode among voters, and while The Americans continues to lose out on Emmy nominations, the writers love it and recognize its brilliance, and so could show the other branches what their missing. But I would honestly be surprised if anything other than the Mad Men finale won here. It might not win Drama Series, as Game of Thrones' nomination tally this year is quite impressive, and it is clearly on the rise with Emmy voters. But I think it is going to win at least one, hopefully two big parting gifts on its way out the door. This will be one of them. Mad Men has always had great writing, and the series ended on a high note. It is also one final win for the show's creator Matthew Weiner. I know that saying "any of the other four" is once again a cop-out, but beyond this episode, it really is a toss-up if they choose to go elsewhere.

2015 Telluride Film Festival: Suffragette and Room

With all the drama surrounding Syndey Pollack's final work, and the lawsuit by Aretha Franklin to stop it from showing, it is easy to look past the fact that there are lot of big awards and fall potentials emerging out of the festival, as usual.

Suffragette
I had my doubts about this one, because the trailer seemed just too heavy handed. And while a few early reviews have suggested that that might be a problem, there are enough really positive ones to outweigh those, and it looks like that critics will like it, but that Oscar voters might love it. Carey Mulligan in particular is getting a lot of praise for her lead performance, and might finally snag that elusive second Oscar nomination. But apparently a lot of folks are also praising the screenplay, the directing, and the overall uplifting nature of the film that could do what we know Oscar voters love: hit them in their heart. I do wonder about the supporting characters. Meryl Streep is apparently just a cameo, and unless this race gets really weak, I don't think she is even that good. But what about someone like Helena Bonham Carter? The few remarks made about her, as well as Anne-Marie Duff have been positive so far. Overall, I think the narrative is going to be about the lack of women in the film industry. The film, written, directed, and starring women, seems like the kind of film they need to embrace, whether they do remains a mystery.

Room
Emma Donoghue's Room is an incredibly popular novel getting a film treatment starring Brie Larson, a great young actor who has already been snubbed for her performance in Short Term 12. Room premiered at Telluride to high marks, for the actors at least. The setting apparently is a bit claustrophobic for most viewers, and the overall tone, while emotional, is a bit jarring. But overall, the reviews have been mostly positive, especially for the two lead stars, Larson and newcomer Jacob Tremblay. The film seems a bit unconventional, so its awards chances really are hinged on its art-house box office reception, and whether critical groups are willing to back it early on. That being said, it is still one to watch.

2015 Venice Film Festival: Black Mass and The Danish Girl

Black Mass
Scott Cooper hopes to bring Johnny Depp Oscar gold the way he did Jeff Bridges with Black Mass, a film that premiered at Venice with solid reviews, especially for its two lead performances. Johnny Depp transformed, physically at least, in his role as Whitey Bulger, and the Oscarologists are already jumping on his performance as one to watch for in the upcoming awards season, and it officially marks the start of, we hope, a comeback for Depp after a few years wallowing in crap. The other cast member, in a large cast, that is getting a lot of attention is Joel Edgerton, who is probably more of a lead or co-lead, but likely will be pushed to supporting. He apparently is very effective as the lead officer. But what about the overall film? I think that mainstream audiences will be more open to it than some of these festival critics, who were still pretty nice. I think it will do well at the box office, and its stars will lead the film as a whole into the expanded Best Picture race. Remember, the Academy voters have always liked gangster films, and this one has had a lot of comparisons to say Scorsese (not as good apparently, but still the comparisons help).

The Danish Girl
The initial reviews of this remind me of when The Theory of Everything and The Imitation Game landed at the fall festivals last year. There is a lot of praise of the performances, but the more art-house leaning critics thought the overall product to be a big generic. That combination to me seems to scream Academy, although it is worth nothing that some of their more recent choices, especially last year, were not Academy bait. The voters seem to be embracing darker, smaller, indie projects in a lot of top categories, in favor of more traditional fare. That being said, there is a still a lot of potential for these types of projects. Tom Hooper, is well known to the Academy, and his last two projects have done well with voters. Plus, when tackling a subject like transgender issues, it is probably best that they are more subtle, and have more traditional storytelling to help ease voters into it. All of that being said, even the more mixed reactions to the film have included raves for its two lead stars. Eddie Redmayne apparently tops his performance last year in The Theory of Everything, aka it lives up to the hype. But it is Alicia Vikander, who has a lot of work this year, that is coming up a lot early on in terms of her performance. She apparently has a lot of screen time, so we will have to see if she goes supporting, or like Felicity Jones last year, stays in lead.

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Will Win - Cicely Tyson "How to Get Away With Murder"

Could Win - Allison Janney "Masters of Sex", Diana Rigg "Game of Thrones", or Rachel Brosnahan "House of Cards"

Should Win - Cicely Tyson "How to Get Away With Murder"

Commentary - I assumed, after the Season 2 opener of Masters of Sex, that Allison Janney was set to win this category back to back. Her episode in Season 3 could snag her another Emmy next year, but this episode, while impressive, is more about Beau Bridges than Janney, and she lacks the overall arch that she had in Season 1. Can she still win? Of course she can, she is Allison Janney, a beloved actress, a double nominee again this year, and has won for this role before. Diana Rigg has herself a pretty decent set of scenes, a problem that has kept her from winning the last couple of years, but I still don't see it. And while most of us were shocked to see Rachel Brosnahan get nominated for House of Cards, she actually has one of the better episodes of the bunch, and therefore could be a wild card. Margo Martindale and Khandi Alexander are both beloved veterans, but if either of them wins this, it is solely because of their personal popularity, because neither's episode is particularly strong. All that being said, I think this is Cicely Tyson's to lose. She was a lock last year, until the power that is Jessica Lange won again. So probably saying she is a lock here, with Emmy favorite Allison Janney looming, would not smart. But I do think she is out front. In terms of popularity she is a legend, well-respected, and overdue for some more Emmy recognition (she hasn't won in 21 years, despite six nominations since), and she has the episode. She is stunning next to Viola Davis, and is the only one that has a really knockout episode.

2015 Venice Film Festival: Spotlight, Beasts of No Nation, and Everest

Spotlight

Tom McCarthy is trying to rebound after The Cobbler was dead on arrival. Spotlight, his look into the Catholic molestation scandal comes with a big cast and big names such as Michael Keaton, John Slattery, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Mark Ruffalo, Stanley Tucci, and Billy Crudup. So far the film has had mostly good, but some mixed reviews. It is definitely landing better than The Cobbler. It still has a few more festival pit stops where it hopes to pick up steam for box office and awards attention. My take from the variety of reviews I have read is that there are a lot of conventional moments in the film, and more than a few stereotypes, but that it still succeeds in being a well-made, and especially well-acted film that still delivers. Which brings me to the performances. The only name that has been truly mentioned as a stand-out is Michael Keaton. His loss last year in Best Actor puts some overdue and some attention on his supporting role here, and he could ride a wave to a back to back nomination. The overall vibe is that the cast as a whole is great, I think that more reviews, more viewings, and some time will separate the contenders from the pretenders among its ranks. 

Beasts of No Nation

Netflix has made humongous strides in the recent Emmy races, and its gallant campaign efforts got Virunga into the competitive documentary feature race at last year's Oscars. Beasts of No Nations is their first original production, and its release schedule is already rankling studio owners, and possibly pushing forward the struggle between theater and home release dates. But it premieres at the Venice Film Festival, with pretty good reviews, especially for Idris Elba. He has been turning fine work on television and in film for a while now, and has racked up some serious nominations, but has yet to breakthrough into the Oscars. Early word suggests he could be a real player in Best Supporting Actor. The film though might struggle with voters and with viewers. All of the descriptions seem to suggest a brutal, tough, and hard to watch film, despite its good performances, and its pertinent story line. A film this long and this brutal could manage to grab some attention, but might lose out to films with a bit more heart and soul. It will be a struggle for Netflix to push this film into any realm other than art house audiences, at least from the first impressions. 

Everest

Everest got Venice off to a bang, a big, bold, fearless picture. Or was it? A lot of reviewers are really mixed on what to think of this film. It looks like a thriller, but apparently is actually kind of slow and methodical, aka kind of hard to get through, especially considering the subject matter and the outcome. I don't see Everest making a big Oscar splash, although we have seen plenty of festival premieres recover and go on to glory. That being said, I will say that even the harshest reviews have pointed out some of the technical elements are quality, so if it gets any love maybe it will be in some of those categories.  

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win - Beau Bridges "Masters of Sex" 

Could Win - Pablo Schreiber "Orange is the New Black", Michael J. Fox "The Good Wife", or Alan Alda "The Blacklist" 

Should Win - Beau Bridges "Masters of Sex"  

Commentary - This is a particularly weak year for this category, not because of the actors, but because none of them really have knock-em-dead material. Pablo Schreiber is memorable and funny, but funny doesn't work a lot for drama categories, and he is barely in his episode. Plus, of the bunch, he is the least known entity, and remember that the popular vote will play more heavily this year than in the past. Michael J. Fox is always in play, but this was his weakest episode to date, and voters have clearly moved on from The Good Wife after a bit of a resurgence last season. Alan Alda is higher up, I think, than most people are putting him. He wins these things a lot, has a lot more screen time than most of these guys here, and (spoiler alert) dies at the end of the episode. Finally, I am so sad to see that neither Reg E. Cathey and F. Murray Abraham had great episodes, because both are great actors with great characters. I think that this is Beau Bridges' to lose. He tries to kill himself, he cries, he goes through medical treatment, and he really is the star of the show. He gets nominated all the time, but this is the first time in a long time that he really does have the episode to win again. Plus, in terms of popularity, no one, maybe besides Alda, is as beloved by these voters as Beau Bridges. 

2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actor and Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Bill Hader "Saturday Night Live"

Could Win - Bradley Whitford "Transparent", Jon Hamm "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", or Paul Giamatti "Inside Amy Schumer"

Should Win - Bill Hader "Saturday Night Live" or Bradley Whitford "Transparent"

Commentary - This one is tough. Louis C.K. is out for his horrible SNL episode, Mel Brooks got in because he is Mel Brooks, but these voters clearly did not like The Comedians, and Paul Giamatti, while a threat because he is a beloved veteran, will probably have to settle for a fourth place finish. This is a tough three-way race, where each of them has good reasons to pick them. I thought that Jon Hamm was going to win a consolation prize here, and so do most pundits. If voters continue to ignore him for Mad Men, this is way that at least he finally wins an Emmy. But he submitted poorly, and while a larger voting group this year makes the episodes less important, if enough of them actually sit down and watch this episode, he doesn't win. Bradley Whitford was my choice for a long time. He is a beloved Emmy-winning actor, and his episode on Transparent was utterly brilliant, and surprisingly had humor, which the show definitely lacks. But then I remember that while a few chuckles are great, that Emmy voters, at least in the recent past, like their Guest winners, particularly the males, to be funny. SNL has also done really well here in recent years. Bill Hader was nominated on the supporting side, but as we know, those supporting submissions do not lend themselves to wins. This time, he gets to be the star, he dominates the episode, plays his old favorites, and makes a laugh start to finish. It will not be an easy win, but I think he is going to pull it off.

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Christine Baranksi "The Big Bang Theory"

Could Win - Tina Fey "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", Joan Cusack "Shameless", Gaby Hoffman "Girls", Pamela Adlon "Louie"

Should Win - Gaby Hoffman "Girls"

Commentary - Everybody under the sun has been predicting Tina Fey to win for this role, as she is also a producer, and the total of the role is fantastic. And yet, like Hamm, she submitted the wrong episode. If the popular vote, and the expanded voting rules, I think she wins. But if they are actually paying attention to the episodes, she is not in the running truly. So I think she can win, and most people are still banking on her, a smart choice. Pamela Adlon is fantastic and has been for years on Louie, and she has a great episode, and we underestimated Melissa Leo a couple of years ago, for a similar role. Joan Cusack has been nominated year after year, but this is not her best episode as a showcase for that character. And then there is Gaby Hoffman, my wild card here. Girls grew up a bit this season in terms of its characters and its plot, and in the process lost a lot of its humor. It was actually a decent season, and I am one of its supporters. But that is probably why it just finally really fell off the Emmy map this year. That being said, Gaby Hoffman, a surprise double nominee, is clearly a favorite this year, and she is freaking awesome in her episode. She is giving birth, she is screaming, and she is funny. After a season that was well-written, interesting, and yet not that funny, she made us roll with laughter right at the end. But I think that, despite the dramatic decline of The Big Bang Theory this year, that Christine Baranski is going to win a long overdue Emmy (yes she is an Emmy winner, but its been decades, and its time for a second one). She gets to spar with Emmy favorite Laurie Metcalf (who was snubbed here), she is in the whole episode, she has been nominated for this character before, and she is a knockout on The Good Wife as well. Which means she not only has a great episode, but has a lot of outside factors going for her. This is yet another close race, and I may panic and switch as we get closer, but I think she pulls it off.