2016 Venice Film Festival Lineup

La-La Land, The Light Between Oceans, The Magnificent Seven, and Nocturnal Animals are all ones to look out for.

OPENING NIGHT FILM
La La Land, dir: Damien Chazelle (in competition)

CLOSING NIGHT FILM
The Magnificent Seven, dir: Antoine Fuqua (out of competition)

VENICE 73 COMPETITION
The Bad Batch, dir: Ana Lily Amirpour (U.S.)
Une Vie, dir: Stéphane Brizé (France/Belgium)
La La Land, dir: Damien Chazelle (U.S.)
The Light Between Oceans, dir: Derek Cianfrance (U.S./Australia/New Zealand)
El Ciudadano Ilustre, dirs: Mariano Cohn, Gaston Duprat (Argentina/Spain)
Spira Mirabilis, dirs: Massimo D’Anolfi, Martina Parenti (Italy/Switzerland)
The Woman Who Left, dir: Lav Diaz (Philippines)
La Region Salvaje, dir: Amat Escalante (Mexico)
Nocturnal Animals, dir: Tom Ford (U.S.)
Piuma, dir: Roan Johnson (Italy)
Paradise, dir: Andrei Konchalovsky (Russia/Germany)
Brimstone, dir: Martin Koolhoven (Netherlands/Germany/Belgium/France/UK/Sweden)
On The Milky Road, dir: Emir Kusturica (Serbia/UK/U.S.)
Jackie, dir: Pablo Larrain (U.S./Chile)
Voyage Of Time, dir: Terrence Malick (U.S./Germany)
El Cristo Ciego, dir: Christopher Murray (Chile/France)*
Frantz, dir: François Ozon (France)
Questi Giorni, dir: Giuseppe Piccioni (Italy)
Arrival, dir: Denis Villeneuve (U.S.)
Les Beaux Jours D’Aranjuez, dir: Wim Wenders (France/Germany)

OUT OF COMPETITION
The Young Pope (episodes 1&2), dir: Paolo Sorrentino (Italy/France/Spain/U.S.)
The Bleeder, dir: Philippe Falardeau (U.S./Canada)
The Magnificent Seven, dir: Antoine Fuqua (U.S.)
Hacksaw Ridge, dir: Mel Gibson (U.S./Australia)
The Journey, dir: Nick Hamm (UK)
A Jamais, dir: Benoît Jacquot (France/Portugal)
Gantz: O, dir: Yasushi Kawamura (Japan)
The Age Of Shadows, dir: Jee-woon Kim (Korea)
Monte, dir: Amir Naderi (Italy/U.S./France)
Tommaso, dir: Kim Rossi Stuart (Italy)

Documentaries
Our War, dirs: Bruno Chiaravalloti (Italy/U.S.)
I Called Him Morgan, dir: Kasper Collin (Sweden/U.S.)
One More Time With Feeling, dir: Andrew Dominik (UK)
Austerlitz, dir: Sergei Loznitsa (Germany)
Assalto Al Cielo, dir: Francesco Munzi (Italy)
Safari, dir: Ulrich Seidl (Austria/Denmark)
American Anarchist, dir: Charlie Siskel (U.S.)
Planetarium, dir: Rebecca Zlotowski (France/Belgium)

VENICE HORIZONS
Tarde Para La Ira, dir: Raul Arevalo (Spain)
King Of The Belgians, dirs: Peter Brosens, Jessica Woodworth (Belgium/Netherlands/Bulgaria)
Through The Wall, dir: Rama Burshtein (Israel)
Liberami, dir: Federica Di Giacomo (Italy/France)
Big Big World, dir: Reha Erdem (Turkey)
Gukoroku, dir: Kei Ishikawa (Japan)
Maudite Poutine, dir: Karl Lemieux (Canada)
Sao Jorge, dir: Marco Martins (Portugal/France)
Dawson City: Frozen Time, dir: Bill Morrison (U.S./France)
Réparer Les Vivants, dir: Katel Quillévéré (France/Belgium)
White Sun, dir: Deepak Rauniyar (Nepal/U.S./Qatar/Netherlands)
Malaria, dir: Parviz Shahbazi (Iran)
Kekszakallu, dir: Gaston Solnicki (Argentina)*
Home, dir: Fien Troch (Belgium)
Die Einsiedler, dir: Ronny Trocker (Germany/Austria)*
Il Piu Grande Sogno, dir: Michele Viannucci (Italy)*
Boys In The Trees, dir: Nicholas Verso (Australia)*
Bitter Money, dir: Bing Wang (Hong Kong/France)
Dark Night, dir: Tim Sutton (U.S.) – Special screening, out of competition

CINEMA NEL GIARDINO
Inseparables, dir: Marcos Carnevale (Argentina)
Franca: Chaos And Creation, dir: Francesco Carrozzini (Italy/U.S.)
In Dubious Battle, dir: James Franco (U.S.)
The Net, dir: Kim Ki-duk (Korea)
L’Estate Addosso, dir: Gabriele Muccino (Italy)
The Secret Life Of Pets, dir: Chris Renaud, Yarrow Cheney (U.S.)
Robinu, dir: Michele Santoro (Italy)
My Art, dir: Laurie Simmons (U.S.)

BIENNALE COLLEGE CINEMA
Ears, dir: Alessandro Aronadio (Italy)
Hotel Salvation, dir: Shubhashish Bhutiani (India)
One Sister, dirs: Sofia Brokenshire, Verena Kuri (Argentina)
La Soledad, dir: Jorge Thielen-Armand (Venezuela)

VENICE CLASSICS
The Nights Of Zayandeh-Rood, dir: Moshen Makhmalbaf (Iran 1990)
Manhattan, dir: Woody Allen (U.S. 1979)
Pretty Poison, dir: Noel Black (U.S. 1968)
Money, dir: Robert Bresson (France/Switzerland 1983)
Everybody Go Home!, dir: Luigi Comencini (Italy/France 1960)
The Man With The Balloons, dir: Marco Ferreri (Italy/France 1965)
The Brat, dir: John Ford (U.S. 1931)
The Great Sacrifice, dir: Veit Harlan (Germany 1942)
Twentieth Century, dir: Howard Hawks (U.S. 1934)
Legend Of The Mountain, dir: King Hu (Hong Kong 1979)
The Ondekoza, dir: Tai Kato (Japan 1979)
Seven Samurai, dir: Akira Kurosawa (Japan 1954)
An American Werewolf In London, dir: John Landis (UK 1981)
Le Voleur, dir: Louis Malle (France/Italy 1965)
Dark Eyes, dir: Nikita Michalkov (Italy/USSR 1987)
The Battle Of Algiers, dir: Gillo Pontecorvo (Italy/Algeria 1966)
1848, dir: Dino Risi (Italy 1948)
Scent Of A Woman, dir: Dino Risi (Italy 1974)
Dawn Of The Dead (European cut), dir: George Romero (U.S./Italy 1978)
Stalker, dir: Andrej Tarkovskij (USSR 1979)
The City Stands Trial, dir: Luigi Zampa (Italy 1952)

VENICE CLASSICS DOCUMENTARIES
Events In A Cloud Chamber, dir: Ashim Ahluwalia (India)
The Man Came Along – A Conversation With Ermanno Olmi, dir: Alessandro Bignami (Italy)
Bozzetto Non Troppo, dir: Marco Bonfanti (Italy)
Perche Sono Un Genio! Lorenza Mazzetti, dirs: Stefano Della Casa, Francesco Frisari (Italy)
Along For The Ride, dir: Nick Ebeling (U.S.)
A Journey Through 3D Cinema – A Vintage Tale, dir: Jesus Garces Lambert (Italy)
Water And Sugar. Carlo Di Palma, The Colors Of Life, dir: Fariborz Kamkari (Italy)
David Lynch The Art Of Life, dirs: Jon Nguyen, Neergaard Holm, Rick Barnes (U.S/Denmark)
Cinema Futures, dir: Michael Palm (Austria)
The Graduation, dir: Claire Simon (France/Beligum)

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Announces Major Parts of 2016 Lineup

by the end of TIFF 2016, we will know a lot more about the Oscar race as these unknown entities debut: The Magnificent Seven, The Edge of Seventeen, Arrival, Deepwater Horizon, LBJ, Lion, Queen of Katwe, Snowden, A United Kingdom,

Opening Night Film
“The Magnificent Seven,” Antoine Fuqua, USA, World Premiere

Closing Night Film
“The Edge of Seventeen,” Kelly Fremon Craig, USA, World Premiere

Galas
“Arrival,” Denis Villeneuve, USA, Canadian Premiere
“Deepwater Horizon,” Peter Berg, USA, World Premiere
“The Headhunter’s Calling,” Mark Williams, Canada, World Premiere
“The Journey is the Destination,” Bronwen Hughes, United Kingdom/South Africa, World Premiere
“JT + The Tennessee Kids,” Jonathan Demme, USA, World Premiere
“LBJ,” Rob Reiner, USA, World Premiere
“Lion,” Garth Davis, Australia, World Premiere
“Loving,” Jeff Nichols, USA, North American Premiere
“A Monster Calls,” J.A. Bayona, USA/Spain, World Premiere
“Planetarium,” Rebecca Zlotowski, France/Belgium, North American Premiere
“Queen of Katwe,” Mira Nair, South Africa/Uganda, World Premiere
“The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé! : A Trip Across Latin America,” Paul Dugdale, United Kingdom, World Premiere
“The Secret Scripture,” Jim Sheridan, Ireland, World Premiere
“Snowden,” Oliver Stone, Germany/USA, World Premiere
“Strange Weather,” Katherine Dieckmann, USA, World Premiere
“Their Finest,” Lone Scherfig, United Kingdom, World Premiere
“A United Kingdom,” Amma Asante, United Kingdom, World Premiere

Special Presentations
“The Age of Shadows” (Miljeong), Kim Jee woon, South Korea, North American Premiere
“All I See Is You,” Marc Forster, Thailand, World Premiere
“American Honey,” Andrea Arnold, USA, North American Premiere
“American Pastoral,” Ewan McGregor, USA, World Premiere
“Asura: The City of Madness,” Kim Sung-soo, South Korea, World Premiere
“Barakah Meets Barakah” (Barakah yoqabil Barakah), Mahmoud Sabbagh, Saudi Arabia, North American Premiere
“Barry,” Vikram Gandhi, USA, World Premiere
“Birth of the Dragon,” George Nolfi, USA/China/Canada, World Premiere
“The Birth of a Nation,” Nate Parker, USA, International Premiere
“Bleed for This,” Ben Younger, USA, Canadian Premiere
“Blue Jay,” Alex Lehmann USA, World Premiere
“Brimstone,” Martin Koolhoven, Netherlands/Germany/France/Belgium/Sweden/United Kingdom, North American Premiere
“BrOTHERHOOD,” Noel Clarke, United Kingdom, International Premiere
“Carrie Pilby,” Susan Johnson, USA, World Premiere
“Catfight,” Onur Tukel, USA, World Premiere
“City of Tiny Lights,” Pete Travis, United Kingdom, World Premiere
“The Commune” (Kollektivet), Thomas Vinterberg, Denmark/Sweden/Netherlands, North American Premiere
“Daguerrotype” (Le Secret de la chambre noire), Kiyoshi Kurosawa, France/Japan/Belgium, World Premiere
“A Death in the Gunj,” Konkona Sensharma, India, World Premiere
“Denial,” Mick Jackson, USA/United Kingdom, World Premiere
“Elle,” Paul Verhoeven, France, North American Premiere
“Foreign Body” (Jassad Gharib, Corps Etranger), Raja Amari, Tunisia/France, World Premiere
“Frantz,” François Ozon, France/Germany, Canadian Premiere
“The Handmaiden” (Agassi), Park Chan-wook, South Korea, North American Premiere
“Harmonium” (Fuchi ni tatsu), Kôji Fukada, Japan/France, North American Premiere
“I Am Not Madame Bovary,” Feng Xiaogang, China, World Premiere
“The Journey,” Nick Hamm, United Kingdom, North American Premiere
“King of the Dancehall,” Nick Cannon, USA/Jamaica, World Premiere
“La La Land,” Damien Chazelle, USA, Canadian Premiere
“The Limehouse Golem,” Juan Carlos Medina, United Kingdom, World Premiere
“Manchester by the Sea,” Kenneth Lonergan, USA, Canadian Premiere
“Mascots,” Christopher Guest, USA, World Premiere
“Maudie,” Aisling Walsh, Canada/Ireland, Canadian Premiere
“Neruda,” Pablo Larraín, Chile/Argentina/Spain/France, Canadian Premiere
“Nocturnal Animals,” Tom Ford, USA/United Kingdom, North American Premiere
“The Oath,” Baltasar Kormákur, Iceland, World Premiere
“Orphan” (Orpheline), Arnaud des Pallières, France, World Premiere
“Paris Can Wait,” Eleanor Coppola, USA, World Premiere
“Paterson,” Jim Jarmusch, USA, North American Premiere
“The Salesman,” Asghar Farhadi, North American Premiere
“Salt and Fire,” Werner Herzog, Germany/USA/France/Mexico, North American Premiere
“Sing,” Garth Jennings, USA/France, World Premiere
“Souvenir,” Bavo Defurne, Belgium/Luxembourg/France, North American Premiere
“Things to Come” (L’Avenir), Mia Hansen-Løve, France/Germany, Canadian Premiere
“Toni Erdmann,” Maren Ade, Germany, Canadian Premiere
“Trespass Against Us,” Adam Smith, United Kingdom, World Premiere
“Una,” Benedict Andrews, United Kingdom, Canadian Premiere
“Unless,” Alan Gilsenan, Canada/Ireland, World Premiere
“The Wasted Times” (Luo Man Di Ke Xiao Wang Shi) Cheng Er, China, World Premiere

2016 MTV VMA Nominations

I have been finishing a summer session for grad school, and then took a vacation, so I am a bit behind. Here's to hoping I can catch up with all the awards news of the last week! First, the VMA nominations

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Adele - “Hello”
Beyoncé – “Formation”
Drake – “Hotline Bling”
Justin Bieber – “Sorry”
Kanye West – “Famous”

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Adele – “Hello”
Beyoncé – “Hold Up”
Sia – “Cheap Thrills”
Ariana Grande – “Into You”
Rihanna ft. Drake – “Work”

BEST MALE VIDEO
Drake – “Hotline Bling”
Bryson Tiller – “Don’t”
Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna – “This Is What You Came For”
Kanye West – “Famous”
The Weeknd – “Can’t Feel My Face”

BEST COLLABORATION
Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Freedom”
Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla $ign – “Work From Home”
Ariana Grande ft. Lil Wayne – “Let Me Love You”
Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna – “This Is What You Came For”
Rihanna ft. Drake – “Work” (short version)

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
Drake – “Hotline Bling”
Desiigner – “Panda”
Bryson Tiller – “Don’t”
Chance The Rapper ft. Saba – “Angels”
2 Chainz – “Watch Out”

BEST POP VIDEOAdele – “Hello”
Beyoncé – “Formation”
Justin Bieber – “Sorry”
Alessia Cara – “Wild Things”
Ariana Grande – “Into You”

BEST ROCK VIDEO
All Time Low – “Missing You”
Coldplay – “Adventure Of A Lifetime”
Fall Out Boy ft. Demi Lovato – “Irresistible”
twenty one pilots – “Heathens”
Panic! At The Disco – “Victorious”

BEST ELECTRONIC VIDEO
Calvin Harris & Disciples – “How Deep Is Your Love”
99 Souls ft. Destiny’s Child & Brandy – “The Girl Is Mine”
Mike Posner – “I Took A Pill In Ibiza”
Afrojack – “SummerThing!”
The Chainsmokers ft. Daya – “Don’t Let Me Down”

BREAKTHROUGH LONG FORM VIDEO
Florence + The Machine – The Odyssey
Beyoncé – Lemonade
Justin Bieber – PURPOSE: The Movement
Chris Brown – Royalty
Troye Sivan – Blue Neighbourhood Trilogy

BEST NEW ARTIST
Bryson Tiller
Desiigner
Zara Larsson
Lukas Graham
DNCE

BEST ART DIRECTION
Beyoncé – “Hold Up” (Production Designer: Jason Hougaard)
Fergie – “M.I.L.F. $” (Production Designer: Alexander Delgado)
Drake – “Hotline Bling” (Production Designer: Jeremy MacFarlane)
David Bowie – “Blackstar” (Production Designer: Jan Houllevigue)
Adele – “Hello” (Production Designer: Colombe Raby)

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Beyoncé – “Formation” (Choreographer: Chris Grant, JaQuel Knight, Dana Foglia)
Missy Elliott ft. Pharrell – “WTF (Where They From)” (Choreographer: Hi-Hat)
Beyoncé – “Sorry” (Choreographer: Chris Grant, JaQuel Knight, Dana Foglia, Anthony Burrell, Beyoncé Knowles Carter)
FKA Twigs – “M3LL155X” (Choreographer: FKA Twigs)
Florence + The Machine – “Delilah” (Choreographer: Holly Blakey)

BEST DIRECTION
Beyoncé – “Formation” (Director: Melina Matsoukas)
Coldplay – “Up&Up” (Director: Vania Heymann, Gal Muggia)
Adele – “Hello” (Director: Xavier Dolan)
David Bowie – “Lazarus” (Director: Johan Renck)
Tame Impala – “The Less I Know The Better” (Director: Canada)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Beyoncé – “Formation” (Cinematographer: Malik Sayeed)
Adele – “Hello” (Cinematographer: André Turpin)
David Bowie – “Lazarus” (Cinematographer: Crille Forsberg)
Alesso – “I Wanna Know” (Cinematographer: Corey Jennings)
Ariana Grande – “Into You” (Cinematographer: Paul Laufer)

BEST EDITING
Beyoncé – “Formation” (Editor: Jeff Selis)
Adele – “Hello” (Editor: Xavier Dolan)
Fergie – “M.I.L.F. $” (Editor: Vinnie Hobbs)
David Bowie – “Lazarus” (Editor: Johan Söderberg)
Ariana Grande – “Into You” (Editor: Hannah Lux Davis)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Coldplay – “Up&Up” (VFX Editor: Vania Heymann)
FKA Twigs – “M3LL155X” (VFX Editor: Lewis Saunders, Jihoon Yoo)
Adele – “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” (VFX Editor: Sam Sneade)
The Weeknd – “Can’t Feel My Face” (VFX Editor: Bryan Smaller)
Zayn – “PILLOWTALK” (VFX Editor: David Smith)

The Oscar Narrative: Pre-Festival Predictions - Best Original Screenplay

Pre-Festival Predictions
Jean McGianni Celestin and Nate Parker "The Birth of a Nation"
Damien Chazelle "La La Land"
Jeff Nichols "Loving"
Kenneth Lonergan "Manchester By the Sea"
Jon Spaihts "Passengers"

Other Contenders - Allan Loeb "Collateral Beauty", Mike Mills "20th Century Women", Warren Beauty "Rules Don't Apply", Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthymis Filippou "The Lobster", Asghar Farhadi "The Salesman", Pedro Almodovar "Julieta", Chad Hartigan "Morris From America", Richard Linklater "Everybody Wants Some!!", Woody Allen "Cafe Society", Guy Hibbert "A United Kingdom", Joey Hartsone "LBJ", Terry George and Robin Swicord "The Promise", Byron Howard, Jared Bush, Rich Moore, Josie Trinidad, Jim Reardon, Phil Johnston, Jennifer Lee "Zootopia", Andrea Arnold "American Honey", Ron Clements and Jon Musker "Moana", Jim Jarmusch "Paterson", Stephen Gaghan, Patrick Massett, John Zinman "Gold", Roger Eggers "The Witch", Richard Tanne "Southside With You", Jeff Nichols "Midnight Special", Steven Knight "Allied"

Commentary - These screenplay races are always tricky. A lot of these could be seen as adapted, and as we know, sometimes the committees that decide this do go a bit whack. Just ask Damien Chazelle, who I think will return to the Oscars with La La Land, but saw his Whiplash labeled Adapted. This one is definitely original, and if it as good as we think, it will easily get in. Jeff Nichols and Kenneth Lonergan have long been ignored. Lonergan has two Oscar nominations, but should have more,  and Nichols has made a name for himself on the indie circuit, yet never grabbed the Academy's attention. Manchester By the Sea and Loving are already getting a lot of great reviews, and a lot of buzz. Both could have big Oscar contenders, and nominations on their hands. The big sci-fi movie of the year doesn't always go great in these categories. The Martian got in,  but it was not a done deal beforehand. Inception and Life of Pi also made it, but Avatar, Gravity and Mad Max were left off. Passengers looks to be another smart, Oscar-y sci-fi film, and it might be able to at least even out the score. Finally, The Birth of a Nation looks to clean up in terms of Oscar nominations across the board, and finally give the Academy a diverse cast, director, and screenwriter to break their woes of recent years. These are my five, but as you know these categories will change dramatically after the trio of fall festivals. Collateral Beauty has a lot of promise, as does the new Warren Beatty film, and 20th Century Women from Mike Mills. There are a trio of foreign contenders to look out for. Previous winner and nominee Pedro Almodovar and Asghar Farhadi return with two new entries, and then there is the most original film of the the year The Lobster, which might be too weird for Academy voters. Indie comedies can sometimes breakthrough with the writers branch, so look out for Everybody Wants Some!!, Cafe Society, and Morris From America. A United Kingdom could be a big hit, American Honey got raves out of Cannes, The Witch is fantastic, Allied is Academy bait, and don't forget the animated films. Zootopia has already won over a lot of folks, and Moana could be a hit.

Peter Scolari for Girls to Replace Peter MacNicol in Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

So apparently, after Peter MacNicol appeared in an extra episode (something that was caught by the users and editors at GoldDerby), he became ineligible for the Guest Acting race based on the new 50% of episodes rule the Television Academy introduced last year. The Academy announced that they were rescinding his nomination, and replacing him with the next vote-getter. Today the Academy announced that Peter Scolari for Girls. I am thrilled for Scolari, as Girls had a great season, and his character's struggles with coming out provided a lot of emotional heft over the last two seasons. But something just feels off about this. The Academy made a mistake and didn't catch the mistake before the nominations were announced, and it wasn't like MacNicol tried to violate the rules. When he submitted, he qualified. This is not the Alone Yet Not Alone controversy where the songwriter used his influence in the wrong way, and therefore violating Academy rules. If I were the Academy, I would have honored the original nomination and just added Scolari. I personally hope that this 50% rule will get a second look as well. I know that shows were abusing the old system, submitting actors that were clearly supporting (some appeared in every episode of a season), but knew they had a better chance in guest. But this rule is almost too far in the other direction, so much that one extra episode of a clearly guest performance can cost a worthy nominee his honor. Normally, I appreciate the Television Academy for constantly changing things as they see fit, and not waiting too long like their film counterparts, but they might need to fix this one soon.

2016 Emmy Nominations: First Winner Predictions

Best Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Comedy Series - Veep
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Kevin Spacey "House of Cards"
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 - Kit Harington "Game of Thrones"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Lena Headey "Game of Thrones"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Tony Hale "Veep"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Allison Janney "Mom"
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series - Max von Sydow "Game of Thrones"
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series - Ellen Burstyn "House of Cards"
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series - Larry David "Saturday Night Live"
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series - Tina Fey & Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live"
Best Limited Series - The People Vs. OJ Simpson
Best TV Movie - All the Way
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Courtney B. Vance "The People Vs. OJ Simpson"
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Sarah Paulson "The People Vs. OJ Simpson"
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Sterling K. Brown "The People Vs. OJ Simpson"
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Jean Smart "Fargo"
Best Variety Series - Sketch - Inside Amy Schumer
Best Variety Series - Talk - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Variety Special - The Kennedy Center Honors
Best Reality-Competition Series - The Voice
Best Structured Reality Series - Shark Tank
Best Unstructured Reality Series - Deadliest Catch
Best Reality Host - Jane Lynch "Hollywood Game Night"
Best Directing for a Drama Series - Miguel Sapochnik "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Best Writing for a Drama Series - Robert King and Michelle King "The Good Wife - End"
Best Directing for a Comedy Series - Dale Stern "Veep - Mother"
Best Writing for a Comedy Series - Alex Gregory & Peter Huyck "Veep - Mother"
Best Directing for a TV Movie/Miniseries - John Singleton "The People Vs. OJ Simpson - The Race Card"
Best Writing for a TV Movie/Miniseries - Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski "The People V. OJ Simpson - From the Ashes of Tragedy"
Best Directing for a Variety Series - Don Roy King "Saturday Night Live - Tina Fey & Amy Poehler"
Best Writing for a Variety Series - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Directing for a Variety Special - Glenn Weiss "The Kennedy Center Honors"
Best Writing for a Variety Special - Amy Schumer "Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo"

2016 Emmy Nominations: Analysis

I love the Emmys. By the time the Oscars come around, there are few surprises. But The Emmys are always full of jaw-droppers, and this year was no exception.

Drama
There are so many places to start, so let's just work our way through the categories. Orange is the New Black basically got screwed when it got moved to Drama, and this year it finally met its match and missed out. But who would have thought that The Americans would take its place? The Television Academy has been going through similar process like AMPAS to add newer, younger, and more diverse members to their ranks in recent years. It hasn't made as many headlines because they clearly do not have the diversity problems that the Oscars are having. But I think that we are starting to really see the influx having an affect. After three years of essentially ignoring The Americans, it is suddenly nominated for the top three Drama awards. Of course they still made room for some old favorites like Downton and Homeland, but that addition along with Mr. Robot proves that there are some interesting sections of the voting bloc that are pushing the Emmys forward. The biggest snub was Orange is the New Black. The switch to Drama was rough, but the fact that it missed out on this prize and others is proof that voters simply liked it better as a dark comedy. Best Actor on had one real surprise, as did Best Actress, and both were of course Rhys and Russell from The Americans. Julianna Margulies and Michelle Dockery could not get back in, and a lot of folks were predicting the Billions or Horace & Pete duo to maybe make a splash. The Supporting categories are really where they mixed things up. No Jim Carter or Joanne Froggatt, No Christine Baranski or Alan Cumming, and the two real shockers:  No Uzo Aduba and No Christian Slater. Game of Thrones was the real winner in these categories, swooping up extra slots along with the Dinklage, Heady, and Clarke trio. Kit Harington had the big storyline this season, and was rewarded, and fan favorite Maisie Williams finally gets recognition she deserves. The other big surprises were Maura Tierney (I know she won The Globe, but The Affair was ignored in other categories), and Constance Zimmer, who won the Critics over, but was on a Lifetime show (which also got into writing this year). At the same time that voters loaded up the acting categories with House of Cards and Game of Thrones, there was also a lot of variety as well.

Comedy
Damn Veep. It wasn't enough that you won this year, you had to clean up even more nods. From Matt Walsh joining Hale (was kind of hoping it would be Simons, but Walsh is pretty damn good too), to Mull and MacNicol getting in for Guest, and then a ton of love from the writers and directors, Veep exploded. Of course it should have, as season 5 was incredible. I was also so thrilled to see Season 2 of black-ish, along with Ross and Anderson get in (was hoping for Lewis and Fishburne, but maybe next year!). It is such a funny and smart show, and it definitely deserves to pick up where Modern Family left off. Speaking of Modern Family, only Burrell is left, and if it continues at this rate, it might miss out on the top nomination soon enough. Looking through the acting categories, it was great to see the acting branch finally embrace Silicon Valley with that Thomas Middleditch nomination, and can I say, after years of literally groaning at the Best Actor in a Comedy Series nominees, these six are fantastic choices. Laurie Metcalf scored big with three nominations, but the one I am most excited about is Getting On. That is a great show, and to see her and Niecy Nash get in for its final season is a real high point for me. Although I am so happy she also got a nod for Big Bang. I get that voters love Christine Baranski's Beverly, I do too. But every episode that Metcalf's Mary Cooper is in is a riot, and she is a scene-stealer if there ever was one. I am sad that neither of the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt ladies got in, and of course Bowen's snub is huge. Overall, I think the Emmy voters did well. I would have liked to have seen Casual, Girls, Please Like Me (which was finally on the ballot), and more of Mom and Getting On, but in the current television landscape narrowing down these categories is near impossible.

TV Movie/Mini
Why oh why did voters ignore Show Me a Hero? It was brilliant, HBO was behind it, and it had a great cast. I will never understand it getting literally zero nominations, especially those actors. What we did learn is that American Horror Story has finally peaked at the Emmys, and that Emmy voters loved The People vs. OJ Simpson so damn much that Gooding, Travolta, and Schwimmer got in over some big names. As for the rest, I loved the Bokeem Woodbine nomination, and shocked none of the Roots actors managed a nod, and am jaw-dropped that something like The Dresser, with those two actors at its lead, managed to miss out across the board.

Reality/Variety
I don't care too much about either of these categories, but two things stand out. First, The RuPaul nomination in Reality Host is fantastic and I hope it leads to the show making it in soon. The second is hard to type. I cannot fathom how that mediocre Jerry Seinfeld show could get in over the likes of Samantha Bee, other than outright and blatant sexism. With Colbert tamed and Stewart out, she is the best thing in variety television, and while the writing nod is nice, she was robbed. Period.

The 68th Primetime Emmy Award Nominations

Best Drama Series
The Americans
Better Call Saul
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Homeland
House of Cards
Mr. Robot

Best Comedy Series
black-ish
Master of None
Modern Family
Silicon Valley
Transparent
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Veep

Best Actor in a Drama Series
Kyle Chandler “Bloodline”
Rami Malek “Mr. Robot”
Bob Odenkirk “Better Call Saul”
Matthew Rhys “The Americans”
Liev Schreiber “Ray Donovan”
Kevin Spacey “House of Cards”

Best Actress in a Drama Series
Claire Danes “Homeland”
Viola Davis “How to Get Away With Murder”
Taraji P. Henson “Empire”
Tatiana Maslany “Orphan Black”
Keri Russell “The Americans”
Robin Wright “House of Cards”

Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson “black-ish”
Aziz Ansari “Master of None"
Will Forte “The Last Man on Earth"
William H. Macy “Shameless”
Thomas Middleditch “Silicon Valley”
Jeffrey Tambor "Transparent"

Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Ellie Kemper “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus “Veep”
Tracee Ellis Ross “black-ish”
Laurie Metcalf “Getting On”
Amy Schumer “Inside Amy Schumer”
Lily Tomlin  “Grace and Frankie”

Best Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Jonathan Banks “Better Call Saul”
Peter Dinklage “Game of Thrones”
Kit Harington “Game Of Thrones”
Michael Kelly “House Of Cards”
Ben Mendelsohn “Bloodline”
Jon Voight ,“Ray Donovan”

Best Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Emilia Clarke “Game Of Thrones”
Lena Headey “Game Of Thrones”
Maggie Smith “Downton Abbey”
Maura Tierney “The Affair”
Maisie Williams “Game Of Thrones”
Constance Zimmer “UnREAL”

Best Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Louie Anderson “Baskets”
Andre Braugher “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Tituss Burgess, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
Ty Burrell “Modern Family”
Tony Hale “Veep”
Keegan-Michael Key “Key & Peele”
Matt Walsh “Veep”

Best Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Anna Chlumsky “Veep"
Gaby Hoffmann “Transparent”
Allison Janney “Mom”
Judith Light “Transparent “
Kate McKinnon “Saturday Night Live”
Niecy Nash “Getting On”

Best Guest Actor In A Drama Series
Mahershala Ali “House Of Cards”
Hank Azaria “Ray Donovan”
Reg E. Cathey “House Of Cards”
Michael J. Fox “The Good Wife”
Paul Sparks “House Of Cards”
Max von Sydow “Game Of Thrones”

Best Guest Actress In A Drama Series
Ellen Burstyn “House Of Cards”
Allison Janney “Masters Of Sex”
Margo Martindale “The Americans"
Laurie Metcalf  “Horace And Pete”
Molly Parker “House Of Cards”
Carrie Preston “The Good Wife”

Best Guest Actor In A Comedy Series
Bob Newhart “The Big Bang Theory”
Tracy Morgan “Saturday Night Live”
Larry David “Saturday Night Live”
Bradley Whitford “Transparent”
Martin Mull “Veep”
Peter MacNicol “Veep”

Best Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
Christine Baranski “The Big Bang Theory”
Tina Fey & Amy Poehler “Saturday Night Live”
Melora Hardin “Transparent “

Melissa McCarthy “Saturday Night Live”

Laurie Metcalf “The Big Bang Theory”
Amy Schumer “Saturday Night Live”

Best Limited Series
American Crime
Fargo
The Night Manger
The People vs. O.J. Simpson
Roots

Best TV Movie
All the Way
Confirmation
Luther
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
A Very Murray Christmas

Best Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Bryan Cranston “All the Way”
Benedict Cumberbatch “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride”
Idris Elba “Luther”
Cuba Gooding Jr. “The People vs. O.J. Simpson”
Tom Hiddleston “The Night Manager”
Courtney B. Vance “The People vs. O.J. Simpson”

Best Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Kirsten Dunst “Fargo”
Felicity Huffman “American Crime”
Audra McDonald “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill”
Sarah Paulson “The People v. O.J. Simpson”
Lili Taylor “American Crime”
Kerry Washington “Confirmation”

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Sterling K. Brown “The People v. O.J. Simpson”
Hugh Laurie “The Night Manager”
Jesse Plemons “Fargo”
David Schwimmer “The People v. O.J. Simpson”
John Travolta “The People v. O.J. Simpson”
Bokeem Woodbine “Fargo”

Best Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie
Kathy Bates “American Horror Story: Hotel”
Olivia Colman “The Night Manager”
Regina King “American Crime”
Melissa Leo “All The Way”
Sarah Paulson “American Horror Story: Hotel”
Jean Smart “Fargo”

Best Variety Talk Series
Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
The Late Late Show With James Corden
Real Time With Bill Maher
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Best Variety Sketch Series
Documentary Now!
Drunk History
Inside Amy Schumer
Key & Peele
Portlandia
Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Variety Special
Adele Live In New York City
Amy Schumer: Live At The Apollo
The Kennedy Center Honors
The Late Late Show Carpool Karaoke Prime Time Special
Lemonade

Outstanding Special Class Program
The 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards
Grease: Live
The Oscars
Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show
69th Annual Tony Awards

Best Structured Reality Program
Antiques Roadshow
Lip Sync Battle
Mythbusters
Shark Tank
Undercover Boss

Best Unstructured Reality Program
Born This Way
Deadliest Catch
Gaycation with Ellen Page
Intervention
Project Greenlight
United Shades of America

Best Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race
American Ninja Warrior
Dancing With the Stars
Project Runway
Top Chef
The Voice

Best Reality Host
Ryan Seacrest “American Idol”
Tom Bergeron “Dancing With The Stars”
Jane Lynch “Hollywood Game Night”
Steve Harvey “Little Big Shots starring Steve Harvey”
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn “Project Runway”
RuPaul Charles “RuPaul's Drag Race”

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Final List

Best Drama Series
Better Call Saul
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Homeland
House of Cards
Mr. Robot
Orange is the New Black

Best Comedy Series
black-ish
Casual
Master of None
Modern Family
Silicon Valley
Transparent
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Best Actor in a Drama Series
Kyle Chandler "Bloodline"
Paul Giamatti "Billions"
Rami Malek "Mr. Robot"
Bob Odenkirk "Better Call Saul"
Liev Schreiber "Ray Donovan"
Kevin Spacey "House of Cards"

Best Actress in a Drama Series
Claire Danes "Homeland"
Viola Davis "How to Get Away With Murder"
Taraji P. Henson "Empire"
Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Tatiana Maslany "Orphan Black"
Robin Wright "House of Cards"

Best Actor in a Comedy Series

Anthony Anderson "black-ish"

Aziz Ansari "Master of None"

Don Cheadle "House of Lies"

Jeffrey Tambor "Transparent"

Will Forte "The Last Man on Earth"

William H. Macy "Shameless"

Best Actress in a Comedy Series

Ellie Kemper "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"

Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"

Melissa McCarthy "Mike & Molly"

Tracee Ellis Ross "black-ish"

Amy Schumer "Inside Amy Schumer"

Lily Tomlin "Grace and Frankie"

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Jonathan Banks "Better Call Saul"

Jim Carter "Downton Abbey"

Alan Cumming "The Good Wife"

Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones"

Michael Kelly "House of Cards"

Christian Slater "Mr. Robot"

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black"

Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"

Emilia Clarke "Game of Thrones"

Joanne Froggatt "Downton Abbey"

Lena Headey "Game of Thrones"

Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Andre Braugher "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"

Ty Burrell "Modern Family"

Adam Driver "Girls"

Tony Hale "Veep"

Keegan-Michael Key "Key and Peele"

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Julie Bowen "Modern Family"

Anna Chlumsky "Veep"

Gaby Hoffman "Transparent"

Allison Janney "Mom"

Jane Krakowski "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"

Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live"

Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Beau Bridges "Bloodline"

Reg E. Cathey "House of Cards"

Josh Charles "The Good Wife"

Michael J. Fox "The Good Wife"

Blair Underwood "The Good Wife"

Max Von Sydow "Game of Thrones"

Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Ellen Burstyn "House of Cards"

Allison Janney "Masters of Sex"

Margo Martindale "The Americans"

Laurie Metcalf "Horace & Pete"

Carrie Preston "The Good Wife"

Cicely Tyson "How to Get Away With Murder"

Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

Fred Armisen "Saturday Night Live"

Louis C.K. "Portlandia"

Larry David "Saturday Night Live"

Peter MacNicol "Veep" 

Tracy Morgan "Saturday Night Live"

Bradley Whitford "Transparent"

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Christine Baranski "The Big Bang Theory" 

Ellen Burstyn "Mom" 

Tina Fey "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" 

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live" 

Angelica Huston "Transparent" 

Melissa McCarthy "Saturday Night Live" 

Best Limited Series

American Crime

Fargo

The Night Manager

The People Vs. OJ Simpson

Roots

Best Made for Television Movie

All the Way

Confirmation

The Dresser

Luther

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride

Best Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series

Bryan Cranston "All the Way"

Idris Elba "Luther"

Tom Hiddleston "The Night Manager"

Anthony Hopkins "The Dresser"

Ian McKellen "The Dresser"

Courtney B. Vance "The People Vs. OJ Simpson"

Best Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries

Kirsten Dunst "Fargo"

Felicity Huffman "American Crime"

Audra McDonald "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"

Sarah Paulson "The People Vs. OJ Simpson"

Lili Taylor "American Crime"

Kerry Washington "Confirmation"

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries

Sterling K. Brown "The People Vs. OJ Simpson"

Hugh Laurie "The Night Manager"

Anthony Mackie "All the Way"

Denis O'Hare "American Horror Story: Hotel"

Jesse Plemmons "Fargo"

Forest Whitaker "Roots"

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries

Kathy Bates "American Horror Story: Hotel"

Regina King "American Crime"

Melissa Leo "All the Way"

Sarah Paulson "American Horror Story: Hotel"

Anika Noni Rose "Roots"

Jean Smart "Fargo"

Best Variety-Talk Series

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee

Jimmy Kimmel Live

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Real Time With Bill Maher

The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Best Variety-Sketch Series

Documentary Now!

Inside Amy Schumer

Key & Peele

Portlandia

Saturday Night Live

Best Reality-Competition Series

The Amazing Race

Dancing With the Stars

Project Runway

So You Think You Can Dance?

Top Chef

The Voice

Best Reality Host

Tom Bergeron "Dancing With the Stars"

Carson Daly "The Voice"

Cat Deeley "So You Think You Can Dance?"

Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn "Project Runway"

Jane Lynch "Hollywood Game Night"

2016 Television Critics Association (TCA) Award Nominations

Damn did I miss the boat. Here is the list way too overdue:

Program of the Year
The Americans
Fargo
Game of Thrones
Making a Murderer
Mr. Robot
The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
UnREAL

Individual Achievement in Drama
 Bryan Cranston “All The Way”
 Rami Malek “Mr. Robot”
 Bob Odenkirk “Better Call Saul”
 Sarah Paulson “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
 Keri Russell “The Americans"
 Courtney B. Vance "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

Individual Achievement in Comedy
 Aziz Ansari “Master of None”
 Samantha Bee “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee"
 Rachel Bloom “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”
 Aya Cash “You’re The Worst”
 Julia Louis-Dreyfus “Veep”
 Constance Wu “Fresh Off the Boat”

Outstanding Achievement in Comedy
black-ish
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Master of None
Silicon Valley
Veep
You’re The Worst

Outstanding Achievement in Drama 
The Americans
Better Call Saul
Game of Thrones
The Leftovers
Mr. Robot
UnREAL

Outstanding New Program
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Marvel’s Jessica Jones
Master of None
Mr. Robot
Underground
UnREAL

Outstanding Achievement in News and Information
CBS Sunday Morning
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Jackie Robinson
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,
Real Time With Bill Maher
United Shades of America

Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming
I Am Cait
The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth
The Great British Baking Show
Making a Murderer
MasterChef Junior
Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance

Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Doc McStuffins
Nature Cat
Odd Squad
Sofia The First

Outsanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries, and Specials
All The Way
Fargo
The Night Manager
The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Roots
Show Me A Hero

Heritage Award
The Larry Sanders Show
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Seinfeld
Star Trek
Twin Peaks

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Drama and Comedy Series

Best Drama Series
Better Call Saul
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Homeland
House of Cards
Mr. Robot
Orange is the New Black

Best Comedy Series
black-ish
Casual
Master of None
Modern Family
Silicon Valley
Transparent
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Actor in a Drama Series

2016 Nomination Predictions
Kyle Chandler "Bloodline"
Paul Giamatti "Billions"
Rami Malek "Mr. Robot"
Bob Odenkirk "Better Call Saul"
Liev Schreiber "Ray Donovan"
Kevin Spacey "House of Cards"

Other Contenders - Damien Lewis "Billions", Hugh Bonneville "Downton Abbey", Terrence Howard "Empire", Steve Buscemi "Horace & Pete", Louis C.K. "Horace & Pete", Matthew Rhys "The Americans", Sam Heughan "Outlander", Bobby Cannavale "Vinyl", Aaron Paul "The Path", Clive Owen "The Knick", Aldis Hodge "Underground", Wagner Moura "Narcos", Justin Theroux "The Leftovers", Ray Liotta "Shades of Blue", Peter Capalidi "Doctor Who", Freddie Highmore "Bates Motel", Dominic West "The Affair", James Spader "The Blacklist", Jeremy Piven "Mr. Selfridge", Andrew Lincoln "The Walking Dead", Travis Fimmel "Vikings", Peter Krause "The Catch"

Commentary - I don't know if Billions will be a big Emmy hit, so I am putting Giamatti in, and leaving Lewis out, despite his recent Emmy history. That is probably odd, but if they like the show, but not love it, then there may not be enough support for both. Can Lewis get in? Of Course. Odenkirk and Spacey are locks, and Malek feels safe as Mr. Robot is the new hit favorite. But the other two are nowhere near safe. Bloodline kind of sticks now, but Chandler is clearly beloved, and the surprise nomination for Liev Schreiber last year could have been a fluke, or it could be a trend. Beyond Lewis, Bonneville could ride nostalgia back into the top six, Terrence Howard was snubbed last year, and the Horace & Pete duo could surprise a lot of folks. Sam Heughan is a hot newcomer, Bobby Cannavale has this in the bag until Vinyl got panned and cancelled, and Matthew Rhys, like The Americans as a whole, is overdue. Wagner Moura made some early precursors, James Spader is a veteran, Aaron Paul could get some Breaking Bad hangover love, Clive Owen, Aldis Hodge, Freddie Highmore, and then there is Peter Capaldi. As Doctor Who finally gets Emmy consideration, we may see just how many fanboys it has in the Television Academy.

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Actress in a Drama Series

2016 Nomination Predictions
Claire Danes "Homeland"
Viola Davis "How to Get Away With Murder"
Taraji P. Henson "Empire"
Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Tatiana Maslany "Orphan Black"
Robin Wright "House of Cards"

Other Contenders - Michelle Dockery "Downton Abbey", Caitriona Balfe "Outlander", Keri Russell "The Americans", Vera Farmiga "Bates Motel", Michelle Monaghan "The Path", Eva Green "Penny Dreadful", Connie Britton "Nashville", Kerry Washington "Scandal", Ellen Pompeo "Grey's Anatomy", Ruth Wilson "The Affair", Shiri Appleby "UnReal", Taylor Schilling "Orange is the New Black", Marcia Gay Harden "Code Black", Mariska Hargitay "Law & Order: SVU", Laura Carmichael "Downton Abbey", Krysten Ritter "Jessica Jones", Lizzy Caplan "Masters of Sex", Riley Keough "The Girlfriend Experience", Melissa Benoist "Supergirl", Jaimie Alexander "Blindspot"

Commentary - Let's say that the five (with Elisabeth Moss gone) all return, and I see no reason why not. That leaves one slot. I think its between two old favorites who missed out last year, but have final seasons to bring in the nostalgia vote. Of course I am talking about Julianna Margulies and Michelle Dockery, and I'm leaning toward Margulies who has won this category twice for this role. Vera Farmiga, Connie Britton, and Kerry Washington, all once nominees look like their time is up, and I'm not sure that newcomers like Balfe, Appleby, Ritter, Keough, or Monaghan have enough support. Taylor Schilling, Eva Green, and  Ruth Wilson couldn't get in before, I don't think they can now. Marcia Gay Harden is an Oscar winner, Hargitay once won this way back, and Caplan at one time got a nomination. Finally, there is always hope that more genre actresses like Benoist and Alexander can get in along with the Maslany slot.

The 6th Annual Awards Psychic Television Awards: Nominations

Before the Emmys get their say, here is mine. Another great year for television, and so many hard choices. Check out the 6th Annual Nominations below!

Best Drama Series
The Americans
Better Call Saul
Empire
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Grey's Anatomy
Homeland
House of Cards
Masters of Sex
Mr. Robot
UnReal

Best Comedy Series
black-ish
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Getting On
Girls
Master of None
The Mindy Project
Mom
Please Like Me
Silicon Valley
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Veep
Younger

Best Actor in a Drama Series
Freddie Highmore "Bates Motel"
Aldis Hodge "Underground"
Terrence Howard "Empire"
Rami Malek "Mr. Robot"
Wagner Moura "Narcos"
Bob Odenkirk "Better Call Saul"
Aaron Paul "The Path"
Michael Sheen "Masters of Sex"
James Spader "The Blacklist"
Kevin Spacey "House of Cards"

Best Actress in a Drama Series
Shiri Appleby "UnReal"
Lizzy Caplan "Masters of Sex"
Claire Danes "Homeland"
Viola Davis "How to Get Away With Murder"
Taraji P. Henson "Empire"
Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Tatiana Maslany "Orphan Black"
Ellen Pompeo "Grey's Anatomy"
Krysten Ritter "Jessica Jones"
Keri Russell "The Americans"
Robin Wright "House of Cards"

Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson "black-ish"
Aziz Ansari "Master of None"
Tommy Dewey "Casual"
Chris Geere "You're the Worst"
Derek Jacobi "Vicious"
Ian McKellen "Vicious"
Thomas Middleditch "Silicon Valley"
Andy Samberg "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Jeffrey Tambor "Transparent"
Josh Thomas "Please Like Me"

Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Rachel Bloom "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"
Aya Cash "You're the Worst"
Lena Dunham "Girls"
Anna Faris "Mom"
Mindy Kaling "The Mindy Project"
Ellie Kemper "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Laurie Metcalf "Getting On"
Lennon Parham "Playing House"
Tracee Ellis Ross "black-ish"
Amy Schumer "Inside Amy Schumer"
Jessica St. Clair "Playing House"

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Jonathan Banks "Better Call Saul"
Jim Carter "Downton Abbey"
Josh Charles "Masters of Sex"
Alan Cumming "The Good Wife"
Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones"
Rupert Friend "Homeland"
Kit Harington "Game of Thrones"
Michael Kelly "House of Cards"
Michael McKean "Better Call Saul"
Mandy Patinkin "Homeland"
Christian Slater "Mr. Robot"

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Annaleigh Ashford "Masters of Sex"
Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"
Danielle Brooks "Orange is the New Black"
Caitlin FitzGerald "Masters of Sex"
Lena Headey "Game of Thrones"
Margo Martindale "The Good Wife"
Miranda Otto "Homeland"
Rhea Seehorn "Better Call Saul"
Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"
Alison Wright "The Americans"
Constance Zimmer "UnReal"

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Andre Braugher "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Terry Crews "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Adam Driver "Girls"
Laurence Fishburne "black-ish"
Tony Hale "Veep"
Joe Lo Truglio "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Andrew Rannells "Girls"
Timothy Simons "Veep"
Martin Starr "Silicon Valley"

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Alex Borstein "Getting On"
Anna Chlumsky "Veep"
Allison Janney "Mom"
Carol Kane "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Jane Krakowski "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Jenifer Lewis "black-ish"
Melanie Lynskey "Togetherness"
Zosia Mamet "Girls"
Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live"
Niecy Nash "Getting On"
Amanda Peet "Togetherness"

Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Richard Armitage "Hannibal"
Mahershala Ali "House of Cards"
Reg E. Cathey "House of Cards"
Josh Charles "The Good Wife"
Michael J. Fox "The Good Wife"
Jeffrey Dean Morgan "The Walking Dead"
Casey Sander "Grey's Anatomy"
Pablo Schreiber "Orange is the New Black"
David Strathairn "The Blacklist"
Blair Underwood "The Good Wife"
Max Von Sydow "Game of Thrones"
B.D. Wong "Mr. Robot"

Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Debbie Allen "Grey's Anatomy"
Ellen Burstyn "House of Cards"
Stockard Channing "The Good Wife"
Allison Janney "Masters of Sex"
Natasha Lyonne "Orange is the New Black"
Annet Mahendru "The Americans"
Carrie Preston "The Good Wife"
Kathleen Turner "The Path"
Cicely Tyson "House of Cards" and "How to Get Away With Murder"

Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Christopher Abbott "Girls"
Mike Carlsen "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Deon Cole "black-ish"
David Cross "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Larry David "Saturday Night Live"
Sam Elliott "Grace and Frankie"
Joseph Gordon-Levitt "The Mindy Project"
Peter MacNicol "Veep"
Tracy Morgan "Saturday Night Live"
Martin Mull "Veep"
Bradley Whitford "Transparent"

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Becky Ann Baker "Girls"
Ellen Burstyn "Mom"
Anna Camp "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Tina Fey "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live"
Ann Morgan Guilbert "Getting On"
Lisa Kudrow "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Melissa McCarthy "Saturday Night Live"
Rhea Perlman "Getting On" and "The Mindy Project"
Amy Schumer "Saturday Night Live"
Jenny Slate "Girls"

Best TV Movie
All the Way
Confirmation
The Dresser
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill
Luther
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
A Very Murray Christmas

Best Limited Series
American Crime
American Horror Story: Hotel
Fargo
London Spy
The Night Manager
The People vs. O.J. Simpson
Roots
Show Me a Hero

Best Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Bryan Cranston "All the Way"
Idris Elba "Luther"
Tom Hiddleston "The Night Manager"
Anthony Hopkins "The Dresser"
Oscar Isaac "Show Me a Hero"
Malachi Kirby "Roots"
Ian McKellen "The Dresser"
Courtney B. Vance "The People vs. O.J. Simpson"
Ben Whishaw "London Spy"
Patrick Wilson "Fargo"

Best Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Kirsten Dunst "Fargo"
Lady Gaga "American Horror Story: Hotel"
Felicity Huffman "American Crime"
Rachel McAdams "True Detective"
Audra McDonald "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"
Sarah Paulson "The People vs. O.J. Simpson"
Lili Taylor "American Crime"
Kerry Washington "Confirmation"
Shanice Williams "The Wiz Live!"

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Jim Broadbent "War and Peace" and "London Spy"
Sterling K. Brown "The People vs. O.J. Simpson"
Connor Jessup "American Crime"
Hugh Laurie "The Night Manager"
Anthony Mackie "All the Way"
Alfred Molina "Show Me a Hero"
Elvis Nolasco "American Crime"
Wendell Pierce "Confirmation"
Jesse Plemmons "Fargo"
Bokeem Woodbine "Fargo"
Jeffrey Wright "Confirmation"

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Kathy Bates "American Horror Story: Hotel"
Connie Britton "The People vs. O.J. Simpson"
Emayatzy Corinealdi "Roots"
Catherine Keener "Show Me a Hero"
Regina King "American Crime"
Melissa Leo "All the Way"
Charlotte Rampling "London Spy"
LaTanya Richardson-Jackson "Show Me a Hero"
Anika Noni Rose "Roots"
Jean Smart "Fargo"

Best Variety Series **New Category**
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Inside Amy Schumer
Key and Peele
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
The Late Late Show with James Corden
Portlandia
Real Time with Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live
The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Best Animated Series
Archer
Bob's Burgers
BoJack Horseman
Family Guy
South Park
Star Wars Rebels

The 8th Annual Halfway Award Winners

Best Picture
Winner - The Lobster
Runners Up - Everybody Wants Some!!, Midnight Special, Finding Dory
Commentary - Weird, darkly humorous, beautifully acted by a talented cast. I loved Linklater's spiritual sequel, Dory's magic, and the fact that Jeff Nichols continued his streak with Midnight Special. But so far the film that has stuck with me the most is The Lobster. It is a wholly unique experience.

Best Director
Winner - Jeff Nichols "Midnight Special"
Runners Up - Jeremy Saulnier "Green Room", Robert Eggers "The Witch", and Yorgos Lanthimos "The Lobster"
Commentary - I have loved Jeff Nichols' work for years now, and Midnight Special is yet another fantastic entry into his unique canon of films. From Take Shelter, to Mud, and now this entry, Nichols is creating a style of his own that makes him stand out as a director, and makes his films incredible experiences. This little sci-fi film probably won't earn him much attention this year, but with Loving coming out later this year, and already earning praise out of Cannes, Nichols might finally get some overdue recognition.

Best Actor
Winner - Colin Farrell "The Lobster"
Runners Up - Ryan Reynolds "Deadpool" and Ethan Hawke "Born to Be Blue"
Commentary - Ryan Reynolds was hilarious and Ethan Hawke was his usual best. But I am surprising myself here with Colin Farrell. I don't normally enjoy hims as an actor, and honestly besides In Bruges, I have never really enjoyed him onscreen. But, I can always admit when I'm wrong, and his unique and daring performance in The Lobster was one of a kind, and so far, this year's best.

Best Actress
Winner - Ellen DeGeneres "Finding Dory"
Runners Up - Sally Field "Hello, My Name is Doris" and Susan Sarandon "The Meddler"
Commentary - Sally Field and Susan Sarandon prove that they still have it. But, I have been waiting over 13 years to give Ellen DeGeneres an award for her role as Dory. She joins the list of great voice performances that should have gotten Oscar nods: Robin Williams for Aladdin, Eddie Murphy for Shrek, Ed Asner for Up, Jeremy Irons for The Lion King, Scarlett Johannson for Her, and yes DeGeneres. The Academy now has a second chance to reward her, and I hope they do, knowing they won't. She once again is captivating, brilliant, and with just her voice, commands the screen better than most actresses period.

Best Supporting Actor
Winner - John Goodman "10 Cloverfield Lane"
Runners Up - Alan Rickman "Eye in the Sky" and Ed O'Neill "Finding Dory"
Commentary - I am lucky that I gave Alan Rickman one of these things a while back, because that means I get to reward the legendary John Goodman. This guy is awesome is everything he does, and yet, despite decades of awesome roles has never earned an Oscar nod. He won't this year, at least not for 10 Cloverfield Lane, but damn he should. He brilliant, frightening, and commanding, and so far is the best supporting role this year.

Best Supporting Actress
Winner - Julianne Moore "Maggie's Plan"
Runner Up -  Kristen Stewart "Cafe Society"
Commentary - In a weak category, I go with Moore. Maggie's Plan is a great little comedy gem, and she shines. It is nowhere near her best role, but it is nice to see her breathing life into well-written, and brilliant constructed characters. Plus, I have a soft spot for her, and I can't help it.

Best Screenplay
Winner - Yorgos Lanthimos & Efthymis Filippou "The Lobster"
Runners Up - Jeff Nichols "Midnight Special" and Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush, Jim Reardon, Josie Trinidad, Phil Johnston, and Jennifer Lee "Zootopia"
Commentary - Did I mention that The Lobster is unique? It is the weirdest, most engaging film of the year, and that is thanks to this incredible script (and its great cast), that balances out the films eccentricities with heart, and creates a once in a lifetime cinematic experience.

Best Animated Feature
Winner - Finding Dory
Runner Up - Zootopia
Commentary - This is a tough one. Zootopia is more original, and probably better, but nostalgia wins sometimes. Finding Dory didn't quite live up to its predecessors. But it was still a fun, emotional, and brilliant Pixar creation.

Best Ensemble
Winner - Hail, Casear!
Runners Up - Everybody Wants Some!! and Midnight Special
Commentary - Hail, Caesar is one of the lesser Coen Bros. entries, but it is still entertaining as hell, mostly because of an A-list roster of actors that are clearly having a good time.

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Actor in a Comedy Series

2016 Nomination Predictions
Anthony Anderson "black-ish"
Aziz Ansari "Master of None"
Don Cheadle "House of Lies"
Jeffrey Tambor "Transparent"
Will Forte "The Last Man on Earth"
William H. Macy "Shameless"

Other Contenders - Gael Garcia Bernal "Mozart in the Jungle", Fred Armisen "Portlandia", Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory", Thomas Middleditch "Silicon Valley", Tommy Dewey "Casual", Zach Galifianakis "Baskets", Randall Park "Fresh Off the Boat", Andy Samberg "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", Chris Geere "You're the Worst", Patrick Stewart "Blunt Talk", Rob Delaney "Catastrophe", Rob Lowe "The Grinder", Fred Savage "The Grinder", John Stamos "Grandfathered", Bruce Campbell "Ash vs. The Evil Dead", Bill Hader "Documentary Now", Jerrod Carmichael "The Carmichael Show", Ian McKellen "Vicious", Derek Jacobi "Vicious", Paul Rust "Love", James Brolin "Life in Pieces", Josh Thomas "Please Like Me", Ashton Kutcher "The Ranch"

Commentary - Tambor will probably win back to back, after being denied for so long, but Anderson is right there, and if black-ish does as well as it should come Thursday, he might surprise. William H. Macy, Will Forte, and Don Cheadle are all well-liked previously nominated veterans, but Shameless is not on their radar, Last Man on Earth was all about the Pilot last year, and House of Lies is ending. But I don't bet against proven track records. That still leaves one slot as Matt LeBlanc is out. Gael Garcia Bernal won the Globe, but voters ignored this show last year, will they suddenly fall in love? Remember Gina Rodriguez, and countless others who won the Globe and missed a nod here. Jim Parsons could come back after shockingly being left off, Thomas Middleditch could ride a great Season 3 of Silicon Valley, and Tommy Dewey is great in Casual. I am going with Aziz Ansari. Master of None is brilliant, he is great in it, and even if the show gets left off, I think there is enough good will for this now two-series veteran that he can make the cut. There is Zach Galifianakis for the strange Baskets, Randall Park who doesn't get enough credit, Emmy favorite Fred Armisen, and two guys who have been robbed in recent years: Andy Samberg and Chris Geere. Honestly, beyond these folks, I would be surprised if anyone else gets in. That being said, I hope Emmy voters notice Josh Thomas on their ballots, and Please Like Me in general, and give it a look.

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Actress in a Comedy Series

2016 Nomination Predictions
Ellie Kemper "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Melissa McCarthy "Mike & Molly"
Tracee Ellis Ross "black-ish"
Amy Schumer "Inside Amy Schumer"
Lily Tomlin "Grace and Frankie"

Other Contenders - Jane Fonda "Grace and Frankie", Rachel Bloom "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend", Constance Wu "Fresh Off the Boat", Anna Faris "Mom", Lena Dunham "Girls", Aya Cash "You're the Worst", Micheala Watkins "Casual", Mindy Kaling "The Mindy Project", Sharon Horgan "Catastrophe", Wendi McLendon-Covey "The Goldbergs", Gina Rodriguez "Jane the Virgin", America Fererra "Superstore", Ilana Glazer "Broad City", Abbi Jacobson "Broad City", Sutton Foster "Younger", Rashida Jones "Angie Tribeca", Maria Bamford "Lady Dynamite", Laurie Metcalf "Getting On", Jamie Lee Curtis "Scream Queens", Emma Roberts "Scream Queens", Martha Plimpton "The Real O'Neals", Emmy Rossum "Shameless", Dianne Wiest "Life in Pieces", Lennon Parham "Playing House", Jessica St. Clair "Playing House"

Commentary - With Kudrow, Poehler, and Falco all gone, this race is wide open. The other three laides Tomlin, Louis-Dreyfus, Schumer feel safe, and without so much competition, I feel good about Ellie Kemper, who is awesome on a show voters clearly like. The last two slots are tricky. I think that the overwhelming positive buzz for this second season of black-ish is going to cause them to get a lot of new nominations in the Comedy categories, especially as other shows are fading or are now gone. If they go for this show, then Tracee Ellis Ross has to be a part of this conversation. I think she's in, she certainly deserves it. But her nomination banks on voters finally realizing just how good that show is. The final slot is tricky. Jane Fonda should be in if Tomlin is, but its weird they passed over her last year. Anna Faris is way overdue, Lena Dunham returns with a great season of Girls, and Constance Wu has practically a cult following. But I think that Melissa McCarthy once again defies the odds and gets back in for a very emotional final season of Mike & Molly. She has pulled off this feat before, bouncing back in after missing out, and has won when nobody saw it coming. But what about Rachel Bloom? Everybody predicted Gina Rodriguez, and it has yet to happen, and now here is Rachel Bloom. Another big precursor winner from another quirky CW show. The CW has never really made its mark. Until it does, I am leaving her out. There is Mindy Kaling, the Broad City duo, Horgan and Watkins from Amazon, Rodriguez again, Ferrera a previous winner, the duo from Scream Queens and Playing House, Sutton Foster, Emmy winner Martha Plimpton, Emmy and Oscar winner Dianne Wiest and the widely underrated role of Laurie Metcalf in Getting On. Women may struggle to find great roles on film, but on television, there are so many to choose from, you wish you had 10+ slots.

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

2016 Nomination Predictions
Jonathan Banks "Better Call Saul"
Jim Carter "Downton Abbey"
Alan Cumming "The Good Wife"
Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones"
Michael Kelly "House of Cards"
Christian Slater "Mr. Robot"

Other Contenders - Ben Mendelsohn "Bloodline", Kit Harington "Game of Thrones", Alan Alda "Horace and Pete", Mandy Patinkin "Homeland", Ray Romano "Vinyl", Jon Voight "Ray Donovan", Alano Miller "Underground", Christopher Meloni "Underground", Tobias Menzies "Outlander", Michael McKean "Better Call Saul", Beau Bridges "Masters of Sex", Josh Charles "Masters of Sex", Christopher Eccleston "The Leftovers", Nikolaj Coster-Waldau "Game of Thrones", Rufus Sewell "The Man in High Castle", Mark Margolis "Better Call Saul", Jussie Smollett "Empire", Frank Langella "The Americans", Dylan Baker "The Americans", Tony Goldwyn "Scandal", Rupert Friend "Homeland", F. Murray Abraham "Homeland", Gary Cole "Mercy Street", Matt Czuchry "The Good Wife", Steven Yeun "The Walking Dead"

Commentary - All six guys are returning, but Bloodline lost steam in its second season, and I think a newcomer, Christian Slater, will be enough to knock him out. A lot of folks are moving Jim Carter out, but he has never missed the cut, and Alan Cumming managed to get back in, but he too is vulnerable. Kit Harington had a great season, and a lot of press for his return, but will it translate to Emmy gold? Ask his co-star Coster-Waldau, who could not capitalize on his excellent season a few years back. Alan Alda is an Emmy legend, Ray Romano has won several of these, and Mandy Patinkin should be back in this thing for yet another great season of Homeland. Tobias Menzies could get in if Outlander is bigger than expected, Jon Voight did manage a nod two years ago, and there are a few guys from Underground that could make a splash. Michael McKean is getting a lot of predicts, but can two guys from Better Call Saul get in? That will show a lot of strength if they can. Beau Bridges and Josh Charles are both Emmy favorites, Christopher Eccleston is a critical favorite, Mark Margolis has been nominated for this role before, and The Americans has two veterans, if they ever recognize that show.

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

2016 Nomination Predictions
Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black"
Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"
Emilia Clarke "Game of Thrones"
Joanne Froggatt "Downton Abbey"
Lena Headey "Game of Thrones"
Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"

Other Contenders - Margo Martindale "The Good Wife", Jessica Lange "Horace and Pete", Edie Falco "Horace and Pete", Constance Zimmer "UnReal", Alison Wright "The Americans", Rhea Seehorn "Better Call Saul", Miranda Otto "Homeland", Maura Tierney "The Affair", Sissy Spacek "Bloodline", Linda Cardelini "Bloodline", Regina King "The Leftovers", Ann Dowd "The Leftovers", Amy Brenneman "The Leftovers", Maggie Siff "Billions", Malin Akerman "Billions", Kathryn Winnick "Vikings", Elizabeth McGovern "Downton Abbey", Penelope Wilton "Downton Abbey", Laura Carmichael "Downton Abbey", Sophie McShera "Downton Abbey", Phyllis Logan "Downton Abbey", Lesley Nicol "Downton Abbey", Lily James "Downton Abbey", Maisie Williams "Game of Thrones", Melissa McBride "The Walking Dead", Lauren Cohan "The Walking Dead", Kate Mulgrew "Orange is the New Black", Danielle Brooks "Orange is the New Black", Laverne Cox "Orange is the New Black", Laura Prepon "Orange is the New Black", Charly Chaikin "Mr. Robot", Portia Doubleday "Mr. Robot", Neve Campbell "House of Cards", Calista Flockhart "Supergirl"

Commentary - Do the Emmys shake up this category, or do they leave it largely intact? That is the question, and I have learned long ago to expect the expected, knowing there will be at least one or two surprises. So that means that there is one slot, and I actually predict that the nostalgic love for Maggie Smith will put her back in, after she was strangely left off last year. But she is vulnerable, as is Emilia Clarke, as she just hasn't had as much to do as her fellow nominee Lena Heady (who could win this year). Margo Martindale is now an Emmy favorite and could easily get in, as could Emmy-winning legends Edie Falco and Jessica Lange (but have they really watched Horace and Pete? If they have, then there are a lot of surprises ahead. Constance Zimmer won the Critics Choice, and should be in, but Lifetime has no real track record. Alison Wright is getting a lot of critical notice, but that has never really translated for The Americans. Miranda Otto was mesmerizing and Maura Tierney is Globe winner for this role. Then there is the rest of the cast of Downton, Orange, Game of Thrones, who could add to their other nominees. Then there are the supporting cast of Billions, The Walking Dead, Mr. Robot, The Leftovers, and Bloodline, many of whom have name recognition, but might not be able to break out in such a crowded field.

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

2016 Nomination Predictions
Andre Braugher "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Ty Burrell "Modern Family"
Adam Driver "Girls"
Tony Hale "Veep"
Keegan-Michael Key "Key and Peele"

Other Contenders - Louie Anderson "Baskets", Hugh Laurie "Veep", Timothy Simons "Veep", T.J. Miller "Silicon Valley", Matt Walsh "Veep", Reid Scott "Veep", Gary Cole "Veep", Kevin Dunn "Veep", Malcolm McDowell "Mozart in the Jungle", Jordan Peele "Key and Peele", Jay Duplass "Transparent", Jesse Tyler Ferguson "Modern Family", Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family", Ed O'Neill "Modern Family", Sam Elliott "The Ranch", Laurence Fishburne "black-ish", Noah Galvin "The Real O'Neals", Martin Sheen "Grace and Frankie", Sam Waterston "Grace and Frankie", Jay Pharoah "Saturday Night Live", Taran Killam "Saturday Night Live", Keenan Thompson "Saturday Night Live", Bobby Monynihan "Saturday Night Live", Jaime Camill "Jane the Virgin", Colin Hanks "Life in Pieces", James Brolin "Life in Pieces", Thomas Sadoski "Life in Pieces", Paul Rudd "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp", Bradley Cooper "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp", Jon Hamm "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp", David Alan Grier "The Carmichael Show", Mark Duplass "Togetherness"

Commentary - So the same six guys from last year are back, and I have no reason to not predict them again. The Veep guys had a great season, particularly Timothy Simons, but so far none other than Tony Hale have managed a nomination (Gary Cole did get in as Guest, but not in this category). Louie Anderson is the type of role that Emmy voters eat up, but how big is Baskets? Did Emmy voters actually take the time to watch it? (I personally couldn't get through it). T.J. Miller keeps getting predicted by a lot of folks, but he has yet to get in despite clear love for Silicon Valley. Jay Duplass could benefit from continued love for Transparent, the other Modern Family guys are just sitting there waiting, and the duo of Grace & Frankie might be hard to pass up (although they already have once). Then there the outliers. There is Sam Elliot who was the best part of The Ranch, the other half of Key & Peele, the newcomer Noah Galvin (who probably cost himself some votes with his recent rants), Jaime Camill, Laurence Fishburne, David Alan Grier, and the guys from SNL, WHAS, and Life in Pieces.

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions
Julie Bowen "Modern Family"
Anna Chlumsky "Veep"
Gaby Hoffman "Transparent"
Allison Janney "Mom"
Jane Krakowski "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live"

Other Contenders - Mayim Bialik "The Big Bang Theory", Judith Light "Transparent, Niecy Nash "Getting On, Amy Landecker "Transparent", Bernadette Peters "Mozart in the Jungle", Noel Wells "Master of None", Carol Kane "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", Sofia Vergara "Modern Family", Frances Conroy "Casual", Tar Lynne Barr "Casual", Kether Donohue "You're the Worst", Mary Steenburgen "The Last Man on Earth", Kristen Schaal "The Last Man On Earth", Zoe Lister-Jones "Life in Pieces", Betsy Brandt "Life in Pieces", Cecily Strong "Saturday Night Live", Aidy Bryant "Saturday Night Live", Leslie Jones "Saturday Night Live", Amy Poehler "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp", Kristen Wiig "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp", Martha Kelly "Baskets", Chelsea Peretti "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", Loretta Devine "The Carmichael Show", Eden Sher "The Middle", Melanie Lynskey "Togetherness", Amanda Peet "Togetherness", Christina Hendricks "Another Period", Lea Michele "Scream Queens", Debra Winger "The Ranch", Hilary Duff "Younger", Debi Mazar "Younger"

Commentary - What happens when last year's results ended in an eight-way tie, and all eight women are returning? I'll tell you what happens, a freaking mess. I love all eight ladies, and I don't know how the Emmy voters choose, but my guess is that there is no way another eight-way tie happens again. I think that Mayim Bialik is vulnerable as The Big Bang Theory took such a deep slide last year. Also, I think that the Niecy Nash nomination last year was one of my favorite nominations, and this year I honestly think she was the best of the bunch. But that seemed like a fluke, as Getting On was such a small show, I don't know if she can get in again. Finally, Judith Light is getting a lot of folks to rally behind her, but last year they picked Gaby Hoffman instead. I have no reason to think that they will change their minds. These are the nine I think have the best shot, but they are not the only ones. Bernadette Peters is beloved, Noel Wells is a breakthrough, Carol Kane is hilarious (and a a legend), and Sofia Vergara could pop back in at any time. The Casual duo is not to be discounted, neither are the dynamic duos of The Last Man on Earth, Togetherness, or Life in Pieces. Kate McKinnon feels safe, but what about the other SNL ladies? What about the Emmy favorites of Wet Hot American Summer, or Martha Kelly, or so many others? This race is one of those that there are too many people to count, so look for surprises, because anything could happen.

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

2016 Nomination Predictions
Beau Bridges "Bloodline"
Reg E. Cathey "House of Cards"
Josh Charles "The Good Wife"
Michael J. Fox "The Good Wife"
Blair Underwood "The Good Wife"
Max Von Sydow "Game of Thrones"

Other Contenders - Pablo Schreiber "Orange is the New Black", BD Wong "Mr. Robot", Reed Birney "House of Cards", Jussie Smollett "Underground", John Carroll Lynch "The Walking Dead", Jeffrey Dean Morgan "The Walking Dead", Tom Hardy "Peaky Blinders", Mark Margolis "The Affair", David Strathairn "House of Cards", Richard Armitage "Hannibal", Denis O'Hare "The Good Wife", Hank Azaria "Ray Donovan", John Cameron Mitchell "Vinyl", Brian Stokes Mitchell "Mr. Robot", Paul Sparks "House of Cards", Teddy Sears "Masters of Sex"

Commentary - The legendary Max von Sydow and Game of Thrones? I would be surprised if that combination didn't equal Emmy nomination. The Good Wife has a trifecta of contenders, and while it may seem crazy that all three get in, I honestly see it happening. Reg E. Cathey won last year, and Beau Bridges gets at least one Emmy nod a year these days. That leaves Pablo Schreiber, a nominee last year on the outside, and Critics Choice nominee BD Wong, a nomination that could signal down the ballot strength for Mr. Robot. The Walking Dead duo has gotten a lot of press, but this show has never done well with Emmy voters. The rest of contenders feel like outside shots, except for maybe Ton Hardy, Mark Margolis, and Reed Birney.

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

2016 Nomination Predictions
Ellen Burstyn "House of Cards"
Allison Janney "Masters of Sex"
Margo Martindale "The Americans"
Laurie Metcalf "Horace & Pete"
Carrie Preston "The Good Wife"
Cicely Tyson "How to Get Away With Murder"

Other Contenders - Stockard Channing "The Good Wife", Annet Mahendru "The Americans", Cherry Jones "Mercy Street", Cynthia Nixon "The Affair", Sarah Silverman "Masters of Sex", Patti LuPone "Penny Dreadful", Kathleen Turner "The Path", Marisa Tomei "Empire", Mary Steenburgen "Orange is the New Black", Natasha Lyonne "Orange is the New Black", Mare Winningham "The Affair", Whoopi Goldberg "Law & Order: SVU", Molly Parker "House of Cards", Christine Lahti "The Blacklist", Debbie Allen "Grey's Anatomy", Rita Moreno "Grey's Anatomy", Constance Zimmer "House of Cards"

Commentary - Ellen Burstyn is an Emmy legend, and she returns to probably both guest acting categories, this time for House of Cards. I also think that her television daughter on Mom Allison Janney will return for her Emmy-winning role on Masters of Sex. Margo Martindale won here last year for The Americans infuriating a lot of folks because it was essentially a cameo. That doesn't mean though that Emmy voters are shamed enough to not nominate her again. I also think that previous winner Carrie Preston will return, and that last year's nominee Cicely Tyson will be a favorite of voters as well. Finally, I didn't really like Horace & Pete that much, but I will admit that Laurie Metcalf is great, and she is a favorite among Emmy voters. Right on the outside is Stockard Channing (if The Good Wife is still beloved by actors), Annet Mahendru (if voters are finally paying attention to The Americans), and Emmy winners Cynthia Nixon, Cherry Jones, and Sarah Silverman. Kathleen Turner, Marisa Tomei, Mare Winnigham, Whoopi Goldberg, Christine Lahti, Rita Moreno, and Debbie Allen are veterans, which usually do well here. Finally, there are the two Orange is the New Black girls (who did really well when they were in Comedy and Guest), and the House of Cards pair, particularly Constance Zimmer.

2016 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Reality-Competition Program and Reality Host

Best Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race
Dancing With the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance?
Top Chef
The Voice

Other Contenders - RuPaul's Drag Race, Beat Bobby Flay, Survivor, American Idol, Big Brother, America's Got Talent, Hollywood Game Night, Chopped, Celebrity Family Feud, The Price is Right: Survivor, Face Off, Cutthroat Kitchen

Commentary - Same six as last year. Something has to prove me wrong to change.

Best Reality Host
Tom Bergeron "Dancing With the Stars"
Carson Daly "The Voice"
Cat Deeley "So You Think You Can Dance?"
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn "Project Runway"
Jane Lynch "Hollywood Game Night"

Other Contenders - Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio "Top Chef", Jeff Probst "Surivior", Julie Chen "Big Brother", RuPaul Charles "RuPaul's Drag Race", Bobby Flay "Beat Bobby Flay", Ted Allen "Chopped", Guy Fieri "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives", Steve Harvey "Celebrity Family Feud", Ryan Seacrest "American Idol"

Commentary - One slot open from Bourdain. I would like to think that RuPaul chould get in, but I think this is either the return for the Top Chef duo or Probst, or Daly finally gets in for a show the voters clearly like.

The 8th Annual Awards Psychic Halfway Awards

Eight years. I cannot believe it has been eight years, and yet here we are. The first half of 2016 has given us some interesting choices, and here are the nominees:

Best Picture
A Bigger Splash
Captain America: Civil War
Deadpool
Everybody Wants Some!!
Eye in the Sky
Finding Dory
Maggie's Plan
The Lobster
Midnight Special
The Witch
Zootopia

Best Director
Robert Eggers "The Witch"
Luca Guadagnino "A Bigger Splash"
Yorgos Lanthimos "The Lobster"
Richard Linklater "Everybody Wants Some!!"
Rebecca Miller "Maggie's Plan"
Tim Miller "Deadpool"
Jeff Nichols "Midnight Special"
Jeremy Saulnier "Green Room"
Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane "Finding Dory"

Best Actor
Don Cheadle "Miles Ahead"
Russell Crowe "The Nice Guys"
Chris Evans "Captain America: Civil War"
Colin Farrell "The Lobster"
Ryan Gosling "The Nice Guys"
Ethan Hawke "Born to Be Blue"
Blake Jenner "Everybody Wants Some!!"
Ryan Reynolds "Deadpool"
Michael Shannon "Midnight Special"

Best Actress
Ellen DeGeneres "Finding Dory"
Sally Field "Hello, My Name is Doris"
Greta Gerwig "Maggie's Plan"
Helen Mirren "Eye in the Sky"
Susan Sarandon "The Meddler"
Tilda Swinton "A Bigger Splash"
Anya Taylor-Joy "The Witch"
Mary Elizabeth Winstead "10 Cloverfield Lane"

Best Supporting Actor
Adam Driver "Midnight Special"
Joel Edgerton "Midnight Special"
Ralph Fiennes "A Bigger Splash"
John Goodman "10 Cloverfield Lane"
Jaeden Lieberher "Midnight Special"
Ed O'Neill "Finding Dory"
Alan Rickman "Eye in the Sky"

Best Supporting Actress
Kirsten Dunst "Midnight Special"
Frances McDormand "Hail, Caesar!"
Julianne Moore "Maggie's Plan"
Kristen Stewart "Cafe Society"
Tilda Swinton "Hail, Caesar!"
Rachel Weisz "The Lobster"

Best Screenplay
David Kajganich and Alain Page "A Bigger Splash"
Richard Linklater "Everybody Wants Some!!"
Guy Hibbert "Eye in the Sky"
Andrew Stanton, Victoria Strouse, Bob Peterson, & Angus MacLane "Finding Dory"
Yorgos Lanthimos & Efthymis Filippou "The Lobster"
Rebecca Miller & Karen Rinaldi "Maggie's Plan"
Jeff Nichols "Midnight Special"
Robert Eggers "The Witch"
Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush, Jim Reardon, Josie Trinidad, Phil Johnston, and Jennifer Lee "Zootopia"

Best Animated Feature
Finding Dory
Kung Fu Panda 3
Zootopia

Best Ensemble
A Bigger Splash
Everybody Wants Some!!
Eye in the Sky
Finding Nemo
Hail, Caesar!
Maggie's Plan
Midnight Special
Zootopia