Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Trailers for Fences and 20th Century Women
Two of this year's biggest contenders recently premiered trailers, both of which look incredible promising. Check out the trailers for 20th Century Women and Fences:
Saturday, September 24, 2016
The Oscar Narrative: Post Festival Predictions - Best Original Screenplay
Post Festival Predictions
Mike Mills "20th Century Women"
Damien Chazelle "La La Land"
Jeff Nichols "Loving"
Kenneth Lonergan "Manchester By the Sea"
Barry Jenkins and Tarell McCraney "Moonlight"
Other Contenders - Noah Oppenheim "Jackie", Jon Spaihts "Passengers", Jean McGianni and Nate Parker "The Birth of a Nation", Nicholas Martin "Florence Foster Jenkins", Allan Loeb "Collateral Beauty", Taylor Sheridan "Hell or High Water", Steven Knight "Allied", Joel & Ethan Coen "Hail, Caesar!", Efthymis Filippou and Yorgos Lanthimos "The Lobster", Robert D. Siegel "The Founder", Chad Hartigan "Morris From America", Woody Allen "Cafe Society", Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush, Jim Reardon, Josie Trinidad, Phil Johnston, and Jennifer Lee "Zootopia", Richard Linklater "Everybody Wants Some!!", Jonathan Perera "Miss Sloane", Andrea Arnold "American Honey", Jim Jarmusch "Paterson", Warren Beatty and Bo Goldman "Rules Don't Apply", Patrick Massett and John Zinman "Gold", Jeff Nichols "Midnight Special", Richard Tanne "Southside With You", Pedro Almodovar "Julieta", Guy Hibbert "Eye in the Sky", Asghar Farhadi "The Salesman", Ron Clements and John Musker "Moana", Matt Ross "Captain Fantastic"
Commentary - This race is so much deeper than its adapted counterpart, that there could probably be ten nominees. La La Land, Manchester By the Sea, and Moonlight all seem like safe bets right now, after their triumphant festival runs. Jeff Nichols has two entries this year, and is overdue for a screenplay nomination. I bet that Loving is the best bet of the two. Finally, 20th Century Women will premiere at the New York Film Festival, and buzz is strong. These are my top five, but like I said there are so many others. Jackie came in unaware at Toronto and is now a strong contender across the board. Passengers' buzz is dying, and I have no idea why, as it is still a huge contender. Florence Foster Jenkins, Hell or High Water, and The Lobster all have a lot of potential. Allies, Collateral Beauty, Rules Don't Apply, Miss Sloane, and Gold are still unknown, but strong entities. There are some comedies in the mix like Everybody Wants Some!!, Cafe Society, Hail, Caesar, and Morris From America that are strong, as are the animated contenders of Zootopia and Moana. Finally, don't discount previous nominees/winners Pedro Almodovar and Asghar Farhadi, as well as Southside With You, Captain Fantastic, The Founder, Paterson, American Honey, and Eye in Sky.
Mike Mills "20th Century Women"
Damien Chazelle "La La Land"
Jeff Nichols "Loving"
Kenneth Lonergan "Manchester By the Sea"
Barry Jenkins and Tarell McCraney "Moonlight"
Other Contenders - Noah Oppenheim "Jackie", Jon Spaihts "Passengers", Jean McGianni and Nate Parker "The Birth of a Nation", Nicholas Martin "Florence Foster Jenkins", Allan Loeb "Collateral Beauty", Taylor Sheridan "Hell or High Water", Steven Knight "Allied", Joel & Ethan Coen "Hail, Caesar!", Efthymis Filippou and Yorgos Lanthimos "The Lobster", Robert D. Siegel "The Founder", Chad Hartigan "Morris From America", Woody Allen "Cafe Society", Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush, Jim Reardon, Josie Trinidad, Phil Johnston, and Jennifer Lee "Zootopia", Richard Linklater "Everybody Wants Some!!", Jonathan Perera "Miss Sloane", Andrea Arnold "American Honey", Jim Jarmusch "Paterson", Warren Beatty and Bo Goldman "Rules Don't Apply", Patrick Massett and John Zinman "Gold", Jeff Nichols "Midnight Special", Richard Tanne "Southside With You", Pedro Almodovar "Julieta", Guy Hibbert "Eye in the Sky", Asghar Farhadi "The Salesman", Ron Clements and John Musker "Moana", Matt Ross "Captain Fantastic"
Commentary - This race is so much deeper than its adapted counterpart, that there could probably be ten nominees. La La Land, Manchester By the Sea, and Moonlight all seem like safe bets right now, after their triumphant festival runs. Jeff Nichols has two entries this year, and is overdue for a screenplay nomination. I bet that Loving is the best bet of the two. Finally, 20th Century Women will premiere at the New York Film Festival, and buzz is strong. These are my top five, but like I said there are so many others. Jackie came in unaware at Toronto and is now a strong contender across the board. Passengers' buzz is dying, and I have no idea why, as it is still a huge contender. Florence Foster Jenkins, Hell or High Water, and The Lobster all have a lot of potential. Allies, Collateral Beauty, Rules Don't Apply, Miss Sloane, and Gold are still unknown, but strong entities. There are some comedies in the mix like Everybody Wants Some!!, Cafe Society, Hail, Caesar, and Morris From America that are strong, as are the animated contenders of Zootopia and Moana. Finally, don't discount previous nominees/winners Pedro Almodovar and Asghar Farhadi, as well as Southside With You, Captain Fantastic, The Founder, Paterson, American Honey, and Eye in Sky.
Friday, September 23, 2016
The Oscar Narrative: Post Festival Predictions - Best Adapted Screenplay
Post Festival Predictions
Jean-Christophe Castelli "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk"
August Wilson "Fences"
Luke Davies "Lion"
Ben Affleck "Live By Night"
Jay Cocks "Silence"
Other Contenders - Tom Komarnicki "Sully", Theodore Melfi and Allison Schroeder "Hidden Figures", Tom Ford "Noctural Animals", Eric Heisserer "Arrival", Erin Cressida Wilson "The Girl on the Train", James Schamus "Indignation", Whit Stilman "Love & Friendship", Laura Terroso and Michael Showalter "Hello, My Name is Doris", Derek Cianfrance "The Light Between Oceans", David Hare "Denial", Kelly Reichardt "Certain Women", J.K. Rowling "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", David Birke "Elle", William Wheeler "Queen of Katwe", Xavier Dolan "It's Only the End of the World", Chris Weitz, Tony Gilroy, John Knoll and Gary Whitta "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", Andrew Stanton, Victoria Strouse, Bob Peterson, and Angus MacLane "Finding Dory", David Kajganich "A Bigger Splash", Jane Goldman "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children", Marc Haimes, Chris Butler, and Shannon Tindle "Kubo and the Two Strings"
Commentary - Lion has entered the Oscar race after the Fall festivals, with great reviews and Weinstein (albeit a bit trimmed down Weinstein) hoping to ride its sentimental story to Oscar glory. August Wilson could win a posthumous Oscar for Fences, if the film adaptation is as successful as the Broadway revival. Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk is my most anticipated of the season, and if Castelli can capture the spirit of Ben Fountain's great novel. Silence is an unknown, but it is probably not smart to bet against Martin Scorsese, who brought even The Wolf of Wall Street, with such a last minute premiere, to Oscar glory. Finally, I think that Live By Night will make the 2016 cut, and it is not best to doubt a Ben Affleck film. Beyond those five, this race is surprisingly thin. Sully is doing great box office, is well-liked among critics and audiences, and will play really well with the older voters of the Academy. Hidden Figures and Queen of Katwe are possibilities, but they might be a bit too pedestrian for the writing branch. Love & Friendship is such a small contender, as is Hello, My Name is Doris and Certain Women . The Light Between Oceans was kind of a bomb, Denial has mixed reactions, and we still don't know how Arrival will do (although probably not well with writers). The Girl on the Train could be Gone Girl, which doesn't help it here, and the rest are big kahunas and blockbusters that typically don't do well with the writing branch.
Jean-Christophe Castelli "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk"
August Wilson "Fences"
Luke Davies "Lion"
Ben Affleck "Live By Night"
Jay Cocks "Silence"
Other Contenders - Tom Komarnicki "Sully", Theodore Melfi and Allison Schroeder "Hidden Figures", Tom Ford "Noctural Animals", Eric Heisserer "Arrival", Erin Cressida Wilson "The Girl on the Train", James Schamus "Indignation", Whit Stilman "Love & Friendship", Laura Terroso and Michael Showalter "Hello, My Name is Doris", Derek Cianfrance "The Light Between Oceans", David Hare "Denial", Kelly Reichardt "Certain Women", J.K. Rowling "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", David Birke "Elle", William Wheeler "Queen of Katwe", Xavier Dolan "It's Only the End of the World", Chris Weitz, Tony Gilroy, John Knoll and Gary Whitta "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", Andrew Stanton, Victoria Strouse, Bob Peterson, and Angus MacLane "Finding Dory", David Kajganich "A Bigger Splash", Jane Goldman "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children", Marc Haimes, Chris Butler, and Shannon Tindle "Kubo and the Two Strings"
Commentary - Lion has entered the Oscar race after the Fall festivals, with great reviews and Weinstein (albeit a bit trimmed down Weinstein) hoping to ride its sentimental story to Oscar glory. August Wilson could win a posthumous Oscar for Fences, if the film adaptation is as successful as the Broadway revival. Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk is my most anticipated of the season, and if Castelli can capture the spirit of Ben Fountain's great novel. Silence is an unknown, but it is probably not smart to bet against Martin Scorsese, who brought even The Wolf of Wall Street, with such a last minute premiere, to Oscar glory. Finally, I think that Live By Night will make the 2016 cut, and it is not best to doubt a Ben Affleck film. Beyond those five, this race is surprisingly thin. Sully is doing great box office, is well-liked among critics and audiences, and will play really well with the older voters of the Academy. Hidden Figures and Queen of Katwe are possibilities, but they might be a bit too pedestrian for the writing branch. Love & Friendship is such a small contender, as is Hello, My Name is Doris and Certain Women . The Light Between Oceans was kind of a bomb, Denial has mixed reactions, and we still don't know how Arrival will do (although probably not well with writers). The Girl on the Train could be Gone Girl, which doesn't help it here, and the rest are big kahunas and blockbusters that typically don't do well with the writing branch.
Monday, September 19, 2016
2016 Emmys: The Good and The Bad
Here are my final thoughts on this Emmy Season:
The Good
The new plurality voting system meant that while there were some repeat winners, that there were also some great surprises that showed that a passionate fan base can propel unlikely winners to surprise victories. So you had some big shockers like Louie Anderson, Tatiana Maslany, and Ben Mendelsohn. These are performances that made the nomination cut despite real lack of support across the board for their shows, and used that same passion to get them surprise Emmys. Kate McKinnon was a bit of a surprise as Allison Janney looked to continue her dominance. But her win, while so deserving wasn't that shocking as her star power shot upward this year due to SNL and Ghostbusters. I was so thrilled to see the trio of O.J Simpson stars win, particularly the fantastic Sarah Paulson, who is finally, FINALLY, an Emmy winner. I was happy to see Amy Poehler finally win an Emmy, RuPaul getting a surprise win, and Peter Scolari overcoming missing the cut the first time to win for a great role on Girls. I also enjoyed the ceremony, with Kimmel doing a great job, and with them moving along at a nice clip, ending at exactly 11 as planned. For someone with a long week ahead, it is nice when they end as promised.
The Bad
The damn Emmys cannot make up their minds about the stupid clip packages, and it makes it seem like some categories are more important than others. Either do it for all of them, or do it for none of them, but stick with one or the other. Also, some of the repeat winners bothered me. I think Transparent is a great and important show, but it is not a comedy, and it bothers me when funnier shows or performances are getting passed over in comedy categories for a glorified drama. Also, while I liked the surprises this year, episodes need to either matter or they don't need to matter, but year after year they keep tweaking. Part of me loves the fact that they recognize problems and try to fix them, but after a while it feels like their shooting in the dark hoping to land on a system that really works.
This has been an interesting season for me, and I want to take a moment to apologize. With my summer session of grad school, and my library's summer reading program, I have not been as committed to this season, which is probably why I don't have as much to say. But I promise to pull it together for Oscar season, which begins after tonight (at least officially without Emmy interruption). Thank you all for sticking by me through everything, and I hope you are as excited about Oscar season as I am.
The Good
The new plurality voting system meant that while there were some repeat winners, that there were also some great surprises that showed that a passionate fan base can propel unlikely winners to surprise victories. So you had some big shockers like Louie Anderson, Tatiana Maslany, and Ben Mendelsohn. These are performances that made the nomination cut despite real lack of support across the board for their shows, and used that same passion to get them surprise Emmys. Kate McKinnon was a bit of a surprise as Allison Janney looked to continue her dominance. But her win, while so deserving wasn't that shocking as her star power shot upward this year due to SNL and Ghostbusters. I was so thrilled to see the trio of O.J Simpson stars win, particularly the fantastic Sarah Paulson, who is finally, FINALLY, an Emmy winner. I was happy to see Amy Poehler finally win an Emmy, RuPaul getting a surprise win, and Peter Scolari overcoming missing the cut the first time to win for a great role on Girls. I also enjoyed the ceremony, with Kimmel doing a great job, and with them moving along at a nice clip, ending at exactly 11 as planned. For someone with a long week ahead, it is nice when they end as promised.
The Bad
The damn Emmys cannot make up their minds about the stupid clip packages, and it makes it seem like some categories are more important than others. Either do it for all of them, or do it for none of them, but stick with one or the other. Also, some of the repeat winners bothered me. I think Transparent is a great and important show, but it is not a comedy, and it bothers me when funnier shows or performances are getting passed over in comedy categories for a glorified drama. Also, while I liked the surprises this year, episodes need to either matter or they don't need to matter, but year after year they keep tweaking. Part of me loves the fact that they recognize problems and try to fix them, but after a while it feels like their shooting in the dark hoping to land on a system that really works.
This has been an interesting season for me, and I want to take a moment to apologize. With my summer session of grad school, and my library's summer reading program, I have not been as committed to this season, which is probably why I don't have as much to say. But I promise to pull it together for Oscar season, which begins after tonight (at least officially without Emmy interruption). Thank you all for sticking by me through everything, and I hope you are as excited about Oscar season as I am.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
The 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
I will update the winners live, enjoy the show!!
Best Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Comedy Series - Veep
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Rami Malek "Mr. Robot"
Best Actress in a Drama Series - Tatiana Maslany "Orphan Black"
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 - Ben Mendelsohn "Bloodline"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Louie Anderson "Baskets"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live"
Best Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best TV Movie - Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Courtney B. Vance "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Sarah Paulson "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Sterling K. Brown "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Regina King "American Crime"
Best Directing in a Drama Series - Miguel Sapochnik "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Best Writing in a Drama Series - David Benioff and D.B. Weiss "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Best Directing in a Comedy Series - Jill Soloway "Transparent - Man on the Land"
Best Writing in a Comedy Series - Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang "Master of None - Parents"
Best Directing for a TV Movie/Limited Series - Susanne Bier "The Night Manager"
Best Writing in a TV Movie/Limited Series - D.V. DeVincentis "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story - Marcia, Marcia, Marcia"
Best Reality-Competition Program - The Voice
Best Variety Talk Series - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Variety Sketch Series - Key and Peele
Best Directing in a Variety Special - Thomas Kail and Alex Rudzinski "Grease: Live"
Best Writing in a Variety Special - Patton Oswalt "Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping"
Best Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Comedy Series - Veep
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Rami Malek "Mr. Robot"
Best Actress in a Drama Series - Tatiana Maslany "Orphan Black"
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 - Ben Mendelsohn "Bloodline"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Louie Anderson "Baskets"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live"
Best Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best TV Movie - Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Courtney B. Vance "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Sarah Paulson "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Sterling K. Brown "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Regina King "American Crime"
Best Directing in a Drama Series - Miguel Sapochnik "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Best Writing in a Drama Series - David Benioff and D.B. Weiss "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Best Directing in a Comedy Series - Jill Soloway "Transparent - Man on the Land"
Best Writing in a Comedy Series - Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang "Master of None - Parents"
Best Directing for a TV Movie/Limited Series - Susanne Bier "The Night Manager"
Best Writing in a TV Movie/Limited Series - D.V. DeVincentis "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story - Marcia, Marcia, Marcia"
Best Reality-Competition Program - The Voice
Best Variety Talk Series - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Variety Sketch Series - Key and Peele
Best Directing in a Variety Special - Thomas Kail and Alex Rudzinski "Grease: Live"
Best Writing in a Variety Special - Patton Oswalt "Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping"
Saturday, September 17, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Final List
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 - Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Tony Hale "Veep"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Allison Janney "Mom"
Best TV Movie - All the Way
Best Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series - Courtney B. Vance "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Actress in a TV Movie or Limited Series - Sarah Paulson "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series - Sterling K. Brown "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Jean Smart "Fargo"
Best Variety Talk Series - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Variety Sketch Series - Inside Amy Schumer
Best Reality-Competition Series - The Voice
Best Directing in a Drama Series - Game of Thrones - Battle of Bastards
Best Writing in a Drama Series - Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards
Best Directing in a Comedy Series - Transparent - Man on the Land
Best Writing in a Comedy Series - Veep - Mother
Best Directing in a TV Movie/Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story - The Race Card
Best Writing in a TV Movie/Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story - From the Ashes of Tragedy
Best Directing in a Variety Special - Grease: Live
Best Writing in a Variety Special - Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo
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 - Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Tony Hale "Veep"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Allison Janney "Mom"
Best TV Movie - All the Way
Best Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series - Courtney B. Vance "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Actress in a TV Movie or Limited Series - Sarah Paulson "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series - Sterling K. Brown "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series - Jean Smart "Fargo"
Best Variety Talk Series - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Variety Sketch Series - Inside Amy Schumer
Best Reality-Competition Series - The Voice
Best Directing in a Drama Series - Game of Thrones - Battle of Bastards
Best Writing in a Drama Series - Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards
Best Directing in a Comedy Series - Transparent - Man on the Land
Best Writing in a Comedy Series - Veep - Mother
Best Directing in a TV Movie/Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story - The Race Card
Best Writing in a TV Movie/Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story - From the Ashes of Tragedy
Best Directing in a Variety Special - Grease: Live
Best Writing in a Variety Special - Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo
Friday, September 16, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Drama Series
Will Win - Game of Thrones
Could Win - The Americans or Mr. Robot
Should Win - The Americans or Game of Thrones
Commentary - Game of Thrones had another monster of a season, cracking ratings, upping the game, and thoroughly engaged the viewers. They also were a smash at the Creative Arts Emmys racking up nine wins. It also upped its acting nominations, and will probably break its own record for total Emmy wins for one program in a single year. If anyone can take down the Emmy Goliath, I actually think it is the Emmy David. Mr. Robot had a shot, but it did not do as well across the board as I thought. In comparison, The Americans vastly over-performed and after being virtually ignored for three years, exploded onto the scene, claiming nominations in the top three Drama slots. I don't think it will happen, not in the populist system of voting that has taken over the second round. But it would be a spectacular upset to see.
Could Win - The Americans or Mr. Robot
Should Win - The Americans or Game of Thrones
Commentary - Game of Thrones had another monster of a season, cracking ratings, upping the game, and thoroughly engaged the viewers. They also were a smash at the Creative Arts Emmys racking up nine wins. It also upped its acting nominations, and will probably break its own record for total Emmy wins for one program in a single year. If anyone can take down the Emmy Goliath, I actually think it is the Emmy David. Mr. Robot had a shot, but it did not do as well across the board as I thought. In comparison, The Americans vastly over-performed and after being virtually ignored for three years, exploded onto the scene, claiming nominations in the top three Drama slots. I don't think it will happen, not in the populist system of voting that has taken over the second round. But it would be a spectacular upset to see.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Comedy Series
Will Win - Veep
Could Win - Transparent, black-ish, or Silicon Valley
Should Win - black-ish
Commentary - Damn, Veep could have coasted here. It was probably going to win for at least a half-decent season, but that wasn't good enough. Veep had to go and survive the dreaded showrunner change, and knock it out of the damn park. I really don't see anything else winning, and Emmy voters are making a great choice. If something were to magically happen and someone else wins, I think it's between three shows .Transparent is an important show, Silicon Valley has all the key nods and HBO behind it, and black-ish is the hit of the Emmy season, and the best of the bunch. But Veep will take this, without much of a fight.
Could Win - Transparent, black-ish, or Silicon Valley
Should Win - black-ish
Commentary - Damn, Veep could have coasted here. It was probably going to win for at least a half-decent season, but that wasn't good enough. Veep had to go and survive the dreaded showrunner change, and knock it out of the damn park. I really don't see anything else winning, and Emmy voters are making a great choice. If something were to magically happen and someone else wins, I think it's between three shows .Transparent is an important show, Silicon Valley has all the key nods and HBO behind it, and black-ish is the hit of the Emmy season, and the best of the bunch. But Veep will take this, without much of a fight.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
2016 Emmy Prediction: Best Actor in a Drama Series
Will Win - Kevin Spacey "House of Cards"
Could Win - Rami Malek "Mr. Robot"
Should Win - Either of them
Commentary - I like the race that is brewing in this category, and I feel like either way they go, they are rewarding something great. First, you have the newcomer Rami Malek. In the old tapes system, his subtlety would have doomed him. But as populism takes over, the smash hit that is Mr. Robot, and him in the lead could lead him to a well-deserved Emmy win. Then there is Kevin Spacey. He is the two-time Oscar winning legend, who has created an iconic television character in Frank Underwood, but has had to sit and wait his turn with Bryan Cranston and Jon Hamm soaked up their glory. It is his turn at the podium. This is an interesting race, and honestly, who wins might tells us more about how voting has changed, and how the membership of the Academy has changed as well. I am sticking with the better tape in Spacey (at least the more obvious tape, which usually helps), the movie star status, and his seemingly beloved status among his peers (look no further than his SAG wins). Furthermore, House of Cards is clearly beloved by the acting branch as it earned seven nominations versus only one for Mr. Robot. In a close race, I pick the safer choice, and say that Kevin Spacey will finally be an Emmy winner.
Could Win - Rami Malek "Mr. Robot"
Should Win - Either of them
Commentary - I like the race that is brewing in this category, and I feel like either way they go, they are rewarding something great. First, you have the newcomer Rami Malek. In the old tapes system, his subtlety would have doomed him. But as populism takes over, the smash hit that is Mr. Robot, and him in the lead could lead him to a well-deserved Emmy win. Then there is Kevin Spacey. He is the two-time Oscar winning legend, who has created an iconic television character in Frank Underwood, but has had to sit and wait his turn with Bryan Cranston and Jon Hamm soaked up their glory. It is his turn at the podium. This is an interesting race, and honestly, who wins might tells us more about how voting has changed, and how the membership of the Academy has changed as well. I am sticking with the better tape in Spacey (at least the more obvious tape, which usually helps), the movie star status, and his seemingly beloved status among his peers (look no further than his SAG wins). Furthermore, House of Cards is clearly beloved by the acting branch as it earned seven nominations versus only one for Mr. Robot. In a close race, I pick the safer choice, and say that Kevin Spacey will finally be an Emmy winner.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Actress in a Drama Series
Will Win - Viola Davis "How to Get Away With Murder"
Could Win - Robin Wright "House of Cards" or Keri Russell "The Americans"
Should Win - Keri Russell "The Americans"
Commentary - Robin Wright has had episode after episode after episode worthy of an Emmy, and has yet to win, even in the first two seasons when episodes were king. I think that once again, she has a incredible shot of winning an Emmy, and yet once again, I think that she is just going to miss the mark. Keri Russell finally got an Emmy nomination, and with the sudden explosion of The Americans, she might actually be a dark horse. But after her magnificent speech last year, her history-making turn, her continued success at SAG, and her dominant performance, I think that Viola Davis wins again. She is just one of those actresses that has the utmost respect of the acting community. I think it propels her to another well-deserved honor.
Could Win - Robin Wright "House of Cards" or Keri Russell "The Americans"
Should Win - Keri Russell "The Americans"
Commentary - Robin Wright has had episode after episode after episode worthy of an Emmy, and has yet to win, even in the first two seasons when episodes were king. I think that once again, she has a incredible shot of winning an Emmy, and yet once again, I think that she is just going to miss the mark. Keri Russell finally got an Emmy nomination, and with the sudden explosion of The Americans, she might actually be a dark horse. But after her magnificent speech last year, her history-making turn, her continued success at SAG, and her dominant performance, I think that Viola Davis wins again. She is just one of those actresses that has the utmost respect of the acting community. I think it propels her to another well-deserved honor.
Monday, September 12, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Jeffrey Tambor "Transparent"
Could Win - Anthony Anderson "black-ish" or Aziz Ansari "Master of None"
Should Win - Anthony Anderson "black-ish"
Commentary - After decades of waiting, Jeffrey Tambor finally won an Emmy for his impeccable performance on Transparent. I think he is going to win a couple more, because once voters get on a roll, they tend to stick on it. That being said, watch out for Anthony Anderson and Aziz Ansari. Both their shows got Comedy Series nominations, both are clearly well-liked across the board, and both are actually funny. Tambor's not really funny, he's not really supposed to be, as Transparent is more of a drama than a comedy. So if voters are looking for a more comedic alternative, there are two great options.
Could Win - Anthony Anderson "black-ish" or Aziz Ansari "Master of None"
Should Win - Anthony Anderson "black-ish"
Commentary - After decades of waiting, Jeffrey Tambor finally won an Emmy for his impeccable performance on Transparent. I think he is going to win a couple more, because once voters get on a roll, they tend to stick on it. That being said, watch out for Anthony Anderson and Aziz Ansari. Both their shows got Comedy Series nominations, both are clearly well-liked across the board, and both are actually funny. Tambor's not really funny, he's not really supposed to be, as Transparent is more of a drama than a comedy. So if voters are looking for a more comedic alternative, there are two great options.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
2016 Creative Arts Emmys: Part II
He we go again!:
Best Structured Reality Series - Shark Tank
Best Unstructured Reality Series - Born This Way
Best Reality Host - RuPaul Charles "RuPaul's Drag Race"
Best Special Class Program - Grease Live!
Best Variety Special - The Late Late Show Carpool Karaoke Prime Time Special
Best Voice-Over Performance - Seth MacFarlane "Family Guy"
Best Animated Program - Archer
Best Short-Form Animated Program - Robot Chicken
Best Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - Children's Hospital
Best Short Form Variety Series - Park Bench with Steve Buscemi
Best Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series - Inside Look: The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - Rob Corddry "Children's Hospital"
Best Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - Patrika Darbo "Acting Dead"
Best Directing in a Variety Series - Ryan McFaul "Inside Amy Schumer - Madonna/Whore"
Best Writing in a Variety Series - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Directing in a Nonfiction Series - Making a Murder
Best Writing in a Nonfiction Program - Making a Murder
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series - Making a Murderer
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special - What Happened, Miss Simone?
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking - (TIE) Cartel Land and Jim: The James Foley Story
Best Informational Series or Special - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Best Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program - Cartel Land
Best Cinematography for a Reality Program - Life Below Zero
Best Choreography - (TIE) America's Best Dance Crew and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Best Costumes for a Variety, Reality, or Nonfiction Program - The Wiz Live!
Best Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program - Project Greenlight
Best Picture Editing for a Structured or Competition Reality Program - Who Do You Think You Are?
Best Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program - Making a Murderer
Best Picture Editing for a Variety Program - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special - Saturday Night Live
Best Lighting Design for a Variety Series - The Voice
Best Lighting Design for a Variety Special - Grease: Live
Best Makeup Multi-Camera Series or Special - Key and Peele
Best Production Design for a Variety or Nonfiction Special - Grease: Live!
Best Production Design for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Series - Portlandia
Best Sound Editing for a Nonfiction Program - Cartel Land
Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special - Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton (Live at Lincoln Center)
Best Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program - Vice
Best Technical Direction for a Limited Series, Movie or Special - Grease: Live!
Best Technical Direction for a Series - Dancing With the Stars
Best Structured Reality Series - Shark Tank
Best Unstructured Reality Series - Born This Way
Best Reality Host - RuPaul Charles "RuPaul's Drag Race"
Best Special Class Program - Grease Live!
Best Variety Special - The Late Late Show Carpool Karaoke Prime Time Special
Best Voice-Over Performance - Seth MacFarlane "Family Guy"
Best Animated Program - Archer
Best Short-Form Animated Program - Robot Chicken
Best Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - Children's Hospital
Best Short Form Variety Series - Park Bench with Steve Buscemi
Best Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series - Inside Look: The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - Rob Corddry "Children's Hospital"
Best Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - Patrika Darbo "Acting Dead"
Best Directing in a Variety Series - Ryan McFaul "Inside Amy Schumer - Madonna/Whore"
Best Writing in a Variety Series - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Directing in a Nonfiction Series - Making a Murder
Best Writing in a Nonfiction Program - Making a Murder
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series - Making a Murderer
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special - What Happened, Miss Simone?
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking - (TIE) Cartel Land and Jim: The James Foley Story
Best Informational Series or Special - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Best Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program - Cartel Land
Best Cinematography for a Reality Program - Life Below Zero
Best Choreography - (TIE) America's Best Dance Crew and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Best Costumes for a Variety, Reality, or Nonfiction Program - The Wiz Live!
Best Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program - Project Greenlight
Best Picture Editing for a Structured or Competition Reality Program - Who Do You Think You Are?
Best Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program - Making a Murderer
Best Picture Editing for a Variety Program - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special - Saturday Night Live
Best Lighting Design for a Variety Series - The Voice
Best Lighting Design for a Variety Special - Grease: Live
Best Makeup Multi-Camera Series or Special - Key and Peele
Best Production Design for a Variety or Nonfiction Special - Grease: Live!
Best Production Design for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Series - Portlandia
Best Sound Editing for a Nonfiction Program - Cartel Land
Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special - Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton (Live at Lincoln Center)
Best Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program - Vice
Best Technical Direction for a Limited Series, Movie or Special - Grease: Live!
Best Technical Direction for a Series - Dancing With the Stars
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Could Win - Laurie Metcalf "Getting On" or Amy Schumer "Inside Amy Schumer"
Should Win - Ellie Kemper "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Commentary - One of these days Emmy voters are just going to pick someone else. The envelope will open, and instead of the usual announcement of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, another name will be called, like Laurie Metcalf (who has three nominations this year), or Amy Schumer (a big name and the writer and producer of her show). But until that happens, I am not stupid enough to actually predict it. Its Julia Louis-Dreyfus for the fifth year in a row, and as always, it is well deserved.
Could Win - Laurie Metcalf "Getting On" or Amy Schumer "Inside Amy Schumer"
Should Win - Ellie Kemper "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Commentary - One of these days Emmy voters are just going to pick someone else. The envelope will open, and instead of the usual announcement of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, another name will be called, like Laurie Metcalf (who has three nominations this year), or Amy Schumer (a big name and the writer and producer of her show). But until that happens, I am not stupid enough to actually predict it. Its Julia Louis-Dreyfus for the fifth year in a row, and as always, it is well deserved.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
2016 Creative Arts Emmy Awards: Part 1
Half presented tonight, half tomorrow, stay tuned for updated winners list:
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series - Hank Azaria "Ray Donovan"
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series - Margo Martindale "The Americans"
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series - Peter Scolari "Girls"
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series - Tina Fey and Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live"
Best Interactive Program - The Late Late Show with James Corden
Best Narrator - Keith David "Jackie Robinson"
Best Children's Program - It's Your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown!
Best Casting in a Comedy Series - Veep
Best Casting in a Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Casting in a Limited Series or TV Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series - Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn
Best Cinematography for a Single Camera Series - The Man in High Castle
Best Cinematography for a Limited Series or TV Movie - Fargo
Best Commercial - Ad Council - Love Has No Labels
Best Costumes for a Contemporary Series - American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Costumes for a Period or Fantasy Series - Game of Thrones
Best Picture Editing for a Single-Camera Comedy - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Best Picture Editing for a Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Picture Editing for a Limited Series or TV Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Picture Editing for a Multi-Camera Comedy Series - The Big Bang Theory
Best Hairstyling for a Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Hairstyling for a Single Camera Series - Downton Abbey
Best Makeup for Limited Series - American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Makeup for Single Camera Series - Game of Thrones
Best Prosthetic Makeup - Game of Thrones
Best Main Title Music - Jessica Jones
Best Main Title Design - The Man in the High Castle
Best Music Direction - Danny Elfman "Danny Elfman's Music From The Films Of Tim Burton (Live From Lincoln Center)"
Best Music Composition for a Limited Series or TV Movie - The Night Manager
Best Music Composition for a Series - Mr. Robot
Best Music and Lyrics - Dianne Warren "Til It Happens to You" from "The Hunting Ground"
Best Production Design for a Half-Hour Series - Transparent
Best Production Design for a Contemporary or Fantasy Series - Game of Thrones
Best Production Design for a Period Series - Downton Abbey
Best Sound Editing for a Series - Black Sails
Best Sound Editing for a Limited Series or TV Movie - Fargo
Best Sound Mixing for a One-Hour Program - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Mixing for a Half-Hour Program - Mozart in the Jungle
Best Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or TV Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Stunt Coordination for Comedy or Variety Series - Shameless
Best Stunt Coordination for a Drama or Limited Series or TV Movie - Game of Thrones
Best Special Visual Effects - Game of Thrones
Best Supporting Special Visual Effects - Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series - Hank Azaria "Ray Donovan"
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series - Margo Martindale "The Americans"
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series - Peter Scolari "Girls"
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series - Tina Fey and Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live"
Best Interactive Program - The Late Late Show with James Corden
Best Narrator - Keith David "Jackie Robinson"
Best Children's Program - It's Your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown!
Best Casting in a Comedy Series - Veep
Best Casting in a Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Casting in a Limited Series or TV Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series - Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn
Best Cinematography for a Single Camera Series - The Man in High Castle
Best Cinematography for a Limited Series or TV Movie - Fargo
Best Commercial - Ad Council - Love Has No Labels
Best Costumes for a Contemporary Series - American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Costumes for a Period or Fantasy Series - Game of Thrones
Best Picture Editing for a Single-Camera Comedy - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Best Picture Editing for a Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Picture Editing for a Limited Series or TV Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Picture Editing for a Multi-Camera Comedy Series - The Big Bang Theory
Best Hairstyling for a Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Hairstyling for a Single Camera Series - Downton Abbey
Best Makeup for Limited Series - American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Makeup for Single Camera Series - Game of Thrones
Best Prosthetic Makeup - Game of Thrones
Best Main Title Music - Jessica Jones
Best Main Title Design - The Man in the High Castle
Best Music Direction - Danny Elfman "Danny Elfman's Music From The Films Of Tim Burton (Live From Lincoln Center)"
Best Music Composition for a Limited Series or TV Movie - The Night Manager
Best Music Composition for a Series - Mr. Robot
Best Music and Lyrics - Dianne Warren "Til It Happens to You" from "The Hunting Ground"
Best Production Design for a Half-Hour Series - Transparent
Best Production Design for a Contemporary or Fantasy Series - Game of Thrones
Best Production Design for a Period Series - Downton Abbey
Best Sound Editing for a Series - Black Sails
Best Sound Editing for a Limited Series or TV Movie - Fargo
Best Sound Mixing for a One-Hour Program - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Mixing for a Half-Hour Program - Mozart in the Jungle
Best Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or TV Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Stunt Coordination for Comedy or Variety Series - Shameless
Best Stunt Coordination for a Drama or Limited Series or TV Movie - Game of Thrones
Best Special Visual Effects - Game of Thrones
Best Supporting Special Visual Effects - Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
Friday, September 9, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Will Win - Kit Harrington "Game of Thrones"
Could Win - Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones" or Jonathan Banks "Better Call Saul"
Should Win - Jonathan Banks "Better Call Saul"
Commentary - These voters owe Banks an Emmy, but I think that this race comes down to the two Game of Thrones guys, unless a miracle split vote can make it go another way. Peter Dinklage has won this race several times, and when episodes didn't matter as much last year, his popularity, and the show's popularity propelled him to an unexpected victory. If popularity and buzz matter, then I think Kit Harrington is going to win an Emmy this year. Jon Snow had a revival of a season, and his character got plenty of juicy story lines. Dinklage could easily repeat, but I think that the Game of Thrones love will be spread around, finally, to some of its other cast members.
Could Win - Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones" or Jonathan Banks "Better Call Saul"
Should Win - Jonathan Banks "Better Call Saul"
Commentary - These voters owe Banks an Emmy, but I think that this race comes down to the two Game of Thrones guys, unless a miracle split vote can make it go another way. Peter Dinklage has won this race several times, and when episodes didn't matter as much last year, his popularity, and the show's popularity propelled him to an unexpected victory. If popularity and buzz matter, then I think Kit Harrington is going to win an Emmy this year. Jon Snow had a revival of a season, and his character got plenty of juicy story lines. Dinklage could easily repeat, but I think that the Game of Thrones love will be spread around, finally, to some of its other cast members.
The 6th Annual Awards Psychic Television Award Winners
Best Drama Series
Winner - Game of Thrones
Runners Up - The Americans and The Good Wife
Commentary - Game of Thrones has always been a show I respected, but never really loved. It was simply too dark, and at times too much to handle, despite its impeccable cast and production values. But this season, particularly the last couple of episodes really hooked me and never let go. Even when the horrible things happened, there were actually moments of joy, moments of uplift, the good guys finally got their due, at least for awhile. Game of Thrones has never won this award before, and while I still have the chance, I need to reward this season, that after so many seasons, finally satisfied this viewer, and still maintained my utmost respect.
Best Comedy Series
Winner - black-ish
Runners Up - Veep, Please Like Me, Getting On, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Commentary - Please Like Me was pitch perfect again, Getting On ended its small, three-season run with a bang, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was its goofy best, and Veep overcame a change in showrunner and didn't slow it down a bit. But the comedy this year that engaged me the most, enlightened me the most, and made me laugh the most was black-ish. Its first season was hilarious, and filled in a gap that was starting to fade as Modern Family aged. But this second season was even better, mixing brilliant comedy and a great cast with real-life issues, such as racial tensions, modern black families, and the flaws of our heroes. black-ish brilliantly combined these elements into a season that not only made you laugh, but also made you cry and think. The greatest comedies are the ones that can pull your heartstrings in many different ways, and black-ish now joins that list.
Best Actor in a Drama Series
Winner - Rami Malek "Mr. Robot"
Runners Up - Kevin Spacey "House of Cards" and Freddie Highmore "Bates Motel"
Commentary - Mr. Robot was the new hit of this Emmy season, and its new season proves that its success was not a fluke. At its center, is a quiet, often subtle, and yet mesmerizing performance from Rami Malek. He has been a quality supporting player for years, and finally got his chance to shine. A Globe nod, a Critics Choice Award, and now an Emmy nomination, are proof that the industry too has been entranced by Malek's brilliant performance. I hope the honors keep coming.
Best Actress in a Drama Series
Winner - Keri Russell "The Americans"
Runners Up - Sheri Appleby "UnReal", Viola Davis "How to Get Away With Murder", and Robin Wright "House of Cards"
Commentary - One of the best moments of the Emmy nomination announcement was when The Americans, after four seasons, finally cleaned up. My favorite though was Keri Russell. She probably won't win up against powerhouses like Robin Wright, Viola Davis, and Taraji P. Henson (all of whom are fantastic as well), but her cold, subtle, and yet searing performance in The Americans truly is something to marvel at, and I'm glad that Emmy voters finally took notice.
Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Winner - Anthony Anderson "black-ish"
Runners Up - Aziz Ansari "Master of None", Thomas Middleditch "Silicon Valley", Josh Thomas "Please Like Me"
Commentary - I hate to be a broken record, but it is worth saying again that black-ish really just double its efforts in Season 2, and came out with something that was just awesome week after week. At the heart and soul of this show is Anthony Anderson. He has always been a great comedic actor, but the range he showed this season as his family dealt with some real issues, really connected with me. It takes a lot work to be funny, to balance that out with emotion and depth? Even harder.
Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Winner - (TIE) Ellie Kemper "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Runners Up - Tracee Ellis Ross "black-ish", Laurie Metcalf "Getting On", Anna Faris "Mom"
Commentary - I know, I know, I know! Here we go again, Andrew and his ties. Get over it! First, I know it's hard to believe, but I have never given Julia Louis-Dreyfus an Awards Psychic Television Award. Veep entered this season with new show runners, and a storyline that had probably too many possibilities in it to narrow down. But the creative resurgence of this show was marvelous to watch, and if possible, I think that Louis-Dreyfus just got better, and it might have been her best season yet. But from the first time I watched Season 2 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, I knew I wanted Ellie Kemper to win here. Her exuberance and hilarity help make that show work. It could easily be a goofy and ridiculous show, but she and the rest of that fantastic cast, are so in, you can't help but go along with them for the crazy ride.
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Winner - Mandy Patinkin "Homeland"
Runners Up - Kit Harington "Game of Thrones", Alan Cumming "Game of Thrones", Rupert Friend "Homeland"
Commentary - Homeland had one really bad season, and even though Emmy voters came back around for Seasons 4 and 5, which were great, I think that it never really recovered across the board. Throughout its highs and lows, the one constant, for me, has been its cast. My personal favorite has always been Mandy Patinkin's Saul. His best season was actually season 4, and I regret not giving him this last year. But yet another stellar season of work prove that this veteran is still one of the best working today, and the character he created is one of the most fascinating and endearing to watch on contemporary drama television.
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Winner - Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"
Runners Up - Lena Headey "Game of Thrones", Alison Wright "The Americans", and Constance Zimmer "UnReal"
Commentary - Christine Baranski is a legend and for years now, her Diane Lockhart has been a fierce, lovable, and magnificent character on The Good Wife. She is so good, that a spin-off is in the works. The Good Wife's absence will be immediately felt as this new fall season gets underway. Let's hope for more Christine Baranski and Diane Lockhart soon. We need it.
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Winner - Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Runners Up - Timothy Simons "Veep" and Laurence Fishburne "black-ish"
Commentary - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a riot, and at its center is the dynamic duo of Kimmy and Tituss. Burgess is so damn good in this role, playing the ridiculous and the humor beautifully. This season though, we got to see Tituss struggle with something new: actual emotion. It was a great development of an already instantly iconic character, and it was so well done, an award was due.
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Winner - Niecy Nash "Getting On"
Runners Up - Allison Janney "Mom", Jane Krakowski "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", and Jenifer Lewis "black-ish"
Commentary - Janney was brilliant as always, Krakowski upped her game, and Lewis was the comic relief black-ish needed. But there was one scene this year that just left me breathless. That scene was between the late-great Ann Morgan-Guilbert (see below), and Niecy Nash on the underappreciated gem Getting On. Nash is always great when she is being funny. She has a long history on television in great comedic roles. So when she made me laugh on Getting On, I loved it, but I wasn't surprised. This season though, Nash got the opportunity to show her dramatic chops, and the results were incredible. That scene is devastating, honest, and emotionally effective. It's because of Niecy Nash. She won't win the Emmy this year, not up against Janney, Chlumsky, and McKinnon. But that nomination is a reward itself, and the recognition of a fine actress.
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Winner - Max von Sydow "Game of Thrones"
Runners Up - Michael J. Fox "The Good Wife" and B.D. Wong "Mr. Robot"
Commentary - In a quiet role, Max Von Sydow was imposing the entire time he was on screen this season on Game of Thrones. His presence was undeniable, and reminded us why he is one of best.
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Winner - Ellen Burstyn "House of Cards"
Runners Up - Annet Mahendru "The Americans" and Carrie Preston "The Good Wife"
Commentary - Claire's mother. That kind of character couldn't just be any actress, it had to be a powerhouse. Ellen Burstyn was the perfect person for that role, and she did not disappoint. Several of her latest Emmy wins have caused me grief, but I think she'll win this year, and it will be well deserved. Just in case, here's a little honor for her.
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Winner - Tracy Morgan "Saturday Night Live"
Runners Up - Larry David "Saturday Night Live" and Bradley Whitford "Transparent"
Commentary - Larry David and Bradley Whitford are getting a lot of praise, rightfully so, and the Emmy will probably come down to those two. But for my money, the best of the bunch was the highly anticipated return of Tracy Morgan. After his tragic accident, it was so great to see Morgan back, and he was definitely at his best, bringing is A-game of comedy.
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Winner - (TIE) Tina Fey and Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live" and Ann Morgan Guilbert "Getting On"
Runners Up - Anna Camp "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and Jenny Slate "Girls"
Commentary - So this one was easy for me. At least I thought. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler nominated together. The dynamic duo of comedy at their best, hosting SNL. An easy win. So of course they are included. But, then came along that scene I talked about with Niecy Nash in Getting On. She broke my heart, as did her on-screen partner Ann Morgan Guilbert. It made it even worse when a couple of weeks ago Guilbert, a beloved veteran, passed away. So despite by now double heart break, I am glad I had one last chance to honor one of our finest.
Best TV Movie
Winner - All the Way
Runners Up - Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill
Commentary - In a weak race, I take HBO's All the Way. It was definitely not their best, but LBJ is never a boring subject, and the excellent cast raise the bar.
Best Limited Series
Winner - (TIE) The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story and Show Me A Hero
Runners Up - Fargo, American Crime, London Spy, and Show Me a Hero
Commentary - Fargo was sublime in Season 2, as was American Crime. London Spy was a thrilling and emotional drama. But this category had two that stood out to me, both for different reasons. The first is Show Me a Hero. Subtle, slow-building, and important, it was a brilliant look at a story that most people don't know, and one that has innumerable effects even today. The second is The People v. O.J. Simpson. That cast knocked it out of the park, and it was the spellbinding, gripping television event of the year.
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Courtney B. Vance "The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story"
Runners Up - Ben Whishaw "London Spy", Oscar Isaac "Show Me A Hero", and Bryan Cranston "All the Way"
Commentary - This one was easy. Courtney B. Vance was easily the best. He is a beloved veteran, a worthy winner, and hopefully will earn an Emmy as well.
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Sarah Paulson "The People Vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story"
Runners Up - Audra McDonald "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" and Lili Taylor "American Crime"
Commentary - SARAH PAULSON NEEDS A FREAKING EMMY!!!! That is all.
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Bokeem Woodbine "Fargo"
Runners Up - Sterling K. Brown "The People Vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story", and Connor Jessup "American Crime"
Commentary - Brown was great, and Connor Jessup has a great career ahead of him. But Bokeem Woodbine on Fargo was so damn intriguing and engaging, that he mesmerized me. I didn't know if he could snag an Emmy nomination, and I was so happy to see his name on the list.
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Jean Smart "Fargo"
Runners Up - LaTanya Richardson-Jackson "Show Me A Hero" and Regina King "American Crime"
Commentary - I loved Richardson-Jackson in Show Me a Hero, and Regina King's Emmy win last year was one of my favorite moments. But Jean Smart outdid herself, which is a feat considering her long and storied television career, as the matriarch of a crime family. She was brutal and brilliant and I am so happy I finally get to give one of my favorite actresses a reward for her incredible talents.
Best Variety Series ***NEW CATEGORY***
Winner - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Runners Up - Inside Amy Schumer, Real Time with Bill Maher, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Commentary - How in the holy hell did Samantha Bee not get that series Emmy nomination? This is simply beyond me, and I hope that Emmy voters are shamed into correcting course next year. With Stewart gone and Colbert less interesting, Samantha Bee is the breath of fresh air this election season that we needed. She is funny, wonky, and also incredibly creative. I simply love this new show, and if you are not watching, get on it!
Best Animated Series
Winner - Bob's Burgers
Runners Up - Archer and BoJack Horseman
Commentary - Archer has started to go downhill a bit, especially without its spy agency, so it is the fabulous Bob Burgers for the win, for yet another great season.
Winner - Game of Thrones
Runners Up - The Americans and The Good Wife
Commentary - Game of Thrones has always been a show I respected, but never really loved. It was simply too dark, and at times too much to handle, despite its impeccable cast and production values. But this season, particularly the last couple of episodes really hooked me and never let go. Even when the horrible things happened, there were actually moments of joy, moments of uplift, the good guys finally got their due, at least for awhile. Game of Thrones has never won this award before, and while I still have the chance, I need to reward this season, that after so many seasons, finally satisfied this viewer, and still maintained my utmost respect.
Best Comedy Series
Winner - black-ish
Runners Up - Veep, Please Like Me, Getting On, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Commentary - Please Like Me was pitch perfect again, Getting On ended its small, three-season run with a bang, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was its goofy best, and Veep overcame a change in showrunner and didn't slow it down a bit. But the comedy this year that engaged me the most, enlightened me the most, and made me laugh the most was black-ish. Its first season was hilarious, and filled in a gap that was starting to fade as Modern Family aged. But this second season was even better, mixing brilliant comedy and a great cast with real-life issues, such as racial tensions, modern black families, and the flaws of our heroes. black-ish brilliantly combined these elements into a season that not only made you laugh, but also made you cry and think. The greatest comedies are the ones that can pull your heartstrings in many different ways, and black-ish now joins that list.
Best Actor in a Drama Series
Winner - Rami Malek "Mr. Robot"
Runners Up - Kevin Spacey "House of Cards" and Freddie Highmore "Bates Motel"
Commentary - Mr. Robot was the new hit of this Emmy season, and its new season proves that its success was not a fluke. At its center, is a quiet, often subtle, and yet mesmerizing performance from Rami Malek. He has been a quality supporting player for years, and finally got his chance to shine. A Globe nod, a Critics Choice Award, and now an Emmy nomination, are proof that the industry too has been entranced by Malek's brilliant performance. I hope the honors keep coming.
Best Actress in a Drama Series
Winner - Keri Russell "The Americans"
Runners Up - Sheri Appleby "UnReal", Viola Davis "How to Get Away With Murder", and Robin Wright "House of Cards"
Commentary - One of the best moments of the Emmy nomination announcement was when The Americans, after four seasons, finally cleaned up. My favorite though was Keri Russell. She probably won't win up against powerhouses like Robin Wright, Viola Davis, and Taraji P. Henson (all of whom are fantastic as well), but her cold, subtle, and yet searing performance in The Americans truly is something to marvel at, and I'm glad that Emmy voters finally took notice.
Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Winner - Anthony Anderson "black-ish"
Runners Up - Aziz Ansari "Master of None", Thomas Middleditch "Silicon Valley", Josh Thomas "Please Like Me"
Commentary - I hate to be a broken record, but it is worth saying again that black-ish really just double its efforts in Season 2, and came out with something that was just awesome week after week. At the heart and soul of this show is Anthony Anderson. He has always been a great comedic actor, but the range he showed this season as his family dealt with some real issues, really connected with me. It takes a lot work to be funny, to balance that out with emotion and depth? Even harder.
Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Winner - (TIE) Ellie Kemper "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Runners Up - Tracee Ellis Ross "black-ish", Laurie Metcalf "Getting On", Anna Faris "Mom"
Commentary - I know, I know, I know! Here we go again, Andrew and his ties. Get over it! First, I know it's hard to believe, but I have never given Julia Louis-Dreyfus an Awards Psychic Television Award. Veep entered this season with new show runners, and a storyline that had probably too many possibilities in it to narrow down. But the creative resurgence of this show was marvelous to watch, and if possible, I think that Louis-Dreyfus just got better, and it might have been her best season yet. But from the first time I watched Season 2 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, I knew I wanted Ellie Kemper to win here. Her exuberance and hilarity help make that show work. It could easily be a goofy and ridiculous show, but she and the rest of that fantastic cast, are so in, you can't help but go along with them for the crazy ride.
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Winner - Mandy Patinkin "Homeland"
Runners Up - Kit Harington "Game of Thrones", Alan Cumming "Game of Thrones", Rupert Friend "Homeland"
Commentary - Homeland had one really bad season, and even though Emmy voters came back around for Seasons 4 and 5, which were great, I think that it never really recovered across the board. Throughout its highs and lows, the one constant, for me, has been its cast. My personal favorite has always been Mandy Patinkin's Saul. His best season was actually season 4, and I regret not giving him this last year. But yet another stellar season of work prove that this veteran is still one of the best working today, and the character he created is one of the most fascinating and endearing to watch on contemporary drama television.
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Winner - Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"
Runners Up - Lena Headey "Game of Thrones", Alison Wright "The Americans", and Constance Zimmer "UnReal"
Commentary - Christine Baranski is a legend and for years now, her Diane Lockhart has been a fierce, lovable, and magnificent character on The Good Wife. She is so good, that a spin-off is in the works. The Good Wife's absence will be immediately felt as this new fall season gets underway. Let's hope for more Christine Baranski and Diane Lockhart soon. We need it.
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Winner - Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Runners Up - Timothy Simons "Veep" and Laurence Fishburne "black-ish"
Commentary - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a riot, and at its center is the dynamic duo of Kimmy and Tituss. Burgess is so damn good in this role, playing the ridiculous and the humor beautifully. This season though, we got to see Tituss struggle with something new: actual emotion. It was a great development of an already instantly iconic character, and it was so well done, an award was due.
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Winner - Niecy Nash "Getting On"
Runners Up - Allison Janney "Mom", Jane Krakowski "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", and Jenifer Lewis "black-ish"
Commentary - Janney was brilliant as always, Krakowski upped her game, and Lewis was the comic relief black-ish needed. But there was one scene this year that just left me breathless. That scene was between the late-great Ann Morgan-Guilbert (see below), and Niecy Nash on the underappreciated gem Getting On. Nash is always great when she is being funny. She has a long history on television in great comedic roles. So when she made me laugh on Getting On, I loved it, but I wasn't surprised. This season though, Nash got the opportunity to show her dramatic chops, and the results were incredible. That scene is devastating, honest, and emotionally effective. It's because of Niecy Nash. She won't win the Emmy this year, not up against Janney, Chlumsky, and McKinnon. But that nomination is a reward itself, and the recognition of a fine actress.
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Winner - Max von Sydow "Game of Thrones"
Runners Up - Michael J. Fox "The Good Wife" and B.D. Wong "Mr. Robot"
Commentary - In a quiet role, Max Von Sydow was imposing the entire time he was on screen this season on Game of Thrones. His presence was undeniable, and reminded us why he is one of best.
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Winner - Ellen Burstyn "House of Cards"
Runners Up - Annet Mahendru "The Americans" and Carrie Preston "The Good Wife"
Commentary - Claire's mother. That kind of character couldn't just be any actress, it had to be a powerhouse. Ellen Burstyn was the perfect person for that role, and she did not disappoint. Several of her latest Emmy wins have caused me grief, but I think she'll win this year, and it will be well deserved. Just in case, here's a little honor for her.
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Winner - Tracy Morgan "Saturday Night Live"
Runners Up - Larry David "Saturday Night Live" and Bradley Whitford "Transparent"
Commentary - Larry David and Bradley Whitford are getting a lot of praise, rightfully so, and the Emmy will probably come down to those two. But for my money, the best of the bunch was the highly anticipated return of Tracy Morgan. After his tragic accident, it was so great to see Morgan back, and he was definitely at his best, bringing is A-game of comedy.
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Winner - (TIE) Tina Fey and Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live" and Ann Morgan Guilbert "Getting On"
Runners Up - Anna Camp "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and Jenny Slate "Girls"
Commentary - So this one was easy for me. At least I thought. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler nominated together. The dynamic duo of comedy at their best, hosting SNL. An easy win. So of course they are included. But, then came along that scene I talked about with Niecy Nash in Getting On. She broke my heart, as did her on-screen partner Ann Morgan Guilbert. It made it even worse when a couple of weeks ago Guilbert, a beloved veteran, passed away. So despite by now double heart break, I am glad I had one last chance to honor one of our finest.
Best TV Movie
Winner - All the Way
Runners Up - Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill
Commentary - In a weak race, I take HBO's All the Way. It was definitely not their best, but LBJ is never a boring subject, and the excellent cast raise the bar.
Best Limited Series
Winner - (TIE) The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story and Show Me A Hero
Runners Up - Fargo, American Crime, London Spy, and Show Me a Hero
Commentary - Fargo was sublime in Season 2, as was American Crime. London Spy was a thrilling and emotional drama. But this category had two that stood out to me, both for different reasons. The first is Show Me a Hero. Subtle, slow-building, and important, it was a brilliant look at a story that most people don't know, and one that has innumerable effects even today. The second is The People v. O.J. Simpson. That cast knocked it out of the park, and it was the spellbinding, gripping television event of the year.
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Courtney B. Vance "The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story"
Runners Up - Ben Whishaw "London Spy", Oscar Isaac "Show Me A Hero", and Bryan Cranston "All the Way"
Commentary - This one was easy. Courtney B. Vance was easily the best. He is a beloved veteran, a worthy winner, and hopefully will earn an Emmy as well.
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Sarah Paulson "The People Vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story"
Runners Up - Audra McDonald "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" and Lili Taylor "American Crime"
Commentary - SARAH PAULSON NEEDS A FREAKING EMMY!!!! That is all.
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Bokeem Woodbine "Fargo"
Runners Up - Sterling K. Brown "The People Vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story", and Connor Jessup "American Crime"
Commentary - Brown was great, and Connor Jessup has a great career ahead of him. But Bokeem Woodbine on Fargo was so damn intriguing and engaging, that he mesmerized me. I didn't know if he could snag an Emmy nomination, and I was so happy to see his name on the list.
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Jean Smart "Fargo"
Runners Up - LaTanya Richardson-Jackson "Show Me A Hero" and Regina King "American Crime"
Commentary - I loved Richardson-Jackson in Show Me a Hero, and Regina King's Emmy win last year was one of my favorite moments. But Jean Smart outdid herself, which is a feat considering her long and storied television career, as the matriarch of a crime family. She was brutal and brilliant and I am so happy I finally get to give one of my favorite actresses a reward for her incredible talents.
Best Variety Series ***NEW CATEGORY***
Winner - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Runners Up - Inside Amy Schumer, Real Time with Bill Maher, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Commentary - How in the holy hell did Samantha Bee not get that series Emmy nomination? This is simply beyond me, and I hope that Emmy voters are shamed into correcting course next year. With Stewart gone and Colbert less interesting, Samantha Bee is the breath of fresh air this election season that we needed. She is funny, wonky, and also incredibly creative. I simply love this new show, and if you are not watching, get on it!
Best Animated Series
Winner - Bob's Burgers
Runners Up - Archer and BoJack Horseman
Commentary - Archer has started to go downhill a bit, especially without its spy agency, so it is the fabulous Bob Burgers for the win, for yet another great season.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Will Win - Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"
Could Win - Lena Headey "Game of Thrones", Maisie Williams "Game of Thrones" or Emilia Clarke "Game of Thrones"
Should Win - Lena Headey "Game of Thrones"
Commentary - This is race between Maggie Smith and the three Game of Thrones gals. Lena Headey is probably the most likely of the three. She probably had the best episode last year, and seems to have the best buzz going into this year's show. But there is Maggie Smith. She shockingly dipped out of the race last year, but managed to pop back in for the show's final season. I just feel like these voters are not going to let Downton Abbey go away without at least one consolation prize. Can any of you think of a better way to honor this series than to give the fantastic Maggie Smith one more Emmy? I didn't think so.
Could Win - Lena Headey "Game of Thrones", Maisie Williams "Game of Thrones" or Emilia Clarke "Game of Thrones"
Should Win - Lena Headey "Game of Thrones"
Commentary - This is race between Maggie Smith and the three Game of Thrones gals. Lena Headey is probably the most likely of the three. She probably had the best episode last year, and seems to have the best buzz going into this year's show. But there is Maggie Smith. She shockingly dipped out of the race last year, but managed to pop back in for the show's final season. I just feel like these voters are not going to let Downton Abbey go away without at least one consolation prize. Can any of you think of a better way to honor this series than to give the fantastic Maggie Smith one more Emmy? I didn't think so.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Tony Hale "Veep"
Could Win - Louie Anderson "Baskets", Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", or Matt Walsh "Veep"
Should Win - Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Commentary - If episodes were still important, Louie Anderson would probably win. But Baskets was awful other than him, and got no other attention, and most importantly, episodes are not as important as they used to be. Tituss Burgess should easily win this award for yet another great season, but Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt seems to have slipped a bit in season 2 in terms of nominations (not at all in terms of quality). First-time nominee Matt Walsh could be swept up in the Veep love, which seems to have gotten stronger from last season. But I think this is Tony Hale's to lose. He was won two of these already for this character, had another great season, and the Emmys tend to reward multiple times before they give up on you.
Could Win - Louie Anderson "Baskets", Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", or Matt Walsh "Veep"
Should Win - Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Commentary - If episodes were still important, Louie Anderson would probably win. But Baskets was awful other than him, and got no other attention, and most importantly, episodes are not as important as they used to be. Tituss Burgess should easily win this award for yet another great season, but Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt seems to have slipped a bit in season 2 in terms of nominations (not at all in terms of quality). First-time nominee Matt Walsh could be swept up in the Veep love, which seems to have gotten stronger from last season. But I think this is Tony Hale's to lose. He was won two of these already for this character, had another great season, and the Emmys tend to reward multiple times before they give up on you.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Allison Janney "Mom"
Could Win - Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live" or Anna Chlumsky "Veep"
Should Win - Niecy Nash "Getting On"
Commentary - I think that Niecy Nash had the most impact of any of the nominees, particularly her beautiful scene with the late, great Ann Morgan-Guilbert. But I think this race is between three people. Anna Chlumsky is a stand out on Veep, which continues to gain support from Emmy voters, after finally winning Best Comedy Series, but she had the best episode she could submit last year, and still didn't win. Kate McKinnon is a bona fide star, and her take on Hillary Clinton has been phenomenal. But no recurring SNL cast member has managed to win in a Supporting Comedy race. So once again, I think that this race comes down to the magnificent Allison Janney, who after seven seasons of The West Wing, and now three seasons of Mom, only seems to get better with age. The streak continues.
Could Win - Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live" or Anna Chlumsky "Veep"
Should Win - Niecy Nash "Getting On"
Commentary - I think that Niecy Nash had the most impact of any of the nominees, particularly her beautiful scene with the late, great Ann Morgan-Guilbert. But I think this race is between three people. Anna Chlumsky is a stand out on Veep, which continues to gain support from Emmy voters, after finally winning Best Comedy Series, but she had the best episode she could submit last year, and still didn't win. Kate McKinnon is a bona fide star, and her take on Hillary Clinton has been phenomenal. But no recurring SNL cast member has managed to win in a Supporting Comedy race. So once again, I think that this race comes down to the magnificent Allison Janney, who after seven seasons of The West Wing, and now three seasons of Mom, only seems to get better with age. The streak continues.
Monday, September 5, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Creative Arts Awards
Best Animated Program - Bob's Burgers - The Horse Rider-er
Best Short Form Animated Program - Adventure Time - The Hall of Egress
Best Character Voice-Over Performance - Keegan-Michael Key "SuperMansion"
Best Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour) - Game of Thrones - Blood of My Blood
Best Production Design for a Narrative Period Program (One Hour) - The Knick
Best Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half Hour) - Silicon Valley
Best Production Design for a a Variety, Reality, or Nonfiction Program - Portlandia
Best Casting for a Comedy Series - Veep
Best Casting for a Drama Series - Mr. Robot
Best Casting for a Limited Series or TV Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Choreography - Derek Hough "Dancing With the Stars"
Best Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series - The Big Bang Theory
Best Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series - Game of Thrones
Best Cinematography for a TV Movie/Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program - Cartel Land
Best Cinematography for a Reality Program - Deadliest Catch
Best Commercial - Marilyn - Snickers
Best Costumes Period/Fantasy, Limited Series, or Movie - Downton Abbey
Best Costumes Contemporary Series, Limited Series or Movie - American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Costumes Variety, Reality, or Nonfiction Program - The Wiz Live!
Best Directing for a Nonfiction Program - Matthew Heineman "Cartel Land"
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series - Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - Veep - Mother
Best Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - The Big Bang Theory - The Opening Night Excitation
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Limited Series/TV Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Picture Editing for a Variety Program - Key & Peele - The End
Best Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program - Cartel Land
Best Picture Editing for a Structured or Competition Reality Program - The Amazing Race
Best Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program - Deadliest Catch - Carpe Diem
Best Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series - Downton Abbey
Best Hairstyling Multi-Camera Series or Special - Saturday Night Live
Best Hairstyling in a Limited Series or TV Movie - American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Interactive Program - The Late Late Show with James Corden
Best Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Series - The Voice
Best Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special - Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show
Best Main Title Design - The Night Manager
Best Makeup for a Single-Camera Series - Game of Thrones
Best Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series - The Wiz Live!
Best Makeup for a Limited Series/TV Movie- American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Prosthetic Makeup - American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Music Composition for a Series - Mac Quayle "Mr. Robot"
Best Music Composition for a Limited Series or TV Movie - James Newton Howard "All the Way"
Best Music Direction - Danny Elfman "Danny's Elfman's Music From the Films of Tim Burton (Live at Lincoln Center)
Best Original Music and Lyrics - Diane Warren "Til It Happens to You" from The Hunting Ground
Best Original Main Title Theme Music - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Best Narrator - Laurence Fishburne "Roots"
Best Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - Children's Hospital
Best Short Form Variety Series - Park Bench with Steve Buscemi
Best Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series - Inside Look: The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Children's Program - Nick News with Linda Ellerbee
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special - What Happened, Miss Simone?
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series - Making a Murderer
Best Informational Series or Special - The Story of God with Morgan Freeman
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking - Cartel Land
Best Sound Editing for a Series - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special - Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
Best Sound Editing for a Nonfiction Program - Cartel Land
Best Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One-Hour) - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Sound Mixing for a Half-Hour Series or Animation - Modern Family - The Storm
Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special - Grease: Live
Best Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program - What Happened, Miss Simone?
Best Special Visual Effects - Game of Thrones
Best Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role - Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
Best Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or Variety Program - Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Best Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series, or Movie - Game of Thrones
Best Technical Direction for a Series - Saturday Night Live
Best Technical Direction for Special, Limited Series or Movie - Grease: Live
Best Writing for a Nonfiction Program - Making a Murderer
Best Short Form Animated Program - Adventure Time - The Hall of Egress
Best Character Voice-Over Performance - Keegan-Michael Key "SuperMansion"
Best Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour) - Game of Thrones - Blood of My Blood
Best Production Design for a Narrative Period Program (One Hour) - The Knick
Best Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half Hour) - Silicon Valley
Best Production Design for a a Variety, Reality, or Nonfiction Program - Portlandia
Best Casting for a Comedy Series - Veep
Best Casting for a Drama Series - Mr. Robot
Best Casting for a Limited Series or TV Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Choreography - Derek Hough "Dancing With the Stars"
Best Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series - The Big Bang Theory
Best Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series - Game of Thrones
Best Cinematography for a TV Movie/Limited Series - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program - Cartel Land
Best Cinematography for a Reality Program - Deadliest Catch
Best Commercial - Marilyn - Snickers
Best Costumes Period/Fantasy, Limited Series, or Movie - Downton Abbey
Best Costumes Contemporary Series, Limited Series or Movie - American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Costumes Variety, Reality, or Nonfiction Program - The Wiz Live!
Best Directing for a Nonfiction Program - Matthew Heineman "Cartel Land"
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series - Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - Veep - Mother
Best Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - The Big Bang Theory - The Opening Night Excitation
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Limited Series/TV Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Picture Editing for a Variety Program - Key & Peele - The End
Best Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program - Cartel Land
Best Picture Editing for a Structured or Competition Reality Program - The Amazing Race
Best Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program - Deadliest Catch - Carpe Diem
Best Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series - Downton Abbey
Best Hairstyling Multi-Camera Series or Special - Saturday Night Live
Best Hairstyling in a Limited Series or TV Movie - American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Interactive Program - The Late Late Show with James Corden
Best Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Series - The Voice
Best Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special - Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show
Best Main Title Design - The Night Manager
Best Makeup for a Single-Camera Series - Game of Thrones
Best Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series - The Wiz Live!
Best Makeup for a Limited Series/TV Movie- American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Prosthetic Makeup - American Horror Story: Hotel
Best Music Composition for a Series - Mac Quayle "Mr. Robot"
Best Music Composition for a Limited Series or TV Movie - James Newton Howard "All the Way"
Best Music Direction - Danny Elfman "Danny's Elfman's Music From the Films of Tim Burton (Live at Lincoln Center)
Best Original Music and Lyrics - Diane Warren "Til It Happens to You" from The Hunting Ground
Best Original Main Title Theme Music - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Best Narrator - Laurence Fishburne "Roots"
Best Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - Children's Hospital
Best Short Form Variety Series - Park Bench with Steve Buscemi
Best Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series - Inside Look: The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Children's Program - Nick News with Linda Ellerbee
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special - What Happened, Miss Simone?
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series - Making a Murderer
Best Informational Series or Special - The Story of God with Morgan Freeman
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking - Cartel Land
Best Sound Editing for a Series - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special - Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
Best Sound Editing for a Nonfiction Program - Cartel Land
Best Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One-Hour) - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Best Sound Mixing for a Half-Hour Series or Animation - Modern Family - The Storm
Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special - Grease: Live
Best Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program - What Happened, Miss Simone?
Best Special Visual Effects - Game of Thrones
Best Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role - Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
Best Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or Variety Program - Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Best Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series, or Movie - Game of Thrones
Best Technical Direction for a Series - Saturday Night Live
Best Technical Direction for Special, Limited Series or Movie - Grease: Live
Best Writing for a Nonfiction Program - Making a Murderer
Sunday, September 4, 2016
2016 Venice and Telluride Film Festivals: Moonlight, Sully, and Hacksaw Ridge Land
After La-La Land landed with such rave reviews, hopes were high as the fall festivals get under way. So far, the films that we all expected to do well, have landed well, and we even have our first major surprise. Barry Jenkins' Moonlight, a three-part look at the life of a gay black man, has received raves, particularly for Naomie Harris, a well-liked actress who might finally breakthrough with an Oscar nomination. The film is small, definitely an Indie Spirit contender, but we have seen films like this do well in recent years with the expanded Best Picture race. Clint Eastwood's Sully landed to great reviews, and I think it will do really well at the fall box office, and with older Academy voters who love these biopic stories, and love Hanks and Eastwood. Tom Hanks is getting most of praise so far, but the film as a whole could be a major contender. But the big surprise so far was Mel Gibson's latest directorial effort Hacksaw Ridge, starring Andrew Garfield. Gibson is someone that has a dubious recent personal history. But he has never been bad behind the camera, and it looks like he once again has made a great film. The Oscar race is heating up...
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actor and Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Will Win - Max von Sydow "Game of Thrones"
Could Win - Reg E. Cathey "House of Cards", Michael J. Fox "The Good Wife", or Hank Azaria "Ray Donovan"
Should Win - Max von Sydow "Game of Thrones"
Commentary - Reg E. Cathey won last year, and has a better episode this time around, Hank Azaria is a five time Emmy winner and Ray Donovan did better than expected this year with the acting branch, and Michael J. Fox has been nominated five times for his role on The Good Wife with zero wins. These are all distinct possibilities. But in his brief role, Max von Sydow reminded us all why he is one of the best. Game of Thrones had a banner year with the acting branch, and I don't think they will pass up the chance to honor this legend.
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Will Win - Ellen Burstyn "House of Cards"
Could Win - Laurie Metcalf "Horace & Pete", Allison Janney "Masters of Sex", Margo Martindale "The Americans"
Should Win - Ellen Burstyn "House of Cards"
Commentary - Laurie Metcalf has three nominations, and the better episode. But Horace and Pete did not make much of a mark on Emmy voters. Allison Janney and Margo Martindale are the last two winners of this category, and are beloved by these voters. But I think that perpetual favorite Ellen Burstyn has the character, the episode, and the popularity to win yet another Emmy.
Will Win - Max von Sydow "Game of Thrones"
Could Win - Reg E. Cathey "House of Cards", Michael J. Fox "The Good Wife", or Hank Azaria "Ray Donovan"
Should Win - Max von Sydow "Game of Thrones"
Commentary - Reg E. Cathey won last year, and has a better episode this time around, Hank Azaria is a five time Emmy winner and Ray Donovan did better than expected this year with the acting branch, and Michael J. Fox has been nominated five times for his role on The Good Wife with zero wins. These are all distinct possibilities. But in his brief role, Max von Sydow reminded us all why he is one of the best. Game of Thrones had a banner year with the acting branch, and I don't think they will pass up the chance to honor this legend.
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Will Win - Ellen Burstyn "House of Cards"
Could Win - Laurie Metcalf "Horace & Pete", Allison Janney "Masters of Sex", Margo Martindale "The Americans"
Should Win - Ellen Burstyn "House of Cards"
Commentary - Laurie Metcalf has three nominations, and the better episode. But Horace and Pete did not make much of a mark on Emmy voters. Allison Janney and Margo Martindale are the last two winners of this category, and are beloved by these voters. But I think that perpetual favorite Ellen Burstyn has the character, the episode, and the popularity to win yet another Emmy.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actor and Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Larry David "Saturday Night Live"
Could Win - Tracy Morgan "Saturday Night Live", Bradley Whitford "Transparent", or Martin Mull "Veep"
Should Win - Tracy Morgan "Saturday Night Live"
Commentary - Did you know that two-time Emmy winner Larry David has never won an acting Emmy? That's right, five nominations for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Curb Your Enthusiasm, and not one win. His two Emmys came twenty years ago for writing and producing Seinfeld. Well I think that after all these years, Larry David is about to win his first acting Emmy for his critically acclaimed hosting of Saturday Night Live. Tracy Morgan, my personal favorite, had a triumphant return and has a lot of support, Bradley Whitford won for this role last year for Transparent, and Veep is so popular, don't discount veteran Martin Mull. But this is David's to lose, and I don't think he will.
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Tina Fey and Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live"
Could Win - Melora Hardin "Transparent", Amy Schumer "Saturday Night Live" or Melissa McCarthy "Saturday Night Live"
Should Win -. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live"
Commentary - If episodes still matter, then it is the surprise nominee Melora Hardin for Transparent that easily takes this prize. But as more people can vote, I expect more populists choices, like the plethora of SNL hosts to win instead. Schumer was great, particularly her opening monologue, but I wonder if her star power is as strong this year. Melissa McCarthy has been nominated several times for SNL, but has yet to win. This wasn't her best episode, but she is a beloved star. I think that this goes to the history-making duo of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Poehler has never won an Emmy, something that I'm sure is being pushed by the producers, and this duo is simply beloved by this industry. It's not a slam dunk, but I think that history will be made.
Will Win - Larry David "Saturday Night Live"
Could Win - Tracy Morgan "Saturday Night Live", Bradley Whitford "Transparent", or Martin Mull "Veep"
Should Win - Tracy Morgan "Saturday Night Live"
Commentary - Did you know that two-time Emmy winner Larry David has never won an acting Emmy? That's right, five nominations for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Curb Your Enthusiasm, and not one win. His two Emmys came twenty years ago for writing and producing Seinfeld. Well I think that after all these years, Larry David is about to win his first acting Emmy for his critically acclaimed hosting of Saturday Night Live. Tracy Morgan, my personal favorite, had a triumphant return and has a lot of support, Bradley Whitford won for this role last year for Transparent, and Veep is so popular, don't discount veteran Martin Mull. But this is David's to lose, and I don't think he will.
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Tina Fey and Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live"
Could Win - Melora Hardin "Transparent", Amy Schumer "Saturday Night Live" or Melissa McCarthy "Saturday Night Live"
Should Win -. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live"
Commentary - If episodes still matter, then it is the surprise nominee Melora Hardin for Transparent that easily takes this prize. But as more people can vote, I expect more populists choices, like the plethora of SNL hosts to win instead. Schumer was great, particularly her opening monologue, but I wonder if her star power is as strong this year. Melissa McCarthy has been nominated several times for SNL, but has yet to win. This wasn't her best episode, but she is a beloved star. I think that this goes to the history-making duo of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Poehler has never won an Emmy, something that I'm sure is being pushed by the producers, and this duo is simply beloved by this industry. It's not a slam dunk, but I think that history will be made.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
2016 Venice Film Festival: Denis Villeneuve and Amy Adams' Arrival Lands
A few mixed, B-esque reviews don't seem to be stopping an otherwise positive reaction to Denis Villeneuve and Amy Adams' latest Arrival. It looks like Arrival is a smart sci-fi thriller with great effects, and particularly a great performance from Amy Adams. She has had so many damn Oscar nominations with no wins, it is beyond ridiculous. Then there is Villeneuve, who saw his last two films, Prisoners and Sicario, get technical awards, but not the top ones. Can this dynamic duo breakthrough into top categories? The answer is: of course. This is the type of film that has actually done well with the Academy in recent years. The big question mark is Passengers. Can the two compete and both get big nods? Of course a lot depends on how the latter turns out, but recent history has suggested that the Academy is now open to a more genre diverse set of nominees, and Arrival could benefit from this move.
2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Directing and Writing in a Drama Series
Best Directing in a Drama Series
Will Win - Miguel Sapochchnik "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Could Win - Michael Engler "Downton Abbey - Episode 9"
Should Win - Miguel Sapochchnik "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Commentary- After a few middling episodes, Game of Thrones struck with what is quite possibly one of its best episodes in its illustrious history. Battle of Bastards was epic, emotional, and beautifully constructed. Can anything upset it? The answer is yes. If nostalgia and older voters have a say, then watch out for the series finale of the beloved Downton Abbey. It could be a major upset.
Best Writing in a Drama Series
Will Win - David Benioff and D.B. Weiss "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Could Win - Sam Esmail "Mr. Robot - eps1.0_ hellofriend.mov", Robert and Michelle King "The Good Wife - End", Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg "The Americans - Persona Non Grata"
Should Win - Robert and Michelle King "The Good Wife - End"
Commentary - Unlike directing, this one was is a bit of a mystery. I think that a Game of Thrones sweep could easily happen, but I also think there are more contenders that could topple it in writing. Mr. Robot's pilot, the final episode of The Good Wife, and the new Emmy favorite The Americans look to crash the party.
Will Win - Miguel Sapochchnik "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Could Win - Michael Engler "Downton Abbey - Episode 9"
Should Win - Miguel Sapochchnik "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Commentary- After a few middling episodes, Game of Thrones struck with what is quite possibly one of its best episodes in its illustrious history. Battle of Bastards was epic, emotional, and beautifully constructed. Can anything upset it? The answer is yes. If nostalgia and older voters have a say, then watch out for the series finale of the beloved Downton Abbey. It could be a major upset.
Best Writing in a Drama Series
Will Win - David Benioff and D.B. Weiss "Game of Thrones - Battle of the Bastards"
Could Win - Sam Esmail "Mr. Robot - eps1.0_ hellofriend.mov", Robert and Michelle King "The Good Wife - End", Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg "The Americans - Persona Non Grata"
Should Win - Robert and Michelle King "The Good Wife - End"
Commentary - Unlike directing, this one was is a bit of a mystery. I think that a Game of Thrones sweep could easily happen, but I also think there are more contenders that could topple it in writing. Mr. Robot's pilot, the final episode of The Good Wife, and the new Emmy favorite The Americans look to crash the party.
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