Since I don't have too much other opportunity to make a generic reference point, yes, I did see the ESPYs, sorta (Flipping channels as I was watching it), no, I don't think the ESPYs are a major or legitimate enough of an awards show to be on network. (Besides, they're the ESPYs! That'd be like if the BET Awards were on CW or something, the should be on ESPN.) And, as to Caitlin Jenner, she was fine, speech was okay, if anybody's inspired positively from it, fine, I'm a supporter of the LBGT community, blah, blah, blah, but Bob Costas was right, they should've been able to find somebody more closely, immediately associated with the sportsworld to give the Arthur Ashe Award to. I mean, Bruce Jenner hasn't been a decathlete since, when, the seventies? I'm not sure why he was or should've been up there.
Anyway, back to the important award news on hand, as always, sorry I'm later than normal on this, but I promise to get everything else in on time, hopefully. Anyway, The Primetime Emmy nominations are out, and as always, I provide the most comprehensive analysis of more categories, up and down the Emmy sheets, and provide comprehensive analysis of, pretty much every genre and all their major categories! Since I'm late already, let's get started! We'll start with Comedy, before hitting, Genre, Variety, Reality, Limited Series/TV Movie and then, the others!
COMEDY SERIES
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
Louie-FX Networks
Modern Family-ABC
Parks and Recreation-NBC
Silicon Valley-HBO
Transparent-Amazon Instant Video
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt-Netflix
Veep-HBO
What the fu-! What the- NOW! Are you fucking kiddng me, NOW! NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW, you nominate "Parks and Recreation"! Really!?!? You bring me it back now after it was the funniest show on television for the last five years and ignoring it! Are you kidding me! (Frustrated Sigh) Well, Amy Poehler's better fucking win now! If she doesn't, I'll scream. I'll live with the show never winning, but what a shock to see "Parks and Rec..." get in. Okay, "Modern Family" did get in, but this will be the year it doesn't win! It better be. "Veep" is the favorite with "Transparent", the first time Amazon nominee getting into the category, and the second streaming site to get in, and Netflix, did also, YES! I'm cheering for "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" deservedly getting for Series, it should win, but I think it's between "Veep" and "Transparent". Also, with "The Big Bang Theory" out, this is the first time ever that no 3-camera sitcom has been nominated in the category.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Anthony Anderson-"black-ish"-ABC
Louis C.K.-"Louie"-FX Networks
Will Forte-"The Last Man on Earth"-FOX
Don Cheadle-"House of Lies"-Showtime
Matt LeBlanc-"Episodes"-Showtime
William H. Macy-"Shameless"-Showtime"
Jeffrey Tambor-"Transparent"-Amazon Instant Video
(Frustrated sigh) Jim Parsons should be in here. I'm sorry, I know some people don't like how he keeps winning, but, I don't care. Yeah, weak year for the show, I'm fine with it not getting in for Series, but Parsons had about six or seven episodes this year that he easily should've won with, he should be in here. Anthony Anderson's a surprise extra nominee for "black-ish", which is, good, not a great show. Will Forte's nomination for "The Last Man on Earth" is a bit of a wild card here, wasn't a fan of the show but he has some interesting one-person episodes that could steal it, even though Jeffrey Tambor is a heavy favorite, longtime television favorite, veteran, has never won, major transgendered role, did win the Golden Globe earlier, he is the favorite and likely win.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Edie Falco-"Nurse Jackie"-Showtime
Lisa Kudrow-"The Comeback"-HBO
Julia Louis-Dreyfus-"Veep"-Showtime
Amy Poehler-"Parks and
Amy Schumer-"Inside Amy Schumer"-Comedy Central
Lily Tomlin-"Grace and Frankie"-Netflix
Edie Falco's nomination for the last season of "Nurse Jackie" means she's been nominated all six years for that show, which is a bit surprising especially if you didn't know that. (She actually tied the record with Angela Lansbury, who was nominated 12 times in Lead Actress Categories for a Series, when you add Falco's six nominations for "The Sopranos". BTW, Angela Lansbury, has never won an Emmy! Shame, Emmys!) Also, Lisa Kudrow, gets nominated in this category for the second time in nine years for "The Comeback", which is the longest time between years for the same show and character I believe, and well-deserved both times as well; she probably should've won the last time, it was that bizarre year where everyone in the category was up for a canceled series and Julia Louis-Dreyfus won by default for "The New Adventures of Old Christine", and she's won three straight times for "Veep", but, (frustrated) seriously, Amy Poehler has to win. How she hasn't won yet is, just ridiculous, and, WTF they now bring "Parks and Recreation" back for Series, she better win. Schumer however, she does a lot on that show, and it's all good, she's the "It" girl with the Melissa McCarthy movie factor out there. Lily Tomlin, legend, hasn't won for acting, she did for voiceover before, plus she has the-eh the clout within the Academy, but "Grace and Frankie" underperformed across the board, but don't eliminate her yet either. Ellie Kemper should've been nominated, that's bullshit. Emmys need to make these categories go to seven automatically, that's bullshit, even in this crowded field. Lena Dunham should also be here too.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Andre Braugher-"Brooklyn Nine-Nine"-FOX
Tituss Burgess-"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"-Netflix
Ty Burrell-"Modern Family"-ABC
Adam Driver-"Girls"-HBO
Tony Hale-"Veep"-HBO
Keegan-Michael Key-"Key & Peele"-Comedy Central
Glad to see Adam Driver get something, for "Girls"! WTH is with that, the best comedy on HBO and it can't show up anywhere else and gets pushed aside for "Veep" and "Silicon Valley" of all shows? Somebody needs to explain this. Ty Burrell, the only "Modern Family" guy in, which is ridiculous, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Ed O'Neill are far more worthy, but he's returning as last year's winner. I think most are projecting Tony Hale to win, but Tituss Burgess and Andre Braugher are potential spoilers. And the SNL spot, went to Keegan-Michael Key for "Key & Peele" instead, which-, well, forget that there should be another category for Variety performers, but he's in the wrong category, he should've submitted in Lead like Amy Schumer did. I mean, he is, half of the show, right, him and Peele? I don't get that, but congrats to him. Wow, three African-Americans in the category. I'm looking it up now, but I don't think that's ever happened before and I can't even remember the last time an African-American won this category. My guess would be, what's-his-name, Robert Guillaume for "Soap", other than Braugher last year, I can't even find the last African American to get nominated in this category. No, I was wrong, but it was almost as ancient, prior to Braugher, the last African-American nominated in this category, the late Meshach Taylor in '89, for "Designing Women", and I'm fairly certain that Guillaume was the last to win. Yeah, I was right on Guillaume, and the also, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, was nominated in '86, but Guillaume, won in '79, and no African-American has won since, and there's barely been anyone nominated. Wow.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Mayim Bialik-"The Big Bang Theory"-CBS
Julie Bowen-"Modern Family"-ABC
Anna Chlumsky-"Veep"-HBO
Gaby Hoffman-"Transparent"-Amazon Instant Video
Allison Janney-"Mom"-CBS
Jane Krakowski-"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"-Netflix
Kate McKinnon-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC
Niecy Nash-"Getting On"-HBO
Holy hell, eight nominees in the category. Okay, for those wondering, the 2% rule is in effect, there's a minimum of six nominees in the acting categories, + anybody who finishes within 2% of 6th place also gets in, and this is a crowded, crowded field. A bit surprised that, of all "The Big Bang Theory" theory snubs, Mayim Bialik still snuck in, while I thought Jim Parsons was just robbed of a nomination, Bialik, I wondered if she even had an episode worth submitting this year, so that's a shock to me. I am happy that Gaby Hoffman got in, over Judith Light for "Transparent", that was the correct choice over Judith Light, (Although Light being nominated would've been fine.) Krakowski, in for "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" that really is the dark horse show here, btw, Kate McKinnon back in, one of the few bright spots on SNL, only Julie Bowen for "Modern Family", expected, Allison Janney, still a favorite even in a crowded field, but Chlumsky and Krakowski could pull an upset. Niecy Nash, the real shocker here for "Getting On", I didn't think anybody even saw that show, and I thought if anybody would've gotten in there, it would've been Laurie Metcalf, although I think she submits in Lead even though she'd be better to put her name in Supporting, but that's one somebody's gonna have to take a closer look at 'cause there's probably an episode there. Glad somebody from "Reno; 911" finally got nominated for something. And where' Zosia Mamet? She should get in here next time.
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Mel Brooks-"The Comedians"-FX Networks
Louis C.K.-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC
Paul Giamatti-"Inside Amy Schumer"-Comedy Central
Bill Hader-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC
Jon Hamm-"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"-Netflix
Bradley Whitford-"Transparent"-Amazon Instant Video
No big surprises here, SNL gets their two nominees in, Mel Brooks, the only person from "The Comedians" to get in and he's won this category four years in a row once for "Mad About You", don't count him out. Kudos for remembering to nominate Paul Giamatti for "Inside Amy Schumer", absolutely deserved, glad they got him. Bradley Whitford, in for "Transparent", but Jon Hamm, easy favorite here, I think it's between him and Mel Brooks, they want to give it to him for "Mad Men" already, he's been nominated in this category multiple times as well and he's incredible on "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", eh, looks like he might win two.
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Pamela Adlon-"Louie"-FX Networks
Elizabeth Banks-"Modern Family"-ABC
Christine Baranski-"The Big Bang Theory"-CBS
Joan Cusack-"Shameless"-Showtime
Tina Fey-"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"-Netflix
Gaby Hoffman-"Girls"-HBO
I thought Tina Fey would get in for Writing and not for Guest Actress, although she is good the show as well as an Indiana District Attorney named Marcia that, you have to see to believe. Baranski can win twice with her nomination for "The Big Bang Theory", bit of a surprise, so can Gaby Hoffman, glad to see her work on "Girls" also getting recognized, she's had a great year. (And she should've won an Oscar last year for the film "Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus & 2012". I know, weird title, but trust me, look it up; she's a superstar in my book.) Also, Pamela Adlon, she's been nominated for writing before on "Louie", now nominated for her acting on the show; she's been around forever, she was Evan Handler's cokehead wife on "Californication" another show that's constantly overlooked, glad to see her. Cusack is due for a win though. So is Banks. Hmm. Tricky category to call. BTW, "SNL" put up six names as Guest Hosts, but they didn't put up a female strangely, so that's why they aren't represented here, oddly. I would've put up Amy Adams, but oh, well.
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Episodes-"Episode 409"-David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik-Showtime
The Last Man on Earth-"Alive in Tucson (Pilot)"-Will Forte-FOX
Louie-"Bobby's House"-Louie C.K.-FX Networks
Silicon Valley-"Two Days of the Condor"-Alec Berg-HBO
Transparent-"Pilot"-Jill Soloway-Amazon Instant Video
Veep-"Election Night"-Teleplay: Story: Armando Ianucci; Story/Teleplay: Simon Blackwell and Tony Roche-HBO
A rare sixth nomination in Writing a la, the 2% rule, and "Episodes" strangely manages to sneak into this category again. Will Forte, takes what I think most thought was Tina Fey's spot with the pilot for "The Last Man on Earth", and that might be a good spot to honor him, if he doesn't win for Acting. Louis. C.K.'s won twice here, but "Transparent" and Jill Soloway's pilot is probably the favorite. This could be a predictor, between "Transparent" and "Veep" though.
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
The Last Man on Earth-"Alive in Tucson (Pilot)-Phil Lord & Christopher Miller-FOX
Louie-"Sleepover"-Louis C.K.-FX Networks
Silicon Valley-"Sand Hill Shuffle"-Mike Judge-HBO
Transparent-"Best New Girl"-Jill Soloway-Amazon Instant Video
Veep-"Testimony"-Armando Ianucci-HBO
Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, the duo behind "The LEGO Movie" and the "...Jump Street" films got in for "The Last Man on Earth" pilot and that's strangely the only episode up for both Writing and Directing. No, "Modern Family", in either category, not a good sign for their chances at a sixth win, Could be a spot for "Transparent" or "Veep", and don't overlook this being the one place they might honor "Silicon Valley", but I think that's a longshot at best.
DRAMA SERIES
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Better Call Saul-AMC
Downton Abbey-PBS
Game of Thrones-HBO
Homeland-Showtime
House of Cards-Netflix
Mad Men-AMC
Orange is the New Black-Netflix
Despite being declared ineligible as a comedy series and forced to submit in Drama, "Orange is the New Black" did manage to get into Outstanding Drama Series, but it's a tough field at the moment. "Better Call Saul" is the new entry, replacing "Breaking Bad", literally. "Homeland", surprising a few people after a disappointing last season, coming back into the category, which is very rare in Drama Series, (And Comedy Series as well, but congrats, "P&R"). "Empire" the big FOX soap opera, snubbed almost across the board, except for Taraji P. Henson and not getting in. "Game of Thrones" set the record this year with 24 nominations, so it's a favorite against "Mad Men", the sentimental favorite in it's final season. "House of Cards" and "Better Call Saul" could play spoiler, but this is pretty much a two-show race, one of the rare categories this year that is not a free-for-all it seems.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Kyle Chandler-"Bloodline"-Netflix
Jeff Daniels-"The Newsroom"-AMC
Jon Hamm-"Mad Men"-AMC
Bob Odenkirk-"Better Call Saul"-AMC
Liev Schreiber-"Ray Donovan"-Showtime
Kevin Spacey-"House of Cards"-Netflix
Okay, if Kyle Chandler fucking beats Jon Hamm again, I swear to God...! Nothing against the guy, I actually have heard great things about him, but it's ridiculous that "Mad Men" has never won an acting award, especially for Jon Hamm. Granted, he'll win this year finally for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" but still.... Liev Schreiber's nomination is interesting, who knew they were watching "Ray Donovan" (And they should it is good). Look out for Jeff Daniels though, he did deserve to win two years ago, he's got a great episode this year, it's neck-and-neck with him and Hamm.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Claire Danes-"Homeland"-Showtime
Viola Davis-"How to Get Away with Murder"-ABC
Taraji P. Henson-"Empire"-FOX
Tatiana Maslany-"Orphan Black"-BBC America
Elisabeth Moss-"Mad Men"-AMC
Robin Wright-"House of Cards"-Netflix
With Davis and Henson getting in, it's the first time two African-American actresses have gotten into the category. Also, a African-Brit, with Tatiana Maslany's shocking nomination for "Orphan Black", which most people had written off after she was snubbed last year. It's also the first time a BBC America show has gotten into a Series category, at all, so people are watching that. No, Julianna Margulies, who won last year for "The Good Wife", after winning last year, many thought "The Good Wife" could get back into the series category, but that went to "Homeland" instead. Elisabeth Moss, also back, hasn't won, like all "Mad Men" actors. No Taylor Schilling for "Orange..." is a bit of a surprise, but there's too many TV shows to begin with, so who the hell knows anymore what's a snub and what's not.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jonathan Banks-"Better Call Saul"-AMC
Jim Carter-"Downton Abbey"-PBS
Alan Cumming-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Peter Dinklage-"Game of Thrones"-AMC
Michael Kelly-"House of Cards"-Netflix
Ben Mendelsohn-"Bloodline"-Netflix
Peter Dinklage is the only winner from this list, with Jim Carter and Alan Cumming, surprisingly returning for "The Good Wife", it's worth noting that "The Good Wife" has won an Emmy, somewhere in acting every year the show's been on the air, even with snubs and during weak years it's worth looking out for. Netflix got two into the category for the first time, with Kelly from "House of Cards" and for Ben Mendelsohn from "Bloodline", which didn't do too bad despite getting overlooked even on Netflix and snubbed for Series. Also, Jonathan Banks, becomes another new addition to a rare category of people who have been nominated for playing the same role on multiple shows, with his nomination for "Better Call Saul" and he's probably the favorite at the moment.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Uzo Aduba-"Orange is the New Black"-Netflix
Christine Baranski-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Emilia Clarke-"Game of Thrones"-HBO
Joanne Froggatt-"Downton Abbey"-PBS
Lena Headey-"Game of Thrones"-HBO
Christina Hendricks-"Mad Men"-AMC
The Guest Actor/Supporting Actor Rule Changes this year did have some interesting results, mostly snubs oddly, although Uzo Aduba did crossover as last year's Guest Actress in a Comedy Series winner to Supporting Actress in a Drama Series this year, curious enough, but nobody else from "Orange..." which only got four total nominations, shockingly. Two from "Game of Thonres" is interesting with Clarke coming back and Headey coming in. Christine Baranaski is due for a win on "The Good Wife", but not more than Christina Hendricks is for "Mad Men". BTW, coming into today, "Mad Men", 0 for 34, in acting categories, mind-bogglingly, and Hendricks is deserving as well. It's a tight race, and don't rule out Joanne Froggatt, a lot of people thought that had Anna Gunn not been nominated last year for "Breaking Bad", Froggatt would've easily won the category, this could be a makeup for her. Speaking of "Downton Abbey" though, underperforming in general, but the biggest shock is Maggie Smith, who most had as a favorite to win this year, and a perennial Emmy nominee, no matter what she's in generally, snubbed big time for this category. Not a good sign for "Downton Abbey" in general.
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
F. Murray Abraham-"Homeland"-Showtime
Alan Alda-"The Blacklist"-NBC
Beau Bridges-"Masters of Sex"-Showtime
Reg E. Cathay-"House of Cards"-Netflix
Michael J. Fox-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Pablo Schreiber-"Orange is the New Black"-Netflix
Alan Alda's nomination, about the only love "The Blacklist" is getting. Mostly surprises across the board though, Michael J. Fox has been nominated a few times for "The Good Wife" and Reg E. Cathay got a Golden Globe nomination for "House of Cards" for Supporting Actor, he qualified here for Guest Actor. Beau Bridges is back and "Masters of Sex" does strangely well in this category, he's probably the early favorite.
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Khandi Alexander-"Scandal"-ABC
Rachel Brosnahan-"House of Cards"-Netflix
Allison Janney-"Masters of Sex"-Showtime
Margo Martindale-"The Americans"-FX Networks
Diana Rigg -"Game of Thrones"-HBO
Cicely Tyson-"How to Get Away with Murder"-ABC
It's gonna be a little harder, in both categories this year for Allison Janney to pull off a double win for Guest Actress in a Drama and Supporting Actress Comedy, but it's possible. Her and Margo Martindale are back in this category, Martindale, pretty much the only thing from "The Americans" to get credit; a lot of people thought that could get in after it won the Critics Choice Awards. Also, getting snubbed across the board, "Scandal" with only Khandi Alexander getting in for Guest Actress and that's bit of a surprise nomination. Look out for Rachel Brosnahan, but I think right now, Janney, Rigg and Tyson are in a close tight race for this one.
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
The Americans."Do Male Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?"-Joshua Brand-FX Networks
Better Call Saul,"Five-O"-Gordon Smith-AMC
Game of Thrones, "Mother's Mercy"-David Benioff and D.B. Weiss-HBO
Mad Men, "Lost Horizon"-Semi Challas and Matthew Weiner-AMC
Mad Men, "Person to Person"-Matthew Weiner-AMC
Two nominations for "Mad Men", a surprise "Better Call Saul" nomination and an unusual nod for "The Americans" as that writers branch continues to go against the grain. Hey, Writers, 6,7, nominees in every category now, you guys are still doing FIVE! you guys gotta start expanding this category, and soon, this is ridiculous.
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Boardwalk Empire, "Eldorado"-Tim Van Patten-HBO
Game of Thrones,"Mother's Mercy"-David Nuttier-HBO
Game of Thrones, "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken"-Jeremy Podeswa-HBO
Homeland-"From A to B and Back Again"-Lesli Linka Glatter-Showtime
The Knick-"Method and Madness"-Steven Soderbergh-Cinemax
Hmm, Cinemax is getting into the game, and Steven Soderbergh is the conspicuous big name here for directing "The Knick", so you can't completely count him out, but two "Game of Thrones" nominations are noteworthy. And hey, DIRECTORS, what I said about Writers, same goes to you, only FIVE NOMINEES? Start moving it up, and soon!
REALITY
OUTSTANDING REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
The Amazing Race-CBS
Dancing with the Stars-ABC
Project Runway-Lifetime
So You Think You Can Dance-FOX
Top Chef-Bravo
The Voice-NBC
Same six it always is, same
OUTSTANDING STRUCTURED REALITY PROGRAM
Antiques Roadshow-PBS
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives-Food Network
Mythbusters-Discovery Channel
Property Brothers-HGTV
Shark Tank-ABC
Undercover Boss-CBS
Huh? What the hell is "Property Brothers"? (IMDB Search pause, scratching head) Is this the show that people who actually watched "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" now watch? (Depressed sigh) Oh-kay, whatever the hell that is is up against, the usual five in the Structured-Reality Category, and I miss Kathy Griffin's reality show. (Depressed sigh) I think it's between the unwatchable "Undercover Boss", and the relatively watchable "Shark Tank". "Restaurant Startup" would've been a fun choice added here, but I'm cheering for "Antiques Roadshow". They're way overdo.
OUTSTANDING UNSTRUCTURED REALITY PROGRAM
Alaska: The Last Frontier-Discovery Channel
Deadliest Catch-Discovery Channel
Intervention-A&E
Million Dollar Listing-Bravo
Naked and Afraid-Discovery Channel
Wahlburgers-A&E
(Frustrating sigh) Really, I actually have to look up and watch "Naked and Afraid" now?! And where's "Flippin' Out", what the hell?! Wait, did they have a season this year? Okay, maybe they didn't have a season, but "Naked and Afraid", is this really that compelling? Not that, "Wahlburgers" is particularly special, but... Kathy Griffin, where the hell are you? You're seriously missed here in Reality! Kathy?
OUTSTANDING HOST FOR A REALITY OR REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
Tom Bergeron-"Dancing with the Stars"-ABC
Anthony Bourdain-"The Taste"-ABC
Cat Deeley-"So You Think You Can Dance"-FOX
Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn-"Project Runway"-Lifetime
Jane Lynch-"Hollywood Game Night"-NBC
Okay, same list as last time, I don't know how/why Anthony Bourdain keeps getting in for the cooking competition show that nobody watches, "The Taste", but something we gotta bring up with Jane Lynch. She won last year for "Hollywood Game Night" and yes, if these are the nominees, I understand her winning, but that's a game show, not a reality show. Look, I know there's no equivalent award for Game Show Host at the Primetime Emmys, but you can submit your name in the Daytime Emmys Game Show Host category. Regis Philbin won a Daytime Emmys for hosting a Primetime Game Show, so there is a precedent. Hey, come to think of it, who won the Emmy this year for Game Show Hosting?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP8JqwYeaKQ
Yeah, Craig Ferguson won for hosting "Celebrity Name Game". A game show where celebrities play with regular and discuss celebrities the whole show. While, "Hollywood Game Night" is a, eh, reality show, where normal people play games with celebrities that are based around knowing other celebrities and pop culture? Eh, no, it's a game show. There is a difference. I might go into this more when I start talking about game shows on future TV Viewing 101 blogs, (If and when I can ever get a decent working computer again)
VARIETY
OUTSTANDING VARIETY TALK SERIES
The Colbert Report-Comedy Central
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart-Comedy Central
Jimmy Kimmel Live-ABC
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver-HBO
Late Show with David Letterman-CBS
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon-NBC
"Real Time with Bill Maher" finally gets snubbed, unfortunately, although it's replaced with "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" so HBO doesn't lose it's slot, and let's face it, John Oliver deserves it. Kimmel, I still don't know how he keeps getting in, instead of Craig Ferguson who I wanted to see get in. David Letterman back in for the first time for his finale season, but "The Daily Show..." also in it's last season, plus, Colbert's last season, this category is completely, changing next year. And Letterman's nomination, let's not forget, replaces "SNL", which is now moved to the Variety-Sketch Series category, so this is going to be a very interesting category, next year.
OUTSTANDING VARIETY-SKETCH SERIES
Drunk History-Comedy Central
Inside Amy Schumer-Comedy Central
Key & Peele-Comedy Central
Portlandia-IFC
Saturday Night Live-NBC
Congrats to Comedy Central. No real surprises if you were paying attention over the years nominees-wise but with two major acting nominations for Schumer and Peele and three in this category, with a legitimate chance to defeat a weak "SNL" year, they've proven they're a legitimate Emmy Award contender, across Variety, and, I'll tell you this, "Broad City" not nominated for Comedy Series, but I wouldn't be too shocked if maybe next year, it sneaks in. This category should be on the main show and not at the performing arts, this is just as relevant as Variety-Talk. Look for "Inside Amy Schumer" to pull the upset over "SNL" here.
OUTSTANDING VARIETY SPECIAL
Bill Maher: Live from D.C.-HBO
The Kennedy Center Honors-CBS
Louis C.K.: Live at The Comedy Store-LouisCK.net
Mel Brooks Live at the Geffen-HBO
The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special-NBC
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek LIVE!-PBS
Hmm, Mel Brooks's AFI Tribute actually won this category last year, and here he is again, this time he's performing. Hmm. Nice to see Bill Maher, and Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga on here, and Louis C.K.'s internet standup special, what-the-hell! Louis C.K. has his own streaming channel, and it gets in for Variety Special? Wow! But, anyway, when all else fails, The Kennedy Center Honors usually take this for some reason, but I don't know, SNL 40th could take it, might be the best place to honor "SNL" too.
OUTSTANDING SPECIAL CLASS PROGRAM
The 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards-NBC
Beyonce And JAY Z On the Run-HBO
The Oscars-ABC
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Live from Lincoln Center)-PBS
68th Annual Tony Awards-CBS
Some of you may be wondering why Emma Thompson can be nominated for "Sweeney Todd..." in the Limited Series/TV Movie category while it's listed as a Special Class Program here. Um, eh-, yeah, why the hell can that happen; shouldn't that be a TV Movie?! And BTW, why are these Variety specials special class and not Variety Special-, oh, I don't even care that much.
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A VARIETY SERIES
The Colbert Report-Head Writer: Opus Moreschi; et. al.-Comedy Central
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart-Head Writer: Elliott Kalan, et. al.-Comedy Central
Inside Amy Schumer-Head Writer: Jessi Klein, et. al-Comedy Central
Key & Peele-Jay Martel, Ian Roberts, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele-Comedy Central
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver-John Oliver, et. al.-HBO
Comedy Central gets four shows in writing, and two of them are sketch shows. Only "Last Week Tonight..." gets in for HBO, and let me tell you, and I wouldn't be shocked if John Oliver did win. It's a crowded field and with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert leaving their shows, we're it's a who knows in both Variety Talk and for Variety Series Writing.
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A VARIETY SPECIAL
The 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards-Barry Adelman,... et. al.-NBC
Key & Peele Super Bowl Special-Brendan Hunt, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Rich Talarico-Comedy Central
Louis C.K.: Live At The Comedy Store-Louis C.K.-LouisCK.net
Mel Brooks Live At the Geffen-Mel Brooks-HBO
The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special-Lorne Michaels,... et. al.-NBC
Okay, Tina Fey & Amy Poehler, Key & Peele, Louis C.K., Mel Brooks, and Tina Fey again. Whew, helluva a pedigree of a category this year. Unfortunately, this year it's not on the main show, as some of these other interesting categories are.
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY SERIES
The Colbert Report-"Show 11040"-James Hoskinson-Comedy Central
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart-"Show 20103"-Chuck O'Neil-Comedy Central
Inside Amy Schumer-"12 Angry Men Inside Amy Schumer"-Amy Schumer and Ryan McFaul-Comedy Central
Late Show with David Letterman-"Show 4214"-Jerry Foley-CBS
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon-"Show 203"-Dave Diomedi-NBC
Don't think Comedy Central is up while "SNL" is down; Don Roy King has won this category four the last, forever, for directing "SNL" and he's not even nominated this year. Tough category though, the last Colbert, the last Letterman, Jerry Foley could win this again, perennial nominee in this category, and this is also a perfect spot for Amy Schumer to get her Emmy win, for directing the "12 Angry Men..." parody, which was ingenious, and definitely a directing accomplishment.
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY SPECIAL
Annie Lennox: Nostalgia Live In Concert-Natalie Johns-PBS
The Kennedy Center Honors-Louis J. Horvitz-CBS
The Oscars-Hamish Hamilton-ABC
The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special-Don Roy King-NBC
68th Annual Tony Awards-Glenn Weiss-CBS
Okay, Don Roy King is here. I guess I can't completely blame him for the Eddie Murphy, shows up and does nothing thing, but still, probably harder to direct the Tony Awards this year.
LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIES
OUTSTANDING LIMITED SERIES
American Crime-ABC
American Horror Story: Freak Show-FX Networks
The Honorable Woman-SundanceTV
Olive Kitteridge-HBO
Wolf Hall-PBS
I'm probably not gonna be saying too much during these series, I really haven't seen most of them yet and I'm not exactly sure how to handicap them yet, but this is the first year since back in 1985, that the miniseries are now called "Limited Series" so as to distinguish the "True Detective"'s (Which isn't eligible this year ironically) and the "American Horror Story"'s and other shows that seemed to be able to jump around, as these new, one season series creep up. (Hmm, was "Fargo", eligible, 'cause I-, hmm, I guess not.) See, I really don't know much about these.
OUTSTANDING TELEVISION MOVIE
Agatha Christie's Poirot: Curtain, Poirot's Last Case-Acorn TV
Bessie-HBO
Grace of Monaco-Lifetime
Hello Ladies: The Movie-HBO
Killing Jesus-National Geographic Channel
Nightingale-HBO
Acorn TV, getting in, that's a shocker. No, "Derek: Special" surprisingly, but instead, HBO's finale movie for Steven Merchant's, Gervais's writing and performing partner's series, "Hello Ladies", which wasn't terribly well received before it's cancellation, surprises everybody and gets in here. A few shockers here. "Nightingale" and "Bessie" look like the early favorites though.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOVIE
Timothy Hutton-"American Crime"-ABC
Ricky Gervais-"Derek: Special"-Netflix
Adrien Brody-"Houdini"-HISTORY
David Oyelowo-"Nightingale"-HBO
Richard Jenkins-"Olive Kitteridge"-HBO
Mark Rylance-"Wolf Hall"-PBS
Ricky Gervais got in for "Derek" last year in the Comedy Series category, but it's a bit of a shock that this was the only major nomination for "Derek" for the finale movie. Hard to judge "American Crime", it's been a while since the networks put up a legitimate contender in the category, but I think it's between David Oyelowo for "Nightingale" who many thought was screwed out of an Oscar nomination for "Selma" and Richard Jenkins for "Olive Kitteridge" which I think is probably battling head-to-head with "The Honorable Woman" in most categories, also Richard Jenkins, is a beloved and legendary character actor in film and television, he played Nathaniel Fisher on "Six Feet Under", and got an Oscar nomination for "The Visitor" a few years back; I bet a lot of voters think it would be nice to finally see him get up on stage to collect an Emmy.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOVIE
Maggie Gyllenhaal-"The Honorable Woman"-SundanceTV
Felicity Huffman-"American Crime"-ABC
Jessica Lange-"American Horror Story: Freak Show"-FX Networks
Queen Latifah-"Bessie"-HBO
Frances McDormand-"Olive Kitteridge"-HBO
Emma Thompson-"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Live from Lincoln Center)"-PBS
Maggie Gyllenhaal had a surprise Golden Globe win for "The Honorable Woman" earlier this year, not against most of this competition, in a real loaded field. There's 1,2,8,9,12, 16 Oscar nominations and 4 Oscars total in this category, not to mention, three, four, I don't know how many Emmys between everybody here. Hmm,wow, Queen Latifah's never gotten a daytime Emmy nominations. She's had two successful talk shows-, huh, odd.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOVIE
Richard Cabral-"American Crime"-ABC
Damian Lewis-"Wolf Hall"-PBS
Bill Murray-"Olive Kitteridge"-HBO
Denis O'Hare-"American Horror Story: Freak Show"-FX Networks
Michael Kenneth Williams-"Bessie"-HBO
Finn Wittrock-"American Horror Story: Freak Show"-FX Networks
Some of you might remember Damian Lewis as that guy from "Homeland" that took one of the Emmys that Bryan Cranston or Jon Hamm probably should've won. Well, he's a good actor, although I suspect Bill Murray, because he's Bill Murray is a favorite, but don't rule out anybody here yet. Especially from "American Horror Story"; it's a weird rule, but it's true, the more nominations a show has in the category, especially an acting category, with the Emmys anyway, it's more than likely someone from that show will win. I know, it's the exact opposite with the Oscars, usually they split the vote there and you should predict someone, but Emmy history shows it's the exact opposite.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOVIE
Angela Bassett-"American Horror Story: Freak Show"-FX Networks
Kathy Bates-"American Horror Story: Freak Show"-FX Networks
Zoe Kazan-"Olive Kitteridge"-HBO
Regina King-"American Crime"-ABC
Mo'Nique-"Bessie"-HBO
Sarah Paulson-"American Horror Story: Freak Show"-FX Networks
Mo'Nique's nomination for the HBO biopic "Bessie" is an interesting one; for those who don't know, she's been blackballed in Hollywood for a few years since she won her Oscar after she refused to do the obligatory publicity rounds to-eh, campaign to win the Oscar and made a big deal out of it a well of be very against the campaigning system, that blackball, in still on in certain circles but she did get in here. Tough category though with three "AHS..." nods, last year. Kathy Bates took the category last year, in an upset and many think Jessica Lange's win over Sarah Paulsen was a bit ridiculous, and I'm definitely always in favor of giving Sarah Paulsen. an Emmy, she should be the favorite, but Angela Bassett's well-beloved, and I wouldn't rule Regina King either; she's done quite a bit of television over the years, she'll probably get a vote or two.
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, MOVIE OR A DRAMATIC SPECIAL
American Crime-John Ridley-ABC
Bessie-Story: Dee Rees and Horton Foote; Screenplay:Dee Rees, Christopher Cleveland, Bettina Gilois-HBO
Hello Ladies: The Movie-Stephen Merchant, Gene Stupnitsky, and Lee Eisenberg-HBO
The Honorable Woman-Hugo Blick-SundanceTV
Olive Kitteredge-Jane Anderson-HBO
Wolf Hall-Peter Straughan-PBS
Interesting to see "Hello Ladies: the Movie, doing surprisingly well, all around, especially over "Derek", this is Stephen Merchant getting a rare nomination, outside of his writing partner Ricky Gervais. John Ridley won the Oscar recently for writing "12 Years a Slave" he's a strong possibility, also, Horton Foote, he's the legendary screenwriter for "To Kill a Mockingbird", "The Trip to Bountiful", "Tender Mercies", he's a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, won two Oscars, etc. He passed away five years ago, but he won an Emmy in this category years ago for "Old Man" and got his first nomination when he was a writer for "Playhouse 90", back in '59, he was working on "Bessie" before Dee Rees took over, the sentimental vote would definitely be for him.
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, MOVIE OR A DRAMATIC SPECIAL
American Horror Story: Freak Show, "Monsters Among Us"-Ryan Murphy-FX Networks
Bessie-Dee Rees-HBO
The Honorable Woman-Hugo Blick-SundanceTV
Houdini-Uli Edel-HISTORY
The Missing-Tom Shankland-Starz
Olive Kitteridge-Lisa Cholodenko-HBO
Wolf Hall-Peter Kosminsky-PBS
Not as many overly big names in the category this year. Lisa Cholodenko of "The Kids Are All Right" and "High Art" and Dee Rees of "Pariah", getting in, so a couple major female filmmakers in is cool, and they're probably the favorites. Never count out Ryan Murphy, but no writing nomination for "AHS..." probably makes it unlikely for it to break through here, as per usual for them.
OTHER INTERESTING CATEGORIES (aka, cool Creative Arts Categories)
ANIMATION
OUTSTANDING ANIMATED PROGRAM
Archer, "Pocket Listing"-FX Networks
Bob's Burgers, "Can't Buy Me Math"-FOX
Over the Garden Wall-Cartoon Network
The Simpsons-"Treehouse of Horror XXV"-FOX
South Park-"Freemium Isn't Free"-Comedy Central
Okay, it goes without saying that, this should be on the main show, this category, but I also think it's time that they start treating this category with the same respect and practices as the other categories. Instead of submitting one episode, there should be an Outstanding Animated Series and Outstanding Animated Special category, but even if you discount that and let them compete with each other, series should submit a series of episodes and not just one. This should be a campaign, these shows probably have as much relevance if not moreso than, pretty much all of the Comedy, Drama and Variety programs.
OUTSTANDING SHORT-FORM ANIMATED PROGRAM
Adventure Time, "Jake the Brick"-Cartoon Network
Disney Mickey Mouse-"Mumbai Madness"-Disney Channel
Regular Show-"White Elephant Gift Exchange"-Cartoon Network
Robot Chicken-"Chipotle Miserable"-Adult Swim
Steven Universe-"Lion 3: Straight to Video"-Cartoon Network
Wander Over Yonder-"The Gift 2: The Giftening"-Disney XD
Okay, so I haven't had cable in a while, so somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but Adult Swim and Cartoon Network are now two different channels, and Disney XD is now different than the Disney Channel? I think? Okay, I guess.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTER VOICE-OVER PERFORMANCE
Hank Azaria-"The Simpsons", "The Princess Guide"-FOX
Dan Castellaneta-"The Simpsons", "Bart's New Friend"-FOX
Seth Green-"Robot Chicken", "Victoria's Secret of Nimph"-Adult Swim
Seth MacFarlane-"Family Guy", "Our Idiot Brian"-FOX
Tress MacNeille-"The Simpsons", "My Fare Lady"-FOX
John Roberts-"Bob's Burger's", "Eat, Spray, Linda"-FOX
They separated out this category and Narrator just last year and that's when Harry Shearer, the last regular cast member of "The Simpsons" finally won an Emmy, the first of his career. As you can see, that was probably a career award, especially since "The Simpsons" took up three spots this year and he's not one of them. Not as interesting a category as usual this year, although Tress MacNeille could steal this. First time in a while that Maurice LaMarche is not among the nominee also.
SHORT-FORMAT/INTERACTIVE
OUTSTANDING SHORT-FORMAT LIVE-ACTION ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Brad Pitt-FunnyOrDie.com
Billy On The Street with First Lady Michelle Obama, Big Bird and Elena!!!-FunnyOrDie.com
Children's Hospital, "Just Like Cyrano de Bergerac"-Adult Swim
Key & Peele Presents Van and Mike: The Ascension. "Episode 5"-Comedy Central.com
Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show Starring Katy Perry-NBC
Zach Galifianakis, Billy Eichner, Rob Corddry, Key & Peele and Katy Perry go up against each other in this category. I bet if the Emmys described the Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program that way, more people would know about it, huh? FunnyOrDie.com, btw, doing great at this, two nominations in.
OUTSTANDING SHORT-FORMAT NONFICTION PROGRAM
American Horror Story: Extra-Ordinary Artists-FX Networks
Parks and Recreation: Behind the Final Season-NBC.com
30 for 30 Shorts-ESPN
Transparent: This is Me-EW.com
A Tribute to Mel Brooks-FX Networks
Man, Mel Brooks, shows up everywhere, doesn't he?
OUTSTANDING INTERACTIVE PROGRAM
@midnight with Chris Hardwick-Comedy Central
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver-HBO
Saturday Night Live: SNL 40-NBC
Talking Dead-AMC
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon-NBC
(Scratching head) I have no idea what makes these Interactive Programs.
DOCUMENTARY/NONFICTION
OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY OR NONFICTION SPECIAL
The Case Against 8-HBO
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief-HBO
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck-HBO
Sinatra: All or Nothing At All-HBO
Virunga-Netflix
"Virunga" was an Oscar nominee for Netflix earlier this year and now it gets into Documentary or Nonfiction Special, which is basically the Documentary Feature category, and it does look a bit like what the Oscars should've looked like. "Going Clear..." getting in is interesting, the Scientology documentary. BTW, Sheila Nevins, gets three nominations in this category, that increases her total nominations to 71. She's the HBO head of non-fiction programming, so-eh, yeah, she also holds the records with 29 overall wins. She rocks. BTW, Leonardo DiCaprio is a nominee as a producer on "Virunga" btw.
OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY OR NONFICTION SERIES
American Masters-PBS
Cancer: The Emperon of All Maladies-PBS
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst-HBO
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History-PBS
The Sixties-CNN
Two for Ken Burns with "Cancer" and "The Roosevelts", Tom Hanks is a producer on CNN's "The Sixties" and HBO's "The Jinx" was that special that caught that longtime escaped prisoner confessing. "American Masters" is just awesome, btw.
OUTSTANDING INFORMATIONAL SERIES OR SPECIAL
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown-CNN
Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways-HBO
Inside the Actors Studio-Bravo
StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson-National Geographic Channel
Vice-HBO
This is where Bill Maher, as a producer of "Vice" finally won an Emmy. He's a favorite again, but a tough categroy. "Anthony Bourdain..." is always strong and Neil deGrasse Tyson as well, and who knows with Foo Fighters. Man, what a category. Bourdain, Dave Grohl, James Lipton, Tyson and Bill Maher.
EXCEPTIONAL MERIT IN DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING
Citizenfour-HBO
The Great Invisible-PBS/Pivot
Hot Girls Wanted-Netflix
I'm not sure why this is separate from Documentary or Nonfiction Special, but Oscar winner, "Citizenfour" shows up here as a heavy favorite. I know the Oscar rules about not having aired on television before a certain date means that the film can be eligible for nomination; I'm not sure what the full standard is for Emmy consideration, but with Netflix and HBO getting into the documentary game and challenging the old standards of a movie release, I'm sure this will be looked up later. Rashida Jones gets her first nomination a producer on "Hot Girls Wanted" also.
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A NON-FICTION PROGRAMMING
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, "Iran"-Anthony Bourdain-CNN
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief-Alex Gibney-HBO
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck-Brett Morgan-HBO
Last Days in Vietnam (American Experience)-Mark Bailey and Kevin McAlester-PBS
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History-"Episode 5"-Geoffrey C. Ward-PBS
A third, Oscar-nominated documentary from this past year, "Last Days in Vietnam" received an Emmy nomination, this time, care of PBS's "American Experience" of "Last Days in Vietnam", and that makes this category even stranger. A lot of these, on first glance, seem to be between "Going Clear..." and the Kurt Cobain documentary, they led the pack, but this is a strong year overall in the documentary or non-fiction programming categories, but with "Citizenfour," "Last Days...", "Virunga", out there, on top of perennials like Anthony Bourdain and Ken Burns out there, these are very competitive categories, worthy of main show worth if you look at the nominees at least.
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A NONFICTION PROGRAM
Alex Gibney-"Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief"-HBO
Dave Grohl-"Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways"-HBO
Andrew Jarecki-"The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst", "Episode 2"-HBO
Brett Morgan-"Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck"-HBO
Laura Poitras-"Citizenfour"-HBO
This category's powerful enough, that I think it's worth putting the director's names first. Two Oscar winners, a nominee, a rock'n'roll hall of famer, and the band that he joined the Hall of Fame with. Wow!
RANDOM NOTABLES
OUTSTANDING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
Alan Alda and the Actor Within You: A YoungArts Masterclass-HBO
Degrassi-Nickelodeon
Dog with a Blog-Disney Channel
Girl Meets World-Disney Channel
Nick News with Linda Ellerbee: Coming Out-Nickelodeon
I was just thinking about Linda Ellerbee, good to know she's still doing great work at Nickelodeon. Um, however, "Girl Meets World", can we,- um, was "Boy Meets World" a "Children's Program", or is just this a children's program? 'Cause now, I'm starting to wonder if like, "Family Matters" and "Full House" were just kids shows now. I mean, I know, they were kids shows, or family shows, or what, but-eh, did they submit as a Children's program, to get the nomination?
OUTSTANDING NARRATOR
Peter Coyote-"The Roosevelts", "Episode 1: Get Action (1858-1901)"-PBS
Anthony Mendez-"Jane the Virgin", "Chapter Fourteen"-CW
Miranda Richardson-"Operation Orangutan"-Nat Geo Wild
Henry Strozier-"Too Cute!"-"Tubby Puppies"-Animal Planet
Neil Degrasse Tyson-"Hubble's Cosmic Journey"-National Geographic Channel
"Jane the Virgin" fans, here's your nomination! Anthony Mendez's getting CW a rare nomination for Outstanding Narrator. Eh, kinda surprised by that. Cool to see Peter Coyote up, although I thought he would've been in for an Alex Gibney film. Neil DeGrasse Tyson's in, and he's awesome. Hey, Henry Strozier's back for "Too Cute!" That show about the cute dogs. Is that on, anywhere. (Looks up on computer) Aw! He's too cute! Oh, awe! Oh, Awe, so cute, Awe! Awe, Oh! Awe!
OUTSTANDING COMMERCIAL
Adobe-"Dream On"
Always-"#LikeAGirl"
Budweiser-"Lost Dog"
Gatorade-"Made in NY"
Nissan-"With Dad"
Snickers-"Brady Bunch"
Commercials have their own awards, the Clios, so this is the only award that the Emmys give out for it. I'm betting on Snickers winning with the Brady Bunch commercial. TV commercials, with a TV reference, and one that good, that should do it.
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL MUSIC AND LYRICS
"Come Join This Murder"-Sons of Anarchy-Bob Thiele, Kurt Sutter and Jake Smith-FX Networks
"Girl You Don't Need Makeup"-Inside Amy Schumer-Music & Lyrics: Kyle Dunnigan; Music: Jim Roach-Comedy Central
"Kiss an old Man"-The Comedians-Music: Robert Lopez; Lyrics: Kristen Anderson-Lopez-FX Networks
"Moving Pictures"-The Oscars-Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez-ABC
"This Time"-Glee-Darren Chris-FOX
"You Gotta Believe"-How Murray Saved Christmas-Music: Walter Murphy; Lyrics: Mike Reiss-NBC
Conspicuously absent from the category is anything from "Empire", so, sorry for fans of that show, you basically got Taraji P. Henson, and one or two other things, in like Costume Design I think, but that was it. Also, nothing from the Tony Awards this year, but the opening theme song from "The Oscars," that Neil Patrick Harris sang got in, and that was written by Robert & Kristen Lopez, the husband and wife team behind the songs from "Frozen," in fact, they got two songs in this year, they did the song from "The Comedians" as well; Robert Lopez is already an EGOT winner, his wife, hasn't gotten the Emmy yet, and his Emmy was also a daytime Emmys technically, so some think he needs to win one of these, I'm not as sold. Also, "Sons of Anarchy" fans, this might be where Kurt Sutter could finally win, it's the second straight year that he's got a song nominated. I have no idea what "How Murray Saved Christmas" was.
Whew! Okay, I think that's the main categories most people would be interested the most in. You can check the Emmys website if you're interested in, say, the Editing Categories, (Which are often good prognosticators) or perhaps the Main Titles theme music. The Creative Arts Emmys are September 12th, airing on the 19th and the main Emmys are on the 20th this year, so plenty of time to catch up to most of the main nominations. Okay, little time left at the library..., Hey, are there more of that "Too Cute!" on? Awe, that's just too cute! Awe!.....
