Bob:
Alright, the Emmy’s are right around the corner so I thought it would be good to talk about them again. I thought it might be fun to make some predictions. This isn’t who you want to win, or who you think might deserve it. Put your name on the line! What do you think is the biggest no-brainer in the contest?
As I look through the nominees it seems like it’s not so hard to narrow most of the categories down to two choices, but it’s not easy to tell which way the Academy is going to turn. For instance, I really think Mad Men is going to take home another statue for best drama, but Boardwalk Empire was great, and already beat out Mad Men for the Golden Globe. Likewise, best actor is going to be a tossup. Jon Hamm was great all season and doesn’t have an Emmy yet, but Steve Buscemi found the role of his career, and the rest of the category isn’t exactly full of slouches.
If I have to go on the record, I think it will come down in the comedy category. I know some felt that Modern Family had a bit of a sophomore slump, but I didn’t see it. Add to that the fact that every major actor on the show was nominated for their performances and I think it’s a safe bet that ABC’s comedy walks home with the award and makes it two for two.
So … what is your best Emmy lock this year?
Debbie:
Oh, I’m so terrible at this! Can we play the “if I were on the Emmy committee, I’d vote BLANK” game? This is how I’d be thinking:
Friday Night Lights for best drama — it’s over, and has been overlooked and may as well receive the nod now. Everything else nominated has either received it or has plenty of time. It would be nice to honor the work the actors and writers / directors / producers have done on that show. But then again, I don’t think they’ll use the same line of thought for Steve Carrell, who I predict won’t get the outstanding actor award (don’t ask me who will!).
I think your rationale for Modern Family taking it home is right on, but I disagree with your outstanding lead actor in a drama thoughts. I’d be surprised if Buscemi was taken seriously right off the bat … Hugh Laurie is probably acting his last season as Dr. House and he’s a likely winner (with a gazillion noms under his belt … he’s like the Susan Lucci of primetime).
Bob:
Buscemi did take home the Golden Globe, for what it’s worth. I think that voters love rewarding a guy like him who has had a career as an outstanding character actor and finally found the perfect leading role for him. Don’t count him out. I feel like a lot of these award shows also focus on “what’s hot,” and while Laurie may have been great, House is not the freshest of shows at this point. It’s also why I think Mad Men may see an end to its streak, even if I think season four was the best yet.
Now come on. I don’t want to hear about how you would vote. Take a stand! Go out on a limb! Any pick you want, what do you think is the surest bet? And, no, Steve Carell not winning doesn’t count.
Debbie:
OK — Kate Winslet for Mildred Pierce is a shoe-in. No, not because I saw it and loved it (I didn’t see it). But because the hype around this movie and awards shows is insane. All I can remember when the noms came is thinking, “Who is Mildred Pierce?” Apparently, she’s spectacular.
Yeah, House isn’t fresh, so true, and the spoilers have me thinking I may not make it through this supposed last season. But that’s another post….
Bob:
You save that for another post and I’ll save all my opinions on why Mildred Pierce was a lavishly produced, well cast piece of garbage. For everything that miniseries did right, the story was alternately completely boring and ludicrously melodramatic. It’ll still take home a crapload of awards.