The 2010 Emmy Nominations

Outstanding Comedy Series

Curb Your Enthusiasm • HBO, Glee • FOX, Modern Family • ABC, Nurse Jackie • Showtime, the Office • NBC, 30 Rock • NBC

Hooray, Glee! Hooray for you! Nominated (deservedly) for more Emmys than anyone else (19, but who's counting), it will be a travesty if you don't take the big prize home on August 29th. TRAVESTY. that out of the way, the other nominees are all very worthy and great shows; not a Family Guy (OH, YOU THINK I'D FORGOTTEN ABOUT THAT, 2009? NO MA'AM, I HAVE NOT.) amongst them. Modern Family has a strong chance of winning this thing, even as strong as 30 Rock's chance. And Curb Your Enthusiasm, while one of my favorite shows — even now some 56 years after it first premiered — is deserving, even if it is way too dark to win it. And The Office. I was going to be all "meh," but the Niagra Falls wedding episode was so brilliant, so moving and hilarious that it absolutely earned this spot. however. I am not so sure about Nurse Jackie being classified as a "comedy." Are there comedic moments? Sure. but there were comedic moments — and sometimes even entire episodes — on The Sopranos and Lost, too, but no one would call them comedies. Nurse Jackie isn't even really a dramedy as much as it is a character drama. with the occasional comedic moment. AND YET there was actually some hoo-ha about whether Glee should be included in this category because — get this — it's an hour-long program versus a 30-minute one. Poppycock.

Unfounded prediction: Glee

Outstanding Drama Series

Breaking Bad • AMC, Dexter • Showtime, The good Wife • CBS, Lost • ABC, Mad Men • AMC, True Blood • HBO

This is a great, solid list of dramas, and I have no beef with any of them. I'm sure there are some of you who are all "BUT WHAT ABOUT FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS?!?" but I don't watch that, so I don't really care. however, if you were in a fight with someone about the nominees and were like, "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS DOESN'T GET a NOD, BUT THE GOOD WIFE DOES?" I'd be like "Yeah! That's right!" but really, I don't care one way or the other. I've not seen a single episode of The good Wife, but from all accounts, it is a strong drama, with a strong female protagonist, and there's nothing wrong with that. Breaking Bad is on my coffee table right now, I HAVE NOT WATCHED IT. I know. And I call myself a television blogger. Pfft. Dexter is going to have a lot momentum behind it, having come off of a tremendous season with John Lithgow, and a heartbreaking season finale (what, you think I don't know? I know a few things.) My love for True Blood is unhealthy, but even I have to admit the Maenad story last season was tedious. too much Tara. not nearly enough Eric or Lafayette. Which leaves me with Lost and Mad Men — my two favorite shows on television. or, that were on television (sob). It was a good season for Mad Men: "My Old Kentucky Home," where Roger hosts a Kentucky Derby party; "Guy Walks into an Advertising Agency," with the unexpected/hilarious/awful lawn mower incident; "Souvenir," with Don and Betty's sexy trip to Rome; "Wee Small Hours," when Sal is unexpectedly fired; "The Grown-Ups," with the Kennedy assassination and Betty leaving Don; "Shut the Door. Have a Seat" with the founding of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce… I just can't decide which was the best, strongest episode for a remarkable series. but then there's Lost. there is still a great deal of animosity in some circles about the alternate/purgatory timeline and the way it all ended, but for my buck, it was a beautiful and emotionally satisfying end to a show I loved, and I couldn't have asked more from a series. any series. in short, I think it's going to be a tight race between Lost, Dexter and Mad Men.

Unfounded prediction: Lost

Outstanding Miniseries

The Pacific • HBO, Return To Cranford (Masterpiece) • PBS

What is Return To Cranford? Wait. I don't care.

Unfounded prediction: The Pacific

Outstanding Made For Television Movie

Endgame (Masterpiece) • PBS, Georgia O'Keeffe • Lifetime, Moonshot • HISTORY, The Special Relationship • HBO, Temple Grandin • HBO, You Don't know Jack • HBO

HA HA HA HA HA, Lifetime got nominated for an Emmy for one of their movies?!? HAAAAAA!!!11!! Wait, was Georgia O'Keefe trying to escape an abusive husband who she learned was actually a serial killer? did Georgia O'Keefe have an imaginary child that she forced her family to pretend was real? did Georgia O'Keefe have to take a job at a "massage parlor" to support her family, only to be arrested as a prostitute, bringing shame upon her family?

Unfounded prediction: You Don't know Jack

Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series

The Colbert Report • Comedy Central, The Daily show with Jon Stewart • Comedy Central, Real Time with Bill Maher • HBO, Saturday Night Live • NBC, The Tonight show with Conan O'Brien • NBC

Tears are streaming down Jay Leno's giant, giant chin this morning.

Unfounded prediction: The Tonight show with Conan O'Brien

Outstanding Special Class Programs

ABC's LOST Presents: Mysteries of the Universe – the Dharma Initiative • abc.com/lost, 82nd Annual Academy Awards • ABC, Avatar: Enter the World of Pandora (HBO first Look) • HBO, The Daily show: ask a Correspondent – the Meaning of Life • thedailyshow.com, 30 Rock: Webisodes • NBC.com, 63rd Annual Tony Awards • CBS, Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony • NBC

DUDE. I loved those Mysteries of the Universe web movies! LOVED. but 1. no one outside of Lost nerds have seen them, much less understand why they are so awesome, and 2. they're up against the Oscars, Tonys and the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics. Come on. I mean, how can you compare a made-for-the-internet series of fake television clips to a 8-hour-long extravaganza of weird hats, dancing Native Americans, flying Canadians, and giant ice phalluses — even if they failed to, um, perform? these are not similar things. also, a HBO first Look gets a nomination? One of those things that you have to sit through so you can watch Anchorman already? And no one thinks that's dumb? Interesting.

Unfounded prediction: Oh, who knows. One of the award shows. Let's go with 82nd Annual Academy Awards

Outstanding Reality Program

Antiques Roadshow • PBS, Dirty Jobs • Discovery Channel, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution • ABC, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List • Bravo, MythBusters • Discovery Channel, Undercover Boss • CBS

Don't underestimate what Kathy Griffin will do to win this award, yo. I'd watch your back if I were you, Antiques Roadshow.

Unfounded prediction: Undercover Boss

Outstanding Reality – Competition Program

The Amazing Race • CBS, American Idol • FOX, Dancing with the Stars • ABC, Project Runway • Lifetime, Top Chef • Bravo

WHERE IS SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE? WHERE IS IT? PREPOSTEROUS. WRONG. NO. I mean, come on you guys. Haven't we all had just about enough of Amazing Race taking this thing home every year? Top Chef was fabulous last year. FABULOUS. with the brothers? And the bearded guy who makes the pig? It was fabulous. And it should win. but it won't. Because Amazing Race will. Because, WELL, I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY. the voters just check off the first box on this one, I suppose, and move along to best Sound Mixing in a Miniseries or somesuch.

As for the rest of the nominees … eh. Idol had its worst season EVER; Dancing with the Stars lost its hilarity fun when Kate Gosselin left and everyone and their dog knew Nicole Schlesinger was going to win it, and the whole series just became one long episode of They Shoot Horses Don't They waiting for her to take the stupid disco ball home already; and Project Runway just hasn't been the same since it made the move to Lifetime: Television for Women — I can't even remember who won it and that was like 6 weeks ago or something. So you Think you can Dance should replace any or all of these shows. also, America's next top Model. Because it's hilarious. And has weaves.

Unfounded prediction: The Amazing Race

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory • CBS), Larry David as himself (Curb Your Enthusiasm • HBO), Matthew Morrison as will Schuester (Glee • FOX), Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk (Monk • USA), Steve Carell as Michael Scott (The Office • NBC), Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy (30 Rock • NBC)

First, let's give hometown hero, Jim Parsons, a round of applause. Yay, Jim! Does he deserve a nod? Sure, why not. I've said it before, I'll say it again, I don't like The Big Bang Theory. but a lot of people do, so, whatever. as for the rest of them: I'm pleased to see Larry David nominated again, even if he's not "acting" per se, but just being Larry David in front of a camera; Tony Shalhoub? Eh. This falls into that "MONK IS NOT a FREAKING COMEDY ALREADY" category for me. Plus, didn't this show end three seasons ago? also, again? so much Shaloub in the Emmys — the man has been nominated 7 times for this role, and has won it 3 times. ENOUGH. FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO NOMINATE. SOMEONE PREFERABLY IN a COMEDY. Steve Carell is brilliant, as is Alec Baldwin. And then there is Matthew Morrison. is he hilarious like Carell or Baldwin? Well, no. but he sings a lot better than they do, and he's a decent actor. Frankly, I'll be perfectly happy if any of the three of them win this, as they all deserve it. BUT I WILL NOT BE PERFECTLY HAPPY IF SHALOUB WINS THIS. DO YOU HEAR ME, ACADEMY OF TELEVISION SCIENCES? HUH? DO YA?

Unfounded prediction: Matthew Morrison

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Bryan Cranston as Walter White (Breaking Bad • AMC), Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan (Dexter • Showtime), Kyle Chandler as Eric Taylor (Friday Night Lights • DirecTV), Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House (House • FOX), Matthew Fox as Jack Shephard (Lost • ABC), Jon Hamm as Don Draper (Mad Men • AMC

The big surprises in this category are the two "WELL, FINALLY" nominees: Matthew "Foxy" Fox and Kyle Chandler. so, brava, you two! as for the rest of them: Bryan Cranston, Jon Hamm, Michael C. Hall and Hugh Laurie will always and forever have spots on this list as long as their shows are on the air because that is the law, the end. the sentimental me thinks Foxy deserves it this year — the last fifteen minutes of Lost make me tear up just thinking about them (I'm doing it right now) — and that's all because of Foxy's performance. He sold it. but I suspect this nomination was more a pat on the back and recognition for a good six seasons than a serious chance for an Emmy. Michael C. Hall and Jon Hamm are both good guesses for this year — they both had great stories this season, but since Hall Bryan Cranston (whoops) won it last year, I'm leaning towards Hamm. Because I have to decide somehow. (Now I'm just going on prettiness. Hamm wins that round.)

Unfounded prediction: Jon Hamm

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie

Jeff Bridges as Jon Katz (A Dog Year • HBO), Ian McKellen as Two (The Prisoner • AMC), Michael Sheen as Tony Blair (The Special Relationship • HBO), Dennis Quaid as Bill Clinton (The Special Relationship • HBO), Al Pacino as Dr. Jack Kevorkian (You Don't know Jack • HBO)

Michael Sheen has played Tony Blair so many times he might actually think that he is Tony Blair. He might actually be Tony Blair. Have the two ever been photographed together? as for the rest of them, I have no idea what A Dog Year even is; Ian McKellen is always wonderful, but no one saw The Prisoner, and those who did were underwhelmed; and I have absolutely nothing to say about Dennis Quaid, neither good nor bad. Al Pacino has this Emmy in his house already, because, honestly.

Unfounded prediction: Al Pacino

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Lea Michele as Rachel Berry (Glee • FOX), Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell (The New Adventures of Old Christine • CBS), Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton (Nurse Jackie • Showtime), Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope (Parks And Recreation • NBC), Tina Fey as Liz Lemon (30 Rock • NBC), Toni Collette as Tara Gregson (United States of Tara • Showtime)

Again, you'll excuse me while I go get my soap box regarding Nurse Jackie and its comedy status. AHEM. NO. Edie Falco is brilliant, she is heartbreaking, she is infuriating as Nurse Jackie, and she deserves an Emmy nomination. in Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Toni Collette irritated me last year when she won this for United States of Tara, but this season has upped the comedy factor, so I'm actually OK with her nomination this time around. as for the rest of them, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is always funny, but let's not kid ourselves, this is a safe choice. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are both brilliant, and deserving, and if either of them win, then great. And I don't mean that in a sarcastic way, either. Lea Michele, however, is not only a stronger singer than her counterpart, Matthew Morrison, but she's much funnier, too. while there are plenty of flashier supporting characters on Glee who get better lines and steal every scene they are in (*cough* Sue, Puck, Brittany *cough*), Michele's Rachel is the heart of the series, and she deserves recognition for making Glee the delight that it is.

Unfounded prediction: Lea Michele

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson (The Closer • TNT), Glenn Close as Patty Hewes (Damages • FX Networks), Connie Britton as Tami Taylor (Friday Night Lights • DirecTV), Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick (The good Wife • CBS), Mariska Hargitay as Det. Olivia Benson (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC), January Jones as Betty Draper (Mad Men • AMC)

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Kyra Sedgwick, Glenn Close, Julianna Margulies, Mariska Hargitay. Wake me up when something interesting happens. Oh? Connie Britton? Well, that is interesting. And from what I understand but do not know first-hand, well-deserved. January Jones is perfect as Betty Draper. PERFECT. but after seeing her amazing AMAZING AMAZING performance on Saturday Night Live, it's time we all admit that she's not so much acting as she is reciting lines that she's memorized while wearing a 1960s-era dress.

Unfounded prediction: Julianna Margulies

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie

Maggie Smith as Mary Gilbert (Capturing Mary • HBO), Joan Allen as Georgia O'Keeffe (Georgia O'Keeffe • Lifetime), Dame Judi Dench as miss Matty (Return To Cranford (Masterpiece) • PBS), Hope Davis as Hillary Clinton (The Special Relationship • HBO), Claire Danes as Temple Grandin (Temple Grandin • HBO)

Oh, who knows.

Unfounded prediction: Claire Danes

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel (Glee • FOX), Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother • CBS), Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell (Modern Family • ABC), Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker (Modern Family • ABC), Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy (Modern Family • ABC), Jon Cryer as Alan Harper (Two And a Half Men • CBS)

I am sure you are sick to death of me yammering about how great Party Down is (was), but this is one of those instances where it irritates me that it gets no love from anyone: not from its network, the Academy, viewers. Because the thing is, Ryan Hansen is hilarious. HILARIOUS. And one of the funniest supporting comedic actors out there. but instead, we're going to give Jon Cryer YET ANOTHER Emmy nomination for Two and a Half Men because, well, I just don't know. Because the his show has an inconceivably large audience? Sure. That's a good enough reason.

Also better than Jon Cryer: Tracy Morgan, Jack McBrayer, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Charlie Day, Aziz Ansari, Ted Danson, and Nick Offerman. BOO, ACADEMY.

As for the rest of the nominations, they are all deserving. Neil Patrick Harris is NPH. I mean, seriously. Chris Colfer has created a wonderful, complicated character in Kurt. Mitchell and Cameron are a hysterically funny team. And Ty Burrell — not enough can be said about how great Burrell is. He's just tremendous. And though I'm still smarting over the whole Cryer thing, can I just note how refreshing it is to have three of the five nominees portraying stereotype-busting gay men? Kurt, Cameron and Mitchell are all wonderful for their own reasons, and its really exciting to see television finally moving away from tired old tropes. Now let's get some gay and lesbian characters into strong enough lead roles to be nominated in those categories. as for who wins it, I think it comes down between NPH, Ty Burrell and Chris Colfer. Ty Burrell's vote, however, might be split between the other two Modern Family actors, and Chris Colfer could suffer from Glee fatigue. Which leaves me with only one choice:

Unfounded prediction: NPH

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad • AMC), Martin Short as Leonard Winstone (Damages • FX Networks), Terry O'Quinn as John Locke (Lost • ABC), Michael Emerson as Ben Linus (Lost • ABC), John Slattery as Roger Sterling (Mad Men • AMC), Andre Braugher as Owen (Men of a Certain Age • TNT)

First of all, so, let me get this straight, Nurse Jackie is a comedy, but Men of a Certain Age is a drama? This is just getting ridiculous. HOW ABOUT WE DO AWAY WITH THE "COMEDY" AND "DRAMA" CATEGORIES, AND JUST START USING a "30-MINUTE" AND "HOUR" MODEL. BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE'RE SAYING HERE. whatever. Andre Braugher, blah blah blah. I hear Aaron Paul is very good in Breaking Bad; Martin Short apparently really broke out of his usual shtick and did a wonderful job in his role on Damages; it's almost unfair to nominate John Slattery for Roger Sterling, because the character gets all the best lines in the show — still, he brings so much charm and wit to the role that he is irresistible. as for our Lost actors, it's a Sophie's choice. in my heart of hearts, I think that Michael Emerson is the better actor and deserves all of the Emmys all of the time. but, honestly, he was pushed to the back this season, and didn't really get to be the bad Benry that we all know and love. Terry O'Quinn was wonderful this season, and made a smoke monster not only believable but sympathetic. JOHN LOCKE IS DEAD, LONG LIVE JOHN LOCKE.

Unfounded prediction: Terry O'Quinn

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie

Michael Gambon as Mr. Woodhouse (Emma (Masterpiece) • PBS), Patrick Stewart as Ghost / Claudius (Hamlet (Great Performances) • PBS), Jonathan Pryce as Mr. Buxton (Return To Cranford (Masterpiece) • PBS), David Strathairn as Dr. Carlock (Temple Grandin • HBO), John Goodman as Neal Nicol (You Don't know Jack • HBO)

I included this category mostly because I thought it was hilarious that everyone is named Mr. Woodhouse or Mr. Buxton or Dr. Carlock. love it.

Unfounded prediction: Who knows. Uh, let's say Jonathan Pryce

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester (Glee • FOX), Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy (Modern Family • ABC), Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett (Modern Family • ABC), Kristen Wiig as Various Characters (Saturday Night Live • NBC), Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney (30 Rock • NBC), Holland Taylor as Evelyn Harper (Two And a Half Men • CBS)

The Two and a Half Men curse strikes again. there are a number of hilarious supporting actresses who get bupkis in favor of this Holland Taylor person, including but not limited to: Jenna Fischer, Mindy Kaling or Angela Kinsey on The Office, Rashida Jones on Parks and Recreation, Busy Philipps on Cougar Town, or Kaitlin Olson for It's always Sunny in Philadelphia. WHAT IS THAT NOISE?! UGH. the rest of the nominees are great, whatever. Julie Bowen is a terrific actress who isn't ha-ha funny as much as she is a perfect straight man for Ty Burrell; Sofia Vergara is charming and funny in her own right; Saturday Night Live might as well be renamed The Kristen Wiig Show; and Jane Krakowski has created a brilliant character in Jenna Maroney. but we all know that Jane Lynch has this one sewn up, and has ever since she slipped on Sue Sylvester's track suit for the first time.

Unfounded prediction: Jane Lynch

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Sharon Gless as Madeline Westen (Burn Notice • USA), Rose Byrne as Ellen Parsons (Damages • FX Networks), Archie Panjabi as Kalinda Sharma (The good Wife • CBS), Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart (The good Wife • CBS), Christina Hendricks as Joan Harris (Mad Men • AMC), Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson (Mad Men • AMC)

The only series on this list that I watch is Mad Men, so let's start from there. Christina Hendricks was robbed, ROBBED! of a nomination last year. And while she is deserving of one this year, let's all be honest — Joan wasn't a prominent character in this past season of Mad Men. Elisabeth Moss, on the other hand, had some really great material with Peggy this season, having her move out on her own, experiment with drugs and sex more and pushing her way forward in a man's world. as for the rest of the actresses, Sharon Gless is always good because she's Sharon Gless. the same goes for Christine Baranski. as for Rose Byrne, I don't know, I guess I've heard good things. And I have no idea who Archie Panjabi is. I think it comes down between Christine Baranski, Elisabeth Moss and Sharon Gless, and while I'd love for it to be Elisabeth Moss, I'm not going to hold my breath.

Unfounded prediction: Christine Baranski

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Kathy Bates as Queen of Hearts (Alice • Syfy), Julia Ormond as Eustacia (Temple Grandin • HBO), Catherine O'Hara as Aunt Ann (Temple Grandin • HBO), Brenda Vaccaro as Margo Janus (You Don't know Jack • HBO), Susan Sarandon as Janet good (You Don't know Jack • HBO)

See, this started off as a joke about Lifetime and its terrible, terrible movies, but now I'm stuck looking at these names and trying to figure out something, anything to say about them, and I have no idea because I didn't see any of these movies but the upside is that perhaps I don't watch as much television as it feels like I do, so that's a good thing, right?

Unfounded prediction: Susan Sarandon

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

Mike O'Malley as Burt Hummel (Glee • Wheels • FOX), Neil Patrick Harris as Bryan Ryan (Glee • Dream on • FOX), Fred Willard as Frank Dunphy (Modern Family • Travels with Scout • ABC), Eli Wallach as Bernard Zimberg (Nurse Jackie • Chicken Soup • Showtime), Jon Hamm as Dr. Drew Baird (30 Rock • Emmanuelle Goes To Dinosaur Land • NBC), will Arnett as Devin Banks (30 Rock • into the Crevasse • NBC)

I have seen every single episode of Nurse Jackie, and I have no recollection of Eli Wallach being on any of them. Mike O'Malley is heart-breaking and tremendous as Kurt's loving and understanding father Burt, and is absolutely deserving of an Emmy. Jon Hamm is great as the pretty but dim Dr. Drew; will Arnett is wicked as Devin Banks; and there might not have ever been more perfect casting than Fred Willard as Ty Burrell's father. PERFECT. however, Bryan Ryan as the shattered and vengeful former glee singer was a genius character and that Dream On duet very nearly killed me. Point: NPH.

Unfounded prediction: Neil Patrick Harris

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Beau Bridges as Detective George Andrews (The Closer • make over • TNT), Ted Danson as Arthur Frobisher (Damages • the next One's Gonna go in Your Throat • FX Networks), John Lithgow as Arthur Mitchell (Dexter • Road Kill • Showtime), Alan Cumming as Eli Gold (The good Wife • Fleas • CBS), Dylan Baker as Colin Sweeney (The good Wife • bad • CBS), Robert Morse as Bertram Cooper (Mad Men • Shut the Door. Have a Seat. • AMC), Gregory Itzin as President Charles Logan (24 • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM • FOX)

I would love for Gregory Itzin to win this for the despicable and disgraced former president Charles Logan (R.I.P.), or for the woefully underappreciated Robert Morse to win, but we all know that John Lithgow is going to take this one home, so what's the point.

Unfounded prediction: John Lithgow

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Christine Baranski as Beverly Hofstadter (The Big Bang Theory • the Maternal Congruence • CBS), Kathryn Joosten as Karen McCluskey (Desperate Housewives • the Chase • ABC), Kristin Chenoweth as April Rhodes (Glee • the Rhodes not taken • FOX), Tina Fey as Host (Saturday Night Live • Host: Tina Fey • NBC), Betty White as Host (Saturday Night Live • Host: Betty White • NBC), Elaine Stritch as Colleen Donaghy (30 Rock • the Moms • NBC), Jane Lynch as Dr. Linda Freeman (Two And a Half Men • 818-JKLPUZO • CBS)

One of the few episodes of The Big Bang Theory I have actually seen featured Christine Baransky as the one nerd's mom (I can't remember which one, and I don't really care), and I have to say, I didn't think she was all that funny. Unlike Kristin Chenoweth, who was adorable and hysterical as April Rhodes on Glee or the brilliant Tina Fey or the ferocious Elaine Stritch on 30 Rock or the genius Betty White, who lived up to the hype on Saturday Night Live. AND OH MY GOD, HOW DID TWO AND HALF MEN SNEAK IN HERE AGAIN?!? Still, it's Jane Lynch, so I suppose it has that going for it. STILL, UGH.

Unfounded prediction: Betty White (although my heart belongs to Kristen Chenoweth)

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Mary Kay place as Adaleen Grant (Big Love • the Might And the Strong • HBO), Sissy Spacek as Marilyn Densham (Big Love • End of Days • HBO), Shirley Jones as Lola Zellman (The Cleaner • Does Everybody Have a Drink? • A&E), Lily Tomlin as Marilyn Tobin (Damages • Your Secrets Are Safe • FX Networks), Ann-Margret as Rita Wills (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • Bedtime • NBC), Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet Burke (Lost • the End • ABC)

I don't watch The Cleaner or Damages, but of those shows, I have heard good things about Lily Tomlin's performance and exactly squat about Shirley Jones'. For what it's worth. Frankly, I don't know that anyone who guests on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit should be eligible for an Emmy, just out of principle. Mary Kay place is consistently wonderful on Big Love and should probably be in the Supporting Actress category, seeing as she's in most episodes and has been since the beginning of the series, but apparently the Academy just makes these rules up as they go along. Sissy Spacek was much more in the Guest Actress mold, and did a fabulous job of it, as the hungry vicious political operative out to control/destroy Bill. all of that said, Elizabeth Mitchell for the win because she made me cry so hard when she touched Sawyer's hand.

Unfounded prediction: Elizabeth Mitchell

Outstanding Host For a Reality or Reality-Competition Program

Phil Keoghan as Host (The Amazing Race • CBS), Ryan Seacrest as Host (American Idol • FOX), Tom Bergeron as Host (Dancing with the Stars • ABC), Heidi Klum as Host (Project Runway • Lifetime), Jeff Probst as Host (Survivor • CBS)

I am boycotting this portion of the competition until Tom Bergeron is removed and Cat Deeley is put in his place.

Unfounded prediction: Cat Deeley

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

Glee • Pilot – Director's cut • FOX, Modern Family • Pilot • ABC, The Office • Niagara • NBC, 30 Rock • Anna Howard Shaw Day • NBC, 30 Rock • Lee Marvin vs. Derek Jeter • NBC

I know most people could give a flip about the writing and directing categories, but this is my blog and you can choose to click off of me and go see what SciGuy has to say about all this rain we've been getting at any time. This category is a guaranteed heart-breaker: 30 Rock might be the most hilariously-written show on television week in and week out. that said, Glee's pilot episode was a television game-changer. That said, the "Niagra" episode of The Office is an unforgettable hour of television. as for the Modern Family pilot? Eh.

Unfounded prediction: Glee

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

Friday Night Lights • the Son • NBC, The good Wife • Pilot • CBS, Lost • the End • ABC, Mad Men • Guy Walks into an Advertising Agency • AMC, Mad Men • Shut the Door. Have a Seat. • AMC

I'll just say it, I don't care about The good Wife. It might be great, I don't know and I don't care. that out of the way, Friday Night Lights was snubbed in the Outstanding Drama category, which was uncool, and a writing award might just be best way to reward a beloved series. however, Both "Guy Walks into an Advertising Agency" and "Shut the Door. Have a Seat," were note perfect episodes of Mad Men. And "The End" … I loved it, you probably hated it, we'll just have to agree to disagree. but what I will say is that the writing is beautiful, and even if it isn't how you would have liked to have seen the series end, you have to acknowledge that it was a stunning bit of television. Well, don't you?

Unfounded prediction: Lost

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special

The Pacific • Part eight • HBO, The Pacific • Part ten • HBO, The Special Relationship • HBO, Temple Grandin • HBO, You Don't know Jack • HBO

Does it matter? HBO goes home happy, no matter what, so.

Unfounded prediction: You Don't know Jack

Outstanding Writing For a Variety, Music or Comedy Series

The Colbert Report • #5076 (in Iraq) • Comedy Central, The Daily show with Jon Stewart • Episode #15040 • Comedy Central, Real Time with Bill Maher • 721- with Rachel Maddow, Niall Ferguson, Joe Queenan And Michael Ware • HBO, Saturday Night Live • Host: Betty White • NBC, The Tonight show with Conan O'Brien • #146 • NBC

HA HA HA HA HA HA YOU ARE LAME, LENO. NOBODY LOVES YOU.

Unfounded prediction: The Colbert Report

Outstanding Directing For a Comedy Series

Glee • Pilot – Director's cut • FOX, Glee • Wheels • FOX, Modern Family • Pilot • ABC, Nurse Jackie • Pilot • Showtime, 30 Rock • I do do • NBC

NURSE JACKIE ≠ COMEDY. I don't actually know a whole lot about directing, but I'll give this one to Glee on account of it being a musical and having so many moving parts.

Unfounded prediction: Glee

Outstanding Directing For a Drama Series

Breaking Bad • One Minute • AMC, Dexter • the Getaway • Showtime, Lost • the End • ABC, Mad Men • Guy Walks into an Advertising Agency • AMC, Treme • do you know what It Means (Pilot) • HBO

I'm going to give up trying to be objective and just throw myself behind Lost because I'm not fooling anyone.

Unfounded prediction: Lost

Outstanding Directing For a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special

Georgia O'Keeffe • Lifetime, The Pacific • Part eight • HBO, The Pacific • Part nine • HBO, Temple Grandin • HBO, You Don't know Jack • HBO

I just really couldn't care less.

Unfounded prediction: You Don't know Jack

Outstanding Directing For a Variety, Music or Comedy Series

The Colbert Report • #5076 (in Iraq) • Comedy Central, The Daily show with Jon Stewart • Episode #15054 • Comedy Central, Late show with David Letterman • show #3289 • CBS, Saturday Night Live • Host: Betty White • NBC, The Tonight show with Conan O'Brien • #146 • NBC

Seriously, Leno. go away.

Unfounded prediction: The Colbert Report

There are a bunch of other categories, including editing and sound and art direction and casting, but who cares, amiright? of the categories that matter, which I've shared above, what do you think? Anyone or any shows snubbed? Who will win in their respective categories? Who should win in their respective categories?

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