We start the main acting categories here with Post #6

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Julie Bowen – Modern Family – “Strangers on a Treadmill”
Jane Krakowski – 30 Rock – “Queen of Jordan”
Jane Lynch – Glee – “Funeral”
Sofia Vergara – Modern Family – “Slow Down, Your Neighbors”
Betty White – Hot in Cleveland – “Free Elka”
Kristin Wiig – Saturday Night Live – “Host: Jane Lynch”

Jane Krakowski – Let’s start with Jane, shall we.  I’ve said it close to 200 times on this blog.  Alec Baldwin said it in on his twitter.  Fans and critics have said it everywhere.  Jane Krakowski NEEDS and Emmy for this role.  She is the most consistently hilarious part of this show.  Anytime she’s on screen, even for a second, she elevates the material and sells every little joke and sight gag.  She steals scenes from Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin and can go toe to toe with the best in the business.

That all being said, Jane’s episode submission highlights why it’s so difficult for her to get that Emmy.  She’s never featured to predominantly in the A-story.  So she ends up submitting “Queen of Jordan” which she’s hilarious in, but she’s in the… D-Story?  She’s not very impactful part of this episode.  She’s had some golden story lines like becoming a producer for TGS, that just hang on the sidelines.  I really hope the writers throw her a bone in Season 6.  Give her something huge.  I don’t think she had the A story once this season.  I wish it didn’t matter, this is the supporting actress category a great B story should be enough to win.  But it’s really hard for her to compete when other ladies in this category are featured more.  So while I’m hoping for Krakowski to win, I’m not expecting it.

Jane Lynch – From my understanding Lynch is becoming a smaller and grating presence on a weakening show.  Her character serves no purpose and her one line spitting act is getting old.  However, after watching her scenes in her episode “Funeral” I think she might pull off another win.  Shes moderately funny, at first, but then she takes a big dramatic turn.  She does more in this episode as far as range and impact and is featured more heavily than anyone in this category.  Then in addition she has an additional show case since Kristin Wiig submitted her episode of SNL.   She gets to show off a little funny to voters to go along with the dramatic.  Unless the voters are tied of the Glee hype, I don’t see anything working against her.

Julie Bowen – Bowen is incredibly funny on Modern Family and she submitted very well.  Not only that but like Lynch, she gets a double episode since Vergara submitted “Slow Down Your Neighbors” which is another great showcase for Bowen.  She’s a little crazy in these episodes which is something it takes to win this category.  I’d put her in a close second.

Sofia Vergara – Again, she’s very hilarious and a real scene stealer on Modern Family.  But her submission may be the worst of the bunch.  She’s in the C story and besides a couple of scenes she absent from the episode.

Kristin Wiig – The Academy in recent years has taken to SNL in the acting categories.  They moved the SNL cast to supporting and hosts to guests instead of variety performance.  Wiig is has dominated this show for a few years now and is great in her episode.  I can’t see her breaking though in this category yet.  There’s just too many funny women to beat here out here.

Betty White – And then there’s Betty White.  I’m sick of the Betty White love just for the sake of Betty White.   She’s very funny but I’d rather she’s only rewarded when she deserving.   I know people like this show and shes funny, but it’s not deserving of a win here.

Ranking:
Jane Lynch – 40%
Julie Bowen – 25%
Betty White – 20%
Jane Krakowski – 7%
Sofia Vergara – 5%
Kristin Wiig – 3%

Preference: Krakowski, Bowen, Vergara

5th installment will cover the directing race.

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
30 Rock – Beth McCarthy Miller for “Live Show”
How I Met Your Mother – Pamela Fryman for “Subway Wars”
Modern Family – Michael Allen Spiller for “Halloween”
Modern Family – Steven Levitan for “See You Next Fall”
Modern Family – Gail Mancuso for “Slow Down, Your Neighbors”

I actually think 30 Rock has a decent chance here!

30 Rock – “Live Show” – Beth McCarthy Miller is well respected in the industry, she’s directed over 200 episodes of Saturday Night Live as well as a handful of specials and many TV episodes.  She knows what she’s doing live and it shows in the execution of the Live Show.  You might have not loved the different tone, slower pace or gimmickyness  of the Live Show, but you have to admit it was beautifully directed.  Beth McCarthy Miller had to do more work, more technical direction, and be on her game more than the rest of the nominees.  She should win.   This is her 7th nomination and she should finally pull it off here.

Modern Family – “Halloween” – This is 30 Rock’s competition.  It’s a big episode as far as Modern Family is concerned.  There’s a lot going on, costumes, site gags galore, and a lot of scenes involving the whole family.  It is impressively directed. Spiller even got the Directors Guild Award beating out Miller for “Live Show”.  It also comes with Modern Family buzz which could help.

Modern Family  – “See You Next Fall” and “Slow Down, Your Neighbors” – Fine episodes but if Modern Family wins here it’ll go to Spiller, so there’s not much use discussing them.

How I Met Your Mother – “Subway Wars” – How I Met Your Mother is underrated as far as critics are concerned.  It has a lot of single camera elements it blends into a four camera show.  “Subway Wars” was a particularly ambitious episode that had all the characters running though the city and meeting up briefly with each other along the way.  It could have been a confusing or dumpy episode but Fryman told it very well.  However, I don’t think she’ll have a chance here.  It’s just a really strong field.

Predictions:
30 Rock “Live Show” – 40%
Modern Family “Halloween” – 35%
Modern Family “Slow Down, Your Neighbors” – 15%
How I Met Your Mother – “Subway Wars” – 5%
Modern Family “See you Next Fall” – 5%

This is the 4th installment of a now 9 part series since I went ahead and did tech awards.

Note: I’m page breaking the previous posts cause the page is getting really long…

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
30 Rock – Matt Hubbard “Reaganing”
Episodes – David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik for “Episode Seven”
Louie – Louis CK for “Poker/Divorce”
Modern Family – Steven Levitan and Jeffrey Richman for “Caught in the Act”
The Office – Greg Daniels for “Goodbye, Michael”

When nominations came out this category made my scratch my head.  It seems hollow.  It’s missing a few nominations for Parks and Rec and Community. Plus with the exception of Louie, the episodes of the shows nominated weren’t even the strongest of their series.

30 Rock – “Reaganing” is a riot.  It’s hilarious.  I just rewatched it and it’s unbelievable how quick the writing is in this episode.  The B story with Jenna and the cakes is one of the best B stories and it develops nicely.   If there is a flaw it’s in the structure of the A story with Liz and Jack.  It sort of hangs.  Plus it might be a bit off color.  And yet it’s not even 30 Rock’s best writing episode of the season.  I can’t believe “Mrs. Donaghy” and “When it Rains, it Pours” were excluded.  Those would have given Robert Carlock and Jack Burditt a chance at a win.  (Hubbard already won for “Reunion.”)  It seems like voters just checked him off due to his previous win without looking to closely.  As far as a chance to win, I’d say it’s the most funny tape.  Of course I’m biased, but scientifically this tape has the most jokes.

Episodes – Hmmmm… It can’t tell if this is just rewarding David Crane (Creator of Friends) or what.  The episode is fine.  Maybe even good.  The writing is smart and witty.  But there were many more episodes more worthy.  Parks and Rec’s “The Fight” and “Flu Season” for example.  Or Community’s “flashback” episode.  Or the other 30 Rock episodes.  I can’t see this wining.  It’s too average.

Louie – This episode is awesome.  If you’re not watching Louie you should check it out for something completely different and original.   The writing has layers and its written for more than entertainment.  It has some gravitas and it sticks out in this category.  I’d say it’s likely to win.  Louis CK is well respected in the business and a brilliant writer.  If voters are ok going with a different choice this will be unstoppable.

Modern Family – “Caught in the Act” wasn’t my favorite episode but it’s sure memorable.  The writing is really great on this show and this episode is no exception.  Still, its not as funny as “Reaganing.”  Plus a lot of the humor is situational and not from the writing.  It does however come along with Modern Family’s momentum.  If voters lock into the attitude that this show is unbeatable

The Office – Ok I’m going to say it, this is the weakest episode of the bunch.  I know you’re thinking it was amazing it made you cry when Michael turned in his microphone.  Jim and Michael sharing a moment.  Pam showing up just in time, ect ect.  And I agree it was a brilliant  send off, but a poor episode.  The Andy stuff with Will Ferrel was TERRIBLE.  IT dragged down the episode.  It was predicable formulaic and the jokes were just not that funny.  Again it seemed like a nomination because they had to recognize the show.  Hopefully voters see what I do.

I see this as a neck and neck race between Modern Family and their momentum vs Louie.  30 Rock could spoil if voters go for the comedy.

Prediction:
Louie – 33%
Modern Family -33%
30 Rock – 20%
The Office – 10%
Episodes – 4%

Preference: 30 Rock, Louie, Modern Family

Interesting side note: at 11 nominations for the series, 30 Rock is just 2 nominations shy of tying Cheers and Larry Sanders Show for most nominated show in this category.
Also 6 of the 7 most recent wins in this category have gone to Pilot episodes so it’s hard to judge what voters are looking for…

Third installation here we go!

Ok some might consider this the boring part.  I’m going to break down 30 Rock’s nominations in the tech categories.  But bare with me, I think 30 Rock has a decent chance in some of these.  These awards (as well as guest actor/actress) are presented Sept 10th!

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Series:
American Idol – Finale
Daily Show – Episode 15135
Dancing with the Stars – 1104A
Saturday Night Live – Host: Justin Timberlake
30 Rock – Live Show: West Coast

I don’t know what to think about this category.  30 Rock’s never competed in this before as it is entered for it’s Live Show.  In the past though this award has gone to shows like American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, ect over shows like SNL, Big Bang Theory.  If voters think this is unique enough, 30 Rock could win, but I have a feeling they are less impressed by the four camera and more impressed by big productions.

More after the break

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Part 2 of the 8-ish part series starts now!

Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees:

Elizabeth Banks in 30 Rock for “Double-Edged Sword”
Kristin Chenoweth in Glee for “Rumors”
Tina Fey in Saturday Night Live for “Host: Tina Fey”
Dot Marie Jones in Glee for “Never Been Kissed”
Cloris Leachman in Raising Hope for “Don’t Vote for This Episode”
Gwyneth Paltrow in Glee for “The Substitute”

Disclaimer: Since I have only seen bits and pieces of Glee I am not qualified for discussing this category… help me out please!

First of all HOW WERE SHERRI SHEPHERD AND ELAINE STRITCH NOT NOMINATED?!?!  Sherri should be winning this category for “Queen of Jordan” but since that’s unfortunately not happening let’s get on to the nominees.

Elizabeth Banks -  She did a fine job on the show, but I’m not sure if Banks was ever as funny as her character.  She did submit her best effort in “Double-Edged Sword.”  I liked all her Canadian cracks.  Overall though she may have the weakest tape, at least of the ones I’ve seen.

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The Emmys are just two weeks away!  So  I decided to make a series of posts breaking down 30 Rock’s chances in the categories they were nominated.  And while the chances this year might not be in this shows favor, the categories are still pretty fun.  So without further ado:

Part 1 of an 8-ish part series: Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

Nominees:

Will Arnett – 30 Rock in “Plan B”
Matt Damon – 30 Rock in “Double-Edged Sword”
Idris Elba – The Big C in “Blue Eyed-Iris”
Zach Galifianankis – Saturday Night Live in “Host: Zach Galifinaanakis”
Nathan Lane – Modern Family in “Boys Night”
Justin Timberlake – Saturday Night Live in “Host: Justin Timberlake”

30 Rock is a double nominee in this category, but I don’t think that will help too much.  Let’s break down the nominees:

Idris Elba – No.  He’s a fine actor but he’s playing a boring part on a mediocre show.  His inclusion in this category is baffling.  He just can’t win.

Justin Timberlake & Zach Galifinanakis -  The Saturday Night Live nominees here are tricky.  Since SNL hosts moved into the guest acting categories from the “Variety Performance category” two years ago, 75% of the guest acting comedy prizes have gone to SNL hosts.  (Timberlake, Tina Fey, and Betty White.)  Timberlake and Galifinanakis are phenomenal hosts and extremely funny throughout, but JT’s episode is just better by far.  Less weird too which is good for voters to connect with.  The only reasons I can see Justin loosing this is because he already won and this years episode is nothing that new.  (The whole show was recycled sketches.)  Plus there are 4 other deserving nominees they may want to reward rather than a repeat winner.

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Emmy nomination ballots came out so members of the academy can begin selecting nominees.  Here is a rundown of 30 Rock’s submissions.  (Note Lead and Supporting categories only submit episodes once they are nominated.)

Comedy Series: 30 Rock

Lead Actor: Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy

Lead Actress: Tina Fey as Liz Lemon

Supporting Actor: Tracy Morgan as Tracy Morgan
Scott Adsit as Pete Hornberger
Jack McBrayer as Kenneth Parcell
Judah Friedlander as Frank Rossitano
Keith Powell as Toofer Spurlock

Supporting Actress: Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney
Katrina Bowden as Cerie

Guest Actor: Alan Alda as Milton Green for “Christmas Attack Zone”
Will Arnett as Devon Banks for “Plan B”
Tituss Burgess as D’Fwan for “Queen of Jordan”
John Cho as Lorne for “Double Edged Sword”
Matt Damon as Carol for “Double Edged Sword”
Will Forte as Paul L’Astname for “Respawn”
Victor Garber as Eugene Grembly for “Respawn”
Paul Giamatti as Ritchie for “When it Rains, it Pours”
Jon Hamm as Dr. Drew Baird for “Live Show”
Buck Henry as Dick Lemon for “Gentleman’s Intermission”
Ken Howard as Hank Hooper for “Que Sorpresa”
Michael Keaton as Tom for “100″
John Slattery as Steven Austin for “Brooklyn Without Limits”
Dean Winters as Dennis Duffy for “100″
Guest Actress: Elizabeth Banks as Avery for “Double Edged Sword”
Margaret Cho as Kim Jong-il for “Everything Sunny All the Time Always”
Queen Latifah as Regina Bookman for “Let’s Stay Together”
Julia Louis-Drefus as “Flashback Liz” for “Live Show”
Cristin Milioti as Abby Flynn for “TGS Hates Women”
Chloe Grace Moretz as Kaylie Hooper in “TGS Hates Women”
Susan Sarandon as Lynn Onkman in “Queen of Jordan”
Sherri Shepherd as Angie Jordan in “Queen of Jordan”
Elaine Stritch as Colleen Donaghy in “Christmas Attack Zone”

Writing in a Comedy Series: Tina Fey, Robert Carlock and Jack Burditt for “100″
Tracey Wigfield for “Queen of Jordan”
Matt Hubbard for “Reaganing”
Ron Weiner for “TGS Hates Women”
Robert Carlock for “When it Rains, it Pours”

Directing for a Comedy Series: Don Scardino for “100″
John Riggi for “Christmas Attack Zone”
Beth McCarthy-Miller for “Live Show”
Jeff Richmond for “Plan B”
Ken Whittingham for “Queen of Jordan”
Todd Holland for “Reaganing”

Art Direction for a Single Camera Series: Double Edged Sword

Casting for a Comedy Series: 30 Rock

Cinematography for a Single Camera Series: Matt Clark for “Plan B”

Costumes: “Christmas Attack Zone”

Picture Editing for a Comedy Series: Meg Reticker for “100″
Ken Eluto for “Queen of Jordan”

Hair Styling: “Christmas Attack Zone”

Make Up: “Christmas Attack Zone”

Sound Mixing: “100″
“Live Show”

Technical Direction: “Live Show: West Coast”

A brand new award, the Critics’ Choice Awards, announced their first round of nominations today. As expected 30 Rock made the cut in many areas. I actually really like these nominees. I wouldn’t mind seeing them again during Emmy time.

BEST COMEDY SERIES
“Archer”
“The Big Bang Theory”
“Community”
“Glee”
“Louie”
“The Middle”
“Modern Family”
“The Office”
“Parks and Recreation”
“30 Rock”

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Steve Carell, “The Office”
Louis C.K., “Louie”
Charlie Day, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
Joel McHale, “Community”
Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Courteney Cox, “Cougar Town”
Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Patricia Heaton, “The Middle”
Martha Plimpton, “Raising Hope”
Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell, “Modern Family”
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”
Nick Offerman, “Parks and Recreation”
Ed O’Neill, “Modern Family”
Danny Pudi, “Community”
Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Julie Bowen, “Modern Family”
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock”
Jane Lynch, “Glee”
Busy Philipps, “Cougar Town”
Eden Sher, “The Middle”
Sofía Vergara, “Modern Family”

- See all Nominees.

If you’ve visited this site before you may have noticed I’m an Emmy nut. So while there’s no 30 Rock there is Emmy Award season all summer.

NBC is gearing up too.  They sent out mailers to academy voters to campaign their shows.  These are not the official submissions yet.  (When a show is nominated they send in 3 tapes with 2 episodes each.)  But they do try to send great episodes for the voters to sample.

This year, 30 Rock sent out “When it Rains, it Pours” and “TGS Hates Women.”  What do you think?  Good choices?

(You can see all of NBC’s campaign here.)

Some big dates ahead:
June 6 – Ballots posted on Emmy website.  We’ll post 30 Rock’s entries.
July 14 – Nominations announced.
Sept 10 – Creative Arts Emmy’s.
Sept 18 – Primetime Emmy’s.

The trophy shelf is going to need some reinforcements.  Tina was at the GLAAD Awards to pick up 30 Rock’s award for “Outstanding Individual Episode” for a Series without a regular LGBT character.  “Klaus and Greta” in which Liz accidentally outs her gay cousin then he comes to live with her earned the award.  30 Rock was last nominated for a GLAAD award for the episode “Blind Date.”  This is 30 Rock’s first win at these awards.

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