Outstanding Drama Series:
The Sopranos
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
James Gandolfini - The Sopranos
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
Edie Falco - The Sopranos
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
Terry O'Quinn - LOST
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:
Lorraine Bracco - The Sopranos
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series:
Christian Clemenson - Boston Legal
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series:
Kate Burton - Grey's Anatomy
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series:
Carlton Cuse, Damon Lindelof - LOST ("Through the Looking Glass")
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series:
Terrence Winter - The Sopranos ("The Second Coming")
Outstanding Comedy Series:
Ugly Betty
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
Tony Shalhoub - Monk
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:
Felicity Huffman - Desperate Housewives
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:
Jeremy Piven - Entourage
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:
Holland Taylor - Two and a Half men
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series:
Martin Landau - Entourage
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series:
Judith Light - Ugly Betty
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series:
Richard Shepard - Ugly Betty (Pilot)
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series:
Tina Fey - 30 Rock ("Tracy Does Conan")
e mërkurë, 15 gusht 2007
e martë, 31 korrik 2007
Outstanding Drama Series
Along with Supporting Actor, this was my weakest category. I got 3 out of 5, missing Heroes and Boston Legal for LOST and 24. I should really blame myself for being biased and refuse to believe that a mediocre but pop-culture show like Heroes wouldn't get in. Boston Legal was the surprise, as I wouldn't have predicted them AT ALL. This is a pretty boring category; although I still have to know which tapes each series chose, I think it is all moot: The Sopranos are the clear and deserving frontrunner against a soap-opera, a geeky and mediocre X-Men-like serial, a one-man show and a light and vulgar lawyer series. It WILL win this category, and I dare say it's the biggest lock of the night.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
I got 4 out of 5, missing the lock status Michael C. Hall for the past multi-winner James Spader. I don't think anyone really got 100% in this one. I have no problem with Spader being here, but the weakest link was Sutherland, NOT C. Hall. It's a pretty easy category, with a clear, almost lock-status frontrunner and a possible (and deserving) spoiler. So here are my comments:
SUBMISSION ANALYSIS:
* James Gandolfini, as Tony Soprano - The Sopranos (The Second Coming)
Yes, he is the clear, almost lock-status frontrunner (I don't believe in locks). He has become a legendary character, he is the heart of the show, he's on his final year and he submitted, in my honest opinion, the best tape of all six he submitted during the show's run. While winning in the past for doing what he does best as a mob boss and admiting his unreasonable anger to his therapist in 2000, almost killing his psychotic lover in 2001 and still fight back, with no reason, against his wife determined will to leave him because of his constant infidelity and indifference towards their marriage in 2003, he finally submitted an extremely sympathetic tape where, though through some unconventional means, he shows how much he loves his family. Everyone has watched this tape, so I rest any further comment by saying that he deserves and will win his fourth Emmy, not only for creating a legendary role, but also because he has, by far, the best tape in the group.
* Hugh Laurie, as Dr. Gregory House - House, M.D. (Half Wit)
I have to admit, firstly, that I don't like this show - hence, I don't like him, nor the character. I don't find him compelling, nor cool, nor a good actor. I did see one episode for him that actually impressed me, called "One Day, One Room", but he didn't submit it. Instead, he went with this episode where he is House at its best: arrogant, selfish, disrespectful to his loyal team, and most of all, doing it all in order to pop some pills. Plus, he really enrages the audience (speaking personally) by faking cancer too. That aside, the only thing in his favour is popularity and buzz from the most praised season yet. But there are better tapes, and this is not his year, by far. They need to further develop the character in order to make him a true contender.
* Denis Leary, as Tommy Gavin - Rescue Me (Retards)
I enjoy this show, a lot. I rarely have the opportunity to tune in, but I always enjoy when I manage to watch it. This episode was quite amusing, and he has the cool-factor to help him. Maybe he'd have better chances if the James' hadn't submitted such excellent episodes, because his is a pretty good one, mainly due to that scene in the bar which he pulled off perfectly. He's not really relatable, and had a better tape last year, losing to Sutherland. I wouldn't count him out, but he's pretty behind the frontrunners. Maybe next year.
* James Spader, as Alan Shore - Boston Legal (Angel of Death)
And here we have the spoiler. I don't like Boston Legal, but I have to say, if there would be one reason to tune in, forget about Bergen and Shatner, James Spader is it. He's one hell of an actor, in every episode, and though he has that David E. Kelly'ish characterisation and (un)funny one liners, when he's playing drama, he's flawless. In this episode, which deals with the events post-Katrina, he does one hell of a job deffending a doctor who performed euthanasya on some victims of the hurricane. He is constant and funny during the whole episode, but his courtroom scenes are fantastic, especially when we realise that he does mean that, not as a lawyer, but as a person when he starts getting really touched by his own closing arguments. It's as baity as James Gandolfini's tape, and I'd risk predicting him if "The Sopranos" went on for another year. But don't count him out, AT ALL; he is more than deservedly a really dangerous spoiler. Plus, his show was nominated for both Directing and Series, and that does mean something.
* Kiefer Sutherland, as Agent Jack Bauer - 24 (5am - 6am)
His nod was inevitable, but with his show coming off a pretty bad season and not getting that nod for the first time since the show premiered, I don't think he really stands a chance against the other nominees, tape and buzz wise. His final speech is pretty good and heroic and all, and he did win last year against some really tough competition from Leary, Sheen and even Krause, but his show had its best season and his tape was better. I don't see it happening, and I dare say, as entertaining as his performance may be, that he is last in the rankings.
THE TENDENCY:
Well, I really don't see a tendency here, besides that every winner was a show carrier (maybe that explains the fact that Martin Sheen and Peter Krause never won due to the ensemble nature of their shows); sure, "The Sopranos" has a strong ensemble, but it has always focused on Gandolfini and Falco, and in this sixth season, mainly on Gandolfini, so he always was a show carrier, as strong as the ensemble was. I don't think past winners will have any influence here, though this is one category where there have been some repeating winners (Gandolfini, Franz, Spader), and that may help past winners here. If it does, it's neutral, since the two actors I consider the frontrunners are exactly the ones who have won before. Sutherland has won too, but, as improved as his chances may be due to this tendency, it's not going to happen.
OVERVIEW:
Ruling out everyone except for the James', both have incredibly sympathy, screentime, range and, most of all, impact. Both have their funny moments, show their weaknesses and show their power to a certain extent, and I dare say it is pretty balanced between the two. Both have their shows nominated, and both have nods in Directing. The tie-breaker? Gandolfini is on "The Sopranos" which got 16 nominations in its final year and he created a much more iconic, legendary and interesting character than Spader's, and his submission is a powerhouse one. Not counting out Spader, I safely predict that James Gandolfini will win his fourth and final Emmy for the legendary role he originated.
RANKINGS:
1- James Gandolfini
2- James Spader
3- Denis Leary
4- Hugh Laurie
5- Kiefer Sutherland
WHO WILL WIN: James Gandolfini
WHO SHOULD WIN: James Gandolfini
WHO'S THE SPOILER: James Spader
SUBMISSION ANALYSIS:
* James Gandolfini, as Tony Soprano - The Sopranos (The Second Coming)
Yes, he is the clear, almost lock-status frontrunner (I don't believe in locks). He has become a legendary character, he is the heart of the show, he's on his final year and he submitted, in my honest opinion, the best tape of all six he submitted during the show's run. While winning in the past for doing what he does best as a mob boss and admiting his unreasonable anger to his therapist in 2000, almost killing his psychotic lover in 2001 and still fight back, with no reason, against his wife determined will to leave him because of his constant infidelity and indifference towards their marriage in 2003, he finally submitted an extremely sympathetic tape where, though through some unconventional means, he shows how much he loves his family. Everyone has watched this tape, so I rest any further comment by saying that he deserves and will win his fourth Emmy, not only for creating a legendary role, but also because he has, by far, the best tape in the group.
* Hugh Laurie, as Dr. Gregory House - House, M.D. (Half Wit)
I have to admit, firstly, that I don't like this show - hence, I don't like him, nor the character. I don't find him compelling, nor cool, nor a good actor. I did see one episode for him that actually impressed me, called "One Day, One Room", but he didn't submit it. Instead, he went with this episode where he is House at its best: arrogant, selfish, disrespectful to his loyal team, and most of all, doing it all in order to pop some pills. Plus, he really enrages the audience (speaking personally) by faking cancer too. That aside, the only thing in his favour is popularity and buzz from the most praised season yet. But there are better tapes, and this is not his year, by far. They need to further develop the character in order to make him a true contender.
* Denis Leary, as Tommy Gavin - Rescue Me (Retards)
I enjoy this show, a lot. I rarely have the opportunity to tune in, but I always enjoy when I manage to watch it. This episode was quite amusing, and he has the cool-factor to help him. Maybe he'd have better chances if the James' hadn't submitted such excellent episodes, because his is a pretty good one, mainly due to that scene in the bar which he pulled off perfectly. He's not really relatable, and had a better tape last year, losing to Sutherland. I wouldn't count him out, but he's pretty behind the frontrunners. Maybe next year.
* James Spader, as Alan Shore - Boston Legal (Angel of Death)
And here we have the spoiler. I don't like Boston Legal, but I have to say, if there would be one reason to tune in, forget about Bergen and Shatner, James Spader is it. He's one hell of an actor, in every episode, and though he has that David E. Kelly'ish characterisation and (un)funny one liners, when he's playing drama, he's flawless. In this episode, which deals with the events post-Katrina, he does one hell of a job deffending a doctor who performed euthanasya on some victims of the hurricane. He is constant and funny during the whole episode, but his courtroom scenes are fantastic, especially when we realise that he does mean that, not as a lawyer, but as a person when he starts getting really touched by his own closing arguments. It's as baity as James Gandolfini's tape, and I'd risk predicting him if "The Sopranos" went on for another year. But don't count him out, AT ALL; he is more than deservedly a really dangerous spoiler. Plus, his show was nominated for both Directing and Series, and that does mean something.
* Kiefer Sutherland, as Agent Jack Bauer - 24 (5am - 6am)
His nod was inevitable, but with his show coming off a pretty bad season and not getting that nod for the first time since the show premiered, I don't think he really stands a chance against the other nominees, tape and buzz wise. His final speech is pretty good and heroic and all, and he did win last year against some really tough competition from Leary, Sheen and even Krause, but his show had its best season and his tape was better. I don't see it happening, and I dare say, as entertaining as his performance may be, that he is last in the rankings.
THE TENDENCY:
- 2006: Kiefer Sutherland - 24
- 2005: James Spader - Boston Legal
- 2004: James Spader - The Practice
- 2003: James Gandolfini - The Sopranos
- 2002: Michael Chiklis - The Shield
- 2001: James Gandolfini - The Sopranos
- 2000: James Gandolfini - The Sopranos
- 1999: Dennis Franz - NYPD Blue
- 1998: Andre Braugher - Homicide: Life on the Street
- 1997: Dennis Franz - NYPD Blue
Well, I really don't see a tendency here, besides that every winner was a show carrier (maybe that explains the fact that Martin Sheen and Peter Krause never won due to the ensemble nature of their shows); sure, "The Sopranos" has a strong ensemble, but it has always focused on Gandolfini and Falco, and in this sixth season, mainly on Gandolfini, so he always was a show carrier, as strong as the ensemble was. I don't think past winners will have any influence here, though this is one category where there have been some repeating winners (Gandolfini, Franz, Spader), and that may help past winners here. If it does, it's neutral, since the two actors I consider the frontrunners are exactly the ones who have won before. Sutherland has won too, but, as improved as his chances may be due to this tendency, it's not going to happen.
OVERVIEW:
Ruling out everyone except for the James', both have incredibly sympathy, screentime, range and, most of all, impact. Both have their funny moments, show their weaknesses and show their power to a certain extent, and I dare say it is pretty balanced between the two. Both have their shows nominated, and both have nods in Directing. The tie-breaker? Gandolfini is on "The Sopranos" which got 16 nominations in its final year and he created a much more iconic, legendary and interesting character than Spader's, and his submission is a powerhouse one. Not counting out Spader, I safely predict that James Gandolfini will win his fourth and final Emmy for the legendary role he originated.
RANKINGS:
1- James Gandolfini
2- James Spader
3- Denis Leary
4- Hugh Laurie
5- Kiefer Sutherland
WHO WILL WIN: James Gandolfini
WHO SHOULD WIN: James Gandolfini
WHO'S THE SPOILER: James Spader
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Well, this was the toughest category in my opinion. I got 3 out of 6, missing Emerson, Knight and Oka for Cusick and Chianese. I should've seen three disappointing nominations (Knight and Oka, and to a certain extent, Emerson) in such a weak category that had to go with buzz and not talent to fill in the remaining spots. The three actors I got right are the strongest contenders, but after watching Shatner's tape, there are really only two frontrunners. Here are my thoughts on this category:
* Michael Emerson, as Ben - LOST (The Man Behind the Curtain)
This was one of the nominations I didn't see coming, at least on its own (I'd have found it more likely with Elizabeth Mitchell in the line up since they were the cast's MVPs the whole season). As many of us agree, his work is cumulative in nature, and his storyline and his performance the whole season are essential to get the character and to really appreciate his talent. This is proven by his submission. It does focus on his character (though, more than half of the flashbacks, which are really the award winning stuff for LOST, are in his childhood), but he comes off as a psico, kills his own father and his own people, and his island-mythology speeches are REALLY going to be a turnoff for the voters who didn't even get the finale. His talent is undeniable, and he really got into the character, but the episode is extremely confusing and deals a lot with the mythology and science fiction that even some LOST fans (like me) don't enjoy. Some say O'Quinn's tape will help him a lot, but it is just as confusing and unlikeable, specially after edited (I don't see voters buying the whole 'box' story, AT ALL). Had his tape been more likeable, I wouldn't think he was, along with Masi Oka, the weakest of all. His chances are really, really slim.
* T. R. Knight, as Dr. George O'Malley - Grey's Anatomy (Six Days (parts 1 and 2))
Well, first of all, I think he is one lousy actor. He did get into the character well, but his character is not very deep and is very much repetitive. In this episode, though, he has a lot to do. He deals with his father's death, and we do feel the transition that caused on him, though the real MVP in this episode would be George Dzundza, by far. He has the sympathy factor on his side with the whole Washington debacle, and he is really relatable in his tape (just like Chandra Wilson and Katherine Heigl; Grey's Anatomy is good at doing baity, relatable tapes). He could pull off a surprising win, but he's not so strong acting and the powerful competition in this category make that really hard to happen. The power of his episode, though, will garner him a lot of votes. Not a bad chance.
* Michael Imperioli, as Christopher Moltisanti - The Sopranos (Walk Like a Man)
Now here's an undeniable contender. First, his talent is undeniable, and we must all remember that voters must like him a lot (he was nominated last year while cast MVPs Falco and Gandolfini were snubbed). Then, we must keep in mind that he won in 2004 for two very unlikeable performances (in 'Irregular Around the Margins', he gets high and drunk and tries to kill Tony, beating the hell out of Adrianna before that; in 'Long Term Parking', which was more Drea de Matteo's showcase, he almost kills Adriana by choking, and tricks her into going into the woods where she is shot to death by Silvio); this year though, the weaknesses of his otherwise strong and cold character really surfaced while he battled against a future depression, his addictions and the respect he always has to have for the whole family who seem to be regardless of his weaknesses. The episode has a very powerful scene where he shoots Tim Daly, which may not be seen as a regular Christopher thing, but really a release from all his weaknesses. I think he is a frontrunner due to amazing tape, screentime, range and impact, but mainly, as I've just said, due to a never before seen side to his character, whose submissions usually dealt with his violent behaviour while using drugs or with his blind obedience to his superiors. He has an extremely strong shot, but I'm afraid of a Sopranos sweep, and since I'm already predicting Gandolfini and Bracco and am very sure of a Falco surprise, the voters may want to spread some wealth. Don't forget though, that in 2003 that almost happened, but they didn't have anyone in Supporting Actress; this was the last year, so chances greatly improve.
* Masi Oka, as Hiro Nakamura - Heroes (Five Years Gone)
Well, I'll try not to be biased here, since I hate this show. But really, what can I say? I actually WATCHED his submission. No range (don't even bother me with the whole 'he plays two characters' stuff; he just can't act), no impact, and just a little more of his incredibly annoying character. This was probably a joke since I've seen how much people love him. But a nomination is more than enough. I actually should've seen it coming, the 'cast MVP of Heroes'... Zero chance of winning this.
* Terry O'Quinn, as Locke - LOST (The Man From Tallahassee)
And then we have the other frontrunner. He lost in 2005 to William Shatner with the unforgettable 'Walkabout' which dealt a lot with his condition. Last season that wasn't very explored. Now this season, and particularly this episode, not only explains how he ended up in a wheelchair, but also deals with the character's depressive nature and his tough relationship with his father. The episode is beautiful, and is one of those instances where both flashback and present story are award worthy, because it is exactly the contrast from Locke's depressive and useless past with his now heroic personality that is amazingly done. The interaction with his dad, the sequence in the hospital when he is being put in a wheelchair and the interaction with Michael Emerson are all fantastic and very award deserving. He owns the entire episode, and the quality of it will help him a lot. Against him, though, is the fact that he is the only actor nominated in this category from a show that wasn't nominated and the somewhat confusing island plot (especially the ending scene where he sees his father; that will be a complete turn-off to voters). Anyway, tape-wise, he is definitely in the running.
* William Shatner, as Denny Crane - Boston Legal (Son of the Defender)
Did I miss something here? This submission was one of the biggest disappointments of all. After everyone told me he was a strong contender, I was always waiting for something in the episode, until the credits started rolling. What was supposed to be award worthy here? He is actually very quiet during most of the episode, which is in my opinion very cheesy with the music, the old footage and that final talk with the crazy guy. I don't watch Boston Legal, so I don't know if he had any better, but this is by no means Emmy-worthy. Even T. R. Knight has a better tape. I have nothing else to say, rather than he has already won twice for this role and that he is very nice in that endind conversation when the guy gives him the remote. But that's it! I won't rule him out, obviously, but he is by no means anywhere near the quality, impact and screentime of Imperioli's and O'Quinn's tapes.
* Michael Emerson, as Ben - LOST (The Man Behind the Curtain)
This was one of the nominations I didn't see coming, at least on its own (I'd have found it more likely with Elizabeth Mitchell in the line up since they were the cast's MVPs the whole season). As many of us agree, his work is cumulative in nature, and his storyline and his performance the whole season are essential to get the character and to really appreciate his talent. This is proven by his submission. It does focus on his character (though, more than half of the flashbacks, which are really the award winning stuff for LOST, are in his childhood), but he comes off as a psico, kills his own father and his own people, and his island-mythology speeches are REALLY going to be a turnoff for the voters who didn't even get the finale. His talent is undeniable, and he really got into the character, but the episode is extremely confusing and deals a lot with the mythology and science fiction that even some LOST fans (like me) don't enjoy. Some say O'Quinn's tape will help him a lot, but it is just as confusing and unlikeable, specially after edited (I don't see voters buying the whole 'box' story, AT ALL). Had his tape been more likeable, I wouldn't think he was, along with Masi Oka, the weakest of all. His chances are really, really slim.
* T. R. Knight, as Dr. George O'Malley - Grey's Anatomy (Six Days (parts 1 and 2))
Well, first of all, I think he is one lousy actor. He did get into the character well, but his character is not very deep and is very much repetitive. In this episode, though, he has a lot to do. He deals with his father's death, and we do feel the transition that caused on him, though the real MVP in this episode would be George Dzundza, by far. He has the sympathy factor on his side with the whole Washington debacle, and he is really relatable in his tape (just like Chandra Wilson and Katherine Heigl; Grey's Anatomy is good at doing baity, relatable tapes). He could pull off a surprising win, but he's not so strong acting and the powerful competition in this category make that really hard to happen. The power of his episode, though, will garner him a lot of votes. Not a bad chance.
* Michael Imperioli, as Christopher Moltisanti - The Sopranos (Walk Like a Man)
Now here's an undeniable contender. First, his talent is undeniable, and we must all remember that voters must like him a lot (he was nominated last year while cast MVPs Falco and Gandolfini were snubbed). Then, we must keep in mind that he won in 2004 for two very unlikeable performances (in 'Irregular Around the Margins', he gets high and drunk and tries to kill Tony, beating the hell out of Adrianna before that; in 'Long Term Parking', which was more Drea de Matteo's showcase, he almost kills Adriana by choking, and tricks her into going into the woods where she is shot to death by Silvio); this year though, the weaknesses of his otherwise strong and cold character really surfaced while he battled against a future depression, his addictions and the respect he always has to have for the whole family who seem to be regardless of his weaknesses. The episode has a very powerful scene where he shoots Tim Daly, which may not be seen as a regular Christopher thing, but really a release from all his weaknesses. I think he is a frontrunner due to amazing tape, screentime, range and impact, but mainly, as I've just said, due to a never before seen side to his character, whose submissions usually dealt with his violent behaviour while using drugs or with his blind obedience to his superiors. He has an extremely strong shot, but I'm afraid of a Sopranos sweep, and since I'm already predicting Gandolfini and Bracco and am very sure of a Falco surprise, the voters may want to spread some wealth. Don't forget though, that in 2003 that almost happened, but they didn't have anyone in Supporting Actress; this was the last year, so chances greatly improve.
* Masi Oka, as Hiro Nakamura - Heroes (Five Years Gone)
Well, I'll try not to be biased here, since I hate this show. But really, what can I say? I actually WATCHED his submission. No range (don't even bother me with the whole 'he plays two characters' stuff; he just can't act), no impact, and just a little more of his incredibly annoying character. This was probably a joke since I've seen how much people love him. But a nomination is more than enough. I actually should've seen it coming, the 'cast MVP of Heroes'... Zero chance of winning this.
* Terry O'Quinn, as Locke - LOST (The Man From Tallahassee)
And then we have the other frontrunner. He lost in 2005 to William Shatner with the unforgettable 'Walkabout' which dealt a lot with his condition. Last season that wasn't very explored. Now this season, and particularly this episode, not only explains how he ended up in a wheelchair, but also deals with the character's depressive nature and his tough relationship with his father. The episode is beautiful, and is one of those instances where both flashback and present story are award worthy, because it is exactly the contrast from Locke's depressive and useless past with his now heroic personality that is amazingly done. The interaction with his dad, the sequence in the hospital when he is being put in a wheelchair and the interaction with Michael Emerson are all fantastic and very award deserving. He owns the entire episode, and the quality of it will help him a lot. Against him, though, is the fact that he is the only actor nominated in this category from a show that wasn't nominated and the somewhat confusing island plot (especially the ending scene where he sees his father; that will be a complete turn-off to voters). Anyway, tape-wise, he is definitely in the running.
* William Shatner, as Denny Crane - Boston Legal (Son of the Defender)
Did I miss something here? This submission was one of the biggest disappointments of all. After everyone told me he was a strong contender, I was always waiting for something in the episode, until the credits started rolling. What was supposed to be award worthy here? He is actually very quiet during most of the episode, which is in my opinion very cheesy with the music, the old footage and that final talk with the crazy guy. I don't watch Boston Legal, so I don't know if he had any better, but this is by no means Emmy-worthy. Even T. R. Knight has a better tape. I have nothing else to say, rather than he has already won twice for this role and that he is very nice in that endind conversation when the guy gives him the remote. But that's it! I won't rule him out, obviously, but he is by no means anywhere near the quality, impact and screentime of Imperioli's and O'Quinn's tapes.
THE TENDENCY:
- 2006: Alan Alda - The West Wing
- 2005: William Shatner - Boston Legal
- 2004: Michael Imperioli - The Sopranos
- 2003: Joe Pantoliano - The Sopranos
- 2002: John Spencer - The West Wing
- 2001: Bradley Whitford - The West Wing
- 2000: Richard Schiff - The West Wing
- 1999: Michael Badalucco - The Practice
- 1998: Gordon Clapp - NYPD Blue
- 1997: Hector Elizondo - Chicago Hope
This category, already a tough one, can't rely on a pattern. All kinds of characters have won, some of them their shows won in the same year and some didn't even have their show nominated. A possible pattern may be variety (?), so I won't go further into this, since this category is, exactly, the one with the most different array of characters.
OVERVIEW:
Ruling out imediately Masi Oka, this still is the toughest category. To a certain extent, one could rule out Emerson, but he is almost hand-to-hand with O'Quinn on this one, though this one has the upper hand by having a completely dramatic tape with his flashback, something that Emerson doesn't have; yet, they're all over each others' tapes, and they face the serious threat of vote splitting more than any other nominees this year. But let's not rule out O'Quinn yet. Then we have Knight, who, despite having a good and baity tape, just isn't that good to pull this off in a such weak year for his show. Shatner has also a pretty weak tape, which didn't impress me at all, though he comes off as pretty heroic and extremely likeable in his final scenes. And finally, my personal favourite Imperioli, who only has against him the fact that he kills a guy in the end (geez, it was actually less violent than his two submissions in 2004 where he won) and also my stubborness that I don't believe there will be a Sopranos sweep in acting, and I believe Bracco is ahead of him in terms of chances; but I sooo want to predict him. This is a really tough category, but at least we have three frontrunners: Imperioli, Shatner and O'Quinn. A tie-breaker: there is none! I say we all split between those three and laugh at each other in the end! Maybe not... In this particular category I'll be dumb and pretend it's all about tapes, because there really is no other way to decide the winner. Since Imperioli and O'Quinn have equally amazing tapes, and O'Quinn is actually more likeable than Imperioli and got in without "LOST" being nominated, I'm going with (OK shoot me now) Terry O'Quinn, by a hair over the other two.
WHO WILL WIN: Terry O'Quinn
WHO SHOULD WIN: Michael Imperioli
WHO'S THE SPOILER: William Shatner/Michael Imperioli
e premte, 27 korrik 2007
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
I got 4 out of 6. Should've gone with my instinct that there wouldn't be enough 'Brothers & Sisters' love for Calista Flockhart to get in, and that Patricia Arquette would be the one nominated. And what an amazing category, full of completely different, multi-faceted and interesting characters. I was thrilled with this category, and the more the merrier; I loved that it has six nominees. Everyone has an amazing chance of taking this. But I have to say, one has clearly the strongest tape. By the way, special thanks to taloson from GoldDerby for updating these episodes! Here is my analysis on this category:
SUBMISSION ANALISYS:
* Patricia Arquette, as Allison Dubois - Medium (Be Kind, Rewind)
I had watched this tape back in November and did remember it being pretty good. But I just rewatched it and was really impressed again. She acts naturally, is extremely relatable with all her family scenes, which helps her character a lot since she has paranormal powers. She has a lot of screentime, obviously, and that one amazing bad-ass scene in the kitchen that I just can't get tired of it. The thing is: that's it! The episode itself is pretty good, and that might help her, but besides that one scene and her screentime, she plays a regular procedural character. I won't say she doesn't have a shot (I LOVED the episode and her performance), but, as I've said before, I don't think one scene alone wins an Emmy. I believe her 2005 submission was better than this one. Not a bad chance, but I don't see it happening again.
* Minnie Driver, as Dahlia Malloy - The Riches (Pilot)
As I've said above, there is one tape that clearly outshines all of the remaining. This is it. The thing that lacks on the other submissions is impact, and this one has it all. She instantly became the character, and she's amazing in every scene she's in. When she's trying to convince herself to not inject heroin, when she gets out of jail and her fight with Eddie Izzard in the end are some fine examples of this excellent submission. The thing is, her character is the least relatable of all. And some may find her story to be pretty disturbing, and the scene when she wants to shoot heroin and is talking to herself, though amazingly played, is pretty disturbing and violent. Something that may play a factor is the fact the Eddie Izzard is as good (if not better; he really impressed me in that last fight) as Driver. Don't get me wrong, I'm just trying to predict the voters reactions, because I would give her the Emmy hands down. She has, no doubt, the best performance (tape-wise) in this category, but she has a huge disadvantage: read the 'Tendency' item please.
* Edie Falco, as Carmela Soprano - The Sopranos (The Second Coming)
Sure, she has 20 minutes of screentime, the least of all. But she's amazing in all her scenes. She is really likeable in the submission and she didn't skip a beat with what she was given. Some say 'Sopranos Home Movies' was a better submission, but this was the best she had this season. Of course, her reduced screentime against show-owners Sedgwick, Arquette and Hargitay won't help her, but lucky her, her performance is better than all three of them. The fight with Tony, the brief scene in the hospital and the scene where she visits A.J., though the last two were pretty short, plus the fact that she brilliantly played a mother against three other moms in the category, the possible 'Sopranos' sweep and the legendary role she originated might be enough, in my honest opinion, to get her Emmy #4. But don't get me wrong, she does have stiff competition, especially from Driver, and her screentime will hurt her a lot. Many will hate me for saying this, but she has an excellent shot at winning this.
* Sally Field, as Nora Walker - Brothers & Sisters (Mistakes Were Made (part 2))
When I watched her submission the first time I was much more impressed than when I rewatched it last week. She has pretty reduced screentime, and, as I've always said, Flockhart's apologizing scene will be stuck in voters minds, while Field's crying scene right at the beginning may be forgotten. I thought she would be the frontrunner, but my gut-feeling about Falco and the outstanding tape Minnie Driver submitted removed Field from that status. But, she plays a caring mother, suffering because her son was called back to Iraq, and she's Sally Field, at her best I have to say. She could spoil, but I think the show is still very green and voters didn't embrace it enough to give the more deserving nomination to Flockhart; plus, the tape lacks screentime. Curiously, she has about the same screentime as Edie Falco, and I have to say that Falco's tape is just better. Not a bad chance, mainly due to her name and to the sympathetic nature of the tape, though I have to say that 'Affairs of State' would've probably nailed this.
* Mariska Hargitay, as Det. Olivia Benson - Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Florida)
This episode is terrible as a regular procedural one, but really good Emmy wise. Why? First, as boring as it is, it gives her incredible screentime (actually the four procedural ladies have the greatest screentime). Then, she totally comes off as hero in the end, and the character is pretty cool and admirable, plus, her work against sex crimes is always baity (proved by this being her fourth nomination). She won last year, but I don't think that should play a factor. But the episode is really bad, and she doesn't do the usual Benson stuff like she did in 'Carisma', '911' and even in 'Control'. She saves her brother from being accused of being a rapist, but there is no impact at all in this episode. But as much as it pains me to say, she has a pretty good shot at winning this, but she's not THAT good to be a repeat winner. Could spoil though.
* Kyra Sedgwick, as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson - The Closer (Slippin')
Her interrogation scenes are really well played, and she's funny in the interactions with Frances Sternhagen (her mother), but it kind of reminded me of Hargitay's episode: a regular procedural episode where the lead has a lot of screentime; but where's the impact? Where's that one big money scene that can give her a boost? I liked the episode, and she played it off really well, but if 'Fantasy Date' didn't seal this, she has barely a chance this year. Don't count her out though; I
think she's in the middle of the pack.
SUBMISSION ANALISYS:
* Patricia Arquette, as Allison Dubois - Medium (Be Kind, Rewind)
I had watched this tape back in November and did remember it being pretty good. But I just rewatched it and was really impressed again. She acts naturally, is extremely relatable with all her family scenes, which helps her character a lot since she has paranormal powers. She has a lot of screentime, obviously, and that one amazing bad-ass scene in the kitchen that I just can't get tired of it. The thing is: that's it! The episode itself is pretty good, and that might help her, but besides that one scene and her screentime, she plays a regular procedural character. I won't say she doesn't have a shot (I LOVED the episode and her performance), but, as I've said before, I don't think one scene alone wins an Emmy. I believe her 2005 submission was better than this one. Not a bad chance, but I don't see it happening again.
* Minnie Driver, as Dahlia Malloy - The Riches (Pilot)
As I've said above, there is one tape that clearly outshines all of the remaining. This is it. The thing that lacks on the other submissions is impact, and this one has it all. She instantly became the character, and she's amazing in every scene she's in. When she's trying to convince herself to not inject heroin, when she gets out of jail and her fight with Eddie Izzard in the end are some fine examples of this excellent submission. The thing is, her character is the least relatable of all. And some may find her story to be pretty disturbing, and the scene when she wants to shoot heroin and is talking to herself, though amazingly played, is pretty disturbing and violent. Something that may play a factor is the fact the Eddie Izzard is as good (if not better; he really impressed me in that last fight) as Driver. Don't get me wrong, I'm just trying to predict the voters reactions, because I would give her the Emmy hands down. She has, no doubt, the best performance (tape-wise) in this category, but she has a huge disadvantage: read the 'Tendency' item please.
* Edie Falco, as Carmela Soprano - The Sopranos (The Second Coming)
Sure, she has 20 minutes of screentime, the least of all. But she's amazing in all her scenes. She is really likeable in the submission and she didn't skip a beat with what she was given. Some say 'Sopranos Home Movies' was a better submission, but this was the best she had this season. Of course, her reduced screentime against show-owners Sedgwick, Arquette and Hargitay won't help her, but lucky her, her performance is better than all three of them. The fight with Tony, the brief scene in the hospital and the scene where she visits A.J., though the last two were pretty short, plus the fact that she brilliantly played a mother against three other moms in the category, the possible 'Sopranos' sweep and the legendary role she originated might be enough, in my honest opinion, to get her Emmy #4. But don't get me wrong, she does have stiff competition, especially from Driver, and her screentime will hurt her a lot. Many will hate me for saying this, but she has an excellent shot at winning this.
* Sally Field, as Nora Walker - Brothers & Sisters (Mistakes Were Made (part 2))
When I watched her submission the first time I was much more impressed than when I rewatched it last week. She has pretty reduced screentime, and, as I've always said, Flockhart's apologizing scene will be stuck in voters minds, while Field's crying scene right at the beginning may be forgotten. I thought she would be the frontrunner, but my gut-feeling about Falco and the outstanding tape Minnie Driver submitted removed Field from that status. But, she plays a caring mother, suffering because her son was called back to Iraq, and she's Sally Field, at her best I have to say. She could spoil, but I think the show is still very green and voters didn't embrace it enough to give the more deserving nomination to Flockhart; plus, the tape lacks screentime. Curiously, she has about the same screentime as Edie Falco, and I have to say that Falco's tape is just better. Not a bad chance, mainly due to her name and to the sympathetic nature of the tape, though I have to say that 'Affairs of State' would've probably nailed this.
* Mariska Hargitay, as Det. Olivia Benson - Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Florida)
This episode is terrible as a regular procedural one, but really good Emmy wise. Why? First, as boring as it is, it gives her incredible screentime (actually the four procedural ladies have the greatest screentime). Then, she totally comes off as hero in the end, and the character is pretty cool and admirable, plus, her work against sex crimes is always baity (proved by this being her fourth nomination). She won last year, but I don't think that should play a factor. But the episode is really bad, and she doesn't do the usual Benson stuff like she did in 'Carisma', '911' and even in 'Control'. She saves her brother from being accused of being a rapist, but there is no impact at all in this episode. But as much as it pains me to say, she has a pretty good shot at winning this, but she's not THAT good to be a repeat winner. Could spoil though.
* Kyra Sedgwick, as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson - The Closer (Slippin')
Her interrogation scenes are really well played, and she's funny in the interactions with Frances Sternhagen (her mother), but it kind of reminded me of Hargitay's episode: a regular procedural episode where the lead has a lot of screentime; but where's the impact? Where's that one big money scene that can give her a boost? I liked the episode, and she played it off really well, but if 'Fantasy Date' didn't seal this, she has barely a chance this year. Don't count her out though; I
think she's in the middle of the pack.
THE TENDENCY:
- 2006: Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU)
- 2005: Patricia Arquette (Medium)
- 2004: Allison Janney (The West Wing)
- 2003: Edie Falco (The Sopranos)
- 2002: Allison Janney (The West Wing)
- 2001: Edie Falco (The Sopranos)
- 2000: Sela Ward (Once and Again)
- 1999: Edie Falco (The Sopranos)
- 1998: Christine Lahti (Chicago Hope)
- 1997: Gillian Anderson (The X-Files)
Well, looking closer at this list (I'll only write about the winners since '99, though I have seen Gillian Anderson's 'Memento Mori' and it kind of fits into the pattern) there is indeed a pattern of women who struggle with marrital or work related issues. Gillian Anderson won for doing her job not on an X-File but on herself while trying to discover the origins of her terminal cancer and not skipping a beat of her job while doing it, Edie Falco won three times for portraying different levels of her doubts concerning her marriage with a mob boss, Sela Ward won for portraying a newly divorced mother trying to pull her life back together, Allison Janney won twice for portraying an extremely feminist character who showed her power and the women's view point in a mostly male administration, Patricia Arquette won, again, for an episode in which her character strains with her husband's possible infidelity, and Mariska Hargitay won last year for showing us the deep connection between the past of her character and her extremely delicate job which deals with sexual crimes. So, I believe every winner has won for proving a women's strength and the strain of their marriages or of their jobs. So, who fits in this pattern? I'd have to say all nominees except for my personal frontrunner, Minnie Driver, who does the exact opposite while portraying a meth addict and con-man's wife and two children mom who just recentely got out of the jail. It was a fellow poster at GoldDerby that warned me about the importance of past winners and the patterns that are formed in certain categories, especially in this one. I think, for this fact only, that Driver's chances are really lowered since the other five nominees fit perfectly into this pattern (three moms and two career women).
OVERVIEW:
Many of you will hate me for saying this, but I don't think this is Driver's year yet. I see the race between Field, Hargitay and Falco. The tie-breaker? Field is on a new, off the radar show and got in because of the popular vote, and though her tape is pretty good, I don't see them awarding 'Brothers & Sisters' on its first year against four other 'veteran' nominees in this category. Hargitay is pretty awesome in her episode, does come out as a hero (not so much as in 'Charisma', '911' or even 'Control'), but her only trump is truly screentime, because she doesn't show impact and just a bit of range while digging into her past family life. So, I think the path is open for Edie Falco to easily (though, I have to admit, not deservedly) take her final Emmy for the PERFECT portrayal of a mob-wife in the last season of one of the best television series ever, with a tape which, though shortened in screentime, has as much impact as Field's and Hargitay's, in my honest opinion, and deals with a lot of Carmela's doubts as a wife and mother.
RANKINGS
1- Edie Falco
2a- Mariska Hargitay
2b- Sally Field
3- Kyra Sedgwick
4- Minnie Driver
5- Patricia Arquette
WHO WILL WIN: Edie Falco
WHO SHOULD WIN: Minnie Driver
WHO'S THE SPOILER: Mariska Hargitay
Many of you will hate me for saying this, but I don't think this is Driver's year yet. I see the race between Field, Hargitay and Falco. The tie-breaker? Field is on a new, off the radar show and got in because of the popular vote, and though her tape is pretty good, I don't see them awarding 'Brothers & Sisters' on its first year against four other 'veteran' nominees in this category. Hargitay is pretty awesome in her episode, does come out as a hero (not so much as in 'Charisma', '911' or even 'Control'), but her only trump is truly screentime, because she doesn't show impact and just a bit of range while digging into her past family life. So, I think the path is open for Edie Falco to easily (though, I have to admit, not deservedly) take her final Emmy for the PERFECT portrayal of a mob-wife in the last season of one of the best television series ever, with a tape which, though shortened in screentime, has as much impact as Field's and Hargitay's, in my honest opinion, and deals with a lot of Carmela's doubts as a wife and mother.
RANKINGS
1- Edie Falco
2a- Mariska Hargitay
2b- Sally Field
3- Kyra Sedgwick
4- Minnie Driver
5- Patricia Arquette
WHO WILL WIN: Edie Falco
WHO SHOULD WIN: Minnie Driver
WHO'S THE SPOILER: Mariska Hargitay
e enjte, 26 korrik 2007
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Well, I got 4 out of 6 here, missing Heigl and Bracco for Mitchell. Actually, I should have 5 out of 6, since I was on vacation and didn't get the news of this category's Top 10 and the lack of Mitchell there. I had Heigl next in line. No surprises, besides Bracco. Actually, I think no one else is surprised anymore, since we all now know that she indeed submitted her outstanding and disturbingly cold performance on the 'Blue Comet', so she deserves to be here. I, as a huge 'Sopranos' fan, should've seen someone else besides Turturro making it in, and it would obviously be Bracco, but we always predict 5 nominees. Here are my thoughts on all 6 actresses chances, and might I say that, despite for different reasons, every single lady has a strong shot.
SUBMISSIONS ANALYSIS:
* Lorraine Bracco, as Dr. Jennifer Melfi - The Sopranos (The Blue Comet)
Who knew, after all criticism of her lack of screentime on this season, that now she would be a strong contender (if not the frontrunner) for the Emmy? The fact is, she is waaay overdue (it's her fault really, since on the earlier years of 'The Sopranos' her submission as Lead Actress is debatable, and had she submitted herself in supporting, where, in my opinion, she really belongs, she would definitely have an Emmy right now for her performance on the third season), and her performance, though some say it's short (15 minutes; it's really a third of the episode, so I'm fine with it since she's supporting), is amazingly good, and no one saw that coming. Her dinner scene and her discomfort among her fellow and snobby psychiatrists are really well played, but what might win her the Emmy is obviously that 'last session', where she pulls off anger, arrogance, discomfort, and even the always present care she has for that particular patient. The way she holds in everything she wants to say and finally begins to throw things in his face with cold replies and arrogant stares is chillingly perfect. She has the strongest tape in the group, by far.
* Rachel Griffiths, as Sarah Whedon - Brothers & Sisters (Bad News)
Am I the only one who thinks she was waaaaay more talented as Brenda on 'Six Feet Under'? Maybe this is a more difficult character (NOT), but I don't think she's nothing to rave about. She did pick her best episode, and screentime will help her a lot. Also, she displays a lot of range and her fight with her husband was pretty good and so was her reaction to Holly telling her about her daughter and Sarah's husband. But there was no impact. I won't say she can't win this (Heigl is the one who's out), but she had amazing material to give an award winning performance in this episode, but it all seemed extremely unnatural, and I noticed that all season long in her performance. It's a pretty baity submission, she just doesn't seem natural to me. So don't count her out; she's right next to Sandra Oh.
* Katherine Heigl, as Dr. Izzie Stevens - Grey's Anatomy (Time After Time)
This could've been either an amazing episode or an award baity one. Unfortunately, it was none. I wasn't impressed at all with the episode, but it does revolve around her character, and the plot is really sympathetic (her daughter, who she gave up for adoption, comes in with leuchemia and needs a bone marrow transplant). The thing is, it has nothing Emmy worty in it. You do feel for her character, but she could've done a lot better. I have to say she's the weakest of all six nominees. What may help her, A LOT, is her popularity, which is what got her in in the first place. I actually believe she probably ranked second on the popular vote, and that automatically got her in. Anyway, I wasn't thrilled with this nomination, since it was much, much more deserved for last season. Her chances could be better, but her popularity and 'Knocked Up' will give her a boost. But I don't see it happening.
* Sandra Oh, as Dr. Cristina Yang - Grey's Anatomy (From a Whisper to a Scream)
I rewatched the episode, because I remember her performance being the best thing about it. But, seriously, what's there to it? A lot of people refer her argument with Burke; in my opinion, Washington steals that scene. Others her running, full of blood, away from the OR; again, it's the director's credit, not hers. I mean, the episode is amazingly strong and well written, but I think we shouldn't mix that with Oh's performance. She is good as always, and she has a lot to do in that episode. But just like Rachel Griffiths, it wasn't her performance that had impact on me, it was indeed the episode as a whole. On her side, she again steals the episode, and she is an extremely talented actress. Plus, I'm not the only one who says that she is indeed the best thing in 'Grey's Anatomy'. I'd compare her situation with Griffiths, but with much larger chances because of her buzz. The things is, she's up against not only two 'Sopranos' ladies but also agains two of her own co-stars, which will definitely cause vote splitting because she has nothing noteworthy in her co-stars tapes. I'd give her frontrunner status if she had submitted the finale, but she stuck with this episode. I don't think she will win this year, and since her show will be on for a long time, there's no rush in giving her an emmy. Despite all this, she could upset, and wouldn't surprise me if she actually wins this.
* Aida Turturro, as Janice Soprano - The Sopranos (Sopranos Home Movies)
She has a lot of screentime in this. Her character is funny (I actually consider her the comic relief of the show), and she has a lot to do in this episode. 'The Sopranos' swan song will help her a lot, but I'd have much more to say about her having chances if Bracco wasn't in the list. Plus, her character is pretty nasty and unlikeable (not in my opinion, I love her. It's just general consensus). Anyway, she deservedly made it, and I don't think it was the popular vote who got her in, so the tape must've played really well. The episode is amazing and deals a lot with Tony and Janice's relationship, something that is rarely seen in the show. I think she's right behind Sandra Oh in the race, but unfortunately I just don't see her at the stage giving her speech.
* Chandra Wilson, as Dr. Miranda Bailey - Grey's Anatomy (Oh, the Guilt!)
She really had nothing else to submit, and this episode, as boring as it is, gives her a lot of pretty good stuff to do. But not just good enough to compete with the outstanding episodes that are in the run. On her side though, is the fact that she won the SAG over Falco, Hargitay, Arquette and Sedgwick, and that DOES mean something. But the thing is, after watching it again, it is a very relatable episode with the whole motherhood stuff, and that will definitely garner some votes. But if voters are there not to relate but to vote for the best episode, this is not it. I'll be surprised if she wins, but it may happen.
THE TENDENCY:
- 2006: Blythe Danner (Huff)
- 2005: Blythe Danner (Huff)
- 2004: Drea de Matteo (The Sopranos)
- 2003: Tyne Daly (Judging Amy)
- 2002: Stockard Channing (The West Wing)
- 2001: Allison Janney (The West Wing)
- 2000: Allison Janney (The West Wing)
- 1999: Holland Taylor (The Practice)
- 1998: Camryn Manheim (The Practice)
- 1997: Kim Delaney (NYPD Blue)
OVERVIEW:
Well, I won't rule out anyone, but tapes and buzz-wise, I think there are three clear frontrunners. Griffiths, Bracco and Oh. All three submitted without a doubt their best tapes of the season. Oh's and Griffiths' are more alike, since they deal with strains of their love relationship, while Bracco's deals with the moral dilemma her character has been through since the pilot episode. Which is the more relatable? Griffiths' and Oh's, no doubt. Which is the most powerful and best acted? Bracco's, no doubt either, and it seems the most important and the most adult performance, by far. Considering the pattern explained in the previous item and factoring all the other 'benefits' she has from being in 'The Sopranos' in its final year, I definitely think Lorraine Bracco will finally get her first (and the most honorable) award for this truly remarkable character.
Well, I won't rule out anyone, but tapes and buzz-wise, I think there are three clear frontrunners. Griffiths, Bracco and Oh. All three submitted without a doubt their best tapes of the season. Oh's and Griffiths' are more alike, since they deal with strains of their love relationship, while Bracco's deals with the moral dilemma her character has been through since the pilot episode. Which is the more relatable? Griffiths' and Oh's, no doubt. Which is the most powerful and best acted? Bracco's, no doubt either, and it seems the most important and the most adult performance, by far. Considering the pattern explained in the previous item and factoring all the other 'benefits' she has from being in 'The Sopranos' in its final year, I definitely think Lorraine Bracco will finally get her first (and the most honorable) award for this truly remarkable character.
WHO WILL WIN: Lorraine Bracco
WHO SHOULD WIN: Lorraine Bracco/Sandra Oh
WHO'S THE SPOILER: Sandra Oh
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