And that's a wrap...

Jane Lynch brought the telecast in exactly on time. That ought to make the affiliates happy.

All in all, a good show, with several surprises (COACH!) and some not so surprising (Modern Family's near sweep).

The telecast ran smoothly, but not sure how much water cooler talk there will be about it tomorrow.

As of this moment, seven of the top 10 trending topics on twitter are Emmy related.

So, there might be some chat tomorrow.

Best Comedy...

Gwyneth Paltrow announces that the prompter is down and she is going to wing it. Her winging it consists of...

Here are the nominees...


And the Emmy Goes to Modern Family. Well, that was kind of written in the stars. I'm not a fervent viewer, but that's clearly going to have to change in the future.

And the entire cast comes up on stage as Steve Levitan makes another speech. Gives a special shout out to the kids that work on the show. Says the show almost was animated because that's how much they didn't want to work with kids. Gives an anecdote of how a couple of years ago a gay couple came up to them and said that they're just not making people laugh, they're making people tolerant. And, adds that it's about time an old man can be happy with a hot young woman and looking around the room, it's clear that many of the audience agree.

Outstanding Drama

And now Maria Bello and William H. Macy (who worked together in The Killer) come out to introduce Outstanding Drama Series.

And the Emmy goes to Mad Men. Okay, I'm not mad. I did want Friday Night Lights to win, but you can't be upset at a Mad Men victory.

And, Matt Weiner accepts again...

Outstanding Movie or MIni-series

Jane Lynch calls out Film Actors for doing television, taking the jobs of televsiion actors who have to voice videogames which are later made into movies using the very actors who put the television actors out of work. Hakuna Matata, Circle of Life.

And Don Cheadle announces the winner of Best Movie or Mini-series which is...

Downtown Abby

And Julian Fellows accepts again. Compares win to David and Goliath story, but says that Goliath was full of wonderful people. Admits that no one knows what will be a hit or not, but this evening came right.

Mini-series and Movies (Actor

Anna Rotv and David Boreanaz come out to introduce Best Actor in a Movie or Mini-series.

Guy Pearce wins for Mildred Pierce (no relation). Shares award with Kate Winslet (who he got to have sex with Kate Winslet countless times). Also thanks his wife. Love his Australian accent. Thanks the cast and crew and Todd Haimes in particular.

Hugh Laurie and Clare Danes come out to introduce winner of Outstanding Actress in Movie or Mini-series.

And the winner is Kate Winslet. I'm not at all surprised. Oh, and Evan Rachel Wood runs down the aisle to hug her. That's cute. She hugs a very tall Hugh Laurie. She gives credit to Todd Haimes, HBO, the cast. And shares it with her mum, and says she'll never stop need her mum. Love the Britts.

Up next is Best Drama. Wow, they are making excellent time.

In Memorium...

The president of the academy comes out to talk about the people who passed away, giving a special shout out to Stephen J. Cannell.

And various singers come out to sing Hallelujah (I do like that song)...

Barbara Billingley passed away? I must have forgotten about that.

And Jimmy Kimmel's Uncle Frank got a photo. That's nice.

Not sure I like the singers, as they keep taking time away from the In Memorium to show them singers, but that's not what this segment is about. So, the question is, who (if anyone) did they forget to include this year?

Ernst & Young Accountants

Jane Lynch and Paula Abdul come out in a suit and tie and then introduce the real accountants.

They introduce Amy Poehler and Melissa McCartney who read off the teleprompter and say that they are glad that the male actors have finally been able to break through the glass ceiling, but warn them they should still be willing to show some skin.

Lead Actor

Barry Pepper wins for The Kennedys (I'm really surprised), but he was not there to accept in person, so Melissa uses that time to thank James Burrows.

Outstanding direction for mini-series, movie or dramatic special...
Brian Percival for Downtown Abby. Oooh... another British accent? Yes, and he is a low talker, so I'm reading his speech via the closed captioning. They are not very fast typists.

Mini-series and Movies (Writing and Supporting Actress)

The Emmy-Tones are interrupted by LL Cool J who raps about movies and mini-series...

And the cast of Entourage explains why Jane Lynch is a lesbian announce the mini-series and movies category.

First up, writing... And the winner is Julian Fellows for Downtown Abby. Sorry, Stephen Moffat (though I do enjoy Sherlock).

And, it's true... Also thanks the American industry. Ten years ago it kicked off his second career with an Oscar and now it's nurtured it with an Emmy. British accents make everything sound better, even traditional thank you speeches.

And now, Best Supporting Actress in a movie or mini-series...

Dame Maggie Smith wins, but is unable to be there.

Wow, the cast of Entourage is tiny as the model/actress who is ushering them off-stage towers over them all.

New Jersey and Drama (Lead Actress; Lead Actor)

Jane Lynch as a typical NJ resident who has made it her business to get Jersey in as much television as possible.

She takes credit for Jersey Shore, Real Housewives, Jersey Couture (Oxygen shout-out!)

And, now Bryan Cranston and Katie Holmes come out to announce Lead Actress in a Drama...

Connie Britton gets the loudest applause, but...

Julianna Marguilies wins. She wins for the 7th time...

Gives a shout out to the other nominees and then goes straight into thanking the producers, writers, cast, crew, agents, etc. She's clearly won before. But, that's okay, cause she's adorable. And, I don't think her dress is that bad. I'm kind of confussed by it, but it's not hideous.

And now Minka Kelly, Drew Barrymore and two others from the Charlies Angels announce Best Actor in a Drama..

And again, the FNL actor gets a strong applause, but not as much as

And, Kyle Chandler wins! Minka Kelly was so happy for him. AWESOME!!

Very awesome!! So, awesome!! No, I don't know the guy, but he's awesome. And, he didn't think he'd win, so he didn't write a speech. Thanks all the usual suspects, including the good folks at Austin, TX.

Footloose remake

That thick Boston accent is not making me root for the main character at all.

I am very curious to see how it does.

Untitled Jersey City project...

Okay, that commercial got me interested. Mainly to see how Audi is going to be part of the saving of the day.

Drama - Directing and supporting actor

Loretta Devine and Paul McCrane (winners of Best Guest Actor and Actress in a Drama) come out to present...

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

Martin Scorcese wins for Boardwalk Empire (first win).
He has to talk even faster due to the count-down.

It's kind of hard to hear the Voice over guy who gives a brief fact, but I feel like they're funny. And, no, closed captioning doesn't help, because the captioner seems to miss every other sentence.

Kerry Washington and Jason O'Mara come out to read the list of side effects. Swelling of the ego, etc.

And now they introduce...

Outstanding Supporting actor in a drama series...

Peter Dinklage wins for Game of Thrones. I really have to watch this show. And the other nominees seem genuinely happy for him (except for Andre Braugher - who I continue to adore). I like that they had lowered the mic stand even before he got there. He is speaking very deliberately Gives a nice shout out to his dog sitter and the other nominees.

Drama Awards - Writing and Supporting Actress

Jon Cryer and Ashton Kutcher

Kutcher does not think Cryer is a troll.

They announce the award for writers in a drama sereis...

YAY!!

Jason Katims wins for Friday Night Lights!!! OMG!!!!!eleventy!

I did not expect that. Gives a shout out to Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler in particular. YAY!!

Clear Eyes, Full Heart, Can't Lose! Believe it!

And now they announce the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series...

There are some good actresses out there...

And Margo Martindale wins for Justified. Didn't see that one coming either.

But, that may be because I don't watch the show. Which I clearly should watch.

Oh, and she's a Hey it's That Girl... Cause she's been in a bunch of stuff.

She says that sometimes these things take time. Oh, she's a cryer. But, she's kind of earned it. Gets in a laugh line when thanking a producer who killed her. And then she thanks another set of producers who gave her another job. Good stuff.

Commercial for Real Steel

Is it me or is this pretty much a movie adaptation of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots?

Just me?

Okay, then.

Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series

Scott Caan and Anna Paquin come out to say that the Daily SHow has won this for the last 8 years in a row and wish the rest of them luck. Which I guess is funny, but seems just mean spirited.

And, The Daily Show wins again. The VO guy says the show launched the career of Steven Colbert, Steve carrell and Ed Helms. Says he knows soon it will be Jon Stewart's time.

Jon Stewart says how great all of the nominees are and gives a special shout out to Stephen Colbert. Then says he hast to thank the Lonely Island guys for giving him something new to explain to his kids.

Michelle Lea and Ian Somerhalder announce

Outsanding Directing for a Variety, Musical or Comedy Series

They were very low energy. Like, they were having a contest to see who could be more low energy, which if you ask me is an odd contest to have.

Don Roy King - SNL

Dedicates award to his 14 year old daughter.

Lonely Island and Michael Bolton perform medley...

Missed the first song by Lonely Island.

It's not Gay in a three way (john Stamos, Maya Rudolph, Ed Helms)

The Lonely boys lost me until they freaked Bill Macy.

Akon comes out to do a bit of I Just had Sex.

Reality/Variety

announced together, so they wouldn't cut the Emmytones song announcing the category.

Oooh, I like the purple dress Jane Lynch is wearing.

Reads off her gay agenda. Reach out to Rachel Maddow about spinning, change the oil in her truck and left the third thing in her fanny pack.

Introduces Kaley Kuoco and David Spade.

Outstanding Reality Competition program:

And Amazing Race wins again. Raise your hand if you're shocked. No hands? I didn't think so.

Wow, they brought up a baseball team.

Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy series...

I love this part. When they announce the writers for the various show. They only had 15 seconds to get everyone's name in.

Colbert Report - They all shout out their names at same time and Stephen Colbert
SNL - Justin Timberlake was the picture for all of the names
Jimmy Fallon - cute dogs were the picture for all of the names
Daily Show - actual photos on the cover of Newsweek
Conan - Pulls one name out of a hat and it's his own name

And The Daily Show wins again. Color me shocked. But, I did dig their acceptance speech. One of the head writers read a written speech that sounded like it was written by a third grader as Jon Stewart was stopped from getting to the podium by the rest of the writers. It said that usually Jon Stewart checks their writing, but this time, he didn't.

When other shows visit the Office...

Very funny...

Loved when Jesse delivered Crystal Meth to Creed.

Welcome back to the Modern Family Awards...

or, so sayeth Jane Lynch. She introduces Charlie Sheen (who she was a therapist for).

Wishes the folks at Two and a Half Men nothing but the best for the upcoming season. They spent 8 wonderful years together and he knows they will continue to make great television.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy

Jim Parsons from the Big Bang Theory

Oh, yay! I didn't think he'd win, but I do like him lots. He seems surprised to have won and gives a special shout out to Johnny Galecki.

Sophia Vergara and Rob Lowe come out to introduce Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy. They do a bit on how thick Lucy's accent was to Sophia growing up.

As they announce the nominees they each stand up and walk onstage. Amy Poehler got to go first and that must have been a bit of a moment for her until everyone in the audience got what was happening. And the women in the crowd stand up and start applauding. And now everyone is standing. Rob Lowe reminds them that no matter what happens, they're all winners.

And Melissa McCarthy wins. Whoah... I did not see that coming. And all the women surround her and kiss her and Rob Lowe gives her a tiara and roses, as Sofia puts the statue in her hand. She yells at the countdown clock and thanks her husband. And she starts to cry. She's from Plainfield, IL and to be standing there is kind of amazing.

That was very well done.

Jeffrey Richmond thanks John (Benjamin) Hickey in speech...

It was only fitting, seeing as how Hickey thanked Richmond in his speech when he won a Tony Award this year.

And they're back...

Jane Lynch comes out and immediately says she's bummed by the loss and introduces Ricky Gervais.

Who says he's not there because he's not allowed to attend any award shows. And then says that he's not allowed to badmouth anyone and if he does then the producers will just edit him and he'd never know. What follows is a bit of a rant, but every curse word leads to another word. He lost five times last year, and the other nominees were pure Shi-ndler's list was another movie, etc.


Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series...

Michael Allen Spiller - Modern Family


Zoey Deschanel and Will Arnett come out to introduce the nominees for Comedy writing. Will took over the teleprompter and attempts to tell a joke, but didn't have the punchline. Again, a little bit funnier than my explanation.

Steven Levitan and Jeffrey Richman - Modern Family

Wow, this is beginning to be a bit of runaway by Modern Family. Good and funny speech by the two writers.

Comedy Awards...

Major props to the intro. clips for including never-to-be nominated Psych.

And, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel come out to introduce and both admit that they know The Daily Show is going to win. And, Kimmel tackles Fallon to great laughter and grabs Fallon's speech and reads it aloud. He thanks all you'd expect and then at the end, he thanks Jimmy Kimmel for always being there for him. And then Jimmy Fallon announces "the nominees," and promptly tackles Jimmy Kimmel.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series...

Julie Bowen wins for Modern Family! I'm surprised. I would have put money on Sofia V. winning. And, just like that, I'm out of my pool. Dagnabit!


Juliana Marguilies comes out saying she's the funniest woman on television (said in a monotone). Says it's a pretty strong category, It's got that kid from Glee, that guy from Pretty In Pink and then four guys from Modern Family. If someone from Modern Family wins, that set is going to be awkward. Now, that is a good line.

And Ty Burrell wins. From Modern Family!! Wow, I'm getting slaughtered this year. I really, really thought that they would split the vote. He's giving a really nice speech. Says he got a late start in the business and his dad passed away before he ever saw him act. His father would just have a problem with the makeup, so he would tell his father to just think of him as a very masculine lady and to that he is sure his dad would reply, that he does. Okay, clearly my typing is not doing it justice, but it was a lovely speech.

Welcome to the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards...

A pre-taped bit with Leonard Nimoy and Jane Lynch. All tv stars live together in one building - animated, late night, sitcoms and dramas.

They hardly let Jane sing on Glee... so true.

TV is a Vast Wonderland... A pastiche of Disney songs.

Wandered past Entourage, Grey's anatomy, Big Bang Theory, American Idol, Bristol Palin in a monkey suit, Ron Swanson, Andy Richter, Mad Men (fast forward through the commercials - gets her kicked out of Mad Men offices - love it!)

She's selling it.

And Friday Night Lights!!!

Hey! Name dropped my blog! TV is a Vast Wasteland where Good ideas go to die.

Sue vs. Sue...

Good stuff...

And, she comes out of the So You Think You Can Dance dancers (?)

I think that is the first time I've seen her outside of a pantsuit.

Okay, that was fun. She seemed like she was pressing a bit, but overall, she put it over.

And now, she catcher her breath, and starts her monologue.

Talks about her nodding acquaintances, and introduces the Emmytones (I'm too far away from my computer to see who makes up the Emmytones) - we'll get to that later.

Just about to begin...

And, yes, I'm very glad to see the end of the Red Carpet arrivals. The amount of insipid conversation is breathtaking.

New Girl Commercials...

Okay, what's the over/under on the New Girl commercials? A show, which I've already added to my season pass, as the pilot was just that good.

Countdown to the 2011 Emmy Awards has begun...

Now that the FOX late game (Cowboys vs. 49ers) has ended, the countdown to the Emmy Awards has begun. Now, I'm of the opinion that Neil Patrick Harris should host every awards show, but if he can't (what with infant twins at home), then we'll have to settle for another host. And, since Jane Lynch is the best thing about Glee, it's worth seeing if she is up to the task. She's hosted things before, but never anything on this scale. But then, the same could have been said about NPH before he hosted his first Tonys show. He had previously only hosted the TVLand awards. So, let's see how she does.

And now FOX has turned from sports to the red carpet arrivals, but I'm not sure how long I'll be able to stand watching it. I'll do my best. For you... the reader.

It's Emmy Time again!

It's that time of year again... Time for the 2011 Emmy Awards. When the actors, writers, producers and below the line folks slap each other on the back and congratulate each other for creating great ways for people to waste time, and ignore what's happening in the world, even if only for 22 minutes at a time. However, I never miss it, as it is one of my most favorite nights of the year. I'm going to try to live -blog again this year, but in case I don't quite make it, here are my picks for the top awards. It includes both my picks and what the TV academy will choose in all their wisdom. Sometimes we agree, but more often we don't. Such is life.


Outstanding Comedy
Glee
30 Rock
Modern Family
Parks & Recreation
The Big Bang Theory
The Office

Who Should Win: Parks & Recreation
Who Will Win: Modern Family
Parks & Recreation is bar none the best comedy out there, but I get the feeling that the Academy still doesn't know it exists. And, Parks & Rec deserves it if only to make up for the horrible absence of Nick Offerman's Ron Swanson.



Outstanding Drama
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Game of Thrones
Mad Men
The Good Wife

Who Should Win: Friday Night Lights
Who Will Win: Mad Men
I know, I know, all the pundits said that Mad Men had a great season, and I don't disagree, but Friday Night Lights made me laugh, cry and care about these characters. And, if I want Friday Night Lights to win so that the next network isn't afraid to take a chance on a show like this, then so be it. Mad Men will be around for another two years.


Outstanding Reality Show
American Idol (Fox)
Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Project Runway (Lifetime)
So You Think You Can Dance (FOX)
The Amazing Race (CBS)
Top Chef (Bravo)

Who Should Win: Amazing Race
Who Will Win: Amazing Race
This is the only reality show that doesn't bore me at some point in the season, and the Academy clearly likes it.


Lead Actor in a Comedy
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory)
Louis C.K. (Louie)
Matt LeBlanc (Episodes)
Stave Carrell (The Office)

Who Should Win: Louis C.K.
Who Will Win: Alec Baldwin
Since the Big Bang crew will probably split the vote, the voters probably don't see Louis as anything more than a stand-up comedian trying to act and I will be horrified if Matt LeBlanc gets, I think this is really a race between Baldwin and Carrell, and I think Baldwin takes it in a close one. Though, I would like Carrell to win it for his swan song. Over the past several years, he really made me like Michael Scott to the extent that I will miss this fictional character in this next season's The Office.

Lead Actress in a Comedy
Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)
Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)
Laura Linney (The Big C)
Martha Plimpton (Raisint Hope)
Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly)

Who Should Win: Amy Poehler
Who Will Win: Laura Linney
An awful lot of Parks & Recreation creative success over the past two years can be attributed to the sheer likeability of Amy Poehler, but we all know how much the Academy likes their premium cable stars. That said, I would not be sad if Martha Plimpton wins it, because she's great on Raising Hope (as is the rest of that cast).



Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Chris Colfer (Glee)
Ed O'Neill (Modern Family)
Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family)
Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men)
Ty Burrell (Modern Family)

Who Should Win: Ed O'Neill
Who Will Win: Jon Cryer
This is a tough one. I really think that Modern Family will be splitting the vote, making it a race between Chris Colfer and Jon Cryer. I think Jon Cryer will win this as an atta-boy for having survived several years working with Charlie Sheen.


Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Betty White (Hot in Cleveland)
Jane Krakowski (30 Rock)
Jane Lynch (Glee)
Julie Bowen (Modern Family)
Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)
Sofia Vergara (Modern Family)

Who Should Win: Jane Krakowski
Who Will Win: Sofia Vergara
Another tough category. I've like Julie Bowen since her "Ed" days, but I think in a head to head matchup with her co-star, Sofia Vergara wins it. Jane Lynch is often the best thing about Glee, but a little Sue Sylvester goes an awful long way, and I think they overused her this season. Though, she is hosting the awards show, and if she doesn't win, that could make for an awkward ceremony (as the supporting awards are usually the first to be announced. Fore me, its between Jane Krakowski and Kristen Wiig, and while Wiig is reliant on good sketches (which at times seem hard to come by on SNL), Krakowski has a more solid writing staff behind her, and so has a more solid output.


Lead Actor in a Drama
Hugh Laurie (House)
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire)
Timothy Olyphant (Justified)

Who Should Win: Kyle Chandler
Who Will Win: Jon Hamm
I know Jon Hmm is great and I don't care. Kyle Chandler (and Connie Britton) were the reasons I tuned into Friday Night Lights, as Mr. and Mrs. Coach tied the show together. However, I readily admit that this is an awfully tough category, and I can make a case of any of the nominees to walk away with the statue.

Lead Actress in a Drama
Connie Britton (Friday Night LIghts)
Eisabeth Moss (Mad Men)
Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife)
Kathy Bates (Harry's Law)
Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU)
Mireille Enos (The Killing)

Who Should Win: Connie Britton
Who Will Win: Julianna Margulies
This is a horse race between Julianna Margulies and Elisabeth Moss, but since Margulies carries carries the show, I'm giving it to her. However, I do hope that Britton wins, because I will miss her Mrs. Coach. And, I don't see myself watching more than a couple of episodes of her new show on FX.

Supporting Actor in a Drama
Alan Cumming (THe Good Wife)
Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age)
Josh Charles (The Good Wife)
Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones)
Walton Goggins (Justified)
John Slattery (Mad Men)

Who Should Win: Alan Cumming
Who Will Win: Walton Goggins
Another tough category. Ordinarily I'd give it to Alan Cumming because he always brings it, but I'm afraid he will split the vote with his co-star. As much as I'd like Andre Braugher to win, because he is routinely the best thing on-screen, I think Walton Goggins is going to take it home.



Supporting Actress in a Drama
Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)
Kelly MacDonald (Boardwalk Empire)
Margo Martindale (Justified)
Michelle Forbes (The Killing)

Who Should Win: Archie Panjabi
Who Will Win: Kelly MacDonald
Okay, I'll say it, this has been a pretty good year for television, as once again we have a category that is hard to pick a winner of. Archie Panjabi won last year and while I would love to see her win again, I think she and Baranski are going to split the vote (which seems to be a pattern this year). Christina Hendricks is always good, but I think this season she plain didn't have enough to do. Kelly MacDonald will take the only acting award for Boardwalk Empire.