Neil Patrick Harris is sad...

He didn't win. I'm sad. He didn't win.

Justin Timberlake is giving the award for:
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
Gave applause line for Bea Arthur and had to wait for the applause. Oh, Emmy audience. You make me sad.

Christina Applegate - Samantha Who
Toni Collete - United States of Tara
Tina Fey - 30 Rock
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss
Mary Louise Parker - Weeds
Sarah Silverman - The Sarah Silverman Program

The Emmy Goes to... Toni Collette for the United States of Tara.

Okay, I'm a little bit surprised. I've only seen one

Insanely confronting? What does that mean?

Acknowledging fellow nominees... I think she's the first one to do that tonight. Huh... Classy acceptance speech. Very thankful, but it's an award show, so it's to be expected.

Also, awesome accent.

Amy Poehler and Julie Louis-Dreyfuss

presenting for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Jon Cryer - 2 and a 1/2 Men
Kevin Dillon - Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris - How I Met Your Mother
Jack McBrayer - 30 Rock
Tracey Morgan - 30 Rock
Rainn Wilson - The Office

The Emmy goes to... Jon Cryer - 2 and a half Men.

Seriously?

Kevin Dillon did not look happy.

Exploring the Vast Wasteland is not happy.

Though, I really liked Jon Cryer's acceptance speech.

John Hodgeman is doing the color commentary

He is a funny, funny man.

The rest of the cast of How I Met Your Mother is presenting Best Writing in a Comedy series...

Four nods for episodes of 30 Rock
1 nod for episodes of Flight of the Conchords

And those are the nominees for the category...

And the Emmy goes to:
Matt Hubbard - 30 Rock - Reunion

I really thought there was a chance that Flight of the Conchords would win due to 30 Rock splitting the vote four ways. But I like 30 Rock, so I can't be sad at the outcome.

And, he gave a nice acceptance speech.

TV's Biggest fan... is put behind two Harlem Globetrotters. NPH promises better seats. Meh... And NPH agrees.

To vote in the breakthrough performance...

go to www.tv.com/breakthrough

The finalists are:

Gossip Girl - Chuck says I love you to Blair
True Blood - Bill meets Sookie
American Idol - Kris Allen wins

These seem to be moments, rather than breakthrough performances, but I won't quibble.

It's Comedy tonight...

Tina Fey and Jon Hamm distributing the first award...

Supporting Actress in a Comedy...

And something wacky is happening with the glasses... And Vanessa Williams is not playing along with the glasses.

Yay!! Kristin Chenoweth won!! Did not call that one!

Actually, I wanted her to win, but I just assumed that she wouldn't. I mean, her show was cancelled.

Blaming Amy Poehler for the glasses.

Putting herself out for a new job.

Okay, she has to stop crying.

And she thanked NPH. Mad props to that. Boy is she short. She barely comes up to Tina's shoulder.

That's what I'm talking about...

Compare the reaction to that opening with last year's opening. Not even a contest. Neil Patrick Harris is just awesome.

Ahhh... it was written by the guys who did Neil Patrick Harris' final song on the Tonys earlier this year. Also, the guys who did Hairspray. Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Neil Patrick Harris is now going off on the lack of theme songs. Which... true.

Also, got in a Kanye dig. But, a good one.

So apparently, they're splitting up the show by genre instead of a mix-mash by category...

First genre... Comedy!

Put down the remote...

Oxygen!

John Krasinski is really tall...

And Ryan Seacrest is really not.

Red Carpet coverage on E

Okay, it's kind of inane, but shout out to Nene from Real Hosuewives: Atlanta on Bravo.

T-116 minutes until the 2009 Primetime Emmys.

Yes, I am expecting good things from this Awards Ceremony. And, my picks are below... Note: These are just the main categories. I'll probably get to the slightly less main categories within the live-blog itself. And, this seems to be a particularly strong year in that there were few categories where there were clear-cut winners. And, in several categories, I basically had to flip a coin. Though I will say that sometimes I went with my heart and not my head (see: Jim Parsons for Big Bang Theory over Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock).

I am not at all sure what happened to the formatting, but I refuse to delve into html hell while I'm recovering from a migraine. It's still readable, so that's good enough for me.

Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics

A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All • Song Title: Much Worse Things •

2. Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

How I Met Your Mother • Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson

3. Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Saturday Night Live • Kristen Wiig as Various Characters

I really wanted to choose Kristen Chenoweth for Pushing Daisies, but it was on so

infrequently through the latter portion of the season, that I just don't think the

votes are there. But, get Ms. Chenoweth on tv or back on the Broadway stage

post-haste.

4. Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Yeah, this was another flipping the coin thing. Michael Emerson was fabulous as

Ben in Lost, but John Slattery steals every scene he's in. So, expecting Mad Men

to come home with several trophies, I'm giving it to Mr. Slattery.

Mad Men • John Slattery as Roger Sterling

5. Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Another go with the heart or head thing. I Cherry Jones in everything she does. Seriously,

the lady is an amazing actress. Also, I dig how she used to ride her bicycle to the theater

when she was in The Heiress. But, since that really has nothing to do with her performance

on 24 (though, she had the chops), I'll go with my head and choose Chandra Wilson on Grey's

because Emmy likes her and let's face it, she was one of the only things worth watching

on the ABC drama this season.

Grey's Anatomy • Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey

6. Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

I really, really want Jim Parsons to win. Talk about a breakout character. He's fabulous. But, he's a first-time nominee against the powerhouse that is Alec Baldwin. So, while Mr. Baldwin will probably win, I'm still choosing Jim Parsons, because The Big Bang Theory should win something, dagnabit!

The Big Bang Theory • Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper

7. Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Mad Men • Jon Hamm as Don Draper

8. Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

30 Rock • Tina Fey as Liz Lemon

9. Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Damages • Glenn Close as Patty Hewes

10. Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program

The Amazing Race • Phil Keoghan, Host

11. Outstanding Reality – Competition Program

The Amazing Race • CBS

12. Outstanding Made For Television Movie

Grey Gardens • HBO

13. Outstanding Comedy Series

How I Met Your Mother • CBS

30 Rock • NBC

14. Outstanding Drama Series

Mad Men • AMC

15. Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

This is like choosing between two children (or which one of my nieces and nephews is my favorite). I just can't. So, instead, I say that the 11P-12A hour on Comedy Central will win. Thank you.

The Colbert Report • Comedy Central

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central

Please note: the photo is from http://cdn.emmys.tv/awards/primetimeawards.php

From the Ausiello Files at ew.com...

Emmy host Neil Patrick Harris will "headline a Dr. Horrible-themed production number about midway through Sunday’s ceremony."

If you haven't seen Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along blog, starring Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion and written/directed by Joss Whedon during last year's writer's strike, you have missed a pop culture touchstone. Also, if you missed NPH hosting this year's Tony Awards, you also missed something grand. Basically, if Mr. Harris is going to be singing a little ditty, you owe it to yourself to watch. His song recapping the Emmys (written by the talented team who gave us Hairspray - Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman) made up for a rather lackluster telecast (not NPH's fault - he just wasn't on screen enough).

While I don't think the Primetime Emmys are in danger of being relegated to the interwebs, like their Daytime counterparts, and it's not like it has to be that spectacular a show to improve upon last year's travesty (hosted by reality tv hosts), I do have high hopes that we're going to see something special tonight.

Almost time for the 2009 Primetime Emmys!

Can you feel the excitement in the air? Not just because we get to see what hilarity Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert will come up with, but because Neil Patrick Harris is following up his amazing Tony hosting gig with hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards. Let's face it, the man can host an awards show.

As I've done once or twice in the past, I will attempt to Live-Blog the ceremonies, but I warn you, it's up against the Giants-Cowboys, so my attention may be split.

Below, please find a list of the (major) nominees for your edification. Please note that major is just what Entertainment Weekly and every other site that created an easily cut/pasteable list of the Emmy nominees, but they didn't include the writing/directing awards, even though the portion of the awards when they announce the nominees for best writing of a variety, music or comedy program is among my favorite of the awards.

COMEDY

BEST COMEDY SERIES
Entourage
Family Guy
Flight of the Conchords
How I Met Your Mother
The Office
30 Rock
Weeds

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Steve Carell, The Office
Jemaine Clement, Flight of the Conchords
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Tony Shalhoub, Monk
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who?
Toni Collette, United States of Tara
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds
Sarah Silverman, The Sarah Silverman Program

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men
Kevin Dillon, Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock
Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock
Rainn Wilson, The Office

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live
Kristin Wiig, Saturday Night Live
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty

GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alan Alda, 30 Rock
Beau Bridges, Desperate Housewives
Jon Hamm, 30 Rock
Steve Martin, 30 Rock
Justin Timberlake, Saturday Night Live

GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Jennifer Aniston, 30 Rock
Christine Baranski, The Big Bang Theory
Tina Fey, Saturday Night Live
Gena Rowlands, Monk
Elaine Stritch, 30 Rock
Betty White, My Name Is Earl

DRAMA

BEST DRAMA SERIES
Big Love
Breaking Bad
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Simon Baker, The Mentalist
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Hugh Laurie, House

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Glenn Close, Damages
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Christian Clemenson, Boston Legal
Michael Emerson, Lost
William Hurt, Damages
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
William Shatner, Boston Legal
John Slattery, Mad Men

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Rose Byrne, Damages
Hope Davis, In Treatment
Cherry Jones, 24
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy

GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Edward Asner, CSI: NY
Ted Danson, Damages
Ernest Borgnine, ER
Michael J. Fox, Rescue Me
Jimmy Smits, Dexter

GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Brenda Blethyn, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Carol Burnett, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Ellen Burstyn, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Sharon Lawrence, Grey’s Anatomy
CCH Pounder, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

REALITY

REALITY COMPETITION PROGRAM
The Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
Top Chef

HOST FOR A REALITY OR REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
Tom Bergeron, Dancing With the Stars
Phil Keoghan, The Amazing Race
Heidi Klum, Project Runway
Padma Lakshmi (Host) and Tom Colicchio (Co-Host), Top Chef
Jeff Probst, Survivor
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol

REALITY SERIES
Antiques Roadshow
Dirty Jobs
Dog Whisperer
Intervention
Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List
MythBusters

VARIETY, MUSIC, OR COMEDY

VARIETY, MUSIC, OR COMEDY SERIES
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Late Show With David Letterman
Real Time With Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live

VARIETY, MUSIC, OR COMEDY SPECIAL
Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush
Ricky Gervais: Out of England
Kathy Griffin: She’ll Cut a Bitch
The Kennedy Center Honors
Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger

MINISERIES OR MOVIE

MINISERIES
Generation Kill
Little Dorrit

MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE
Coco Chanel
Grey Gardens
Into The Storm
Prayers For Bobby
Taking Chance

ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance
Kenneth Branagh, Wallander: One Step Behind
Kevin Kline, Cyrano de Bergerac (Great Performances)
Brendan Gleeson, Into the Storm
Sir Ian McKellen, King Lear (Great Performances)
Kiefer Sutherland, 24: Redemption

ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens
Jessica Lange, Grey Gardens
Shirley MacLaine, Coco Chanel
Sigourney Weaver, Prayers For Bobby
Chandra Wilson, Accidental Friendship

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Len Cariou, Into the Storm
Tom Courtenay, Little Dorrit
Ken Howard, Grey Gardens
Bob Newhart, The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice
Andy Serkis, Little Dorrit

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Shohreh Aghdashloo, House Of Saddam
Marcia Gay Harden, The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler (Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presentation)
Janet McTeer, Into The Storm
Jeanne Tripplehorn, Grey Gardens
Cicely Tyson, Relative Stranger

Emmy nominations....

Entourage was nominated again? Really? But, no Big Bang Theory? Seriously? Sigh...

Picture of the Day - 12/31/08

In this the last day of 2008, I'm putting up a shot I took during my staycation (five glorious days where I went nowhere and made plans with nobody). It was swell. I spent some time at Grand Central Station (aka Grand Central Terminal), playing with the shutter speed of my digital camera, trying to turn people into shadows. Here's one of my attempts.

Picture of the Day

So, in anticipation of getting this blog back to some semblance of regularity, I thought I'd start by bringing back the Picture of Day.



This was taken in Central Park on Christmas Day. I decided to eschew the movie and Chinese food and instead went for a walk. There was a woman feeding the birds by one of the ponds near 76th Street(or so), and I snapped this while the bird was coming in for a landing.

Marlon Brando must be spinning in his grave...

Brooke Shields is going to be interviewed by James Lipton for Inside the Actors' Studio. Really? I mean, really??If you're interested it will be airing on Monday at 8P on Bravo.

Okay, props to the Emmy director...

They didn't cut Don Rickles off.

Poor Stephen Colbert...

First he loses to Barry Manilow, then Tony Bennett and now... Don Rickles.

Though, I can't wait to see him guest on Colbert's show.

And, I can't begrudge Mr. Warmth's victory. The mean's a legend...

If they cut him off, there's no redemption for theses awards shows.

For shame!

The Emmy's cut Kristin Chenoweth and Neil Patrick Harris' bit? I am APPALLED!

Watching the Emmys...

Well, I'm flipping back and forth between the Emmys and the last Yankees game at Yankee Stadium.

What was up with the award winner of Best Writer for a Miniseries movie or a Dramatic special getting cut off (and going to commercial!) within 20 seconds of speaking. Ridiculous. Ahhh... Kirk Ellis for John Adams "Independence" was the winner.

Mighty twitchy trigger fingers on the director this year. If a winner even remotely goes towards politics, the music starts up.

Though, I do like that a number of the winner are telling people to make sure they vote on Nov. 4.