So last year was my first full year as a poster here at GoldDerby. I also had a bit more time on my hands then. Last year, I had a lot of fun and made a few videos with clips from my winners and runners-up. Unfortunately, that was just not a possibility this year.
But...I have been able to catch up on nearly all of the shows, movies, and miniseries worth seeing this year. That means that I'll be able to make honest assessments of more categories. I still have a few TV movies to watch before that segment of the awards, but I thought why not get started?
I'd like to thank Atypical for his incredible awards rollout. Some of the categories I've added this year are based upon his (though I don't have the fortitude to judge as many categories as his awards do.) I always enjoy reading Atypical's posts, and his awards are no exception.
So here we go, with a few big nominations and a few small ones. I'll announce the nominees for this portion tomorrow.
A Few Rules: I generally followed Emmy placements for my category placements but made exceptions in extreme cases. Connie Britton is one: sorry, she's an ensemble lead. Lead Actress doesn't only mean someone who has almost entirely her own show (like The Closer or Medium.) I also don't like that Variety performers are mixed with supporting actors in comedy, but I also don't like that supporting variety actors have to compete with leads. So I made a new category for them.
As far as number of nominees, I limited performance categories to six. This was hard to do, of course, but the line must be drawn somewhere. Some, though, have five: it depended on where I could find a good cut-off. For categories like score, new series, or main title sequence, I had no limit.
A REMINDER OF LAST YEAR
Unfortunately, I lost the winners for a few of the final categories but reposted as many as possible from memory. For the series races, I included a write-up for each show. I'll be doing that again this year. Outstanding Drama Series
Winner: Friday Night Lights (NBC)
I don’t know where to begin when naming the best elements of this show. The writing and acting are unparalleled on television. Every single character has a story: from the stars to the recurring characters to the guest stars. In the end, though, I can’t say it better than the Peabody Awards, so I’ll leave it with their words: “No dramatic series, broadcast or cable, is more grounded in contemporary American reality than this clear-eyed serial about the hopes, dreams, livelihoods and egos intertwined with the fate of high-school football in a Texas town.”
Runner-up: The Wire (HBO)
Just as FNL presents a realistic vision of small-town Texas life, The Wire focuses on the raw pain and politics of the streets of Baltimore. Although every scene was amazing, two storylines this year absolutely blew me away: the stories both devastating and hopeful of the four kids (Namond, Michael, Randy, and Duquan) and the political journey of Tommy Carcetti as he realizes that political victory is not a triumph for idealism but for compromise.
Lost (ABC) Since its return in February, the show has overcome the creative challenges of the fall to become, once again, the most exciting show on television. Yeah, that’s right, it proved all of the naysayers wrong. And that finale? Absolutely stunning.
Battlestar Galactica (SCI FI)
I went back and forth between this show and Deadwood, but ultimately, I had to go with BSG. Although it lagged a bit during the middle of its season, the mythology behind this series is so fascinating. The beginning of the season, with the intense rescue from New Caprica, even managed to produce thrills without the mythological foundation. But we were soon to return to the roots of the show with The Eye of Jupiter, Starbuck’s mysterious disappearance, and that incredible finale.
The Shield (FX)—
This one was hard to pick because I so wanted to recognize SHOWTIME’s amazing trio of dramas this season. There’s no beating the intense psychological drama of The Shield, especially this season as Vic and Shane cope with their roles in Lem’s death and Claudette finds her way behind the captain’s desk.
Outstanding Comedy Series
Winner: The Office (NBC)
No comedy series on television is as reliably funny week in and week out. Jim’s surprise transfer and then the merger energized the narrative of the show and brought some surprising new characters into the office. Michael and Jan’s relationship brought the show to new comedic heights (I didn’t think that was possible.) And Dwight, well Dwight has always been my least favorite, but the writers kept him in check for most of the season, even producing an episode focused on his character (The Return) that was one of my favorites. But more than anything this season was about Pam’s journey, brilliantly portrayed by Jenna Fischer, as she ventured out on her own into the world of being single, temporarily fell back to Roy, then finally gained the courage to return Jim’s declaration last season. Jim and Pam, always at the heart of the show, finally found one another, and I can’t wait to see where the show takes it from here.
Runner Up: 30 Rock (NBC)
I worship at the altar of Tina Fey. Sure, Alec Baldwin got a lot of the early acclaim (and well deserved at that!), but as the season progressed, every character came into his/her own (maybe not Jenna—but that’s just a quibble.) The show found a rhythm and tone combining the nuttiness of Arrested Development, the deadpan humor of The Office, and the wackiness of Scrubs, while still managing to be unique. The always-clever political quips just added to my love for the show, reminding me of Fey’s glory days behind the desk of Weekend Update without making me regret her leaving.
Ugly Betty (ABC)
I was late to join the UGLY BETTY fandom, but once I did, I realized how much more this show is than a Ferrera vehicle. It truly is one of the best ensemble comedies on television. Vanessa Williams makes for one hilarious and villainous fashion diva, and Becki Newton and Michael Urie form one of the best TV comedic duos (second only to Baldwin and Fey on 30 Rock.) But what really makes BETTY so great is the family that she comes home to. Ana Ortiz, Tony Plana, and Marc Indelicato bring the show to the next level by providing a heartwarming undercurrent to the otherwise soapy antics at Mode.
Scrubs (NBC)
The musical alone was spectacular enough to merit this nomination, but the show a few more creative, compelling storylines: the birth of Turk and Carla’s baby, JD’s relationship with Kim (and Elliot), Laverne’s death, and Elliot’s journey both professionally and emotionally. That said, it was not the best season of SCRUBS. Several episodes fell flat, an unexpected development after last season’s creative genius. Still, few comedies rise to the level of SCRUBS, and I’m excited for it to return next season.
Weeds (SHOWTIME):
Weeds rose above its reliance on shock humor that characterized the first season. In season two, the show picked up from a jaw-dropping cliffhanger to deliver an intense storyline always veering between the hilarious and the dramatic, ultimately ending up in the now typical Weeds fashion: with another incredible cliffhanger.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Michael C. Hall, Dexter (SHOWTIME) James Gandolfini, The Sopranos (HBO) Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights (NBC) Matthew Fox, Lost (ABC) Michael Chiklis, The Shield (FX)
WINNER: James Gandolfini, The Sopranos RUNNER-UP: Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Kristen Bell, Veronica Mars (CW) Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer (TNT) Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights (NBC) Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters (ABC) Calista Flockart, Brothers and Sisters (ABC)
WINNER: Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights RUNNER-UP: Kristen Bell, Veronica Mars (We’ll miss you!)
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Steve Carell, The Office (NBC) Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC) Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock (NBC) Jason Lee, My Name is Earl (NBC) Zach Braff, Scrubs (NBC)
WINNER: Steve Carell, The Office RUNNER-UP: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty (ABC) Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds (SHOWTIME) Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS) Felicity Huffman, Desperate Housewives (ABC) Tina Fey, 30 Rock
WINNER: America Ferrera, Ugly Betty RUNNER-UP: Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Gerald McRaney, Deadwood (HBO) Tristan Wilds, The Wire (HBO) Aidan Gillen, The Wire (HBO) Julito McCullum, The Wire (HBO) Walton Goggins, The Shield (FX) James Callis, Battlestar Galactica (SCI FI)
WINNER: Walton Goggins, The Shield RUNNER-UP: Gerald McRaney, Deadwood
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Adrianne Palicki, Friday Night Lights (NBC) Annabeth Gish, Brotherhood (SHOWTIME) Katee Sackhoff, Battlestar Galactica CCH Pounder, The Shield (FX) Elizabeth Mitchell, Lost (ABC) Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
WINNER: Annabeth Gish, Brotherhood RUNNER-UP: Elizabeth Mitchell, Lost
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Jeremy Piven, Entourage (HBO) John Krasinski, The Office (NBC) Rainn Wilson, The Office (NBC) Ed Helms, The Office (NBC) Justin Kirk, Weeds (SHOWTIME)
WINNER: Jeremy Piven, Entourage RUNNER-UP: John Krasinski, The Office
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Jenna Fischer, The Office (NBC) Ashley Jensen, Extras (HBO) Jaime Pressly, My Name is Earl (NBC) Becki Newton, Ugly Betty (ABC) Sarah Chalke, Scrubs (NBC)
WINNER: Jenna Fischer, The Office RUNNER-UP: Ashley Jensen, Extras
Outstanding Episode, Drama Series:
“Mud Bowl,” Friday Night Lights (NBC) “Occupation/Precipice,” Battlestar Galactica (SCI FI) “Through the Looking Glass,” Lost (ABC) “Pilot”, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (NBC) “Five Years Ago,” Heroes (NBC)
WINNER: "Mud Bowl," Friday Night Lights RUNNER UP:"Through the LookinG Glass," Lost
Outstanding Episode, Comedy Series:
“Women’s Appreciation,” The Office (NBC) “My Musical,” Scrubs (NBC) “Slap Bet,” How I Met Your Mother (CBS) “Pittsburg,” Weeds (SHOWTIME) “The Trial,” My Name is Earl (NBC)
Winner: My Musical, Scrubs Runner-Up: Slap Bet, How I Met Your Mother
Outstanding Variety Performer
Amy Poehler, SNL (NBC) Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report (COMEDY CENTRAL) Jon Stewart, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (COMEDY CENTRAL) Bill Mahr, Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO) Kristen Wiig, SNL (NBC)
Winner: Stephen Colbert Runner Up: Bill Maher
Outstanding Variety Series
Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO) The Colbert Report (COMEDY CENTRAL) The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (COMEDY CENTRAL)
Winner: Real Time with Bill Maher
Outstanding New Program
30 Rock (NBC) Ugly Betty (ABC) Friday Night Lights (NBC) Dexter (SHOWTIME) Brotherhood (SHOWTIME)
Winner: Friday Night Lights Runner Up: 30 Rock
Outstanding Ensemble, Drama Series
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) Deadwood (HBO) Friday Night Lights (NBC) Lost (ABC) Brothers and Sisters (ABC)
Outstanding Ensemble, Comedy Series
The Office (NBC) 30 Rock (NBC) Ugly Betty (ABC) Entourage (HBO) How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Performer of the Year
Jenna Fischer James Gandolfini America Ferrera Stephen Colbert Tina Fey
Outstanding Breakthrough Performer
Connie Britton Kyle Chandler Masi Oka Elizabeth Mitchell Zach Gilford
Outstanding Guest Actress, Comedy Series
Laurie Metcalf, Desperate Housewives Marlee Matlin, My Name is Earl Rashida Jones, The Office Wanda Sykes, The New Adventures of Old Christine Elizabeth Banks, Scrubs
Outstanding Guest Actor, Comedy Series
Daniel Radcliffe, Extras Will Arnett, 30 Rock Christopher Gorham, Ugly Betty Craig Robinson, The Office Jason Sudeikis, 30 Rock
Winner: Will Arnett, 30 Rock
Outstanding Guest Actress, Drama Series
Cleo King, Deadwood Kate Burton, Grey’s Anatomy Jean Smart, 24 Liz Mikel, Friday Night Lights Lucy Lawless, Battlestar Galactica
Winner: Liz Mike, Friday Night Lights
Outstanding Guest Actor, Drama Series
Brad Leland, Friday Night Lights Forest Whitaker, The Shield Gregory Itzin, 24 Mark Sheppard, Battlestar Galactica George Dzunzda, Grey’s Anatomy
Winner: Forest Whitaker, The Shield
This message has been edited. Last edited by: booradley,
Posts: 646 | Location: Washington, DC | Registered: May 23, 2006
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds Angela Kinsey, The Office Cobie Smulders, How I Met Your Mother Kristen Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty Kristen Schall, Flight of the Conchords
Outstanding Supporting Actor John Krasinski, The Office Rainn Wilson, The Office Jeremy Piven, Entourage Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother Chris Parnell, Miss Guided
Posts: 646 | Location: Washington, DC | Registered: May 23, 2006
Mad Men 30 Rock Lost Cranford John Adams Pushing Daisies Battlestar Galactica
Outstanding Main Title Design*
Mad Men Cranford John Adams Damages The Big Bang Theory Chuck Californication Weeds**
*New series only. (Like the Emmys, I only recognize new main title sequences.) **I make an exception for Weeds because of its week-to-week originality.
Posts: 646 | Location: Washington, DC | Registered: May 23, 2006
Kristen Wiig, SNL Samantha Bee, The Daily Show Andy Sandberg, SNL Fred Armisen, SNL John Oliver, The Daily Show
Outstanding Variety Performer, Lead
Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report Jon Stewart, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Amy Poehler, SNL Conan O'Brien, Late Night David Letterman, The Tonight Show
Posts: 646 | Location: Washington, DC | Registered: May 23, 2006
Originally posted by booradley: COMEDY SERIES: Supporting Roles
Outstanding Supporting Actress
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds Angela Kinsey, The Office Cobie Smulders, How I Met Your Mother Kristen Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty Kristen Schall, Flight of the Conchords
Outstanding Supporting Actor John Krasinski, The Office Rainn Wilson, The Office Jeremy Piven, Entourage Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother Chris Parnell, Miss Guided
Outstanding Supporting Actress
WINNER: Kristen Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies RUNNER UP:Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds
Outstanding Supporting Actor
WINNER:John Krasinski, The Office RUNNER UP:Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
This message has been edited. Last edited by: booradley,
Posts: 646 | Location: Washington, DC | Registered: May 23, 2006
Emmys FYC: Lead Actress Comedy Please view the actual tape submissions and reward for quality...
...Not because of buzz ...Not because the nominee has 3 other Emmy noms ...Not 'cause the nominee is a writer so this would be great after the writer's strike ...Not because the nominee starred in a movie this spring.
Please view the actual tape and reward for QUALITY.
