HOLLYWOOD—On Thursday, July 8, nominees for the 2010 Emmy Awards were announced. Leading the pack with a total of 19 nominations was the comedy smash “Glee,” but the question everyone wants to know is who has the edge? Well, let’s take a look at some of the nominees.
Best Actor in a Comedy Series is a race between Larry David “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Jim Parsons “The Big Bang Theory” and Matthew Morrison “Glee.” David is a hoot on his series so he’s a strong candidate. The same can be said for Jim Parsons, who was nominated last year, but lost toBaldwin. Matthew Morrison has the edge in this race because “Glee” is a pop culture phenomenon and he has the momentum going into the ceremony.
Best Actress in a Comedy Series is a two-race category between Lea Michele “Glee,” and Edie Falco of “Nurse Jackie.” Lea is terrific as overachiever Rachel Berry, but Falco is sensational as a wise cracking nurse who tells it like it is while living a double life, and because of that, Edie Falco is my pick to win.
In the Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, the battle is between the men of “Modern Family” (Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonecrest and Ty Burrell) and Chris Colfer of “Glee.” Nominees for “Modern Family” might cancel each other out, but the race comes down to Ferguson and Colfer, because they’re both scene stealers on their shows. I ultimately give the edge to Chris Colfer. His portrayal of Kurt Hummel is heroic. The episode when Kurt tells his father about his sexuality is both gripping and funny; no one has done Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” with more charm and energy.
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series is a two-way battle between two standouts, Sofia Vergara “Modern Family” and Jane Lynch “Glee.” Vergara is mesmerizing as Gloria, whose accent is precise hilarity, but she infuses so much energy and range into her character at times you can’t take your eyes off of her. Then we have Lynch, whose portrayal of Sue Sylvester never made being bad look so good. Her one-liners are unlike anything ever seen on a show and they sting to the core. Jane Lynch definitely has the edge, but don’t count out Vergara; she could be a dark horse in the race.
Taking a look at the nominees for Best Actor and Best Actress in a Drama Series, we have an interesting race. Best Actor comes down to three people: Michael C. Hall “Dexter,” Matthew Fox “Lost” and Kyle Chandler “Friday Night Lights.” All three were sensational this season. Hall is unforgettable asAmerica’s favorite serial killer/cop and losing his wife to a psychopath was gut-wrenching. Fox was terrific in this final season of “Lost,” where viewers learned more about Jack and his life post the island, but let’s not forget about newcomer Kyle Chandler who’s also a first time nominee (It’s about time!) for his poised portrayal of football Coach Eric Taylor. “Tough” is an understatement in this category, but I have to give the edge to Kyle Chandler. This is his year, but Hall is a very dark horse who could steal the thunder. In the Best Actress category, it’s a two-person race. First is TV veteran Juliana Margulies for her portrayal as betrayed wife Alicia Florrick.This has to be some of Margulies best work ever; she shines on the show each week. But Connie Britton as Tami Taylor, the principal of East DillonHigh School on “Friday Night Lights,” is sensational. Week after week she’s dealt with complicated family issues as well as school issues, and she resonates on the screen. The edge here belongs to Connie Britton. My gut tells me she’s the underdog, and that’s a good thing. Margulies is a strong contender, so don’t count her out.
In the Supporting Actress race, it finally looks like Christina Hendricks will capture Emmy gold, but she faces so very stiff competition from Christine Baranski of “The Good Wife,” whose work on the show is brilliant. I give the edge to Christina Hendricks. As for Supporting Actor, John Slattery of “Mad Men” faces the men of “Lost,” Michael Emerson and Terry O’Quinn. Slattery is long overdue for an Emmy for his portrayal of Roger Sterling on the series, but O’Quinn played villain John Locke to the core this season and he was unforgettable no matter how much you hated him. I give the edge to Terry O’Quinn, as a bon voyage to “Lost.”
Best Comedy Series and Best Drama Series are tough categories. “Modern Family” and “Glee” are standouts for comedy this year. “Glee” is a phenomenon that has taken the nation by surprise, but “Modern Family” has consistently delivered. The edge goes to “Glee.” As for drama, this category is full of potential surprises. I’ll rule out “True Blood” because last season wasn’t as good as the first. I see this category coming down to “Dexter” and “The Good Wife.” While “The Good Wife” was must-see television, “Dexter” had an incredible fourth season that hooked you from beginning to that jaw-dropping finale, and because of that, “Dexter” has the edge. So I’ve given you my picks. Tell me what do you think.
