They’re Here… My Big Bold 2012 Emmy WINNER Predictions…

Sunday night is TV’s biggest night as the Emmy Awards are announced on ABC in a ceremony hosted by a nominee himself, the hilarious Jimmy Kimmel… If history is any indication, Mad Men and Modern Family will repeat as the Drama and Comedy winners. However, I have a feeling we are in for a shakeup this year, especially on the Drama side. It’s the most competitive year in ages with four drama series all boasting a strong shot to win while we should see some new comedy acting winners as well… With that said, take a look at my big bold Emmy winner predictions below and watch the big show Sunday night!

 

My Big Bold 2012 Emmy Award Winner Predictions~

Drama Series:
Boardwalk Empire, Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland, Mad Men
Will win: Downton Abbey
Should win: Breaking Bad
~ spoiler: Homeland
* this category is fierce. I feel like Mad Men will finally lose the crown, but I won’t be surprised if it grabs one more victory. However, Abbey appeals to all demos of the voting group and should prevail over the classic but violent and dark Bad. If those three all split the vote, the very deserving Homeland or the big winner from the Creative Arts ceremony, Game of Thrones, could pull an upset.

Comedy Series:
30 Rock, The Big Bang Theory, Girls Louie, Modern Family, Veep
Will & Should win: Modern Family
~ spoiler: The Big Bang Theory
* where on Earth is Parks and Recreation in this lineup??!!

Lead Actor Drama:
Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Steven Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Damian Lewis (Homeland)
Will & Should win: Bryan Cranston (you just can’t deny him)
~spoiler: Damian Lewis

Lead Actress Drama:
Kathy Bates (Harry’s Law), Glenn Close (Damages), Clare Danes (Homeland), Michelle Dockrey (Downton Abbey), Juliana Marguiles (The Good Wife), Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men)
Will & Should win: Clare Danes (this is the night’s most obvious winner. She has it by a mile)
~ spoiler: if I have to pick one… Juliana Marguiles

Lead Actor Comedy Series:
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Don Cheadle (House of Lies), Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), Louie C.K. (Louie), Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Will win: Jim Parsons
Should win: Garrett Dillahaunt (Raising Hope) or Adam Scott (Parks and Rec), but they weren’t nominated, blergh!
~spoiler: Jon Cryer (don’t underestimate this guy and he has a funny tape)

Lead Actress Comedy:
Zooey Deschanel (New Girl), Lena Dunham (Girls), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Tina Fey (30 Rock), Julia Louis Dreyfuss (Veep), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation), Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly)
Will win: Julia Louis Dreyfuss (and a very deserving winner at that)
Should win: Amy Poehler (it was her best season yet. She was hilarious and heartwarming but Dreyfuss may just slide by her in the tightest race of the night)
~spoiler: Zooey Deschanel

Supporting Actor Drama Series:
Jim Carter (Downton Abbey), Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey), Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Jared Harris (Mad Men), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad)
Will & Should win: Giancarlo Esposito
~spoiler: Peter Dinklage

Supporting Actress Drama:
Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Archie Penjabi (The Good Wife), Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey)
Will win: Maggie Smith
Should win: Anna Gunn
~ spoiler: Christina Hendricks

Supporting Actor Comedy:
Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), Max Greenfield (New Girl), Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live), Ed O’Neil (Modern Family), Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family)
Will & Should win: Max Greenfield (and he will likely split the Modern Family vote)
~spoiler: Ed O’Neil (he seems like the Modern Family choice this year even though Jesse Tyler Ferguson had the strongest season)

Supporting Actress Comedy:
Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives), Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), Merritt Weaver (Nurse Jackie), Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)
Will win: Sofia Vergara
Should win: Kristen Wiig
~spoiler: Kristen Wiig or Julie Bowen
* this one should be close with any of them having a shot at the win except for the delightful Weaver or the dearly departed Joosten whose nomination is the prize.

Reality Competition Series:
The Amazing Race, Dancing with the Stars, Project Runway, So You Think You Can Dance, Top Chef, The Voice
Will win: The Amazing Race
Should win: So You Think You Can Dance
~spoiler: Top Chef

Reality Competition Host:
Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars), Cat Deeley (So You Think You Can Dance), Phil Koeghan (The Amazing Race), Ryan Seacrest (American Idol), Betty White (Off Your Rockers)
Will & Should win: Cat Deeley
~spoiler: Ryan Seacreset

Made for TV Movie/Miniseries:
American Horror Story, Game Change, The Hatfields & the McCoys, Hemingway & Gelhorn, Luther, Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia
Will & Should win: Game Change
~ spoiler: American Horror Story

Lead Actor TV Movie/Miniseries:
Kevin Costner (Hatfields & McCoys), Benedict Cumberpatch (Sherlock), Idris Elba (Luther), Woody Harrelson (Game Change), Clive Owen (Hemingway & Gelhorn), Bill Paxton (Hatfields & McCoys)
Will & Should win: Woody Harrelson
~ spoiler: Bill Paxton

Lead Actress TV Movie/Miniseries:
Connie Britton (American Horror Story), Ashley Judd (Missing), Nicole Kidman (Hemingway & Gelhorn), Julianne Moore (Game Change), Emma Thompson (The Song of Lunch)
Will & Should win: Julianne Moore
~ spoiler: Nicole Kidman

Supporting Actor TV Movie/Miniseries:
Tom Berenger (Hatfields & McCoys), Martin Freeman (Sherlock), Ed Harris (Game Change), Denis O’Hare (American Horror Story), David Strathairn (Hemingway & Gelhorn)
Will win: Ed Harris
Should win: Denis O’Hare
~spoiler: Tom Berenger

Supporting Actress TV Movie/Miniseries:
Frances Conroy (American Horror Story), Judy Davis (Page Eight), Jessica Lange (American Horror Story), Sarah Paulson (Game Change), Mare Winningham (Hatfields & McCoys)
Will win: Jessica Lange (she pretty much has it in the bag)
Should win: Sarah Paulson

And there you have it… my big bold Emmy winner predictions… Do you agree? Am I crazy? Let me know and watch the big show on Sunday night.

The So You Think You Can Dance Finale is Tonight!!

Unfortunately with the wonky scheduling (hello Olympics interruption) and the elimination of the results show, this has been one weird season of Emmy nominated So You Think You Can Dance. However, the quality of the show and the dancers is just as good as ever with some seriously brilliant competitors, including three of the final four contenders. Those three are contemporary dancer Tiffany and ballet superstars Eliana and Chehon. The final hoofer is the incredibly likable and fun animator/hip hop dancer Cyrus. While he continues to grow week to week and has charisma for days, he is completely out of his league against his peers. I really appreciate how well he has done in the competition but it’s a shame better male dancers like Cole, George, and Matthew all were voted off before him. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised because a great deal of this show is a popularity contest or how would Benji have beaten Travis Wall back in season 2 when Travis has gone on to be an Emmy nominated industry star? Anywho, I’m incredibly excited for tonight’s finale which will reunite the entire top 20 including ballroom girl Witney who sooooo has a future on Dancing with the Stars and the ridiculously fun Will. Just who will win is the question? Take a look at my predictions below and check out some videos of my favorites as well… And don’t forget to watch SYTYCD hosted by the sure to win the Emmy next week Cat Deeley tonight at 8pm on Fox.

So You Think You Can Dance Season 9 Finale Predictions~

Will Win: Eliana and Cyrus
Should Win: Eliana and Chehon (those two are just astounding in every way!)

And for proof check out these amazing dances by my favorite two dancers of the season…

Chehon & all star Allison (the best female dancer the show has produced if you ask me) choreographed by the brilliant Emmy nominated Stacy Tookey

Eliana & all star Alex Wong

Eliana & Chehon in a ballet piece

And just because she’s adorable and a very worth finalist, please enjoy this incredible contemporary piece starring Tiffany with all star Ade

“Homeland”, “Breaking Bad” and “Parks and Recreation” Rule the Critic’s Choice TV Awards

Last night, the critics really had their say as the 2nd Annual Critic’s Choice Television Awards named their winners for the past TV season. Winning two awards apiece were Homeland (which took Best Drama and Actress for Clare Danes), Breaking Bad, Sherlock, Parks & Recreation and Modern Family. Big surprises were found in Community‘s win for Best Comedy Series and The Voice winning Reality Competition show… I’m especially happy for the wins for Amy Poehler and Cat Deeley by the way…. Take a look at all the winners below.

2102 Critics Choice TV Award winners~

Best Drama Series
Homeland – Showtime

Best Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston – Breaking Bad – AMC

Best Actress in a Drama Series
Claire Danes – Homeland – Showtime

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Giancarlo Esposito – Breaking Bad – AMC

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Christina Hendricks – Mad Men – AMC

Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series
Lucy Liu – Southland – TNT

Best Reality Series
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations – Travel Channel

Best Reality Series – Competition
The Voice – NBC

Best Reality Show Host
Tom Bergeron – Dancing with the Stars – ABC
Cat Deeley – So You Think You Can Dance – FOX

Best Talk Show
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon – NBC

Best Comedy Series
Community – NBC

Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Louis C.K. – Louie – FX

Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Zooey Deschanel – New Girl – FOX
Amy Poehler – Parks and Recreation – NBC

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ty Burrell – Modern Family – ABC

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Julie Bowen – Modern Family – ABC

Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series
Paul Rudd – Parks and Recreation – NBC

Best Animated Series
Archer – FX

Best Movie/Miniseries
Sherlock – PBS

Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries
Benedict Cumberbatch – Sherlock – PBS

Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries
Julianne Moore – Game Change – HBO

Most Exciting New Series
The Following (Fox/Warner Bros.)
The Mindy Project (Fox/Universal)
Nashville (ABC/Lionsgate)
The Newsroom (HBO)
Political Animals (USA/Warner Bros.)

The Critic’s Choice TV Noms love Breaking Bad, Parks and Rec, and Community!

Today’s Critic’s Choice TV Award nominations gave a big ole finger to the Emmys with nominations for a ton of newbies and deserving shows that are always ignored by the Academy. Among those who are often snubbed that the Critic’s supported today are Community which lead with 6 nominations plus performers from Happy Endings (Casey Wilson & Damon Wayans Jr., yay!), Fringe (John Noble), Sons of Anarchy (Katey Sagal, Charlie Huffman, Maggie Siff), SouthLAnd (Regina King, Lucy Liu), and Shameless (Emmy Rossum, Chloe Webb). New show grabbing a lot of love include New Girl with 3 nods including Zooey Deschanel and the hilarious Max Greenfield, Girls, Homeland, and Veep… Following Community (a show I don’t really like, but totally like several of its performers, most notably Allison Brie and Jim Rash), Parks and Recreation and Breaking Bad both totaled 5 nods with The Good Wife and Modern Family nabbing 4 mentions… Big ups to Cheryl Hines from Suburgatory, Michelle Dockrey from Downton Abbey, Cat Deely and So You Think You Can Dance, and RuPaul who are all in the running as well… For more on the show and the nominees which will be announced June 18th, head here, and take a look at all the contenders below.

2012 Critic’s Choice TV Award Nominees~

BEST COMEDY SERIES
The Big Bang Theory
Community
Girls
Modern Family
New Girl
Parks and Recreation
BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Don Cheadle (House of Lies)
Louis C.K. (Louie)
Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm)
Garret Dillahunt (Raising Hope)
Joel McHale (Community)
Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Zooey Deschanel (New Girl)
Lena Dunham (Girls)
Julia Louis Dreyfus (Veep)
Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope)
Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)
Ashley Rickards (Awkward)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell (Modern Family)
Max Greenfield (New Girl)
Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation)
Danny Pudi (Community)
Jim Rash (Community)
Damon Wayans Jr. (Happy Endings)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Julie Bowen (Modern Family)
Alison Brie (Community)
Cheryl Hines (Suburgatory)
Gillian Jacobs (Community)
Eden Sher (The Middle)
Casey Wilson (Happy Endings)
BEST GUEST PERFORMER IN A COMEDY SERIES
Becky Ann Baker (Girls)
Bobby Cannavale (Modern Family)
Kathryn Hahn (Parks and Recreation)
Justin Long (New Girl)
Paul Rudd (Parks and Recreation)
Peter Scolari (Girls)
BEST DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Homeland
Mad Men
BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
Kelsey Grammer (Boss)
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy)
Damian Lewis (Homeland)
Timothy Olyphant (Justified)
BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Claire Danes (Homeland)
Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey)
Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife)
Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)
Emmy Rossum (Shameless)
Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones)
Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad)
Neal McDonough (Justified)
John Noble (Fringe)
Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad)
John Slattery (Mad Men)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)
Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad)
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
Regina King (Southland)
Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire)
Maggie Siff (Sons of Anarchy)
BEST GUEST PERFORMER IN A DRAMA SERIES
Dylan Baker (Damages)
Jere Burns (Justified)
Loretta Devine (Grey’s Anatomy)
Lucy Liu (Southland)
Carrie Preston (The Good Wife)
Chloe Webb (Shameless)
BEST MOVIE/MINISERIES
American Horror Story
Luther
Sherlock
Page Eight
The Hour
Game Change
BEST ACTOR IN A MOVIE/MINISERIES
Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock)
Bill Nighy (Page Eight)
Woody Harrelson (Game Change)
Idris Elba (Luther)
Dominic West (The Hour)
Kevin Costner (Hatfields & McCoys)
BEST ACTRESS IN A MOVIE/MINISERIES
Jessica Lange (American Horror Story)
Gillian Anderson (Great Expectations)
Julianne Moore (Game Change)
Patricia Clarkson (Five)
Lara Pulver (Sherlock)
Emily Watson (Appropriate Adult)
BEST REALITY SERIES
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
Hoarders
Sister Wives
Kitchen Nightmares
Pawn Stars
Undercover Boss
BEST REALITY SERIES — COMPETITION
The Pitch
Shark Tank
So You Think You Can Dance
The Voice
Chopped
The Amazing Race
BEST REALITY SHOW HOST
Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars)
Nick Cannon (America’s Got Talent)
Cat Deeley (So You Think You Can Dance)
Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race)
RuPaul (RuPaul’s Drag Race)
BEST TALK SHOW
Conan
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The View
BEST ANIMATED SERIES
Archer
Adventure Time
Bob’s Burgers
Family Guy
Star Wars: The Clone Wars

My 2011 TV Recap!

Well, the year is finally over and it’s been a pretty good one on the ole boob tube. We had the return of a juicy soap to the airwaves (Revenge), the rise of the resurgent miniseries (Downton Abbey, Mildred Pierce, The Kennedys), and the continuing comedy renaissance (Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, etc). All in all, I had a lot to watch. And here are my rankings of my favorite shows of the year… plus a few musings on 2011′s TV Landscape…

Top Ten Dramas:
1. Breaking Bad
2. Homeland
3. The Good Wife
4. Game of Thrones
5. The Killing
6. Revenge
7. Dexter
8. Fringe
9. True Blood
10. The Closer
Honorable Mention: Southland, Grey’s Anatomy

Top Ten Comedies:
1. Modern Family
2. Happy Endings
3. Parks and Recreation
4. Hot in Cleveland
5. Glee (yes, I still loooooove it and this season has been great!)
6. 30 Rock
7. Cougar Town
8. Nurse Jackie
9. New Girl
10. Raising Hope
Honorable Mention: The Big C, Suburgatory

Top 5 Reality/Competition Shows:
1. So You Think You Can Dance
2. RuPaul’s Drag Race
3. Project Runway
4. American Idol
5. Top Chef

Show I should watch but have never seen: Justified … (I know, I’m terrible!)

Most Improved Show: American Idol … (wow, they turned around that sinking ship with good judge additions and, more importantly, some great talent~ Pia, Haley, Lauren… and ok, Scotty was decent too… and he’s turned into a massive music selling machine!)

Most Underrated Miniseries: The Kennedys … (It was super entertaining with great performances by Tom Wilkinson, Diana Hardcastle, Greg Kinnear and Emmy winner Barry Pepper)

Most Underrated TV Movie: Cinema Verite… (Diane Lane was simply brilliant in this exploration of the first “reality” TV family)

BEST SNL Host: Melissa McCarthy …. (“There’s a Hidden Valley Ranch Party in my mouth”)

Show I finally quit: Survivor … (the former contestants are annoying and OMG, Redemption Island is neither redemptive, nor an island… buh bye)

Best Reality Host: Cat Deeley of So You Think You Can Dance… (no one even comes close. She shoulda won the Emmy)

Show I really enjoy when I finally get around to watching it: Harry’s Law

Show I just couldn’t get into: American Horror Story (creeeeeeeeeeeepy!)

Most Unfortunately Boring Show: The Borgias

Hottest Actor on TV: Matt Bomer (White Collar)
Runner-up: Alexander Skarsgaard (True Blood)

Hottest Actress on TV: Naya Rivera (Glee)
Runner-up: Amber Heard (The Playboy Club… shut up, it was kinda a fun show for a minute!)

Show I will miss even though it was on forever (ahem 10 seasons that is): Smallville

Most Disappointing Show of 2011: The Voice… (after a great start with the blind auditions, the show turned into a mess… and the judges were way more interesting than the talent… I am cautiously optimistic for the second season though)

WORST SHOW OF 2011: The X Factor…. (It’s simply a disaster. It’s the most overproduced, manipulated, annoying competition show I’ve ever seen…. These singers aren’t stars and don’t try to act like they are before they’ve proven anything…. The judges are ridiculous. Nicole is a puppet… The host is hot but boring… The dancers, videos, graphics and lights make me wanna shoot myself… And only one of the finalists was any good… They have a lot to fix for next year).

Most Anticipated show of 2012: Smash… (I can’t wait for this new musical drama about the making of a Broadway show starring Oscar winner Angelica Huston, Emmy winner Debra Messing, Tony nominee Christian Borle, Broadway diva Megan Hilty and former American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee).

Smash trailer

Other Shows I’m excited for in 2012: Awake, The Bitch in Apt. 23, and Scandal (yes, I did a little guest spot on that one)

So, what were your favorites on the tube this year? Lemme know below, and here’s to great TV in 2012!

Gwyneth, JT and Boardwalk Empire win Big at the Creative Arts Emmys

I may be out-of-town in Texas, but I did remember there was one big awards show this weekend, the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. This show which honors the massive amount of Emmy categories that wont be on the live telecast next week, and there were some good ones. So You Think You Can Dance tied itself in choreography (though Travis Wall was denied his first trophy unfortunately) while Deadliest Catch won for the first time. In the guest acting categories Justin Timberlake won again for SNL (and he won for music/lyrics again~ yes, he now has 4 Emmys!) while Gwyneth Paltrow took the award for Glee. On the drama side, it was two surprises as Loretta Devine nabbed her first Emmy for Greys Anatomy (and only the show’s second acting award after Katherine Heigl) and in a big upset Paul McCrane (Harry’s Law) defeated Michael J. Fox. Boardwalk Empire took home the most overall with 7 trophies… The one big bummer for me on the winners list was Jeff Probst (Survivor) winning Reality Host for the fourth year in a row. Yes, he’s very good, but let’s move on people~ Cat Deeley (SYTYCD) should’ve won… Anywho, head to www.emmys.tv for more info on the show and the winners.

And here’s the full Creative Arts Emmy Winner List:
Casting in a Drama Series – Boardwalk Empire
Casting For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special – Mildred Pierce
Casting For A Comedy Series – Glee

Guest Actress In A Drama Series – Loretta Devine, Grey’s Anatomy
Guest Actress In A Comedy Series – Gwyneth Paltrow, Glee

Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Miniseries, Movie Or A Special – The Walking Dead
Makeup For A Miniseries Or A Movie (Non-Prosthetic) – The Kennedys (ReelzChannel)
Makeup For A Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) – Boardwalk Empire
Makeup For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special (Non-Prosthetic) – Saturday Night Live
Costumes For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special -Downtown Abbey (PBS)
Costumes For A Series – The Borgias
Costumes For A Variety/Music Program Or A Special – Gettysburg (History), Portlandia (IFC)
Hairstyling For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special – Dancing With the Stars (ABC)
Hairstyling For A Miniseries Or A Movie – The Kennedys (ReelzChannel)
Hairstyling For A Single-Camera Series – Mad Men (AMC)
Guest Actress In A Comedy Series – Gwyneth Paltrow, Glee
Hairstyling For A Single-Camera Series – Mad Men (AMC)
Choreography – So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)

Music Direction – Harry Connick Jr., In Concert On Broadway (PBS)
Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score) – American Masters: John Muir In The New World (PBS)
Music Composition For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special (Original Dramatic Score) – Mildred Pierce, Part Five (HBO)
Original Music And Lyrics – Saturday Night Live, with host Justin Timberlake

Art Direction For A Multi-Camera Series – Hot In Cleveland (TV Land)
Art Direction For A Miniseries Or Movie – Mildred Pierce (HBO)
Art Direction For A Single-Camera Series – Boardwalk Empire (HBO)

Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Drama Series – Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Picture Editing For A Comedy Series (Single Or Multi-Camera) – How I Met Your Mother
Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Miniseries Or A Movie – Cinema Verite (HBO)
Picture Editing For A Special (Single Or Multi-Camera) – Lady GaGa Presents The Monster Ball Tour (HBO)
Picture Editing For Nonfiction Programming -Freedom Riders (PBS)
Picture Editing For Reality Programming – Deadliest Catch (Discovery Channel)
Animated Program -Futurama, “The Late Philip J. Fry” (Comedy Central)
Special Visual Effects For A Series – Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Special Visual Effects For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special – Gettysburg (History)
Stunt Coordination -TNT’s Southland (“Graduation Day”)
Original Main Title Theme Music – The Borgias (Showtime)
Main Title Design – Game Of Thrones (HBO)

Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour) – House, “Bombshells”
Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) – Family Guy, “Road To The North Pole”
Sound Mixing For A Variety Or Music Series Or Special – American Idol, “Finale”
Sound Mixing For Nonfiction Programming – Deadliest Catch, “Redemption Day” (Discovery)
Sound Mixing For A Miniseries Or A Movie | The Kennedys, “Lancer and Lace” (Reelz)
Sound Editing For A Series – Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Sound Editing For Nonfiction Programming (Single Or Multi-Camera) – Gettysburg (History)
Sound Editing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special – The Pillars Of The Earth, “The Work Of Angels” (Starz)

Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series – Boardwalk Empire, “Home”
Cinematography For A Multi-Camera Series – Two And A Half Men, “Hookers, Hookers, Hookers”
Cinematography For Reality Programming – Deadliest Catch, “Redemption Day”
Cinematography For Nonfiction Programming – Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, “Haiti”
Cinematography For A Miniseries Or Movie – Downton Abbey, “Part 1?

Guest Actor In A Comedy Series – Justin Timberlake, Saturday Night Live

Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Series – American Idol, “Finale”
Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special – Don Pasquale, PBS

Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety, Music, Or Comedy Series – So You Think You Can Dance finale
Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety, Music, Or Comedy Special – Grammy Awards (CBS)

Writing For Nonfiction Programming – Freedom Riders (PBS)
Directing For Nonfiction Programming – Gasland (HBO)
Exceptional Merit In Nonfiction Filmmaking – Freedom Riders (PBS)

Nonfiction Series – American Masters (PBS)
Nonfiction Special – Gettysburg (History)

Special Class – Short-format Live-Action Entertainment Programs – The Daily Show Correspondents Explain (Comedy Central)
Special Class – Short-format Nonfiction Programs – Jay Leno’s Garage (NBC.com)
Special Class Programs – 64th Annual Tony Awards (CBS)

Creative Achievement In Interactive Media – Oscar Digital Experience • (ABC.com)
Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special – Sondheim! The Birthday Concert (Great Performances) (PBS) – Lonny Price
Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special -64th Annual Tony Awards • CBS
Variety, Music Or Comedy Special – The Kennedy Center Honors • CBS

Children’s Program – A Child’s Garden Of Poetry ( HBO)
Children’s Nonfiction, Reality or Reality-Competition Program -Nick News With Linda Ellerbee: Under The Influence: Kids Of Alcoholics (Nickelodeon)

Reality Program – Deadliest Catch (Discovery)
Reality Host – Jeff Probst, Survivor

Guest Actor In A Drama Series – Paul McCrane, Harry’s Law

Individual Achievement in Animation – Community, “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” (Drew Hodges, character animator); Phineas and Ferb, “Wizard of Odd” (Brian Woods, background design, and Jill Daniels, background painter); Firebreather (Peter Chung, character design, and Sung Chang, character animator); Young Justice, “Independence Day” (Philip Bourassa, character design)

Melanie wins So You Think You Can Dance!

It seemed an almost forgone conclusion when we met the Top 20 contestants on So You Think You Can Dance this season that Melanie Moore would win the whole shebang, and she sure did. Rarely, has a front-runner emerged so early and actually grabbed the title. In fact, I’d say the only season it happened before was in season 1 with Nick. So kudos to Melanie who was not only a “beast” as she was labeled this season, but also a lovely and gracious person. She was tremendous in every one of her routines, emotionally invested, a beautiful actress and performer throughout. I’m thrilled that she won. I’m also excited that Ameriker (yes, I’m talkin’ like Cat folks) picked Sasha as the runner-up giving us our first all female final two. That meant Marko landed in third and Tadd wound up in fourth just as I had predicted. I am so impressed that voting viewers actually got the complete top four correct. Well played! … And let’s just congratulate the show on a great finale. It was leaps and bounds ahead of Wednesday’s competition show and a fitting end to the season. Standout choreographers this year were Sonya Tayeh and Emmy nominees Stacy Tookey and Travis Wall who will all likely be in the running again next year. And let’s hope they give the amazing tapper Nick another shot. He was cut for no reason way too soon. In fact, just check out this amazing routine he did last night with Jess and U.K. SYTYCD winner Matt Flint. Just brilliant.

Nick, Jess & Matt Flint

Now, before I go, let’s give another big hand to the wonderful Melanie. She will have a huge career (and I think the rest of the top three will do very well too, especially Sasha). For our final parting clip of the season, please enjoy my favorite piece from this year, Melanie and season 3 All Star Neil in Stacy Tookey’s amazing “Total Eclipse of the Heart”. Congrats Melanie!!!! … And here’s to season 9!

Melanie & Neil “Total Eclipse of the Heart”

My SYTYCD Quick Wrap 7/13/11

Last night on the newly Emmy nominated So You Think You Can Dance with Emmy nominated host Cat Deeley, the top 12 dancers really had to step it up with two routines in the hopes of making the top ten and going on tour. Three couples look like strong bets to move forward, but three others will invariably have to dance for their lives. So just who’s in danger and who’s on the hot tamale tour train? Take a look at my rankings below.

SYTYCD Performance Rankings 7/13/11~
1. Marko & Melanie (Contemporary): ok, when aren’t these two at the top of the list? … Um, they’re not, because they’re always awesome, especially with this amazing number choreographed by Dee Caspary. It was simply brilliant and goose bump inducing.
2. Jordan & Tadd (Contemporary): in this fantastic piece by newly Emmy nominated Travis Wall, Jordan & Tadd gave their best performance to date. Jordan really showed her tremendous strength, technique and fire here while Tadd rose to her level oustide of his genre. Outstanding.
3. Marko & Melanie (Tango): here they are again with their sizzling and sexy tango choreographed by a moonlighting Dancing with the Stars expert Louis Van Amstel. It was intricate, difficult and executed wondrously. This couple is unstoppable just like Sonya said.
4. Clarice & Jess (Lyrical Hip Hop): with this number (and then later in the jive), I finally saw what viewers and the judges have seen in Clarice for weeks. She really sparked for me with true emotion and a great honest performance here. And Jess is continuing to surprise too as I believed him throughout this number and he’s growing less affected with each week. Well done.
5. Sasha & Alexander (Jazz): while these two have the chemistry of a potato and a soda, they sure can dance. This number was utterly delightful and showcased their tremendous ability.
6. Caitlyn & Mithcell (Jazz): Um, sexy as hell Ms. Caitlyn! … And Mitchell was pretty darn good too… Hello, we also saw another cool side of Travis’s choreography as well. Nice number.
7. Jess & Clarice (Jive): with arguably the most joyous number of the evening, the little duo that could delivered an immensely entertaining number despite a few little technical issues. Still it was really really good.
8. Sasha & Alexander (Paso Doble): I’m not sure that I agree with the judges about Alexander holding his own against Sasha in this one. I felt like she kinda slayed him here. It was a fierce and powerful number, but one that was a bit forgettable as the night wore on. And seriously, I feel like these two can’t stand each other. I bet they’ll be thrilled to get new partners if they make it through to next week.
~ and now for the not so good dances of the night…
9. Ryan & Ricky (Cha Cha): these poor kids can’t get a break as they’re bound to be in the bottom 3 again after this middling number. While Ricky kinda killed it, Ryan was awkward and uncomfortable and there’s no chemistry between these two either.
10. Jordan & Tadd (Broadway): Is it me or was this number just a bit slow and uninspired. While I love Spencer Liff and his choreography, this one fell below the mark and Jordan & Tadd didn’t seem engaged or committed.
11. Caitlyn & Mitchell (Hip Hop): apparently this number had something to do with freeing abducted Ugandan children, but all I got was that it was pretty bad. The emotion was lost and the two were not in sync or connected at all in the piece. It’s unfortunate because I love them.
12. Ryan & Ricky (Broadway): this dance could’ve been great in the hands of Jess & Clairce who would’ve nailed the style and nuances. Instead it was sloppy, boring, muted and a big miss. Sorry.

Predictions~
Bottom 3 Couples: Caitlyn & Mitchell, Jordan & Tadd, Ryan & Ricky
Going Home: Ryan & Ricky

So, it looks like Ryan and Ricky will be dancing for their lives for the final time on tonight’s results show. But will they prove me wrong and survive? And will Sasha & Alexander make a surprise appearance in the doomed dancer den? We shall see… Now, before I go, I have to applaud guest judge and another Emmy nominee this morning, Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), who was not only insightful but hilarious and an unabashed fan of the show. Great job (you too Sonya!)… And congrats to the whole show, Cat, and the Emmy nominated choreographers from last season (Travis, Mia Michaels, Stacy Tookey, Mandy Moore and NappyTabs)! Good luck to you all!

My Latest SYTYCD Buzz Rankings 7/8/11

In an emotional but largely predictable elimination, the delightful Ashley and Chris were sent home on So You Think You Can Dance. These two were great spirits and good dancers, but both seemed clearly out of step compared to their peers, especially Chris. In fact, had Nigel and co. actually eliminated people in week 1, I feel like they would’ve been the couple to go. Nonetheless, they made it a few more weeks and I applaud the job they did and wish them well…. And with that cute couple gone, we now only have 12 more contenders and once we have a top ten, we’ll see the All Stars come back. It’s gonna get good. So, just who has the buzz to make it a few more weeks and possibly get to dance with the likes of the brilliant Allison? … Let’s take a look at my all new, completely unscientific buzz rankings for this week…

My SYTYCD Buzz Rankings 7/8/11~
1. Marko: he holds the top spot down after another ferocious week with a fabulous jazz number alongside power partner Melanie. He also stole the show in a hot all guy group number and remains the only man I could see winning the season. (last week~ 1)
2. Melanie: she’s the top girl again and seems a sure shot for the finals among a field of very talented ladies. She also stood out in her great female group number and is a judges and audience favorite. She’s also ridiculously awesome and cute. (lw~ 2)
3. Caitlyn: flying back up the chart this week after her incredibly gorgeous and moving contemporary routing is the dark horse for the finals, Caitlyn. She’s beautiful and growing each week and as Randy Jackson might say, she’s in it to win it. (lw~8)
4. Mitchell: also flying high this week is Caitlyn’s partner Mitchell who’s not only hilarious but an amazing dancer. He was convincingly masculine and sexy in their glorious piece this week and is gaining momentum. (lw~ 9)
5. Sasha: despite a poor showing in her hip hop number this week, Sasha clearly has a big fan base who kept her and Alexander (who was a disaster in the number) out of the bottom three. She’s a fantastic and powerful dancer, but I’m starting to worry about a possible big ego that seems to be coming through lately. (lw~ 3)
6. Tadd: he may have been in the bottom three, but I blame that on the unlikability issue of his partner Jordan and the fact that he was saddled with a boring waltz. His solo was immensely entertaining and he has tremendous personality and potential. I think he could be a favorite when he gets an All Star to play with… (lw~ 4)
7. Jess: with his best week yet and his first honest performance with a lovely connection to his partner Clarice, Jess bounds back up the chart. He has the skills. He just needs to reign in that annoying personality and keep on growing each week. (lw~ 11)
8. Clarice: I still find her as interesting as drift wood, but she’s a lovely dancer and this week, she had another strong performance. The judges also seem to adore her, so she take a leap up on the list. (lw~ 13)
9. Alex: I like the guy and he’s tremendous in contemporary, jazz and ballet. However, as he showed in this week’s hip hop, he has a big weakness, and let’s be honest, he was a mess on Wed night. Luckily, he has a popular partner in Sasha and he could sail to the top ten. (lw~ 7)
10. Ricky: this poor guy always does an exemplary and wondrous job with his performances. Unfortunately, he’s saddled with the boring and prickly Ryan. So he slides down the list. Hopefully, he’ll make it to the top ten and truly be able to excel with a new partner. (lw~ 6)
11. Jordan: girl needs to get over the devlopay or whatever it is that move is she does allllll the time. Show us new tricks and more of your personality stat. Because you’re good, but you’re not great and you’re teetering on the edge of goodbye (not glory like Gaga, lol)… (lw~ 5)
12. Ryan: yes, she’s technically very good. But that’s where it ends. The facial expressions are wrong nine times out of ten and she has no connection to her partner or the true emotions of the piece she’s in. She’s on borrowed time. (lw~ 14)

So, it’s still Marko and Melanie out in front for the season 8 crown. Can anyone take them down in the weeks ahead? … And more importantly, just what will Cat wear next week? Find out Wednesday night on SYTYCD on Fox.

SYTYCD Quick Wrap 7/7/11~ A new Power Couple Arises

So far this season on So You Think You Can Dance, one couple has dominated the competition, Melanie & Marko. Not only are they incredible dancers, but they’re adorable, immensely likable and wonderful performers. They’ve infused every dance with emotion and a sizzling chemistry and this week, they did it again. However, when last night’s show ended, they weren’t the couple we were thinking about… That couple was Caitlyn & Mitchell who blew everyone away with an astounding contemporary routine that catapults them to front of the pack as a new power couple. Do they have what it takes to take down M & M in the end? I don’t know about that, but they are the first couple to chip away at M & M’s armor and are now on the fast track to the top ten and possibly final four. With that said, let’s take a look at all of last night’s dances on a show which featured a saucy and sexy host Cat Deeley rocking a Japanese inspired frock (yes, I can talk British too Cat, hehe), plus guest judges Carmen Electra (um, boring) and the supremely talented former contestant turned SYTYCD choreographer Travis Wall who was a tremendous and insightful addition to the panel. Love him and he was so robbed by that darn Benji in season 2. Um, who’s getting the last laugh now Mr. Schwimmer?…. Ok, enough babbling. Here are my rankings for last night’s performances.

SYTYCD Performance Rankings 7/6/11:
1. Caitlyn & Mitchell: performing a transcendent and gorgeous contemporary routine (um, Mandy Moore, you’re a brilliant choreographer!), these two annihilated the competition. It was precise, heart-stopping, and explosive. Caitlyn was beautiful and ethereal while Mitchell was masculine and powerful. Simply put~ it was the best routine of the season thus far. Do I smell an Emmy nomination?
2. Melanie & Marko: these two can do no wrong. With a sexy, passionate, fun and unique jazz routine by awesome new choreographer Ray Leeper, the couple to beat hit another home run.
3. Ryan & Ricky: in a quirky zombie jazz number by another new choreographer, Chucky something (sorry missed the last name), Ricky and Ryan did their best performance to date. He’s just wonderfully talented and Ryan almost rose to his level. Great job.
4. Jess & Clarice: well, color me shocked because Jess is growing on me. He was very good in this strong contemporary routine and I believed his performance for once. He and Clarice (who is a great technician with her movement) had their first honest connection and it was also their best performance to date in my opinion.
6. Jordan & Tadd: while they executed this waltz quite well, it was just boring in comparison to the rest of the numbers of the night. Tadd continues to surprise and will no doubt be safe even if he faces the bottom three, but Jordan will have to prove why she deserves to stay here. She’s good, but I’m not sold that she should land in the top ten.
6. Sasha & Alexander: they’re both great dancers and Sasha was pretty strong in this hip hop number, but as a whole it was a rather lackluster piece with uninspired execution. Alexander was far out of his element and the two had absolutely no chemistry. Plus Sasha is growing a little less likable for some reason. They’re in danger for sure.
7. Chris & Ashley: gosh I really like them, but um, let’s be honest, that was pretty bad. This salsa number was even a bit uncomfortable to watch. I give them props for stepping up to the plate, but they struck out.

Predictions~
Bottom 3 Couples: Ashley & Chris, Jordan & Tadd, Sasha & Alexander
Going home: Ashley & Chris

So, it looks like it will finally be time to say adieu to our lovable duo of Ashley and Chris. They did an admirable job but are just getting outdanced by their peers. Do you think they can survive in the results tonight? Or is Jordan one bad unitard solo away from a trip home and will Alexander be able to pirouette his way to safety? Let me know your thoughts below. And watch the SYTYCD results show tonight on Fox.

And here’s Mitchell & Caitlyn’s amazing routine from last night set to one of my fave (yes I’m cheesy) Celine Dion songs of all time “To Love You More”