The 2013 Golden Globes: Times are Changing

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

In four years, this site has never talked about the Golden Globe Awards. They've been around since 1944 and annually award excellence in film (14 categories) and television (11 categories). They're not one of the "big four" awards, which is probably why I've always dismissed them as "not counting" like the big boys do. Others discount them because the members who determine the winners are foreign journalists. Really. The 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association all live in Southern California and are accredited by the Motion Picture Association of America but write for newspapers and magazines elsewhere.

Regardless of who is picking the winners, some people embrace the Golden Globe Awards as part of the "Award Season," which ends with the Oscars each year. For those who aren't cinephiles, the Academy Awards (Oscas) don't mean a whole lot, aside from possibly giving you a film or two to put on your bucket list. The Golden Globes, on the other hand, tend to appeal to a broader audience because of its mix of television and movie awards. Sure, Argo and Les Miserables took the big awards home in the silver screen division, but many expected that sort of thing. The bigger surprised were from the small screen categories.

Golden Globe Awards © HFPA facebook.com/GoldenGlobes

You may already be aware of the winners from last night's ceremony, but did you realize that they are almost exclusively from premium cable channels? Broadcast networks and the main cable networks had many nominees to boast, but when the hammer fell, so did they. Take a look: 

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA
Homeland (Showtime) *winner
Breaking Bad (AMC)
Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Downton Abbey Season 2  (PBS)
The Newsroom (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA
Claire Danes, Homeland (Showtime) *winner
Connie Britton, Nashville (ABC)
Glenn Close, Damages (Audience Network)
Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey Season 2 (PBS)
Julianna Magulies, The Good Wife (CBS)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA
Damian Lewis, Homeland (Showtime) *winner
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom (HBO)
Jon Hamm, Mad Men (AMC)

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Girls (HBO) *winner
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Episodes (Showtime)
Modern Family (ABC)
Smash (NBC)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Lena Dunham, Girls (HBO) *winner
Zooey Deschanel, New Girl (FOX)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO)
Tiny Fey, 30 Rock (NBC)
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation (NBC)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Don Cheadle, House of Lies (Showtime) *winner
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)
Louis C. K., Louie (FX)
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes (Showtime)
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

BEST MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Game Change (HBO) *winner
The Girl (HBO)
Hatfields & McCoys (History)
The Hour (BBCAmerica)
Political Animals (USA)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Julianne Moore, Game Change (HBO) *winner
Nicole Kidman, Hemingway & Gellhorn (HBO)
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Asylum (FX)
Sienna Miller, The Girl (HBO)
Sigourney Weaver, Political Animals (USA)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Kevin Costner, Hatfields & McCoys (History) *winner
Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock (BBCAmerica)
Woody Harrelson, Game Change (HBO)
Toby Jones, The Girl (HBO)
Clive Owen, Hemingway & Gellhorn (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINISERIES, OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey Season 2 (PBS) *winner
Hayden Panettiere, Nashville (ABC)
Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife (CBS)
Sarah Paulson, Game Change (HBO)
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family (ABC)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINISERIES, OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Ed Harris, Game Change (HBO) *winner
Max Greenfield, New Girl (FOX)
Danny Huston, Magic City (Starz)
Mandy Patinkin, Homeland (Showtime)
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family (ABC)

FOX didn't have a single winner. Neither did ABC, CBS, NBC, or the CW. PBS took one award. ONE. So, of the broadcast networks, only one out of eleven awards went to a show that the general public had a fair chance at seeing. History, a cable network, picked up a single win as well. I don't know how much every provider charges for History, but U-Verse includes it in all packages at and above $57/month. The remaining nine categories were all swept by HBO (with five) and Showtime (with four), networks which are additional costs for cable subscribers. Some quick internet research shows that HBO is about $13 extra per month, and Showtime is about $14 more per month. So, illegal downloading aside, what percentage of the population was familiar with the vast majority of the winners? How upset were the people around your office water cooler today when they couldn't talk about House of Lies, Girls, or Homeland? I know that it definitely limited some of the conversation that I witnessed today, and it made me think...

I mean, there's a reason that Game of Thrones was the show most pirated in 2012! People don't have access. The way that the premium channels took the Golden Globes really forces some perspective on the futures for those networks... was this a strange coincidence or is it a trend? During a time when so many people have been discussing the disparity in our nation's socioeconomic classes, will the elite be the only ones talking about awards shows? Last fall's Emmys gave us 12 broadcast winners, 8 cable winners, and 10 premium network winners in the non-creative categories. Premium did better than cable, but only got one-third of the total awards, allowing more of the general public to be aware of "what's best" and take part in conversations about the ceremony.

No, I don't think that the premium networks should be excluded from these awards. But the playing field isn't exactly level, either. What you can say and show at 8pm on ABC is not the same as what you can say and show at 10pm on HBO. The goals for the networks aren't the same. So many things work differently, from censorship to funding to audience demographics. If this is a taste of where "good" television is going, what is going to happen next?

Fun Friday: Character Demographics This Season

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

For seventeen years now, GLAAD has been tracking the number of LGBT characters in scripted programming. You can see their entire report here, which is full of fantastic facts and figures. I wanted to share some highlights, though, as the numbers are pretty interesting.

Their estimate for the 2012-2013 television season (defined as any show premiering 6/1/12-5/31/13) is that 4.4% (of 701, meaning 31) of all regular characters (on new shows and returning shows) on the five major networks are LGBT. An additional 19 recurring characters are LGBT as well. Cable adds another 35 regulars and 26 recurring.

Where We Are On TV 2012-2013 Season
http://www.glaad.org/files/whereweareontv12.pdf

For comparison, they counted only 1.1% of all regular characters on network programming being LGBT in 2007.

Some other facts from the report that stood out to me:

- Women make up 45% of television characters this season.

- Of the network LGBT characters, 61% are gay men, 20% are lesbian women, 14% bisexual women, and 4% bisexual men. On cable, 49% are gay men, 27% are lesbian women, 15% are bisexual women, and 8% are bisexual men. Of the cable LGBT characters, 4% are transgender, a category not addressed yet this year on network TV.

- Glee and True Blood tie for the highest number of LGBT characters at six each!

- Showtime has 12 regular LGBT characters, the highest of any cable network.

- The CW only had one LGBT character at the start of the 2011 season, but now they have four. Speaking of The CW, 83% of their characters are white. (For comparison 72% of NBC's characters are white.) Latinos are specifically under-represented, with only 4% of the characters on network programming being Latino, despite the US being 16% Latino!

- Last year, only five LGBT characters were "people of color," (POC) but this year there are 14.

- The only network shows this year to have LGBT POC are Bones, Don't Trust the B---- in Apt. 23, Emily Owens, MD, Glee, The Good Wife, Grey's Anatomy, The LA Complex, Malibu Country, The Office, Smash, and Suburgatory. Four are Latino, three are Asian/Pacific Islander, and seven are Black.

- On cable, LGBT POC can be found on Anger Management, Army Wives, Enlightened, House of Lies, Major Crimes, Pretty Little Liars, Single Ladies, Superjail!, Teen Wolf, True Blood, and White Collar.

- The number of disabled characters (a population we've looked at before) decreased this year, to just four - one on each of the four largest networks. GLAAD counts characters with "non-apparent disabilities such as cancer or HIV/AIDS" (as does the ADA). [Because the number is so low, I'll name them for those interested: Dr. Robbins on Grey's Anatomy is an amputee, CSI has a character using prosthetic legs, Parenthood has a character with Asperger's, and Artie on Glee uses a wheelchair. Dr. Robbins will be one of only two LGBT characters with disabilities, the other is the diabetic Thor on Nurse Jackie.]

How do these numbers compare with what you thought they were or where you think they should be? 

For starters, I know that I was surprised to see there were shows featuring six LGBT characters, and I'm surprised at how many of the depicted LGBT characters are white.  

2011 Primtetime Emmy Awards Winners

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

Well, folks, that wraps it up for another year. And just in time, too! As we've mentioned both here and on Twitter, the new television season is underway, with many shows premiering over the next two weeks! But before we are completely obsessed over what's going to make it and what's not worth our time, let's take a final look at last year's outstanding shows, writers, directors, and actors.

As I did with the Creative Arts winners, I'm going to list the categories in the order that I predicted them last week, and give a thought or two after each winner.I got 9 / 35, so just over 25%. Surprisingly, that's about how I did with my Creative Arts predictions, haha. Oh, and, speaking of which, although I thought I wrapped up all of the awards handed out last week, I apparently did not. A few of the categories below were awarded at the Creative Arts ceremony. Oops.

Outstanding Comedy Series
Modern Family
- As I mentioned, "big money is going to be on Modern Family." And, it won. Too bad, since my vote was on The Big Bang Theory.  

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
"Caught in the Act" from Modern Family by Steve Levitan, Jeffrey Richman
- As I sit here and shake my head at Modern Family sweeping the Comedies, I'm secretly pissed that I can't stand this show and it just keeps winning.

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Modern Family "Halloween" by Michael Alan Spiller
- This one I'm hurt by. I thought that How I Met Your Mother's "Subway Wars" was just so well done. It figures that Modern Family would snub it. But, boo anyway! In all fairness, I did predict that this would be the episode of Modern Family that would earn the Emmy.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory
- Right show, wrong actor. I'm not upset, though. As much as I enjoy Johnny Galecki, I can see Jim Parsons taking home the award.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Melissa McCarthy as Molly Flynn in Mike & Molly
- Yes, I picked Amy Poehler for her performances in Parks and Recreation, but I'm so happy for Melissa McCarthy that it doesn't matter. Congratulations to McCarthy, as I've loved her since Gilmore Girls and can't wait to see Bridesmaids on DVD!

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy in Modern Family

- Four nominees from Modern Family... the odds were there. Too bad for Jon Cryer, though.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy in Modern Family
- Guess I really took a beating here. I went with Betty White, thinking Jane Lynch of Kriten Wiig would probably steal it from beloved Betty. It wasn't either of them... but congrats to Julie Bowen!

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Justin Timberlake, Host on Saturday Night Live
- I was between Justin Timberlake and Matt Damon, and picked the wrong one. Close call though, and excellent performances all around!  

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Gwyneth Paltrow as Holly Holliday in Glee
- I don't really do Glee, as my regular readers know. But, I picked Kristin Chenoweth... the wrong guest, the right show. C'est la vie.

Outstanding Drama Series
Mad Men
- Figures. Mad Men beat my Boardwalk Empire. Not doing too great so far here.

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
"Always" from Friday Night Lights by Jason Katims

- I was SO CLOSE to going ti Friday Night Lights, but I went Game of Thrones. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Oh, and congrats to Jason Katims!

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire "Pilot" by Martin Scorsese
- Another win for Boardwalk Empire, and another win for me! Oh, and for Martin Scorsese.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Kyle Chandler as Coach Eric Taylor in Friday Night Lights
- Got blindsided here. Didn't see it coming. Too bad for Steve Buscemi, in my opinion. 

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick in The Good Wife
- Apparently I'm on my game in the Dramas! I'm so happy for Julianna Margulies, too!

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones
- I pushed for the right candidate! Though I did hear a lot of gruff on Twitter regarding how Dinklage did not thank George R. R. Martin in his speech.... 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Margo Martindale as Mags Bennett in Justified
- what? who? um, okay. Sorry, Christina Hendricks. 

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Paul McCrane as Josh Peyton on Harry's Law

-A little bummed that Michael J. Fox didn't take it, but life goes on. 

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Loretta Devine as Adele Webber on Grey's Anatomy
- Loretta Devine had my vote and brought it home! Yes!

Outstanding Miniseries or Movie
Downton Abbey
- It didn't let me down! Downton Abbey for the win!

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special
Downton Abbey by Julian Fellowes
- I tried to push Sherlock only a couple of times (not like it got a ton of nominations...), but it failed. Again. I support Downton Abbey for the win, though.

Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special
Downton Abbey "Part 1" by Brian Percival
-I don't know why I went with Cinema Verite when Downton Abbey was a contender. Temporary loss of intelligence? #dumbmoment?

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
Barry Pepper as Bobby Kennedy in The Kennedys
- There was some great acting on The Kennedys, let's not lie. But, apparently Barry Pepper's was better than Greg Kinnear's.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Kate Winslet as Mildred Pierce in Mildred Pierce
- I wanted Elizabeth McGovern to win. I do enjoy Kate Winslet in general, but this was not my favorite of her roles. Congratulations to her just the same.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
Guy Pearce as Monty Beragon in Mildred Pierce
- Another case of "right show, wrong actor." I went with Brian F. O'Byrne, though Guy Pearce took the win. You win some, you lose some. Moving on... 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Maggie Smith as Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey
- I went with most adorable (Evan Rachel Wood). Apparently that wasn't the way to go. But Maggie Smith winning sounds just as good!

Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming
Freedom Riders by Stanley Nelson
- I didn't see Gettysburg losing this one. Oh well. Nice win for Freedom Riders.

Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Nonfiction Programs
Jay Leno's Garage- Although it was a blind category for me, it seems my instinct for Jay Leno's Garage was lucky.

Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
- Meh. As I mentioned before, "I have a really difficult time enjoying late-night shows." So I'm pretty apathetic that Conan didn't win. 

Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
- Again, I don't do late-night shows, so I had no big impetus to choose The Colbert Report, other than I've seen Colbert do a show in person. So, no hard feelings that Jon Stewart's show won. 
 
Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Special
64th Annual Tony Awards
- I couldn't have gone with any other winner on this one, and I'm not alone. Again, awesome job with the 64th Annual Tony Awards, especially showing the behind-the-scenes clip on the writing of Neil Patrick Harris' closing rap.

Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series
Saturday Night Live "Host: Justin Timberlake" by Don Roy King
- I kinda picked the Saturday Night Live with Justin Timberlake on principle, but it won! 

Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special
Sondheim! The Birthday Concert (Great Performances) by Lonny Price
- I wanted the Tonys here, too. But I love some Sondheim, so yay.

Outstanding Reality Program
Deadliest Catch
- I'm rather intrigued by this one. Not that I was really staunch in my selection of Undercover Boss, but I didn't realize how beloved Deadliest Catch was. Perhaps I'll give it a try...? 

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race
- Yay! A correct pick! wooo!

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Jeff Probst, Survivor
- I know this was the "duh" choice, but I didn't want to back it. Go figure.

2011 Primetime Emmys, Part 2: Dramas

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

Continuing on, today we look at all of the Primetime Drama Emmy Award nominees. Just a few days until the ceremony, so get excited!!

Outstanding Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Mad Men
- There are a lot of outstanding dramatic programs on television these days. Of course, I still miss the delights of ER, but these are still some fine candidates. I think I'm going to take a lesson from my Creative Arts predictions and go with Boardwalk Empire.

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
"Always" from Friday Night Lights by Jason Katims
"Baelor" from Game of Thrones by David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
"Pilot" from The Killing by Veena Sud
"The Suitcase" from Mad Men by Matthew Weiner
"Blowing Smoke" from Mad Men by Andre Jacquemetton, Maria Jacquemetton
- We're in one of those situations where I'm not in love with any of the nominees for this category. I'm close to going with Friday Night Lights, but I'm going to go with Game of Thrones.

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire "Pilot" by Martin Scorsese
Boardwalk Empire "Anastasia" by Jeremy Podeswa
The Borgias "The Poisoned Chalice / The Assassin" by Neil Jordan
Game of Thrones "Winter is Coming (Pilot)" by Tim Van Patten
The Killing "Pilot" by Patty Jenkins
- The picking between Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones never stops. This time, I'm going with the pilot for the former.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Steve Buscemi as Nucky Thompson in Boardwalk Empire
Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan in Dexter
Kyle Chandler as Coach Eric Taylor in Friday Night Lights
Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House in House
Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens in Justified
Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men
- Steve Buscemi in Boardwalk Empire. done.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Connie Britton as Tami Taylor in Friday Night Lights
Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick in The Good WifeKathy Bates as Harriet "Harry" Korn in Harry's Law
Mireille Enos as Sarah Linden in The Killing
Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson in Mad Men
- I personally feel that Julianna Margulies has emerged on The Good Wife. But I'm sure Elisabeth Moss will give her a run for the money...

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones
Josh Charles as Will Gardner in The Good Wife
Alan Cumming as Eli Gold in The Good Wife
Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder in Justified
John Slattery as Roger Sterling in Mad Men
Andre Braugher as Owen in Men of a Certain Age
- I'm going to push for Peter Dinklage, even if it does make me look like I'm trying too hard for Game of Thrones.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Kelly Macdonald as Margaret Schroeder in Boardwalk Empire
Archie Panjabi as Kalinda Sharma in The Good Wife
Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart in The Good Wife
Margo Martindale as Mags Bennett in Justified
Michelle Forbed as Mitch Larsen in The Killing
Christina Hendricks as Joan Harris in Mad Men
- I think I might be selecting a fan favorite in Christina Hendricks for her work on Mad Men, but I guess that's okay.

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Bruce Dern as Frank Harlow on Big Love
Beau Bridges as Nick Brody on Brothers & Sisters
Michael J. Fox as Louis Canning on The Good Wife
Paul McCrane as Josh Peyton on Harry's Law
Jeremy Davies as Dickie Bennet on Justified
Robert Morse as Bertram Cooper on Mad Men
- I love it when there's a good guest on a show. So determining who the best guest was can turn into a tricky dilemma. Here, I can't see past Michael J. Fox, especially on such a quality program like The Good Wife.

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Mary McDonnell as Captain Sharon Raydoe in The Closer
Julia Stiles as Lumen Pierce on Dexter
Loretta Devine as Adele Webber on Grey's Anatomy
Randee Heller Miss Blankenship on Mad Men
Cara Buono as Faye Miller on Mad Men
Joan Cusack as Sheila Jackson on Shameless
Alfre Woodard as Ruby Jean Reynolds on True Blood
- I'm torn here. I think that three of these lovely ladies are deserving for their efforts. But (and maybe this is because of all the State of Georgia I've seen lately), Loretta Devine has my vote for Grey's Anatomy.

The Creative Arts Primetime Emmys, Part 1

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

I find that one of the biggest problems with all of awards ceremonies that take place every year is that the nominees are announced really early. Now, I understand that this needs to happen in order for everyone to have enough time to familiarize themselves with the works and vote to the best of their ability. However, for us non-voters, it gives us SO MUCH TIME between when we find out who's in the running and when the winners are actually chosen. So, although the Emmy nominees have been available online for quite some time now, TheTalkingBox is just now dedicating some time to take a look at who might win, since we are in the camp who tends to forget who we picked for something two months ago.

We'll be doing a series of posts over the next couple weeks to take a quick look at each and every category. So, if you're hoping we're going to choose "Outstanding Comedy Series" in this entry, you're mistaken. In fact, we're only looking at the Creative Arts Primetime Emmys this week, as they will be celebrated on the 10th of September, more than a week before the big reveal with which most people are more familiar. So, stay tuned next week while we look at those acting, writing, and directing categories. For now, we're just tackling everything else... Today, we're going to look at the Art Direction, Music, and Cinematography categories.

THE ART DIRECTION CATEGORIES

Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series
The Big Bang Theory "The Love Car Displacement," "The 21-Second Excitation," & "The Agreement Dissection"
Hot in Cleveland "Sisterhood of the Traveling Spanx," "I Love Lucci: Part Two," & "LeBron Is Le Gone"
How I Met Your Mother "Subway Wars" & "Natural History"
Mike & Molly "Pilot"
Rules of Engagement "Last of the Red Hat Lovers," "Singing and Dancing," & "The Set Up"
- I think there are some great contenders in this category. Especially when you look at some of the different episodes submitted from the same show. I'm going to go with How I Met Your Mother, since those two episodes really stood out when I watched them and when I caught pieces again. My second choice would be Hot in Cleveland.

Outstanding Art Direction for a Single-Camera Series
Boardwalk Empire "Pilot"
The Borgias "Lucrezia's Wedding"
Mad Men "Public Relations"
Modern Family "Halloween"

True Blood "Beautifully Broken"
- I think that three of these episodes are great candidates for Outstanding Art Direction. It's difficult to pick one, especially when you've got a holiday episode up against a big pilot. I'm going to go with my gut and stick with Boardwalk Empire on this one though - there's just so much detail!

Outstanding Art Direction for a Miniseries or Movie
Downton Abbey
The Kennedys
Mildred Pierce
Upstairs Downstairs - Honestly, this is a category where I'm not really qualified to make an educated guess. Of these nominees, I'll just have to choose the one with which I am most familiar - Downton Abbey.    
Outstanding Art Direction for Variety, Music or Nonfiction Programming
83rd Annual Academy Awards
American Idol "Episode 1018"
Gettysburg
2010 MTV Video Music Awards
Saturday Night Live "Host: Russel Brand"
- I'll be honest here - I do NOT watch American Idol. I've seen about three episodes in my life, and two of those were during the Clay Aiken season. I also don't watch the Music Video Awards... what can I say, I'm not fourteen anymore. I will choose Gettysburg here, which I think stands an excellent chance against the two competitors I know a bit about.


THE CINEMATOGRAPHY CATEGORIES

Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series
How I Met Your Mother "Hopeless" - Christian La Fountaine, Director of Photography
Pair of Kings "Return of the Kings" - John Simmons, Director of Photography
Retired at 35 "Rocket Man" - Donald A. Morgan, ASC, Director of Photography
Rules of Engagement "Uh Oh It's Magic" - Wayne Kennan, Director of Photography
Two and a Half Men "Hookers, Hookers, Hookers" - Steve V. Silver, Director of Photography

Wizards of Waverly Place "Dancing with Angels - Rick Frank Gunter, ASC, Director of Photography
- I'm not at all familiar with Pair of Kings, so it's a little unfair for me to completely discount them. However, there are some wonderful candidates here, and I'm going to bet on Rules of Engagement this time.

Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series
Boardwalk Empire "Pilot" - Stuart Dryburgh, ASC, Director of Photography
Boardwalk Empire "Home" - Jonathan Freeman, Director of Photography
Boardwalk Empire "A Return to Normalcy" - Kramer Morgenthau, ASC, Director of Photography
The Borgias "The Poisoned Chalice / The Assassin" - Paul Sarossy, Director of Photography
The Good Wife "Double Jeopardy" - Fred Murphy, Director of Photography
- For me, when a single show has multiple submissions in a single category, I'm not always optimistic. Trying to watch scenes from each of the Boardwalk Empire episodes proved to be tricky - they sort of blend together after a while. So, while they're all brilliant options, I'm going to take the road less traveled and go with another gem - The Good Wife.

Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or Movie
Downton Abbey "Part 1" - David Katznelson, DFF, Director of Photography
The Kennedys - David Moxness, C.S.C., Director of Photography
Mildred Pierce "Part 5" - Ed Lachman, ASC, Director of Photography
The Pillars of the Earth "Legacy" - Atilla Szalay, Director of Photography
Too Big to Fail - Kramer Morgenthau, ASC, Director of Photography
- I do not know how outstanding The Pillars of the the Earth might be, so I'm again choosing a potential winner without knowing all of the nominees. That said, there's something beautiful about Downton Abbey that I think gives it an edge here.

Outstanding Cinematography for Nonfiction Programming
American Masters "Troubadours: Carole King / James Taylor & The Rise of the Singer-Songwriter" - Nicola Marsh, Arlene Nelson, Directors of Photography
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations "Haiti" - Zach Zamboni, Todd Liebler, Directors of Photography
Gasland - Josh Fox, Camera
Gettysburg - Michael Snyman, Director of Photography
If God is Willing and da Creek Don't Rise - Cliff Charles, Director of Photography
Whale Wars "To the Ends of the Earth" - Cinematography Team
- Sometimes, things like cinematography are difficult to pay attention to. The subject matter is just so captivating that I struggle to notice other factors, even when I'm looking for them. So, my pick for Gettysburg might not be smart, but it's the best I got!

Outstanding Cinematography for Reality Programming
The Amazing Race "You Don't Get Paid Unless You Win" - Cinematography Team
Deadliest Catch "Redemption Day" - Cinematography Team
Intervention "Rachel" - Joia Speciale, Director of Photography
Survivor "Rice Wars" - Cinematography Team

Top Chef "Give Me Your Huddled Masses" - Tim Spellman, Director of Photography
- I haven't seen any Intervention episodes, so just going off my recollection of the promos there. And I haven't seen an episode of Survivor in ages, so it's really unfair to compare what they were doing eight years ago to the single episode in question. So, let's go with Top Chef and call it a day. (and no, I haven't seen that specific episode of that show.)


THE MUSIC CATEGORIES
Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)
American Masters "John Muir in the New World" - Garth Neustafter
Family Guy "Road to the North Pole" - Ron Jones
Family Guy "And Then There Were Fewer" - Walter Murphy
The Simpsons "Treehouse of Horror XXI" - Alf H. Clausen
30 Rock "100" - Jeff Richmond
- I adore the music categories. You can just close your eyes and listen! It might not be what you would select, but I couldn't not go with Family Guy's "And Then There Were Fewer," which was one of the stand-out episode in the season, I think.

Outstanding Music Composition for a Miniseries, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
Any Human Heart "Part 2" - Dan Jones
Mildred Pierce "Part 5" - Carter Burwell
The Pillars of the Earth "Anarchy" Trevor Morris
Sherlock: A Study in Pink - David Arnold, Michael Price
Thurgood - Rob Mathes
- Brilliant and enriching, Sherlock: A Study in Pink is the only proper response for me.

Outstanding Music Direction
83rd Annual Academy Awards - William Ross, Music Director
An Evening of Stars - Tribute to Chaka Khan - Rickey Minor, Music Director
Harry Connick Jr., In Concert on Broadway (Great Performances) - Harry Connick Jr., Music Director
Hitman Returns: David Foster and Friends (Great Performances) - David Foster, Music Director
The Kennedy Center Honors - Rob Mathes, Rob Berman, Music Directors
2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Paul Shaffer, Music Director
- I'd be remiss if I didn't admit that I'm rather clueless in this category. And, when one if knowledgeable in the majority of an area, you should focus on what you do know. So, the 83rd Annual Academy Awards it is!

Outstanding Original Music & Lyrics
Family Guy "Road to the North Pole" (Song: "Christmastime is Killing Us") - Ron Jones, Seth MacFarlane, Danny Smith
Robert Klein: Unfair & Unbalanced (Song: "An American Prayer - Hymn II") - Robert H. Stein, Robert Klein
Saturday Night Live "Host: Jeff Bridges" (Song: "I Just Had Sex") - Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, Justin Franks, Jerrod Bettis
Saturday Night Live "Host: Justin Timberlake" (Song: "Justin Timberlake Monologue") - Katreese Bares, Seth Meyers, Justin Timberlake, John Mulaney
Saturday Night Live "Host: Tina Fey" (Song: "Jack Sparrow") - Andy Amberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, Mike Woods
Saturday Night Live "Host: Justin Timberlake" (Song: "3-Way (The Golden Rule") - Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, Justin Timberlake
- Really? Four separate entries for Saturday Night Live? That's pushing it. But, at the same time, there are some quality suggestions there. It's a close call, and I'm really not sure if I'm 100% behind it, but I'm going to go with the Jeff Bridges episode.

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
Any Human Heart (Dan Jones)
The Borgias (Trevor Morris)
Camelot (Jeff Danna, Mychael Danna)
Episodes (Mark Thomas)
The Kennedys (Sean P. Callery)
Mildred Pierce (Carter Burwell)
- Camelot. That is all.

Charlie Harper to Die; Fall Premiere Dates; Graphic Novels

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

If you watch a lot of shows on Hulu, be warned: FOX shows in particular will have more ads. but, they are also looking at having the viewings seen through the website on the first three days after the initial airing counted in the ratings.

Speaking of FOX, they announced their Fall premiere dates. ABC did, too.

Charlie Sheen's character, Charlie Harper, is going to be written off of Two and a Half Men by dying. Perhaps Ashton Kutcher's new character on the show will buy Charlie's old house? Plus, Charlie Sheen has finalized a deal with Lionsgate for a new television series. It'll be even racier than Two and a Half Men. Ten episode start with an option for 90 more.

Discovery has ordered a documentary special on SEAL Team Six, the elite military unit credited with killing Osama bin Laden. It will air July 10th. [EW]

On How I Met Your Mother, the actor playing Marshall's boss has changed to Martin Short.

The Voice is going to be on tour this summer.

Sam Jones III will be going to prison for a year for dealing drugs. 10,000 oxycodone pills, to be exact.

Lisa Edelstein will appear on several episodes of The Good Wife.

After the fifth season, Jersey Shore is going to feature a new cast.

There's going to be an interactive graphic novel to bridge the storylines between seasons 4 and 5 of Burn Notice. Nickelodeon's Big Time Rush will be transformed into a graphic novel as well.

Raven-Symone will be live-tweeting during the premiere of State of Georgia tomorrow night. Join the conversation with @ABCFGeorgia, @MissRavenSymone, and the writer/creator @JenniferWeiner. Tweet questions with #GeorgiaChat.

ThunderCats will run on Friday nights on Cartoon Network, starting on July 29th. To get psyched, watch Boomerang on July 16th and 17th (and everyday at 5pm starting the 18th), and Cartoon Network on the weekend of July 23rd for classic episodes! They'll also have a ComicCon panel in room 6A at 3:30pm on Friday the 22nd, which will include a screening of the premiere.

And, in not-exactly-television-news, it seems that MGM will be doing a reboot of War Games. Plus, Will Smith's daughter may be doing a movie remake of Annie. And, looks like Toy Story 4 is underway.

2010 Television Wrap-Up

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

We're back on Wednesdays as List Days! Which is good, because a little birdie told me that my posts are a bit lengthy on Fridays, and my lists usually are pretty quick reads. So, let's get started... Early in December I saw this list, which featured more than 10 shows, but the choices fit together well enough that it didn't bother me too much. In a nutshell, it featured:

Cougar Town, Modern Family, and Better off Ted as ABC's comedy trifecta.
Mad Men, Rubicon, and Breaking Bad as ABC's drama trifecta.
Boardwalk Empire
Fringe
The Good Wife
Lost
Parks and Recreation
Party Down
Spartacus: Blood and Sand
Terriers

I don't watch ANY of these shows regularly. I've caught a single episode of Boardwalk Empire and a single episode of Modern Family, but neither piqued my interest. I don't even have a clue what Party Down or Terriers is about. But, apparently, those were big shows of the year. I do know a few people who watch a couple of these, but there are some on this list that I'm not sure anyone I know watches. Now, this can, of course, be related to the fact that the targeted demographics of some of these programs don't correlate with those of my television-watching friends, but I don't know for sure. So, amuse me... tell me if you watch any of these shows, and if so why. If you gave a couple a shot but didn't stick with them, how come? Are there any that I should start tuning in to?

More Cancellations & Renewals

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

Michael J. Fox is going to be on The Good Wife again.

Tivo lost 112,000 subscribers last quarter, putting it at the same place it was in 2004.

Cartoon Network has canceled Unnatural History.

NBC cut Chase down to 18 episodes, which isn't good news for the series.

While Life Unexpected hasn't officially been canceled, the "Complete Series" on DVD is forthcoming...

CBS's The Bold and the Beautiful will go on for at least two more years. Similarly, The Young and the Resltess (also on CBS) got a 3-year renewal.

WOW! Dexter is getting renewed for a SIXTH season! I hadn't realized that show had been around for so long already. Although I attended a paper on the first two seasons in March 2009, and there have been two seasons since then, so I guess it makes sense, LoL.

If you want your kid to be seen on Raising Hope, check out how to audition your baby here.

The Simpsons is going to stop making fun of FOX. Which, I think, is smart... who bites the hand that feeds?

Discovery's new Sons of Guns will be about custom-made weapons and will premiere on Wednesday, January 12th at 10pm.

Another new show is going to be based on the geo-location social media game, Foursquare.

Steve Carrell, who is leaving The Office, is doing another office show, also on NBC, also a comedy. It's going to be shot with a single camera and it's based on truth.

Idina Menzel is starring in an hour-long musical drama on ABC. It's going to be mother-daughter-y like Gilmore Girls.

Netflix is trying to offer current episodes for streaming, too. This was Hulu's big pro, LoL.

On December 12th, Hot in Cleveland will be doing a behind-the-scenes special.

2010 Emmy Winners!

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

Well, let's think about the shows I watch regularly (including shows that were canceled in the last year)... The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Cake Boss, Huge, Minute to Win It, Melissa & Joey, 19 Kids & Counting, 16 and Pregnant/Teen Mom, If You Really Knew Me, Wipeout, Futurama, Little People Big World, House, How I Met Your Mother, The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park, Hot in Cleveland, Burn Notice, Table for 12, Kate Plus Eight, Lie to Me, Sons of Tucson. Now, how many of those even had the slightest shot at an Emmy? um... 7? 7 out of 23 (yikes... actually the 23 number is a bit higher than I would've guessed, LoL). So, clearly I wasn't pulling for any big favorites (except the handsome and talented Neil Patrick Harris, of course).

Below you can see the category, my pick (in bold), the winner (in red), and slight commentary when I felt moved to mention something specific. If you want to see a complete list of this year's nominees and the reasons behind my picks, check out last week's post.

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series

Glee "Pilot - Director's Cut" (FOX), Ryan Murphy, Director

Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series

Dexter "The Getaway" (Showtime), Steve Shill, Director

Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special

Georgia O'Keeffe (Lifetime), Bob Balaban, Director

Temple Grandin (HBO), Mick Jackson, Director

- I hadn't heard of Temple Grandin before, but I learned a few tidbits about it last night, and I think it was probably pretty good.

Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony (NBC), Bucky Gunts, Director

- Yay, Olympics!

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

The Big Bang Theory (CBS), Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper

- I kinda wish I liked that show better.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Breaking Bad (AMC), Bryan Cranston as Walter White

House (FOX), Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

The Prisoner (AMC), Sir Ian McKellen as Two

You Don't Know Jack (HBO), Al Pacino as Dr. Jack Kevorkian

- interesting acceptance speech, Mr. Pacino.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

The New Adventures Of Old Christine (CBS), Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell

Nurse Jackie (Showtime), Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton

- another strange speech.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

The Closer (TNT), Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson

The Good Wife (CBS), Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick

- I kinda loathe Kyra Sedgwick. And she wasn't looking great last night, either.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Temple Grandin (HBO), Claire Danes as Temple Grandin

- I kinda really want to see this now.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

How I Met Your Mother (CBS), Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson

Modern Family (ABC), Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker

- good for him!

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Breaking Bad (AMC), Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman

Damages (FX Networks), Martin Short as Leonard Winstone

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Hamlet (Great Performances) (PBS), Sir Patrick Stewart as Ghost / Claudius

Temple Grandin (HBO), David Strathairn as Dr. Carlock

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Glee (FOX), Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester

- I liked her ensemble last night.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Burn Notice (USA), Sharon Gless as Madeline Westen

The Good Wife (CBS), Archie Panjabi as Kalinda Sharma

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Temple Grandin (HBO), Julia Ormond as Eustacia (Temple's Mom)

You Don't Know Jack (HBO), Brenda Vaccaro as Margo Janus

Outstanding Comedy Series

Modern Family (ABC)

Nurse Jackie (Showtime)

Outstanding Drama Series

The Good Wife (CBS)

Mad Men (AMC)

- I can't stand that show.

Outstanding Miniseries

The Pacific (HBO)

(I made no prediction in this category)

Outstanding Made For Television Movie

Georgia O'Keeffe (Lifetime)

Temple Grandin (HBO)

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)

Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Outstanding Reality – Competition Program

The Amazing Race (CBS)

Top Chef (Bravo)

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

Modern Family "Pilot" (ABC)

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

The Good Wife "Pilot" (CBS)

Mad Men "Shut The Door. Have A Seat." (AMC)

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special

You Don't Know Jack (HBO)

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special

63rd Annual Tony Awards (CBS)

um, and this is where things get interesting. Apparently, some of the categories I made predictions in had already, um, had the winners announced... oops. The winners went out for press release at 9pm (EDT) on August 21st, and I posted my predictions at 12:45pm (EDT) on August 24th. oh well, I didn't cheat, haha.

Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

Saturday Night Live "Host: Betty White" (NBC), Don Roy King, Director

Outstanding Directing For Nonfiction Programming

By The People: The Election Of Barack Obama (HBO), Amy Rice, Director; Alicia Sams, Director

My Lai (PBS), Barak Goodman, Director

- wonder what that one is about...

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series

Glee "Dream On" (FOX), Neil Patrick Harris as Bryan Ryan

- cheers!

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series

Dexter "Road Kill" (Showtime), John Lithgow as Arthur Mitchell

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series

Saturday Night Live "Host: Betty White" (NBC), Betty White as Host

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series

Damages "Your Secrets Are Safe" (FX Networks), Lily Tomlin as Marilyn Tobin

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit "Bedtime" (NBC), Ann-Margret as Rita Wills

Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program

American Idol (FOX), Ryan Seacrest as Host

Survivor (CBS), Jeff Probst as Host

- when is that show going to end??

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special

Hope For Haiti Now (MTV)

The Kennedy Center Honors (CBS)

- another one I wonder about the plot of...

Outstanding Special Class Programs

63rd Annual Tony Awards (CBS)

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony (NBC)

- this is what I get for choosing sports over arts, LoL.

Outstanding Children's Program

iCarly (Nickelodeon)

Wizards Of Waverly Place: The Movie (Disney Channel)

Outstanding Children's Nonfiction Program

Nick News With Linda Ellerbee - The Face Of Courage: Kids Living With Cancer (Nickelodeon)

When Families Grieve (PBS)

Outstanding Nonfiction Special

By The People: The Election Of Barack Obama (HBO)

Teddy: In His Own Words (HBO)

Outstanding Nonfiction Series

The National Parks: America's Best Idea (PBS)

Outstanding Reality Program

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution (ABC)

Undercover Boss (CBS)
- also curious about this one.

Exceptional Merit In Nonfiction Filmmaking

Brick City (Sundance Channel)

Nerakhoon (The Betrayal) (PBS)

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

The Colbert Report "#5076 (in Iraq)" (Comedy Central)

Saturday Night Live "Host: Betty White" (NBC)

Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming

The National Parks: America's Best Idea "The Last Refuge" (PBS)

okay, the results were: 15 correct, 28 wrong, LoL. Maybe next time!