Soft spot for Blind Side

This time of year usually has a pretty decent selection of films to distract from whatever is ailing you during the holiday season.  For some reason it appears this year only a few films are appealing.  Matter of fact when looking at the films out and soon to be released films I was deflated it was depressing.  Mainly because most of the films seemed depressing.

Given the choice of checking out Twilight, Christmas Carol, Brothers, 2012 or Blind Side the answer was pretty clear.  Blind Side would be the date movie of choice as I wanted to feel good about something to avoid (war, economy, market, etc..) I don’t have to spell it out for you. Just wanted to end the evening on a positive note.

Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, and Quinton Aaron was a true feel good “yeah” movie almost anyone can sit back and enjoy.   Sandra Bullock did a great job taking on the role of  Leigh Ann Tuohy as a tough loving mother whose attitude is as big as her heart.  Selling her performance to me hook, line, and sinker.

Surprisingly I was also impressed with Tim McGraw not because he has been horrible as an actor in the past but because I forgot how well he does as an actor (remember him in Friday Night Lights).  Playing Sean Tuohy, husband to the force that is Leigh Ann, was very natural and never came across as a stretch.  Since we are talking about surprise performances at this point I have to include Quinton Aaron whose portrayal of Michael Oher was fantastic.

Quinton fit the role perfectly and successfully created a character whose appearance is far more imposing than his personality.   This guy came out of the blue and knocked my socks off with his performance, mannerism, facial expression. With limited lines his performance still set the foundation for the entire film.  If he would have been flat no way could Sandra Bullock’s performance fit.  The interplay between those two characters was essential for the film and it had just the right balance.

Some detractors might point out the real story is different in this way or that.  I’m not one to argue those points considering I’m not a sports guy nor  familiar with the “true story” of it all.  Honestly it doesn’t interest me, what did was seeing a movie that after 128 minutes I might be lifted up a bit.  In that effort Blind Side succeeded.

Digital Cinema Report gives us a look at Digital Cinema’s First Decade

Digital Cinema Report put together a nice historical review of Digital Cinema progression over the last decade.  While I had kept track of the industry there were still nuggets of new information on Digital Cinema, worth a read especially how the industry has and will continue to progress over the next few years.

You can find the article over at Digital Cinema Report.

10 Most Influential Films in the History of Animation – Jinni Blog

Over at the Jinni.com blog they tossed out a list of the 10 most influential films in Animation.  At first glance I thought they were off on a few but after delving deeper and reading the text I can see what direction they were coming from.

Worth a read as it reminded me of some great animated films from the past.

10 Most Influential Films in the History of Animation – Jinni Blog.

Ninja Assassin made me do flip tricks over my couch while wearing PJ’s

Super long title for a post but accurate non-the-less. Since I first saw a trailer for the film it tripped some sort of subconscious desire to check out a kick butt ninja kung fu flick.  Since I’m not a master of any really all martial arts sort of fall into the same category in a movie for me, ass-kicking action.   That is exactly what I went into the theatre expecting from Ninja Assassin, lots of fighting, lots of spinning whirl death kicks to someone’s facebone.
I was not disappointed.

Ninja Assassin is a story of how a young ninja fresh out of ninja training turns his back on the clan.  Obviously not a regular occurrence as ninja’s seem to get killing kind of mad.   Which is exactly what happens in this film and I am thankful for that.

You won’t recognize many of the characters which to me was an added bonus for the film with fresh faces.  Central character Raizo is played by Rain (abs carved with a ginsu knife) who really had a presence onscreen despite few lines.  The rest of the characters gave a decent performance, at times super cheesy, others somewhat believable… but enough with that mess let’s get to the heart of the tale… mucho action.

You want blood this movie has it in oil drum’s and I learned Ninja’s maybe stealth but they sure do leave a mess behind when lopping and chopping.

Silent but messy

Action sequences were intense and the camera work did a nice job of keeping you in the thick of it without distracting tricks.  I will use the word intense again to describe the fast paced action which flowed nicely and kept my interest all the way through.

The end result after the 99 min film :

A) I had a strong desire to become a Ninja

B) randomly busted side kicks & strong karate chops

D) Frantic search for PJ’s once home

E) Overwhelming desire to sneak around my house in the dark attempting to ninja my pets

Fun flick that lasted well after the credits rolled.

Christoph Waltz was Inglorious Basterds

Those who wanted to see Inglorious Basterds have already trekked to the theatre and checked it out.  I happened to be one of those who wanted to see the film earlier but life gets in the way and things get put off.  Generally I couldn’t be classified as a huge Quentin Tarantino fan though a few of his films I’ve enjoyed.  Either way he is someone to track in hollywood because of his original ideas and style of storytelling.

Inglorious Basterds centers around a group of Jewish-American solders who are dropped into Nazi occupied France. Their purpose in the words of their team leader Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) “as a bushwhackin’ guerrilla army, we’re gonna be doin’ one thing and one thing only… killin’ Nazis.”.   Rotten Tomatoes has it tracking at 88% which is pretty good considering from the trailer you could think it only a blood & guts movie.

It’s not.

So much more to Inglorious Basterds as a film and I blame it on the performance of Christoph Waltz. You probably knew Brad Pitt was in it and while his performance was good… Christoph Waltz was inspired.  Col. Hans Landa as played by Waltz floats like a butterfly across the screen.

Elegant

Colorful

Captivating

First taste of Col. Hans Landa is his analogy of Jews to rats.

What a tremendously hostile world that a rat must endure. Yet not only does he survive, he thrives. Because our little foe has an instinct for survival and preservation second to none… And that Monsieur is what a Jew shares with a rat. – Col. Hans Landa, Inglorious Basterds

As the movie continues you find the analogy is self-description more than anything.  Col. Hans Landa, nicnamed “The Jew Hunter” and main villain, is a Nazi commander in World War II France.   The calm manner in which he interrogates made even my skin crawl, as if it were I in the chair with life hanging in the balance.   Waltz took over every scene and if he doesn’t get an Oscar nod I will be shocked.  Rarely do I campaign for anyone to win but Waltz is that inspiring.

The film delivered more than expected with strong dialogue mixed with the familiar Quentin tempo and camera work.  There was a good balance to the film that was a refreshing break from what has been out in theatres this year.

I recommend you check out Inglorious Basterds simply as example of why I track Tarantino’s work and reason to add Christoph Waltz to favorite actors list.

Stargate Universe – 2nd Peek

The Cast

I stumbled upon Stargate Universe on Hulu the other day and it is among one of the shows that the Syfy network has presented to keep my interest in the network.  Admittedly I was one of the critics when Syfy decided to change it’s name but so far the name change has brought at least two shows that I have enjoyed.

The first being Warehouse 13 described as part “The X-Files, part Raiders of the Lost Ark and part Moonlighting” by the network which turned out to be a fun little series that kept me tuned in all the way through.  Now Syfy has thrown another in the mix with Stargate Universe as one of many spinoff’s spurred by the success of the original 1994 film Stargate staring Kurt Russell and James Spader.

The show centers around a group of soldiers, scientists, and civilians who are forced to jump through a stargate to escape an attack.  On the other side they find themselves aboard “Destiny” an ancient ship locked on a course that is unknown with no way to return to Earth and of course the many other challenges that come with being stranded on a ship far far away.

So far the reviews from viewers at Hulu have been a mixed bag but the show still holds a 4 star rating showing promise to fans who have supported previous variations.  Most are willing to give the show time to develop and see potential for the series to become a favorite of the network.

The only face I recognize besides guest appearances from cast members of other Stargate shows was Robert Carlyle playing Dr. Nicholas Rush, the scientific head and genius of the program, otherwise it’s all new faces for me.

Most notable is that the series is darker in tone and grittier in context which could explain why the mixed reviews from Stargate fans.  It definitely is a break from prior series along the same premise.  No big surprise to me considering the success of shows like Fringe who have built a large following and loyal fan base.

Like many others I will give this show time to develop before casting final judgement of watch worthy.

Zombieland slayed me

I’ve checked out the Re-Animator, Night of the Comet, Night of the Living Dead, 28 Days Later, I am Legend, and Resident Evil to name a few (or more) zombie flicks.  Zombieland so far is at the top of the list as one of my favorite zombie related films (Night of the Comet is still #1).

Woody Harrelson made this film for me in his role as “Tallahassee”, a no crap taking undead killing machine.  His unique style and effort in devising new and unique ways to off the undead kept me laughing throughout.

The opening sequence is one of the best, including films outside the genre, setting the tone for the rest of the film.    Jessie Eisenberg as “Columbus”  perfectly deliverd the antihero character with a  list of rules that had me cracking up the entire film. Emma Stone (Wichita) filled the role of hottie nicely but more importantly a hottie that kicked ass and actually had soemthing upstairs besides mesmerizing eyes.  Her younger sister “Little Rock” played by Abigail Breslin wasn’t a slouch either and offered up a character that tugged at your heartstrings… only to shove a shotgun in your face once you let your guard down.

One of my favorite parts I won’t tell you about because it would be a spoiler, but let me tell you this… a scene that happened in a home theater made me laugh in such surprise I tooted unintentionally, thank goodness for plush movie seats.  It was that funny to me… oh man I’m laughing right now as I write this (minus the toot).

Yes it has gore, it’s silly, it’s violent, and it’s exactly the type of zombie flick that I like. If you want more details and greater breakdown of the film  check out ThinkHero’s spoiler free review they can give you the skinny on all the goods like plot, acting, and directing.

Me, I just want you to see the film because I enjoyed it that much….be sure to take a friend or three. Trust me it’s a group laugh film for sure as long as your friends aren’t too uptight.

Reading others: Distribution, Future of TV, Moviegoers and technology, and DIY filmmaking

I’ve been typing, re-typing, pacing, pondering, and fretting over how to cover my next post for Splintercontent.  Not that I’m void of subject matter, it’s the opposite, too many things I want to cover and not enough time. Not to mention the post would be very long losing most of the readers after the first few paragraphs.

Through my daily readings I find a subject or topic that sparks a need to respond or toss in my 2 cents.  Instead of making you wait what could be another week before I finally get finished with one or several articles… below are a few links to articles that have contributed to all the wheel turning in my head.

Studios feel pinch of slowing DVD sales, rise in rentals – Marketwatch.com

What do I find interesting?

The article covers how the DVD sales are eroding and Hollywood Studios are starting to feel the loss of revenue due to a changing market.  More people are renting DVD’s vs purchasing causing media companies to scramble in order to  fill the void. (DVD sales typically draw 30% profit margin.)  The article expands on Studio obstacles, the impact of Redbox and Netflix in the industry, and how Blue-Ray factors in.

Favorite quote from article (How many times have we heard dollars for pennies analogy?)

“We fear that the industry will be trading sell-through dollars for rental pennies from here on out,” said Michael Nathanson, analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, in a note to clients last week.

**Other Splintercontent posts that tie in with the article: Closing the Gap on Movie release windows

In a Social Networking World, What’s the Future of TV? – Huffingtonpost.com

What do I find interesting?

Henry Jenkins the author of the above article is also a scholar (Director of Comparative Media Studies Program at MIT) and  blogger who writes on media and media culture (among other things).   You may have watched Henry’s video on Transmedia, IF not I recommend you do to gain deeper understanding of Transmedia.  The article is interesting for the questions it raises about our understanding of television and how culture is changing it.   Asking the billion dollar question everyone is trying to wrap their heads around: Do you know what Television is anymore?

**Other Splintercontent posts that tie in with the article: Level 26, digi-novel, and Transmedia

The next 3 links are grouped together because they touch the same topic of how the internet, technology, and the digital age is changing what influence movie going audiences.  Based on a study conducted by Stradella Road, the entertainment marketing firm founded by Gordon Paddison.

Internet influences film audiences – Variety

The Internet Takes Control of Movie Marketing – Cinematical

How moviegoers at different ages use technology – Los Angeles Times

What do I find interesting?

The report provides numbers around what a lot of people already realized, you don’t have to be a major to reach an audience, find new distributions channels, and creatively market your work.

**Other Splintercontent posts that tie in with the article: The next generation doesn’t have to change.

or Generational Content

The final 2 articles are also about the future of movies, video content, and the type of people who will be creating that future.

Tomorrow’s hit movies won’t rely on stars or studios, film forum told – The Vancouver Sun

DIY With a Little Help: OpenIndie Hopes to Bring Theaters within Filmmakers’ Reach – indieWire

What do I find interesting?

Filmmakers can successfully reach the audience and you don’t have to be a major studio to make it happen.  We hear about revenue loss, monetization, margins, etc.. etc.. it is easy to forget that some people see a bright future and  potential for how change is not all doom and gloom.  One of my top 3 topics to watch, it is a picture of things to come.

**Other Splintercontent posts that tie in with the article: Hollywood and the golden handcuffs

Emmys: play-by-play

Here’s my play-by-play analyis of the Emmy Awards show.  Didn’t have a chance to “tweet” during the live broadcast, I DVR’d it…roommates and I needed to watch the new HBO shows, and new TV still trumps awards shows, IMHO.  BTW, “Bored To Death” is an excellent addition to HBO’s lineup, and Curb Your Enthusiasm is still funny.

• Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) opens with musical number…no one saw that coming.  Really good though, impressed with how quickly he was able to get all of those TV station names out.  Props on singling out Christina Hendricks – Joan Holloway on Mad Men – sexiest woman on the tube right now.

• Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy – cute bit with the glasses while announcing all of the nominees, but Vanessa Williams is not having any of that.  Kristin Chenoweth Wins!!!  Good things certainly do come in small packages…she’s so tiny and adorable.  They should’ve had her do a musical # – an outstanding singer!

• Best Writing for a Comedy – 30 Rock is all over the place…and shockingly wins.  Writer gives a speech, no one really cares.

NPH points out Barbie, who sent in a video about how she’s the biggest fan of television…whatever, she won a contest and got to go to the Emmys…cool.  Harlem Globetrotters bit fell flat.

• Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy – crossing my fingers for NPH – reading through the nominee list.  Show closeup of Kevin Dillon and i can’t help but think of the phrase, “it’s an honor just being nominated”.  What?!?  Jon Cryer wins.  Least funny man on television – great.  Seriously not funny.  Doogie was robbed!

Back from commercial break and NPH pokes fun at the fact that he didn’t win.  He did say in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that he would have tons of comedy fodder if he didn’t win the award…lol.  Love that guy.

• Best Actress in a Comedy – Enter Justin Timberlake to make all the ladies swoon.  Makes joke about guys digging chicks who can hang with the guys…watch football with them, and make them laugh.  Hold the phone…does anyone really believe that JT watches football?  Toni Collette wins the award for best actress, but Sarah Silverman is set to take home the trophy for funniest woman of the night with her killer ’stache.

Showing video of Jon Cryer talking to the press after Emmy win…hilarious back and forth between him and NPH.  “In your face, Neil Patrick Harris!”  Love that he just asked Cryer to confirm the name on the envelope.

• Guest Actor/Actress in a Comedy – previously announced in seperate ceremony but bringing them onstage to say a couple of words.  Chicks from Gossip Girl come onstage looking like jailbait…nice.  Winners were Justin Timberlake and Tina Fey for their stints on Saturday Night Live.  JT makes lame Kanye joke – Fail.  Tina thanks Lorne Michaels, and rightly so for giving her an acting start – he’s the reason that she’s queen of TV right now.

• …Another Writing Award – writer from The Office wins

• Best Actor in a Comedy – Rob Lowe is still baller.  Why do people from Two and a Half Men keep getting nominated for things…that show is weaksauce…terrible.  Alec Baldwin wins, which makes me happy cuz he’s genuinely funny.  Gives props to Tina Fey!  Also, big time recognition for producer Lorne Michaels.  He’s like the Godfather of Comedy (everyone must pay their respects to Don Michaels).

Family Guy clip…FTW!

Reality Television Time – Excuse me, while I zone out for the next several minutes.  Bathroom break!

Yay!  Reality over…Movies & Mini-series montage has commenced.

Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick walk out onto the stage – such a cute couple.

• Best Supporting Actress in a Mini-Series or Movie – Winner is Shohreh Aghdashloo for the House of Saddam mini-series.  Iranian actress…was in “House of Sand & Fog” several years ago…really good movie btw.  She was in some episodes of 24 too, Iranian playing a terrorist, who’d have guessed?  Speaking of Sand & Fog, sounds like she has it stuck in her throat everytime she tries to breath during her acceptance speech.  Beautiful lady.

• Best Supporting Actor in a Mini-Series or Movie – Winner is Ken Howard for Grey Gardens, HBO movie.  He’s a great character actor, although i can’t remember off the top of my head what else he’s been in.  Ha!  Isn’t that usually the case with the best character actors, though?  “I’ll make this speech short in hopes that it won’t be interrupted by a congressman or rapper” – absolutely the best Kanye/Joe Wilson joke of the evening so far, and doubt it will be topped.  He thanks some woman who gave him her kidney some time ago – well, i should think so!  “Happy Birthday Sunshine” – it’s his wife’s bday…aahhh.  This might be the best acceptance speech of the night.

• Best Actor in a Mini-Series or Movie – some Grey’s Anatomy ladies present the award to Brendan Gleeson for Into The Storm.  Always think of Gangs of New York when i see this guy…such a BA movie!  His speech bores me.

NPH checks back in with Barbie, who is now sitting behind a couple of TV cameras instead of the Harlem Globetrotters – “Best Seat in the House” winner – apparently, this is going to be an ongoing unfunny joke.

Jennifer Love Hewitt comes out to present a couple of awards.  Not paying attention to the awards, Love is so pretty.

Ernst & Young accountants come out – Dr. Horrible hijacks the Emmys…priceless…Cap’n Hammer saves the day!  Felicia Day even makes an appearance – good deal.

• Best Actress in a Mini-Series or Movie – Alec Baldwin presents to Jessica Lange for Grey Gardens.  She give a shout-out to former bad girl turned Hollywood darling, Drew Barrymore.

Keifer Sutherland and Anna Torv arrive on stage to give out a couple of awards.  Let me just say that Anna Torv looks absolutely breathtaking.  She’s always been attractive on Fringe, but never given the chance to shine like she does tonight…gorgeous!

• Made for TV Movie – award goes to Grey Gardens, HBO.  I keep hearing awesome things about this movie, but have yet to see it…really have to check it out.
• Outstanding Mini-Series – Winner is Little Dorrit, BBC.  Whatever, doubt i’ll ever see it.

Time for Variety Shows – clip show featuring Oscars, Conan, SNL, Letterman, Stewart – funny, funny stuff

Cast of Big Bang Theory comes out to apologize for their show not being humorous in any way, shape, or form.   Ok, that’s not true, but they should.  Give out some directing award…i’m not interested.

• Best Writing Team for Variety, Music, or Comedy Series – Video of nominees is the best part, these folks always find humorous ways to present their writers.  Best of the bunch this year are Conan O’Brien (Facebook bit running down list of writers in friend request format, while Conan “ignores” all of their requests…lol) and David Letterman (Billy Crystal sings a humorous song with the names of all his writers).  However, the winning team, unsurprisingly is the team behind The Daily Show w/Jon Stewart – always hilarious and timely.

• Best Original Music and Lyrics in Variety Program - Jimmy Fallon comes out on stage and starts a funny musical number – falls down.  Kinda funny…definitely more funny than anything he’s done in world of talk show hosting.  Winner is the Team behind Hugh Jackman’s opening number on the Oscars - great!  That was fantastic.

• Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series - Rick Gervais comes out on stage and always shines at these awards shows – really, really funny.  British comedy is usually lost on me, but Gervais is the exception to the rule.  He should be hosting an awards show soon…please!  Pokes fun at last year’s hosting of Emmy’s by the Reality Show folks, which certainly did suck – “Better than last year”.  Daily Show w/Jon Stewart wins, of course.  Jon Stewart pays respect to the excellent job that Neil Patrick Harris is doing…much love.  Talks about how difficult it is and that NPH is doing a great job.  His best quote though – “If the Oscar guys would right me a song, I would sing it.  Seriously.” – remember, he hosted the Academy Awards in 2008.

Drama Categories…GO!

LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell arrive on stage, as CBS continues to try and parade the stars of every single one of their shows in front of the awards show viewers.

• Best Supporting Actor in a Drama – world’s scariest “Other”, Michael Emerson of Lost, takes home this trophy.  Damn…he even sounds super creepy giving an awards show acceptance speech.

• Best Supporting Actress in a Drama – Cherry Jones, 24.  She was the president, and she was good on that show, so yeah, i buy it.

In Memoriam – sadness all around

Coolest TV Vamps – Vampire Bill and Angel take the stage to present to a couple of already announced winners:

• Guest Actress/Actor in a Drama – Ellen Burstyn & Michael J. Fox

• Best Writing for Drama - Mad Men is the winner.  Yay!

Simon Baker is here…hooray…the tail-end of this awards show is very anticlimactic…not a lot of cool people popping on stage.

• Best Actress in Drama – Glenn Close wins for her role in Damages.  Classy lady, stellar actress.

• Best Actor in Drama – For the second year in a row, Bryan Cranston takes it for Breaking Bad.  “So thankful that Glenn Close is actually a woman” – he should be, she pretty much rules in all acting categories.  If there was an overall, i’m pretty sure Close would take it every time.  I like Cranston, he always seems like such a genuine guy.

Final 2 categories of the night, so says NPH

Bob Newhart arrives – luckily for us, he was not in the ‘In Memoriam’ segment, because he is still funny as hell as he reminisces about his old shows.

• Outstanding Comedy Series – 30 Rock - no surprise here, reigning queen of comedy, Tina Fey, graciously accepts.

• Outstanding Drama Series – This is where my DVR cut off because I was not smart enough to set it past the 3 hour mark.  I know…rookie mistake.  So I can’t comment on how the award was presented, but did anyone ever doubt that the award would go to Mad Men?  I know i didn’t.  Good stuff, great show.

I’d say overall this year’s Emmys were a success.  Enjoyable and fun.  I even thought John Hodgemann (PC from Apple’s Mac commercials) was pretty funny as the narrator voice making up mostly fake, fun facts about the nominees before telling us how many times they had previously been nominated and/or won Emmys.  Neil Patrick Harris was phenomenal.  He did an excellent job of being very funny without distracting from the real stars of the show, those who were there to receive their much deserved awards for achievement in Television.  It always seems like some awards show hosts try to do too much, but NPH walked the tightrope with ease.  Well played.

Emmy Musings

The Coveted Prize

The 2009 Emmy Awards will be presented on Sunday, 9/20, at the NOKIA theatre in L.A.  The annual event will be hosted this year by the incomparable Neil Patrick Harris (former child star of “Doogie Howser, M.D.” and currently starring in the very funny ensemble cast of “How I Met Your Mother”).  Given his vocal past in Broadway musicals and other venues, I fully expect and anxiously await a musical production (a la Billy Crystal and Hugh Jackman at the Oscars) to be a part of his hosting duties.

Eonline and Emmys.com will be integrating Facebook and Twitter on Emmy night, to offer a unique live chat environment that will combine both tweets and status updates, beginning with the red carpet entrances and continuing through the entire ceremony.  It sounds like a promising endeavor that I believe will be a very enjoyable addition to the viewing experience.

Upon release of the nominations, I certainly didn’t agree with all of the choices and was unsurprisingly perturbed by several snubs, but cannot help but to get excited for my second-favorite awards show of the year (the 1st being the Oscars).  This year, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has expanded the field of nominees in each category to six (with seven in the best comedy and drama categories).

SIDE NOTE: Adding nominees to Emmy categories is called for, as this is a medium that has been gradually expanding in recent years with numerous original series’ popping up on cable stations.  Adding nominees to Academy Award categories is uncalled for, as this is a medium in which studios have gradually lowered the number of yearly movies produced over the last several decades.

Before I present to you the list of winners that I foresee, I’d like to discuss this year’s most obvious Emmy snubs.  Still no love for “Battlestar Galactica” (in its final season, no less) or “Friday Night Lights”, as two of the most compelling shows on television both failed to garner nominations in the Best Drama category, not to mention their lack of acting nominations to boot.  At the very least, Connie Britton and/or Kyle Chandler should have been nominated in the best acting categories for their FNL roles.  This may be the best pairing of actors on television right now, with the possible exception of Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin on “30 Rock”.

Below is a list of nominees in what I consider to be the major categories (I’m snubbing reality programming, because I can’t stand most of it).  Those nominees that I want to win are underlined, those I expect to win are listed in bold.  In the spirit of full disclosure, I do not regularly watch ALL of the shows that have been nominated, nor the actors who have been nominated for the roles they play in them.  However, I do watch way too much television, so I feel that I have a relatively good grasp on what is good and what is not so good.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

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

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

• William Shatner, Boston Legal
• Christian Clemenson, Boston Legal
• Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
• William Hurt, Damages
• Michael Emerson, Lost
• John Slattery, Mad Men

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

• Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock
• Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies
• Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live
• Kristin Wiig, Saturday Night Live
• Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty
• Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

• Cherry Jones, 24
• Rose Byrne, Damages
• Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy
• Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy
• Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
• Hope Davis, In Treatment

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

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

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

• Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
• Michael C. Hall, Dexter
• Hugh Laurie, House
• Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
• Jon Hamm, Mad Men
• Simon Baker, The Mentalist

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

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

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

• Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters
• Glenn Close, Damages
• Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU
• Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
• Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
• Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Outstanding Comedy Series

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

Outstanding Drama Series

• Big Love
• Breaking Bad
• Damages
• Dexter
• House
• Lost
• Mad Men