Fix It: Duets

The original title of this post was Don't Duet! Which was my feeling after the first outing of what I thought to be a complete reality competition TV fail.  I'm not saying its a success after viewing its second offering - but I'm saying its fixable.  I had high hopes for it.  I mostly like the mentor/judges/celebrity dueters - whatever you want to call them.  I really love Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Nettles.  I can appreciate John Legend, but have never understood nor enjoyed Robin Thicke and his music. So, I was curious, interested and hopeful going in.

My first reactions in short- the judging system is terribly flawed and doesn't work, the established ground rules are unclear and  this show is not even trying to help amateur  unknown singers- just promote its Celebrities.  I've already detailed how much I dislike the over-celebrity promotion of the judges/mentors/whatevers on these shows - and I really like to see that each one has a purpose and can offer something that benefits someone other than themselves.  But, this show is set up as self-promotional in every way - when each musical number is announced - the host, Quddus (the fantastic, nicely human and best part of this series) - announces "Celebrity with their duet partner ________"  Which sums up one of the shows greatest flaws - it always puts the stars first - it in no way enhances the strengths of its contestants - and so far serves only to promote its celebrities.  Even the first week, where the contestants were forced to sing a hit of their celebrity - had an undermining effect on these contestants - as there was no way a worked up 'duet' version of (i.e.)Kelly Clarkson's Stronger is going to sound better than the bona fide hit itself---starring just Kelly Clarkson.  All of the numbers were far less enjoyable than the originals- save Robin Thickes.  Because I don't care for his style, his singing or songs - I thought his stuff was much improved by his duet partners- who both sounded better to me than him.  All this belly aching aside - there is hope for this show.  I am really enjoying the banter and interaction between the celebrities and the host. And I was happy to learn that not every week required songs by the mentoring celebrities - which served to help - but here is a short list of ways to REALLY fix this show.

1. Fix the scoring.  The non-performing three judges give each contestant a score out of 100 and the contestants are ranked after each performance.  There is no way I can be convinced that a celebrity mentor will not have a natural bias for their contestants...so even though they don't vote for them - if they know they are in first place- they will be more conservative in their scoring with the other contestants.  Additionally 100 possible points gives way too broad a spectrum for there not to be problems.  I think Kelly Clarkson is the nicest of the bunch and consequently would naturally give the highest scores in general...so when she is NOT voting (on her contestants) they are already at a disadvantage...and it showed in week 1 as her 2 contestants were the bottom 2 (though they were the most amateur of the bunch-more on that below).  Give the performing judge a score - that is equal to their highest score for any other contestant.  Or give the studio audience a 50% weigh in score.  Give the celebrities a scale of 1-8 to vote on. Have them rank everyone at the end.  Many options - just fix it.
2. Clearly establish the ground rules.  I think each judge looked for a different level of amateur - Kelly sought out the most amateur, Robin sought out the ones that most effectively went with his overall 'vibe'.  Jennifer Nettles went with the best singers she could find regardless of past recording contracts and John Legend sought singers who sounded best with him and sounded most like him.  Perhaps this is supposed to be the draw of it- how effectively can these celebs find contestants...but that is revealed in the first episode.  Kelly's 'diamonds in the rough' inexperienced amateurs can not compete with Jennifer's established singers nor John's mini-mes.  I think they need to have a group meeting on what to look for...if there is another year of this.  I like the fact that they didn't show audition rounds and they made each celebrity find contestants with no established way to do this- but I think some advising would help.  I get that leaving it in the judges hands makes it more like a competition for the judges - and The VOICE does this in some fashion - but still finds a somewhat equal level of talent to compete with.  Find amateurs - or find established singers who are merely unknown and use their celebrity to make them know.  I think the latter would work best - but ultimately uniformity in this regard would make for a more competitive environment.
3. Make the show about the contestants and not their duet stars.  Quit introducing the contestants as secondary.  Help the audience know their names.  Give the contestants more of a say in what they are singing.  (I know Jennifer Nettles picking "You're the one that I want" was unconventional and because J Rome is a natural performer - it worked and was a win - but, it did nothing to help him - it didn't show his range - and it wasn't at all the kind of artist he will be- but she sure looked and sounded like Olivia Newton-John and the duet really worked for her) I think it would be interesting if the celebrities had to sing a duet of the contestants choosing...and see how these 'stars' adapted to that - instead of the other way around.  Let the contestants shine - make it about them.
4. Change up the set.  The set with each celebrity having their own entourage lounge behind them for their contestants to sit in - is awkward- its just another way to show off the stars and make their contestants play second fiddle visually.  Its a weird Godfather-like set up.  Let the contestants stay off stage or sit on either side of the celebrity - equal to them.

It can be fixed.  Jennifer Nettles is awesome.  John Legend is wonderfully critical and I think right on the money with some of his comments.  Robin Thicke is a character and fun to watch - even if I don't like to hear him sing.  Kelly Clarkson is more sweet and silly than I expected...but still very likable. And it has Quddus as host - a human and interactive host - yay! Ultimately though, all I know of this show is its celebrities - I can only tell you the name of 1 contestant - J Rome - because its unique.  I need to see how this  can benefit the contestants.  Because right now, it doesn't.  Fix it, please.

Judging DWTS

A few friends and I have taken to judging Dancing with the Stars right along with the judges. Sometimes we agree (typically this season with Len), and many times we do not. We this season almost being over, we did a little judging of the show on our own.
                                   
                                   Jed                                       Koko                                 Rachel
Judges                          8                                            8                                          7
Stars                             7                                            7                                          8
Pros                              9                                            9                                          9
Outfits                           6                                           5                                          7 (for humor)
Dances                          8                                            7                                          8
Tom Bergeron              10                                          10                                        10
Brooke Burke               6                                             5                                         6
Spray Tans                   9                                              6                                          7
The Orchestra               9                                             7                                          8
Theme Nights               9                                             9                                          9
Overall Season             7                                             8                                          8

So overall a good season. Our consensus is more Tom and Len, less (or no) Brooke and Carrie Ann, and we love the pros, especially Tristan, Maks, and Peta Murgatroyd (who we feel might have one of the greatest last names ever). Though none of us know anything about dancing, we could be good replacement judges.

Basketball and The Voice

This week is the finale of The Voice. I confess that I have not been into Idol or any of the singing competition shows before so this is a first for me.  I was, in fact, one of the people who watched The Voice after the Super Bowl, was entertained, and kept watching.

A few weeks ago my brother wrote this on Facebook about the show:  "The Voice is a lot like March Madness. The first round is by far the most exciting with each round becoming less and less interesting." I'm pretty sure I hit the like button when I saw that he wrote this and did so for two reasons--1. it's funny and 2. it's true.  The most entertaining part of the show is when the Judges spin their chairs around. It's interesting to see the audition, which Judges turn around, who it's for, the bantering over which Judge should be picked, and then seeing who the singer picks.

What I have found is that while I agree with the statement, the show has still been interesting enough to keep me watching--even more so then happens with March Madness. I attribute this to many things...the singers themselves (I'm rooting for Tony Luca), the show format, Carson Daly (he's not quite Seacrest but he's quite good), and in particular, the judges. Adam and Blake alone are a reason to watch (see: the post below). CeeLo is quirky and I like him on it. And Christina--well, I don't think she's very likable (see: Tony Luca), and yet, it works for the show.

So the post-Super Bowl time slot got me to start watching the show, but the show is good enough to keep me watching. So good, in fact, that I'll be watching again next season. Well done, NBC.

The Voice Grade:  B+.

Judging the Judges

Whats the difference between a judge and a mentor?  How about a mentor, a judge and a team leader? A celebrity judge? A permanent judge? New Judge? Old Judge?  Fired Judge?  Hired Judge?  I have no idea.  When I sat down to write about reality TV judges, I came to realize how the role of judge (or mentor or whatever) has become a vast sea of different talent, purpose and intent.  The length of the list of names of current reality tv judges, past ones, ones from shows that aren't on any more - revolving chairs on ones that are - is astounding.  Reality TV judge has become a full-time casting gig. The bigger the paycheck, the bigger the name - all the producers trying to find the one name that draws the most viewers in the demo - by offering controversial, yet acceptable insite to the talent/task at hand.  I don't want to talk quantity of judges fame - I want to talk quality of judges of judging.

 Different shows want different things from the judges - Dancing With the Stars wants judging and scoring and knowledge of dancing.  The Voice wants big name, willing to perform and promote themselves and their 'team'.  American Idol wants someone to keep Randy company while enduring all those hours on the road weeding.  Project Runway wants someone with some sense - perferrably the fashion kind.  Top Chef requires someone with great taste...buds, and an expansive foodie vocabulary.  The Sing Off wants someone with a good ear to tell the viewers when 1 voice singing with 20 is off key.    X Factor wants someone who can make it seem like its not American Idol 2.0 - and who won't fight with Simon. Americas Got Talent wants...I'm actually not sure...someone who speaks, maybe?  That said - I've compiled a list of my favorites and why...past and present.  I did take into account the intent and expectations of the show they are one - but mostly - I just care about the judging.

********************************My Top 10*************************************

9/10. - Adam Levine & Blake Shelton, The Voice- This bromance works. They are both really good at what they do - great to watch perform and great to hear them talk about their profession. Adam is better for the male contestants than the women. And Blake is better for the women. Adam needs to connect to his team members - in order to offer his best insights. I think he doesn't like to navigate the world of emotional artistic women. He is plenty nice to them - but does better for the men. He bears Queen Christina's incessant critiques and constant fight picking well. He picks great songs and is a 'mentor' and a bonafide talent worth listening to. Blake judges on emotion - down home, southern - I-liked-all-ya'all- emotion. He's the only judge on this list to be an emotional judger. He's on this list because he is the yin to Adams yang. He does better with the women because he is supportive and by the end becomes the truest and most endearing fan of each of the members of his team. This really appeals to the women - even the women in the audience (we all want to be on his team!) His emotional conversation does little to help the male contestants - even the country ones. But, he still a favorite. He's so nice and so darn cute and buoys up his contestants in the best way to help them truly shine - so I just love him - how can I not?

8. Gail Simmons Top Chef -I love Gail in the same way that I love PR'sNina & Michael - for her strong, mostly not positive opinions of everything. She is a culinary expert and she knows it...and she shows it with every bite.

7. Kara Dioguardi, American Idol & ? - I don't think she is judging anywhere currently (and yes she still gets a place on this list) - she was judging a song writing competition - but I never saw it. She is still my favorite Idol judge to date - she knows about songs - and it was a great idea to have her judging singers. She is really qualified to do it. Not in the 'I used to be a pop artist - and I can dance - Paula Abdul' kind of way...but in a 'I write songs and look for people to sing them and I know what to look for' kind of way. I thought her critiques were most helpful. I miss her on Idol.

5/6. Nina Garcia & Michael Kors Project Runway- they aren't really a team and are often times not on Runway together or at all. But both are vocal about what they like and don't like and don't mind standing on their own to express it. I love when they really disagree. I love when they just tell designers how horrible their creations are. I mostly love that they know why something works (or doesn't) and they can totally back it up. Fashion and Style aren't exactly universally objective. So, it is helpful to hear Nina & Michaels firm, if not oft times catty, opinions.

4.Simon Cowell X Factor- I didn't fully appreciate Simon until he left Idol. I always thought he was too mean - and sometimes ridiculously so. Did he have to say it in such extremes? Awful. Dreadful. Horrible. I The guy is the original British curmudgeon. Grumpy, moody - but discerning. When he left Idol - there was no discerning voice - and America needs to be told whats what - when emotions are high. His arrogance seems staged on X-Factor. They amp it up. But, he still knows what he is talking about.

3.Nigel Lithgoe So You Think You Can Dance- I'm not sure if he's in this group because of his judging or because of his show. He has been the most consistent on the SYTYCD panel - he has endured all of Mary Murphy's screaming, is British (a seeming requirement for every show), has doubled as Executive Producer to Idol- all the while offering actual dance insight and appreciation. He is also the one to fill the revolving judges chairs on that panel - and I love him just a little bit more for this. Neil Patrick Harris, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Debbie Reynolds, Christina Applegate were great in their guest spots. I simply LOVE the revolving guest judge chair! The choreographers are great fill-ins on this panel. I just really like the whole lot of them. So - Nigel is number 3 - Nigel and his show and his panel, really all that is SYTYCD. (Except Mary Murphy's screaming and Tyce DiOrios smugness - those I could do without.)

2.Len Goodman Dancing With the Stars- One of the least notorious of the British curmudgeon judges, Len is the hardest to please, the least emotional (but he can get there) and is the most properly discerning dance judge on TV. He calls himself an old fuddy duddy - and his refusal to accept more modern versions of ballroom classic dance - proves that he is. But, DWTS is best served by this grumpy gus and his funny metaphors.

1.Ben Folds The Sing Off- He is by FAR, one of my favorite judges ever. He knows music so well, can identify what is good in a performance more specifically than anyone -and  he can be down right critical without being mean.  He may not be the most controversial judge - but I really think he can help in ways no one else can.  His immense communication and knowledge of music and structure make him an expert - and he's fun and funny too.  **Side note - I'm not judging these judges based on their 'real careers' clearly - Ben Folds is an amazing musician - who can't sing very well.  His performances are fun - but his singing is not good - and he sings every season.

In summation:  I like the British grumpy guys and the ones I think are actually experts in their field and who aren't JUST trying to jump start their 'real careers' or get in the limelight once again.  Excellent judging comes from knowledge not name.   There is a plethora of reality tv judges and more to come. What about the new mentors for this summers Duets?  I think Kelly Clarkson will be a fast favorite. Is it possible that Howard Sterns or Britney Spears could be good at this? They both seem more name than knowledge...and who else will X Factor pick?  I say go with someone who has something to say - not something to promote.

PS - The worst of the judges can be summed up in 2 words: Nicole Scherzinger.  More discussion on this and her worst of this field cohorts another day.

A Tale of Two Halves--The Good Wife

Sunday night was the season 3 finale of The Good Wife.  For me, TGW is one of the best shows on television.  Great acting, great writing, great characters, great show. Seasons 1 and 2, though, were better than this season. Don't get me wrong--still amazing, just not quite as amazing. I think it's because the second half was better than the first half of the season.

First half:  The Alicia/Will relationship--while I like them  both I don't think that they have a lot of chemistry and don't love them together. Too much Eli--I really like the character but in small doses, and for sure just working with on Peter's campaign or talking to teenager Becca, not at the firm. So-so cases--at times I thought that the lawyers were stupid for the direction the cases went, and I'm not even a lawyer. Weird stuff with the kids--Grace's tutor? Need I say more?

Second half:  I read somewhere that the Kings who created/produce/write for the show read reviews and blogs and take the feedback. This seemed to be the case. Alicia and Will split, Eli wasn't in it as much, Cary's side ponytail girlfriend left (I didn't even mention that above, but I didn't love her either), etc.  It was just better and more TGW like.

What I hope to see next season:  More Diane, Kalinda, and Cary, all of whom I always like to see more of. (I've been a Matt Czuchry fan since he was Logan dating Rory Gilmore, so the more he's on, the better.)  Continuing with good story lines from this season, like Kalinda's husband and dirt on Peter. More interactions of characters, which I think is one of the show's greatest strengths--Will and Diane, Cary and Kalinda, Alicia and Kalinda, Cary and Alicia (people seemed to be fighting a lot this season...real-life like, but it's time for people to get along again). More great guests, with Mamie Grumer and Martha Plimpton being my favorites.

I loved the season finale and thought it was one of the best episodes of the season.  I look forward to Season 4.

The Good Wife Season 3 Grade:  B.
The Good Wife Series Grade:  A-.

5 Reasons I Love Zachary Levi

1. Chuck - creative, fun and awesome...Zachary Levi makes this work and made nerds cool.
2. Kid Friendly #1 - one of his first starring roles - Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squeaquel - he embraced this cheesy role and made this kid flick one of my faves.
3. Kid Friendly #2 - voicing Flynn Rider in Tangled - never sounded so good and his dry self deprecating wit made it so funny.
4. And he SINGS! He lends his vocal chops to the soundtrack of Tangled - and sounds great!  Plus - check out his duet with Kathryn McPhee of 'Terrified' (one of my favorite songs written by Kara Dioguardi)
5. Handsome Devil - Seriously yummy. Disney clearly fashioned Flynn after Zachary - both are extremely dreamy.

Emmy Nominations make me Squeal!

New faces, new blood. Its a whole new Emmy world.  Gone are the days when the categories are the same year after year, with maybe one different nod.  So much newness this morning as my good friends Pacey and Sookie (Joshua Jackson and Melissa McCarthy) announced with delightful chuckles the 2011 Prime Time Emmy nominations at 6:35am this morning and I was up and ready!  I squealed with delight more times  watching this morning. than any other time in my loooong obsession with Movies, TV and Award shows! 

My loudest squeal?  Cat Deeley!  Cat Deeley - by far, my favorite reality TV host - finally gets a nomination - her first.  Jesse Tyler Ferguson (himself a nominee this morning) as guest judge on last nights broadcast - acknowledged that he really hoped Cat got nominated this morning and she turned the greatest shade of red.  I was hoping too!  I was hoping too!  Now, I'm really hoping she wins it.

Runner-up squeals:

Josh Charles - you'll always be Dan Rydell to me - but how I love you as Will Gardner on the Good Wife - the tension works with Julianna Margulies because of you and not everyone can go toe to toe with her.  First Time nominee - yay!

Friday Night Lights, Friday Night Light, Friday Night Lights!  First time nomination in the Best Drama category - this show is going out with a bang!  Its Final season was fantastic and I have loved this series from the very beginning.  And - I know they were nominated last year - but so happy to see Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler back on the list.  Connie Britton's Tami Taylor remains one of my all-time favorite wife/mothers on television.  And Kyle Chandler - well - he is one of my all-time favorite EVERYTHINGs.   Coach Taylor, Sheriff Lamb, Gary Hobson  and never has blowing up looked so good - as when Kyle Chandler did it as Dylan Young on Greys.

Melissa McCarthy - Sookie is nominated for an emmy - fresh off her hilarious turn in Bridesmaids - Melissa McCarthy is nominated for Mike & Molly - and really she does an amazing job with mediocre material. I've always thought her to be funny - really funny. And since she was announcing this morning - she gave her best guffaw at her own surprise nomination - and became quite disheveled... in that moment, I squealed and thought she's either really surprised or a really good actress.

Ed O'Neill - when pretty much every major actor on Modern Family was nominated last year, Ed was left off the list.  And while it may not be shocking to some that he was never nominated for Married...With Children, the Academy has corrected this gross over-look from last year.  Ed's portrayal as the Patriarch of this Modern Family is hilarious.  Yay for his first ever nomination!

So You Think You Can Dance finally gets nominated in the Best Reality show competition category.  Finally!  My favorite one gets some acknowledgement.  Also - I have to admit - I squealed at Travis Wall getting nominated for best choreography!  He was a contestant on this show not too many years ago - but he really is a fantastic choreographer on the show now.  Good luck as he goes head to head with Mia Michaels, Tabitha & Napolean, Stacey Tookey, Mandy Moore and Mark Ballas.  My hope is for Nappy Tabs or Travis - though Mia's brilliance will probably win it.  All these choreographers and Cat Deeley - it was a good morning for SYTYCD!

Dot-Marie Jones! amazing as Coach Biest on Glee.  She is the reason, I'm so glad that Glee was nominated for Best Casting.  Her first and well-deserved nomination.  There could be no one else who could play Coach Biest!




Johnny Galecki - First Time nominee, Johnny Galecki - love him as the "straight" man, Leonard to Sheldons hilarious OCD craziness on The Big Bang Theory.  I love the steady growth in popularity on this show.  I love these nerds.  Never before has geekiness been so cool.  Jim Parsons and the show are also nominated.  I'm totally pulling for a repeat win for Parsons - and I never want repeats...that is how much I love his Sheldon.

Kathy Bates, Oscar winner - shes no stranger to award shows - in fact - if you go to her imdb page you have to scroll down quite a long way to even get to the Emmys section of her awards page- she's been nominated for a few emmys for mini-series and guest roles, but never won.  I love her as Harry's Law - somehow I love it even more -knowing Harry was written for a man and she made it work and all her own. She has me wondering how many other Oscar winners have been nominated for Emmys this year.  Kate Winslet, Paul Giamatti, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cloris Leachman, Maggie Smith, William Hurt, Matt Damon, and Melissa Leo off the top of my head are all Oscar winners and are nominated for 2011 Emmy...lots of Oscar nominees are among the Emmy nominees - And lots of Oscar nominated actors now up for Emmy: Laura Linney, Taraji P Henson, James Woods, Joan Cusak, Elizabeth McGovern, Mare Winningham, Tom Wilkinson, Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodard, Diane Lane, Greg Kinnear and Christopher Plummer to name a few and suddenly I'm realizing that Oscar and Emmy winner Sally Field is not nominated this year.  And hey, there are a few Tony winners in these nominees 2 on The Good Wife: Christine Baranski and Alan Cumming,  Kristin Chenoweth and Nathan Lane obvious Tony winners as well and there are probably a few more. Now, I wonder are there any Grammy winners?  At least one - my boy (yes, I do call him, my boy), JT, Justin Timberlake and more I'm assuming. Hmm...I may do some research on all this award show in-breeding.

Okay, so what if there are only 2 Best Dramas from Network TV nominated for Best Drama - so what if there are 4 from Cable!  Cable TV is taking over!  But, I have to say, I'm not really a cable show viewer - so it make my picks that much easier.

So much new blood in this race - welcome to many other first time Emmy nominees: Paul McCrane (seriously - I love this guy - even if he did scare me on ER), Zach Galifinakas, Joan Cusak, Elizabeth McGovern, Guy Pearce, Brenda Strong (finally, an emmy nod for the best part of Desperate Housewives, her amazing voice overs - show would not be the same without her), Julia Stiles, Elizabeth Banks, Evan Rachel Wood, Bruce Dern, Peter Dinklage, Loretta Devine (How divine!), Taraji P Henson, Greg Kinnear,  Melissa Leo  and Gwyneth Paltrow to name a few!  Whew!

I love this stuff!  I love the nominees.  I love the new blood, new faces.  Only thing to have made this morning better - were if my beloved Cougar Town had received any love at all...Any...especially that Courteney Cox and Busy Phillips.  I can't even bring myself to consider any other snubs this morning - I'm too happy!

PS - Wow!  Cloris Leachman was nominated for her 22nd time this morning and has won 8 Emmys.  Betty White is not far behind her with her 17th nod with 5 wins, and surprisingly Alfre Woodard received her 16th commendation this morning and has won 4 times. Talk about Emmy LOVE!


Major category nominations listed below...and a few of my personal favorite - NOT major categories below that.

Comedy Series
The Big Bang Theory


Glee


Modern Family


The Office


Parks and Recreation


30 Rock






Drama Series


Boardwalk Empire


Dexter


Friday Night Lights


Game of Thrones


The Good Wife


Mad Men






Lead Actress in a Comedy


Laura Linney, The Big C


Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie


Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation


Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly


Martha Plimpton, Raising Hope


Tina Fey, 30 Rock






Lead Actor in a Comedy


Matt LeBlanc, Episodes


Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory


Steve Carell, The Office


Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory


Louis C.K., Louie


Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock






Lead Actor in a Drama


Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire


Michael C. Hall, Dexter


Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights


Jon Hamm, Mad Men


Hugh Laurie, House


Timothy Olyphant, Justified






Lead Actress in a Drama


Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men


Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights


Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU


Mireille Enos, The Killing


Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife


Kathy Bates, Harry’s Law





Supporting Actor in a Comedy


Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men


Chris Colfer, Glee


Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family


Ed O’Neill, Modern Family


Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family


Ty Burrell, Modern Family






Supporting Actor in a Drama


John Slattery, Mad Men


Andre Braugher, Men of a Certain Age


Walton Goggins, Justified


Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones


Josh Charles, The Good Wife


Alan Cumming, The Good Wife






Supporting Actress in a Comedy


Jane Lynch, Glee


Betty White, Hot in Cleveland


Julie Bowen, Modern Family


Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live


Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock


Sofia Vergara, Modern Family






Supporting Actress in a Drama


Kelly Macdonald, Boardwalk Empire


Christina Hendricks, Mad Men


Michelle Forbes, The Killing


Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife


Margo Martindale, Justified






Mini-series or Made-for-Television Movie


Cinema Verite


Downton Abbey


The Kennedys


Mildred Pierce


The Pillars Of The Earth


Too Big To Fail






Variety, Music or Comedy Series


The Colbert Report


Conan


The Daily Show With Jon Stewart


Late Night With Jimmy Fallon


Real Time With Bill Maher


Saturday Night Live






Lead Actor in a Mini-Series or movie


Edgar Ramirez, Carlos


Greg Kinnear, The Kennedys


Barry Pepper, The Kennedys


Idris Elba, Luther


Laurence Fishburne, Thurgood


William Hurt, Too Big To Fail






Lead Actress in a Mini-Series or movie


Diane Lane, Cinema Verite


Elizabeth McGovern, Downton Abbey


Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce


Taraji P. Henson, Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story


Jean Marsh, Upstairs Downstairs






Reality Program


Antiques Roadshow


Deadliest Catch


Hoarders


Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List


MythBusters


Undercover Boss






Reality Competition


The Amazing Race


American Idol


Dancing With The Stars


Project Runway


So You Think You Can Dance


Top Chef






Host of a Reality Program or Competition


Phil Keoghan, The Amazing Race


Ryan Seacrest, American Idol


Tom Bergeron, Dancing With The Stars


Cat Deeley, So You Think You Can


Jeff Probst, Survivor

Outstanding Choreography

Dancing With The Stars • Routines: Jive “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” / Viennese Waltz “Hedwigs Theme (Theme from Harry Potter)” / Slow Waltz “My Love” • ABC • BBC Worldwide Productions
Mark Ballas, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Routines: Alice in Mia-Land “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” / “When We Dance” / “This Bitter Earth - On The Nature of Daylight” • FOX • Dick Clark Productions in association with 19 Entertainment
Mia Michaels, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Routines: “Mad World” / “Sundrenched World” / “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” • FOX • Dick Clark Productions in association with 19 Entertainment
Stacey Tookey, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Routines: “Collide” / “How It Ends” / “Fix You” • FOX • Dick Clark Productions in association with 19 Entertainment
Travis Wall, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Routines: “Scars” / “Fallin” / “Outta Your Mind” • FOX • Dick Clark Productions in association with 19 Entertainment
Tabitha D'umo, Choreographer
Napoleon D'umo, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Routines: “Oh Yeah” / “Boogie Shoes” / “I Surrender” • FOX • Dick Clark Productions in association with 19 Entertainment
Mandy Jo Moore, Choreographer

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series

The Big C • Showtime • Showtime Presents, Sony Pictures Television, Perkins Street Productions, Farm Kid, Original Film
Iris Elba as Lenny

Modern Family • ABC • Twentieth Century Fox Television
Nathan Lane as Pepper Saltzman

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with NBC Studios and Broadway Video
Zach Galifianakis, Host

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with NBC Studios and Broadway Video
Justin Timberlake, Host

30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Matt Damon as Carol

30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Will Arnett as Devin Banks

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series
Big Love • HBO • Anima Sola Productions and Playtone in association with HBO Entertainment
Bruce Dern as Frank Harlow

Brothers & Sisters • ABC • ABC Studios
Beau Bridges as Nick Brody

The Good Wife • CBS • CBS Productions
Michael J. Fox as Louis Canning

Harry's Law • NBC • Bonanza Productions, Inc. in association with David E. Kelley Productions and Warner Bros. Television
Paul McCrane as Josh Peyton

Justified • FX Networks • Sony Pictures Television and FX Productions
Jeremy Davies as Dickie Bennett
Mad Men • AMC • Lionsgate Television
Robert Morse as Bertram Cooper

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
Glee • FOX • Ryan Murphy Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
Kristin Chenoweth as April Rhodes

Glee • FOX • Ryan Murphy Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
Dot-Marie Jones as Coach Beiste

Glee • FOX • Ryan Murphy Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
Gwyneth Paltrow as Holly Holliday

Raising Hope • FOX • Twentieth Century Fox Television
Cloris Leachman as Maw Maw

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with NBC Studios and Broadway Video
Tina Fey, Host


30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Elizabeth Banks as Avery


Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series


The Closer • TNT • The Shephard/Robin Company in association with Warner Bros. Television
Mary McDonnell as Capt. Sharon Raydor

Dexter • Showtime • Showtime Presents, John Goldwyn Productions, The Colleton Company, Chip Johannessen Productions
Julia Stiles as Lumen Pierce

Grey's Anatomy • ABC • ABC Studios
Loretta Devine as Adele Webber

Mad Men • AMC • Lionsgate Television
Randee Heller as Miss Blankenship

Mad Men • AMC • Lionsgate Television
Cara Buono as Faye Miller

Shameless • Showtime • Showtime Presents, John Wells Productions, Warner Bros. Television
Joan Cusack as Sheila Jackson

True Blood • HBO • Your Face Goes Here Entertainment in association with HBO Entertainment
Alfre Woodard as Ruby Jean Reynolds

Outstanding Casting For A Comedy Series


The Big C • Showtime • Showtime Presents, Sony Pictures Television, Perkins Street Productions, Farm Kid, Original Film
Julie Tucker, CSA, Casting Director

Ross Meyerson, CSA, Casting Director
Glee • FOX • Ryan Murphy Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
Robert J. Ulrich, CSA, Casting Director
Eric Dawson, CSA, Casting Director

Modern Family • ABC • Twentieth Century Fox Television
Jeff Greenberg, CSA, Casting Director

Nurse Jackie • Showtime • Showtime Presents, Lionsgate Television, Jackson Group Entertainment, Madison Grain Elevator, Inc. & Delong Lumber, A Caryn Mandabach Production
Julie Tucker, CSA, Casting Director
Ross Meyerson, CSA, Casting Director

30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Jennifer McNamara-Schroff, Casting Director
Katja Blichfield, Casting Director

Outstanding Casting For A Drama Series

Boardwalk Empire • HBO • Leverage, Closest to the Hole Productions, Sikelia Productions and Cold Front Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
Ellen Lewis, Casting Director
Meredith Tucker, Casting Director

Game Of Thrones • HBO • Bighead, Littlehead, 360 Television, Grok and
Generator Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
Nina Gold, Casting Director
Robert Sterne, Casting Director

The Good Wife • CBS • CBS Productions
Mark Saks, CSA, Casting Director
The Killing • AMC • Fox Television Studios
Junie Lowry Johnson, Casting Director
Libby Goldstein, Casting Director
Stuart Aikins, Casting Director - Canada
Corrine Clark, Casting Director - Canada
Jennifer Page, Casting Director – Canada

Mad Men • AMC • Lionsgate Television
Laura Schiff, CSA, Casting Director
Carrie Audino, CSA, Casting Director

Outstanding Casting For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special

Cinema Verite • HBO • A Pariah Productionin association with HBO Films
Randi Hiller, CSA, Casting Director

Downton Abbey (Masterpiece) • PBS • A co-production of Carnival and Masterpiece
Jill Trevellick, CDG, Casting Director

Mildred Pierce • HBO • A Killer Films/John Wells Production in association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and HBO Miniseries
Laura Rosenthal, Casting Director

Too Big To Fail • HBO • A Spring Creek and A Deuce Three Production in association with HBO Films
Alexa L. Fogel, CSA, Casting Director

Upstairs Downstairs (Masterpiece) • PBS • A co-production of BBC Wales and WGBH Boston
Andy Pryor, CDG, Casting Director