Conan O’Brien returns as host of tonight’s Emmy Awards proceedings at 7 on KUSA-Channel 9, knowing that the buzz concerns the peculiar nominating process, the weird list of nominees and the great shows that were overlooked.
Under this year’s reshuffled Emmy rules, a number of late, lamented series got more nominations than some of the best current shows. If the defunct drama “The West Wing” and the concluded comedy “Arrested Development” win, do they hold a party or a wake?
The fact that “Lost” was neglected is outrageous; the fact that Hugh Laurie (“House”) and Edie Falco (“The Sopranos”) were overlooked is ridiculous; the fact that Alfre Woodard was nominated yet “Desperate Housewives” was not is plain goofy.
That said, there are a few deserving nominees we’d like to see deliver acceptance speeches. (Go, Denis Leary!)
Here are my fearless, entirely subjective predictions for the 58th Annual Emmy Awards, no guarantees:
- Comedy series: The nominees are “Arrested Development,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Office,” “Scrubs” and “Two and a Half Men.” (Biggest snub in the category is “My Name is Earl.”) “Arrested” was terrific but “The Office” continues to be smart and true to its wacky vision. Really, for a show initially presumed to be a bland adaptation of the British original, “The Office” has turned out to be exceptionally sharp. The Academy may play it safe, however, and vote for longer-running “Scrubs.”
- Drama series: “Grey’s Anatomy” goes up against “House,” “The Sopranos,” “24” and “West Wing.” (The inexcusable snub in the category is “Lost.”) “Grey’s” is good fun and deserves its popularity, but it’s not at the same thoughtful level as the other hours. This should be the year “24” breaks through and is recognized for its clever, suspenseful format and pace.
- Lead actor in a comedy: Contenders are Steve Carell of “The Office,” Larry David of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Kevin James of “The King of Queens,” Tony Shalhoub of “Monk” and Charlie Sheen of “Two and a Half Men.” It’s between Carell and David. More people know Carell (mostly from his movie work), plus he deserves to win. Besides, “Seinfeld” writer David isn’t really acting, is he?
- Lead actor in a drama: Peter Krause had great death scenes on “Six Feet Under,” and Kiefer Sutherland (“24”) has nearly died too many times to count. But Denis Leary is terrific in every hour of “Rescue Me.” They’re competing with Christopher Meloni (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), Martin Sheen (“The West Wing”). Although “24” fans are convinced their guy finally will win, the more deserving performance is Leary’s. The Academy may avoid the controversial cable show and stick with Sutherland.
- Lead actress in a comedy: In a category full of series that are no longer on the air, Lisa Kudrow of “The Comeback” is the favorite. She’s up against Debra Messing (“Will & Grace”), Julia-Louis Dreyfus (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”), Jane Kaczmarek (“Malcolm in the Middle”) and Stockard Channing (“Out of Practice”). Kudrow and her show were under-appreciated. (Most obvious snub here is “Desperate” housewife Marcia Cross.)
- Lead actress in a drama: The odd choice on this list is Geena Davis in the canceled “Commander in Chief,” running against Frances Conroy of “Six Feet Under,” Mariska Hargitay of “Law & Order: SVU,” Allison Janney of “The West Wing” (again) and Kyra Sedgwick of “The Closer.” Sedgwick should and will take the statuette.
In comedy’s supporting categories, I’d love to see Jeremy Piven win for his supporting role as Ari in “Entourage.” And Jaime Pressly ought to take home the supporting-actress award for her depiction of rude, crude Joy – to share with the gang on the otherwise shunned “My Name Is Earl.”
Drama’s supporting roles are tougher to call. Chandra Wilson and Sandra Oh are both deserving for “Grey’s Anatomy.” Michael Imperioli (“The Sopranos”) and Gregory Itzin (“24”) are also a toss-up.
Finally, “Elizabeth I” ought to rule the miniseries category, thanks to Helen Mirren.
Expect folks at L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium to show some love for several of the presenters snubbed as nominees, including “House’s” Laurie, “Lost’s” Evangeline Lily, “The Sopranos”‘ James Gandolfini and Falco, and “Desperate’s” Felicity Huffman.
TV critic Joanne Ostrow can be reached at 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com.
