Hollywood – Last year, the Emmys were knocked (and mocked) for recognizing a slew of programs that were off the air already. That won’t be a problem this time around.
Nine of the 10 programs nominated in the two most coveted areas of the 59th annual Emmy awards – outstanding comedy and dramatic series – were younger shows considered to be in their creative primes. That included three vibrant newcomers – NBC’s drama “Heroes” and comedy “30 Rock,” and ABC’s comedy “Ugly Betty.”
But the notable exception, HBO’s groundbreaking series “The Sopranos,” which ended last month, is still likely to steal the show on Sept. 16. “The Sopranos,” often regarded as one of the best series ever on television, took in 15 nominations, helping power HBO to the top of the Emmys heap with 86 total nominations.
“It’s going to be a coronation of ‘The Sopranos’; it’s a great show,” said Katie Jacobs, a show-runner for Fox’s “House.” The medical procedural got four nominations this year, including for outstanding drama series.
Among the networks, ABC, buoyed by multiple nods in major categories for “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Boston Legal,” ranked first with 70 total nominations. NBC was close on its heels with 69.
“It’s always hard to choose between your babies, but both those shows deserve what they got,” said ABC Entertainment president Stephen McPherson.
He was disappointed, but not surprised, by the absence of onetime Emmy favorites “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives” from the best-series categories.
Despite the extraordinary critical acclaim for “The Sopranos,” the series has only claimed one Emmy for outstanding dramatic series, which came in 2004.
And last year, James Gandolfini as mob boss Tony Soprano and Edie Falco as his wife were shut out of the dramatic acting categories.
The comedy scene appears much more wide open.
Last year’s winner, “The Office,” is back again for outstanding comedy and is joined by network cousin and critical darling “30 Rock.”
HBO’s popular take on Hollywood posturing, “Entourage,” received its first nomination ever, for best comedy.
“We’re a dark horse,” said Doug Ellin, the show’s creator. “If we were to win, it would be fantastic, but I’m not expecting it. I’m a big fan of ‘The Office.’ Whatever, it’s nice to be in the group.”
HBO once again dominated in the made-for-television movie category. It scored 17 nominations for “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” – the most in that category since 1976’s “Eleanor and Franklin.”
The dramatic adaptation of Dee Brown’s heart-wrenching book about the annihilation of Native American culture drew mixed reviews when it premiered in May. But the sting of any lukewarm press faded away Thursday for the movie’s executive producer, Dick Wolf.
Meanwhile “ER,” the long-running medical ensemble drama, picked up three nominations, giving it 120 total overall – eclipsing “Cheers” for the most nominations in Emmy history. The NBC show is entering its 14th – and perhaps last – season.
