TV Feature: Predictions For the 64th Annual Emmy Awards Winners

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Modern Family
Photo credit: ABC

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
“The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
“Girls” (HBO)
“Modern Family” (ABC)
“30 Rock” (NBC)
“Veep” (HBO)

Comedy is strong on TV right now even if the Academy made some relatively predictable choices here. Does “Modern Family” make it three in a row or can one of the three HBO shows steal the glory? I think they’re the only ones with a shot as most would agree that “TBBT” and “30 Rock” are beyond their peaks. I would not be stunned if the voters took a chance on “Girls” but I think that’s too risky a bet to make, especially given the likelihood that the show will have another shot. They’ll play it safe and go three in a row for ABC’s most notable show.

Will Win: “Modern Family” (ABC)
Should Win: “Girls” (HBO)
Should Have Been Nominated: “Louie” (FX)

The Big Bang Theory
Photo credit: CBS

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Don Cheadle, “House of Lies”
Louis C.K., “Louie”
Jon Cryer, “Two and a Half Men”
Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”

After years of interesting nominees here, this has become one of the most boring categories of the night. Consequently, I don’t see them making a change and predict that the Academy will make it three for Parsons. The best shot for an upset? Louis C.K. submitted the amazing episode from season two in which he goes to Afghanistan, a perfect representation of the mix of drama, comedy, and something else that he has created on arguably the best show on TV. I don’t see how anyone could NOT vote for him given the choices here but they probably won’t.

Will Win: Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”
Should Win: Louis C.K., “Louie”
Should Have Been Nominated: Joel McHale, “Community”

New Girl
Photo credit: FOX

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Zooey Deschanel, “New Girl”
Lena Dunham, “Girls”
Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep”
Melissa McCarthy, “Mike & Molly”
Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation”

As weak as the competition is in lead actor, it’s strong in lead actress. When a category is this strong, it leads to a tough job of predicting. Seriously, if you predicted Melissa McCarthy last year, quit your job and become a professional gambler. Will something shocking happen again this year? Maybe. But the safe bets are the newcomers — Zooey and Lena. Why? Most would agree that Tina’s show is past its prime and I don’t see them going with Falco or McCarthy. As much as I’d love Poehler or Louis-Dreyfus, I think it’s going to one of the girls. I’ll predict the wacky one instead of the raunchy one.

Will Win: Zooey Deschanel, “New Girl”
Should Win: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep” (although I’ll be just as happy if it’s Dunham)
Should Have Been Nominated: Laura Dern, “Enlightened”

Modern Family
Photo credit: ABC

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell, “Modern Family”
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, “Modern Family”
Max Greenfield, “New Girl”
Bill Hader, “Saturday Night Live”
Ed O’Neill, “Modern Family”
Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family”

It’s a pretty safe bet that one of the “Modern Family” guys will win here considering they take up 2/3rds of the category. Will Burrell or Stonestreet repeat? For some reason, I think they’re going to spread the wealth and everyone loves Ed O’Neill. Me, I’d go with Max Greenfield who really helped develop the supporting cast on “New Girl” and turn it from a star vehicle to one of the best ensemble comedies on TV. (And I’d be real happy if Hader stole it and Stefan showed up to accept.)

Will Win: Ed O’Neill, “Modern Family”
Should Win: Max Greenfield, “New Girl”
Should Have Been Nominated: Adam Driver, “Girls”

The Big Bang Theory
Photo credit: CBS

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Mayim Bialik, “The Big Bang Theory”
Julie Bowen, “Modern Family”
Kathryn Joosten, “Desperate Housewives”
Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”
Merritt Wever, “Nurse Jackie”
Kristen Wiig, “Saturday Night Live”

Throw a dart. Seriously, nothing would surprise me here. My vote would go to the last chance to award one of the best comedians in the history of “SNL.” If I really try to get inside the heads of Academy voters, I think they’re going to barely go with the actress formerly known as Blossom for taking one of the biggest hits on TV and changing its focus in very funny new ways. She was the best thing about one of the most successful shows on television this year. That often wins awards.

Will Win: Mayim Bialik, “The Big Bang Theory”
Should Win: Kristen Wiig, “Saturday Night Live”
Should Have Been Nominated: Cheryl Hines, “Suburgatory”

Go to Page 3 for the Movie/Mini-Series, Reality, & Variety Predictions