TV Feature: Predictions For the 65th Annual Emmy Award Winners

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OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
Oh, how I wish they’d mix things up here. Here’s the sad truth: As much as they like to shuffle it up in the acting categories, the series ones regularly feature repeat winners. “Mad Men” won for years. “Homeland” could get two this year. And, even though everyone agrees that “Modern Family” didn’t have its best season, there isn’t a strong enough challenger to dethrone it. “Girls” suffered a little sophomore slump and not enough people watch “Veep” or “Louie.” “The Big Bang Theory” may be its closest competition. “Modern Family” wins almost by default.

Will Win: Modern Family
Should Win: Louie
Should Have Been Nominated: Enlightened

Modern Family
Photo credit: ABC

OUTSTANDING COMEDY ACTOR
Again, no one can claim a strong enough season or following to topple the current King, Jim Parsons. Many are predicting that Louis C.K. finally has the backing to do so and that would be the most pleasant surprise of the night, but I’m not predicting it. This way I’m either right or happy.

Will Win: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Should Win: Louis C.K., Louie
Should Have Been Nominated: Jake Johnson, New Girl

OUTSTANDING COMEDY ACTRESS
An incredibly talented slate of nominees here would lead to some real hand-wringing on my part if I had a vote. Julia Louis-Dreyfus won last year for “Veep” and she was even better in season two, so she seems likely to repeat. But, man, I’d be happy if any of them won, especially Laura Dern, who did arguably the best work of her career on the second and tragically final season of “Enlightened.”

Will Win: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Should Win: Laura Dern, Enlightened
Should Have Been Nominated: Nobody. Miraculously, they went 6 for 6 here.

COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTOR
Or the “Modern Family” award. The buzz is that the episodes submitted by Ty Burrell were the strongest of the “Family” bunch and so he’s got the lead over his co-stars. I’ll go with the buzz.

Will Win: Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Should Win: Adam Driver, Girls
Should Have Been Nominated: Chris Pratt, Parks and Recreation

COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTRESS
I have to go out on a limb somewhere, right? OK, the fact that “Modern Family” was down this year creatively will be felt here, leading to an upset win by a woman that everyone agrees contributed greatly to the continued success of one of the most popular shows on TV. Blossom rules.

Will Win: Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory
Should Win: Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Should Have Been Nominated: Jessica Walter, Arrested Development