Best Tweets from Election 2012

The Battle of Helm's Deep, aka Election 2012, was hard fought. But in the end, Barack Obama has come out on top as our President once again. Four more years, am I right?

I'm sure we all watched this race so closely that we felt like we were in the middle of it- at least I sure did. I was cheering Brian Williams on as he reprimanded Donald Trump's temper-tantrum against Obama. I got just as excited as Wolf Blitzer when the slightest data change would show up on his ridiculously gigantic computer screens (well maybe not as excited as him). And I wished I could hologram into CNN headquarters with some snarky, TV or movie-related comments about each win and loss of the election.

But as I regretfully couldn't be in the center of the action, I was relegated to Twitter commentator. Silver lining: So were most celebrities. Here are some of the best politics-related tweets of the night:

Kevin Romano: 

Wolf Blitzer on the Virginia exit polls, which show a 49-49 split: "Doesn't get much closer than that." Finally, I understand what a tie is. 

Arianna Huffington ‏@ariannahuff

Romney wins Kentucky? There goes my whole electoral map!

Joshua Malina ‏@JoshMalina (From ABC's Scandal and formerly of The West Wing/Sports Night)

Karl Rove has gotten VERY Ben Franklin-y.

Paul Feig ‏@paulfeig (Director of Bridesmaids)

If there's a smoking incinerator behind your polling place, there's a slight chance your vote hasn't been counted. #justawarning

Ellen DeGeneres ‏@TheEllenShow

Why did the voter go to the strip club? He was looking for his polling station. #ClassicJokeSuperTuesday

The Dark Lord ‏@Lord_Voldemort7

Do they record the call in which Romney or Obama has to concede victory to the other person? If not, we need some extendable ears NOW.

The Dark Lord ‏@Lord_Voldemort7

Elections would be more fun if people were chosen to run a country by the sorting hat. #ElectionDay2012

Garry Shandling ‏@GarryShandling

@pattonoswalt How can Mitt lose Michigan, yet claim family is so important to him? Pending identity crises???

Richard Lawson ‏@rilaws

Clint Eastwood stands on his porch. Sighs. "Well if you're coming in, dammit come in," he says to the chair on his lawn.

Joshua Malina ‏@JoshMalina

What does Mitt Romney have in common with popcorn, soda, and hot dogs? Concessions!

In one of my absolute favorite EARLY tweets of the night: 

John Oliver ‏@iamjohnoliver (Daily Show Correspondent, Comedian) 

If Mitt Romney wins the election tonight, the White House will be one of the smallest houses he's ever lived in.

Patrick J. Adams ‏@halfadams

Todd Akin concedes rape to ....RACE! I mean race to Claire McCaskill.

Mark Ruffalo ‏@Mruff221

Okay. @karlrove made off like a bandit. Can you imagine all the money he blew on this election. What percentage went in his pocket. Heist!

The Colbert Report ‏@ColbertReport

"Math has a liberal bias. After all, math is the reason Mitt Romney's tax plan doesn't add up." http://on.cc.com/SqHQBx  #CCElection

Example of the best (or worst?) use of the hashtag

RainnWilson ‏@rainnwilson

In my election coverage Wolf Blitzer is not wearing any pants.#pants

Patton Oswalt ‏@pattonoswalt

How badass would it be if Obama, after snaking Mitt and Paul's home states, gives 'em Hawaii "just to be sporting"?

Roger Ebert ‏@ebertchicago

I think Obama is winning and I think I'm going to bed. #cstelect

Glenn Howerton ‏@Glenn_Howerton

Rock Flag and Eagle baby. #OBAMA

Mark Ruffalo ‏@Mruff221

HISTORY IS MADE.. Racism is defeated! OBAMA WiNS

Meghan McCain ‏@McCainBlogette

Heartbroken. My party has to evolve or it's going to die.

Maude Apatow ‏@maudeapatow

“@BarackObama: Four more years. pic.twitter.com/5bDmETrK” :') yes!!!

Rashida Jones ‏@iamrashidajones

A VERY BIG EXHALE. #RightSideOfHistory #fourmoreyears#Obama2012

Mindy Kaling ‏@mindykaling

Ahhh the part of the election coverage when middle aged women bop to Aretha Franklin

Retta ‏@unfoRETTAble

Tonight we finally find out if the adage “Once you go black, you never go back” holds up.

Patton Oswalt ‏@pattonoswalt

What. In the fuck. Is happening. At FOX News right now. #meltdown

ABFoundation ‏@ABFalecbaldwin

I wonder what the Koch Bros will buy tomorrow to get over this? Lincoln Center? Alaska? Saturn?

The start of Donald Trump meltdown #584 of 2012

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

This election is a total sham and a travesty. We are not a democracy!

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

Our country is now in serious and unprecedented trouble...like never before.

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

Our nation is a once great nation divided!

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

The electoral college is a disaster for a democracy.

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

Hopefully the House of Representatives can hold our country together for four more years...stay strong and never give up!

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

House of Representatives shouldn't give anything to Obama unless he terminates Obamacare.

Cher ‏@cher

WE WON ! WE WON ! GREAT GOD ALMIGHTY ! WE WON!!

Simon Pegg ‏@simonpegg

Nice try Mitt. You should write a book and call it The Audacity of Hype. Well done America, land of the brave. The works breathes easy.

Dan Harmon ‏@danharmon

Romney "only wrote a victory speech." Fortunately, he's had at least a year's practice completely making shit up.

Karl Rove and Fox News went a bit crazy after major networks and sites called Ohio- and subsequently the election- for President Obama: 

ABFoundation ‏@ABFalecbaldwin

Fox News is hurting the Republican Party.....

Danny DeVito ‏@DannyDeVito

Now lets work together!!! USA all the way!

Mike Drucker ‏@MikeDrucker

See you on TLC, Romney boys!

Simon Pegg ‏@simonpegg

Today's Sesame Street is brought to you by the number 2 and the phrase 'fuck you'.

Josh Gad ‏@joshgad

Oh, now this is just getting crazy. Fox News is now calling 2008 for McCain.

Retta ‏@unfoRETTAble

“@Rschooley: Romney campaign not conceding. Mormon, please.” LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!! Jokes!

Ricky Gervais ‏@rickygervais

Well Done America. We knew you'd get it right. #ObamaWins

Lady Gaga ‏@ladygaga

I JUST GOT OFF STAGE IN COLUMBIA!! CONGRATULATIONS MR. PRESIDENT @BarackObama We are so proud to be American tonight! YES!!! YES! YES!!

Steve Martin ‏@SteveMartinToGo

To commemorate Obama's victory, I'm having a tea party.

Rihanna ‏@rihanna

Put one in da air for the Prez!!!! Our dear Obama!

Michael Ian Black ‏@michaelianblack

So happy right now. Congratulations @barackobama. Whenever you want, I will make out with you at a seriously discounted rate.

Adam Shankman ‏@adammshankman

Dear @BarackObama, we did our part. Now please do yours.#GodBlessAmerica

Adam Levine ‏@adamlevine

That's what happens when you fuck with Sesame Street

krysten ritter ‏@Krystenritter

"Obama for real They gotta put your face on the five-thousand dollar bill"

Aaaaand Ann Coulter's bitter tweet of the night: 

Ann Coulter ‏@AnnCoulter

The good news is the promise of continued massive unemployment among young people.

Christopher Gorham ‏@ChrisGorham

No matter who you voted for, if you voted, I'm proud of you. And, tomorrow, we all get back to work making this country great!

Derek DelGaudio ‏@derek_del

This morning I woke up with a giant election.

Neil Patrick Harris ‏@ActuallyNPH

Yahoooo! FOUR MORE YEARS!

Spike Lee ‏@SpikeLee

MITT Says Obama Has Not Won OHIO.Awwwwwwwwww Sheeeeeeeeeeet.Here We Go,Last Minute Shenanigans,Tomfoolery And Skullduggery,Monkey Business.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson ‏@jessetyler

We are either hearing fireworks or massive bubble wrap being popped outside! So exciting!!!! #Obama

Of course you were Hef: 

Hugh Hefner ‏@hughhefner

While I was playing dominoes with the girls, we got the news that Obama had been re-elected. We're celebrating at the Mansion.

Eddie Izzard ‏@eddieizzard

Congratulations to President Barack Obama! Congratulations to all Democrats in America. Well done and 4 more years!

These last few tweets were posted during Obama's winning/acceptance speech: 

Ben Schwartz ‏@rejectedjokes (Jean-Ralphio from Parks and Recreation, Co-Star on House of Lies)

Drop the mic and get out that bitch! BOOM!

John Gallagher, Jr. ‏@JohnGallagherJr (Co-Star of The Newsroom)

F...ING...A

Damon Lindelof ‏@DamonLindelof

Who else made a Fonzie "ayyyyyyy!" when Biden came out?

RainnWilson ‏@rainnwilson

Oh to have a confetti business in Chicago.

Who Should Host SNL This Year?

Source

Season 38 of Saturday Night Live is in full swing with election mockery, a comedy styling in which they are well-versed. But without the help of hilarious Digital Shorts from Andy Samberg and consistent MVP work from the brilliant Kristen Wiig, the classic series is showing signs of fatigue- the same fatigue they experienced after the departure of other greats like Jon Belushi, Will Ferrell, Phil Harman, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, and more.

Bruno Mars looks like he might have the potential to be funny, but Daniel Craig really underwhelmed and Christina Applegate wasn't given proper material. Here are a few choices of actors and actresses that have projects coming up and could help re-capture some of those rare moments of SNL glory.

1. Ben Affleck
Project(s) to promote: Argo & most likely the Oscars

2. Jennifer Lawrence
Project(s) to promote: Silver Linings Playbook & most likely the Oscars

3. Chris Pratt
Project(s) to promote: Zero Dark Thirty & Parks and Rec

4. Hugh Jackman OR Anne Hathaway
Project(s) to promote: Les Misérables

5. Lucy Liu
Project(s) to promote: Elementary

6. Mindy Kaling
Project(s) to promote: The Mindy Project

7. Jamie Foxx
Project(s) to promote: Django Unchained

8. Jason Bateman
Project(s) to promote: Identity Thief & Arrested Development

9. Aubrey Plaza
Project(s) to promote: The To-Do List & Parks and Rec

10. Chloe Grace Moretz
Project(s) to promote: Carrie

11. Tina Fey OR Alec Baldwin
Project(s) to promote: Final Season of 30 Rock

12. Sandra Bullock
Project(s) to promote: The Heat

13. Zachary Quinto
Project(s) to promote: Star Trek 2 & AHS: Asylum

14. Claire Danes
Project(s) to promote: Homeland

15. Martin Freeman
Project(s) to promote: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

16. Louis CK
Project(s) to promote: He's Louis CK, does he need a reason?


Long-Shot Wishes:
-Robert Downey Jr. for Iron Man 3
-Barbra Streissand for The Guilt Trip

Awards Season Is Coming: Which Movies Have The Greatest Oscar Momentum?

October is here and with it brings fall, Halloween, pumpkins and Oscar watch. Now that those pesky TV awards are out of the way, it's time to really start prepping for the heart of movie awards season.

We've seen film festivals upon festivals give us tons of choices for all the award categories from Best Score to Best Picture so let's a take a look at the possible movies headed towards that Oscar stage, starting with the big ticket category: Best Picture

Best Picture
Depending on how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences voters are feeling this year, we could have anywhere from five to 10 nominees. Last year the AMPAS members seemed to hate the idea of choosing less nominees so much that they picked nine... even though only four or so actually had a shot. I'll pick out 10 for now and hopefully whittle down to a nice six or seven by the time nominations are announced.

Source

1. "Argo"
In its favor: 
-Massive crowd pleaser
-Extremely positive reviews after release and at Toronto Film Festival (95% on Rotten Tomatoes)
-Ensemble Acting Award at Hollywood Film Awards
Against it:
-Some small controversy with Canadians but the nomination is pretty much a done deal

Source

2. "The Master"
In its favor: 
-Wonderful reception and two awards from Venice Film Festival (Best Director & Co-Best Actors)
-Supporting Actress for Amy Adams from Hollywood Film Awards
-Great reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes)
-Surprisingly good box-office results so far for a limited release
Against it: 
-Difficult subject matter and directing style; not easy for mainstream enjoyment
-Scientology rumors/prone to controversy

Source

3. The Silver Linings Playbook (Releases November 21st)
In its favor:
-People's Choice Award from the Toronto Film Festival
-Rave early reviews (100% on Rotten Tomatoes SO FAR)
-Good pedigree with David O. Russell as director (The Fighter, Three Kings)
-Best Actor, Director and Supporting Actor honors from Hollywood Film Awards
Against it:
-Touchy subject with mental illness

Source

4. Lincoln (Releases November 9th)
In its favor: 
-Good reviews out of New York Film Festival
-Steven Spielberg (come on, who doesn't know Spielberg)
Against it:
-May be too traditional and not unique enough for some voters

Source

5. Les Miserables (Releases December 25th)
In its favor: 
-New style for musical-movies (actors sing while being filmed rather than lip-syncing)
-Pedigree of cast with Tom Hooper as director (The King's Speech)
-Classic and celebrated musical
-Fantastic reception to the trailer and "making of" featurette
Against it:
-Musicals aren't always awards friendly (see: Nine)
-When something is classic, it's hard to do it better than the original

Source

6. Life of Pi (Releases November 16th)
In its favor:
-Pedigree of Ang Lee as director (Brokeback Mountain; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
-Beautiful, sweeping imagery
-Revered story as source material (see: book by Yann Martel)
-Good reviews (93% on Rotten Tomatoes SO FAR)
Against it: 
-Difficult story to tell
-No well-known actors (all Indian/European cast)
-Worries that it will only be good in terms of cinematography and other technical aspects but not film as a whole (aka The "Lovely Bones" Effect)

Source

7. Zero Dark Thirty (Releases December 19th)
In its favor:
-Great action sequences
-Patriotic and lauded material (if handled correctly)
-Pedigree of Kathryn Bigelow as director (The Hurt Locker, Point Break)
-Getting a Film Editing honor at Hollywood Film Awards
-All-star cast of great acting chameleons (no one sticks out for being too famous)
Against it: 
-Controversial/difficult material (if handled poorly)
-Concern that the movie is too quick a turnaround from the actual operation
-Scandal surrounding whether or not the government gave filmmakers classified information to make the movie more realistic

Source

8. Amour
In its favor:
-Won the Palme d'Or (Best Film) at Cannes Film Festival
-Pedigree of Michael Haneke as director (Funny Games, The White Ribbon)
-Rave reviews for film and main actors
Against it: 
-Foreign film
-About elderly people with nude scenes and all

Source

9. Moonrise Kingdom (Out on DVD)
In its favor: 
-Very favorable reviews (94% on Rotten Tomatoes)
-Sweet/lovable story that is sure to warm voters' hearts
-Brilliant cast
-Great director pedigree with Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums, Fantastic Mr. Fox)
Against it: 
-Released in the summer, may not be fresh enough in people's minds
-May be a little too weird a style for some voters (same problem with Royal Tenenbaums)

Source

10. Beasts of the Southern Wild
In its favor:
-Big winner at Sundance
-Sterling reviews for film and cast (especially young star Quvenzhane Wallis)
Against it: 
-Really low-budget film that hasn't been seen by many
-Controversy with SAG awards: it doesn't meet the terms of the SAG low-budget feature agreement of having to use a few professional actors, which the film does not










Possible Alternatives:
Promised Land
Flight
Hyde Park on Hudson
The Impossible
Anna Karenina
Cloud Atlas
Django Unchained


Best Director
1. Ben Affleck: Argo
2. Paul Thomas Anderson: The Master
3. Steven Spielberg: Lincoln
4. David O. Russell: The Silver Linings Playbook
5. Tom Hooper: Les Miserables

Possible Alternatives:
Ang Lee: Life of Pi
Kathryn Bigelow: Zero Dark Thirty
Michael Heneke: Amour
Quentin Tarantino: Django Unchained
Robert Zemeckis: Flight
Gus Van Sant: Promised Land
Ben Zeitlin: Beasts of the Southern Wild


Best Actor
1. Joaquin Phoenix: The Master
2. Daniel Day-Lewis: Lincoln
3. John Hawkes: The Sessions
4. Denzel Washington: Flight
5. Anthony Hopkins: Hitchcock

Possible Alternatives:
Bradley Cooper: The Silver Linings Playbook
Bill Murray: Hyde Park on Hudson
Hugh Jackman: Les Miserables
Matt Damon: Promised Land
Jean-Louis Trintignant: Amour


Best Actress
1. Jennifer Lawrence: The Silver Linings Playbook
2. Naomi Watts: The Impossible
3. Helen Mirren: Hitchcock
4. Marion Cotillard: Rust and Bone
5. Keira Knightley: Anna Karenina

Possible Alternatives:
Quvenzhane Wallis: Beasts of the Southern Wild
Michelle Williams: Take this Waltz
Emmanuelle Riva: Amour
Laura Linney: Hyde Park on Hudson


Best Supporting Actor
1. Phillip Seymour Hoffman: The Master
2. Robert De Niro: The Silver Linings Playbook
3. Alan Arkin: Argo
4. Leonardo DiCaprio: Django Unchained
5. Tommy Lee Jones: Lincoln

Possible Alternatives:
Russell Crowe: Les Miserables
William H. Macy: The Sessions
Matthew McConaughey: Magic Mike
Dwight Henry: Beasts of the Southern Wild
Ewan McGregor: The Impossible


Best Supporting Actress
1. Amy Adams: The Master
2. Anne Hathaway: Les Miserables
3. Sally Field: Lincoln
4. Helen Hunt: The Sessions
5. Maggie Smith: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Possible Alternatives:
Nicole Kidman: The Paperboy
Jessica Chastain: Zero Dark Thirty
Francis McDorman: Promised Land
Scarlett Johansson: Hitchcock



Best Original Screenplay
1. Paul Thomas Anderson: The Master
2. Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola: Moonrise Kingdom
3. Mark Boal: Zero Dark Thirty
4. Quentin Tarantino: Django Unchained
5. Matt Damon & John Krasinski: Promised Land

Possible Alternatives: 
Michael Heneke: Amour
John Gatins: Flight
Martin McDonaugh: Seven Psycopaths
Rian Johnson: Looper


Best Adapted Screenplay
1. Chris Terrio: Argo
2. David O. Russell: The Silver Linings Playbook
3. Tony Kushner, John Logan & Paul Webb: Lincoln
4. David Magee: Life of Pi
5. Tom Stoppard: Anna Karenina

Possible Alternatives: 
William Nicholson: Les Miserables
Stephen Chbosky: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Ben Zeitlin & Lucy Alibar: Beasts of the Southern Wild
Ben Lewin: The Sessions
Judd Apatow: This Is 40


Best Animated Film
1. Brave
2. Wreck-It-Ralph
3. Frankenweenie
4. Paranorman

Possible Alternatives: 
Rise of the Guardians
Hotel Transylvania
The Pirates! Band of Misfits
The Lorax
A foreign animated feature that will surprise everyone


Best Score
1. Alexandre Desplat: Argo
2. Dario Marianelli: Anna Karenina
3. John Williams: Lincoln
4. Dan Romer & Ben Zeitlin: Beasts of the Southern Wild
5. Johnny Greenwood**: The Master
Other possible 5th: Howard Shore: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Possible Alternatives: 
Alexandre Desplat: Moonrise Kingdom
Danny Elfman: The Silver Linings Playbook
Reinold Hell, Johnny Kilmek & Tom Tyker: Cloud Atlas
Gustavo Santoallalo: On the Road
Mychael Danna: Life of Pi

**Jonny Greenwood may end up being deemed ineligible for using some of his already pre-recorded music for the score which is not allowed by Oscar standards.

So as this is the first week for predictions, anything can change. We won't get big hints until end of November and early December which is when the Critics Choice, The SAG awards and the Golden Globes will announce their nominations. See you then!


Sources: Indiewire, Vulture, The Hollywood Reporter & Entertainment Weekly

The Emmy Winners Are...

Check out the updated list of Emmy winners here!

Best Supporting Actor- Comedy:
Eric Stonestreet- "Modern Family"

Best Writing- Comedy:
Louis CK- "Louie"

Best Supporting Actress- Comedy:
Julie Bowen- "Modern Family"

Best Directing- Comedy:
Steve Levitan- "Modern Family"

Best Lead Actor- Comedy:
Jon Cryer- "Two and a Half Men" (Awful)

Best Lead Actress- Comedy:
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss- "Veep" (Sorry Amy)

Best Reality Competition Program:
"The Amazing Race"

Best Reality Host:
Tom Bergeron- "Dancing With The Stars"

Best Supporting Actor- Drama:
Aaron Paul- "Breaking Bad"

Best Writing- Drama:
"Homeland"

Best Supporting Actress- Drama:
Maggie Smith- "Downton Abbey"

Best Directing- Drama:
"Boardwalk Empire"

Best Lead Actor- Drama:
Damian Lewis- "Homeland"

Best Lead Actress- Drama:
Claire Danes- "Homeland"

Best Variety Special
"Louie CK: Live at the Beacon Theater"

Best Director for Variety Special
Tony Awards director- Glenn Weiss

Best Variety Show:
"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"

Best Supporting Actress- Miniseries/TV Movie:
Jessica Lange- "American Horror Story"

Best Supporting Actor- Miniseries/TV Movie:
Tom Bergeron- "Hatfields & McCoys"

Best Writing- Miniseries/TV Movie:
Danny Strong- "Game Change"

Best Leading Actress- Miniseries/TV Movie:
Julianne Moore- "Game Change"

Best Director- Miniseries/TV Movie:
Jay Roach- "Game Change"

Best Leading Actor- Miniseries/TV Movie
Kevin Costner- "Hatfields & McCoys"

Best Miniseries/TV Movie:
"Game Change"

Best Drama:
"Homeland"

Best Comedy:
"Modern Family"

Quite a few shockers tonight. Homeland shocks Breaking Bad and "Mad Men" by taking home the Best Drama award while Damian Lewis snatches the Best Actor in a Drama Series award away from Bryan Cranston for the first time. Jon Cryer's win was the biggest shock for me as this signals the ending of the world. Well done Mayans, well done.

What did you think of tonight's Emmys? Who should have won? How was Kimmel as host? And more importantly to most people who aren't huge nerds like myself: what about those red carpet dresses, right?

See you for the next round of awards. Movies: You get the spotlight next!

This Year's Biggest Emmy Snubs

Are you ready for the Emmys tonight? Before you watch some lucky writers, actors and directors get some much deserved (or maybe not) awards, check out some other shows and people who should have been recognized this year.

Best Comedies:
1. Parks and Recreation
2. Community
3. Louie

Best Dramas:
1. Parenthood
2. Justified
3. The Good Wife

Best Actor- Comedy:
1. Joel McHale- Community
2. Adam Scott- Parks and Recreation
3. Will Arnett- Up All Night

Best Actress- Comedy:
1. Courteney Cox- Cougartown
2. Martha Plimpton- Raising Hope
3. Laura Dern- Enlightened

Best Supporting Actor- Comedy:
1. Nick Offerman- Parks and Recreation
2. Danny Pudi- Community
3. Neil Patrick Harris- How I Met Your Mother

Best Supporting Actress- Comedy:
1. Casey Wilson- Happy Endings
2. Busy Phillips- Cougartown
3. Alison Brie- Community

Best Actor- Drama:
1. Hugh Laurie- House
2. Jason Isaacs- Awake
3. Dustin Hoffman- Luck

Best Supporting Actor- Drama:
1. John Noble- Fringe
2. Josh Charles- The Good Wife
3. Vincent Kartheiser- Mad Men

Best Supporting Actress- Drama:
1. Kelly MacDonald- Boardwalk Empire
2. Katey Sagal- Sons of Anarchy
3. Rose Byrne- Damages

Who else do you think should have nominated this year? Check out who wins tonight in just about an hour.

Final Emmy Predictions: Who Deserves The Awards... And Who Will Actually Get Them?

The day has come everyone. It's Emmy judgment day. I have a list of what I think will most likely happen, but I'm also going to include who I believe is most deserving. So get your ballots filled in quick and let's see if whose choices will reign most truthful tonight.

Best Comedy Nominees:
1. "The Big Bang Theory"
2. "30 Rock"
3. "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
4. "Modern Family"
5. "Girls"
6. "Veep"

Winner: "Modern Family"- I say the Emmy voters will stick to what they know and give the ensemble show another win.
Possibility: The only dark horse winner I could imagine is "Girls" but the voters may only do this if the HBO comedy wins all of its other awards from Best Writing and Direction to Best Actress for Lena Dunham. If we see a sweep, we may see an overall gold statue for the first timer. But this is a HUGE long-shot.

Best Actor in a Comedy- Nominees: 
1. Jim Parsons- "The Big Bang Theory"
2. Louis C.K.- "Louie"
3. Alec Baldwin- "30 Rock"
4. Larry David- "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
5. Don Cheadle- "House of Lies"
6. Jon Cryer- "Two and a Half Men"

Winner: Jim Parsons. I see another familiar face walking away with the trophy yet again.
Possibility: It would bring me the greatest joy in the world for Louis C.K. to get some recognition for the fantastic work he does on and offscreen on his show. If they knew any better, Emmy voters would give the comedian this award just because they snubbed the show as a whole for Best Comedy. If Jon Cryer gets within 10 feet of this award, there is no justice in this world.

Best Actress in a Comedy- Nominees:
1. Amy Poehler- "Parks and Recreation"
2. Julia Louie-Dreyfuss- "Veep"
3. Lena Dunham- "Girls"
4. Tina Fey- "30 Rock"
5. Melissa McCarthy- "Mike and Molly"
6. Zooey Deschanel- "New Girl"
7. Edie Falco- "Nurse Jackie"

Winner: It has to Amy Poehler. It just has to be.
Possibility: Emmy voters love Julia Louie-Dreyfuss. If I'm being completely honest with myself, she is most likely the frontrunner. But after trying to watch "Veep" with the most open of minds, I cannot bring myself to really enjoy it. "Parks and Recreation,"on the other hand, brings me pure joy from goofy start to sweet finish. And it all has to do with how ridiculously good Poehler is. This is her fifth nomination (third for "Parks and Rec"). Give her the Emmy already.
A Dark Horse candidate: Emmy voters might reward Lena Dunham for writing, directing and starring in her own show, "Girls."

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy- Nominees:
1. Ty Burrell- "Modern Family"
2. Ed O'Neill- "Modern Family"
3. Jesse Tyler Ferguson- "Modern Family"
4. Eric Stonestreet- "Modern Family"
5. Bill Hader- "Saturday Night Live"
6. Max Greenfield- "New Girl"

Winner: Ty Burrell. The two supporting awards for comedy are the toughest to predict. It's such a toss-up for me between the always wonderful Ty Burrell and Eric Stonestreet who have both already picked up awards. I'll stick with Burrell for win number two.
Possibility: Then again, Emmy voters may shy away from the show considering it's less than stellar third season. If this happens, my vote would go to Bill Hader who has deserved acclaim from day one on "SNL."

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy- Nominees:
1. Kathryn Joosten- "Desperate Housewives"
2. Kristen Wiig- "Saturday Night Live"
3. Sofia Vergara- "Modern Family"
4. Julie Bowen- "Modern Family"
5. Merritt Weaver- "Nurse Jackie"
6. Mayim Bialik- "The Big Bang Theory"

Winner: It's hard to say but I think Julie Bowen has the edge over her co-star here.
Possiblity: But if the Emmy voters are partial to "The Big Bang Theory," Mayim Bialik could take home the gold.

Best Drama Nominees:
1. "Breaking Bad"
2. "Mad Men"
3. "Boardwalk Empire"
4. "Homeland"
5. "Game of Thrones"
6. "Downton Abbey"

Winner: "Mad Men" has won for four straight years. It's hard to see anyone taking it down but...
Possibility: "Breaking Bad." If anyone can best the advertising drama, I think Bryan Cranston & Co. have the biggest shot with its outrageously good fourth season.
A Dark Horse candidate: If Emmy voters are as in love with "Downton Abbey" as they were come Emmy nominations time, the British period show could surprise everyone. But I don't think there's any real show with such great frontrunners.

Best Actor in a Drama- Nominees:
1. Bryan Cranston- "Breaking Bad"
2. Jon Hamm- "Mad Men"
3. Damian Lewis- "Homeland"
4. Steve Buscemi- "Boardwalk Empire"
5. Hugh Bonneville- "Downton Abbey"
6. Michael C. Hall- "Dexter"

Winner: Bryan Cranston. The fourth season was just too good.
Possibility: Poor Jon Hamm. The guy's been nominated every year and lost out to Cranston every time the "Breaking Bad" star was eligible. The one year Cranston was out of the race (last year), "Friday Night Lights" star Kyle Chandler was surprisingly (and finally, rightfully) given the award for the football drama's final season. Hamm didn't have as much time with one really emotional episode to submit (except for maybe the one where he hallucinates killing a lady) so it's probably going to be another Cranston year.

Best Actress in a Drama- Nominees: 
1. Claire Danes- "Homeland"
2. Glenn Close- "Damages"
3. Elizabeth Moss- "Mad Men"
4. Juliana Marguiles- "The Good Wife"
5. Michelle Dockery- "Downton Abbey"
6. Kathy Bates- "Harry's Law"

Winner: Claire Danes. She owns every second of her screen time in "Homeland."
Possibility: None. I'm not putting another name in place of Danes. There's no way she doesn't take this award home tonight.

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama- Nominees:
1. Giancarlo Esposito- "Breaking Bad"
2. Aaron Paul- "Breaking Bad"
3. Jared Harris- "Mad Men"
4. Peter Dinklage- "Game of Thrones"
5. Jim Carter- "Downton Abbey"
6. Brendan Coyle- "Downton Abbey"

Winner: Giancarlo Esposito gets my vote solely for the last episode of season four.
Possibility: It's always possible that Aaron Paul could win another Emmy for his consistently stunning work as Jesse on "Breaking Bad." But as this is the only year Esposito can qualify, Paul will probably be sitting this one out.
A Dark Horse candidate: Don't forget about Peter Dinklage. He did win last year...

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama- Nominees: 
1. Anna Gunn- "Breaking Bad"
2. Archie Panjabi- "The Good Wife"
3. Christine Baranski- "The Good Wife"
4. Maggie Smith- "Downton Abbey"
5. Joanne Froggatt- "Downton Abbey"
6. Christina Hendricks- "Mad Men"

Winner: Christina Hendricks. After what her character did in season five, I truly believe this is finally her year. She completely deserves this award.
Possibility: But there's always a chance for Maggie Smith to win when she's thrown into any mix.

Best Miniseries/TV Movie Nominees: 
1. "Game Change"
2. Hemingway & Gelhorn"
3. "Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia"
4. "Luther"
5. "American Horror Story"
6. "Hatfields & McCoys"

Winner: This is a tough one. With so many good choices, I think Emmy voters will play it political and traditional with "Game Change." They've given a movie like this the award before ("Recount") and I think this'll be a repeat. Emmy loves HBO, too.
Possibilities: "Hemingway & Gelhorn," "Hatfields & McCoys" and "Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia" all have a small chance. "Sherlock" would be my pick for most deserving, though I would've preferred the creators to submit the brilliant "The Reichenbach Fall" instead of "A Scandal in Belgravia."

Best Actor in a Miniseries/TV Movie Nominees:
1. Kevin Costner- "Hatfields & McCoys"
2. Bill Paxton- "Hatfields & McCoys"
3. Clive Owen- "Hemingway & Gelhorn"
4. Woody Harrelson- "Game Change"
5. Idris Elba- "Luther"
6. Benedict Cumberbatch- "Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia"

Winner: I honestly don't know who will win for this, but I genuinely hope its Benedict Cumberbatch. That man is the perfect Sherlock Holmes. But if Emmy voters embrace "Game Change" the way I think they will, the winner will definitely be Woody Harrelson.
Possibilities: While I believe the "Hatfields & McCoys" men may actually split the vote, Kevin Costner is still a huge contender... as is this year's Golden Globe winner Idris Elba.

Best Actress in a Miniseries/TV Movie Nominees:
1. Julianne Moore- "Game Change"
2. Nicole Kidman- "Hemingway & Gelhorn"
3. Connie Britton- "American Horror Story"
4. Emma Thompson- "The Song of Lunch"
5. Ashley Judd- "Missing"

Winner: Julianne Moore will almost certainly win for her portrayal of Sarah Palin.
Possiblity: The only upset I could see happening is for Kidman to steal away the prize from Moore. Both TV movies were on HBO so there is potential for a surprise.

Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries/TV Movie Nominees: 
1. Martin Freeman- "Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia"
2. Tom Bergeron- "Hatfields & McCoys"
3. Ed Harris- "Game Change"
4. David Stratharin- "Hemingway & Gelhorn"
5. Denis O'Hare- "American Horror Story"

Winner: Ed Harris. His John McCain will most likely be as well-received as Julianne Moore's Sarah Palin.
Possibility: I would be the happiest person to see Martin Freeman get this award for his fantastic work as John Watson on "Sherlock." But again, I think the submission of "The Reichenbach Fall" would have been better suited for Freeman's chances.

Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries/TV Movie Nominees:
1. Frances Conroy- "American Horror Story"
2. Jessica Lange- "American Horror Story"
3. Sarah Paulson- "Game Change"
4. Mare Winningham- "Hatfields & McCoys"
5. Judy Davis- "Page Eight (Masterpiece)"

Winner: Jessica Lange. I don't see anyone taking this away from her.
Possibility: None. I'm confident no one else will win over Lange's juicy role.

That's a wrap for me. I'll be live-tweeting the show from red-carpet to the Jimmy Kimmel's closing remarks so check those out. Let's see how many of these predictions come true tonight at 7 p.m. on ABC. 

Updated: Assessment of the 2012 Emmy Nominations

The nominations are in! Here are the updated list from my predictions and my important assessments. If you want to see my Wild Card or Dream nominees, check below for last night's post. Want to see the list for yourself? Check it out here 



Best Comedy
1. "Modern Family"
2. "Parks and Recreation" (Another Dream Nominee) "Girls"
3. "The Big Bang Theory"
4. "30 Rock"
5. "Louie" (Another Dream Nominee)  "Veep"
6. "Curb Your Enthusiasm"

Assessment: 
I'm fine with the addition of these two shows but getting rid of the fantastic fourth season of "Parks and Recreation" in favor of new blood is a travesty.

Wild Card Nominees:
New shows "Girls", "New Girl" and "Veep" all have the star power to make it on the Emmy shortlist. If any shows would be knocked off, it might be "Louie" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." And if Emmy voters are still stupid, they'll knock off the superior "Louie" for "Glee." A snub for "Louie," however, may cause rioting in the streets... by me.


Best Actor- Comedy:
1. Jim Parsons- "The Big Bang Theory"
2. Alec Baldwin- "30 Rock"
3. Louis CK- "Louie" (Another Dream Nominee)
4. Larry David- "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
5. Johnny Galecki- "The Big Bang Theory" Jon Cryer- "Two and a Half Men"
6. Joel McHale- "Community" (Another Dream Nominee) Don Cheadle- "House of Lies"

Assessment: 
It was wrong of me to leave of Don Cheadle. The sheer starpower alone made it obvious that the actor would make the list, even with his inconsistent show. And apparently. the Emmy voters are ridiculous once again because there's Jon Cryer's name.


Best Actress- Comedy
1. Julia Louis-Dreyfus- "Veep"
2. Amy Poehler- "Parks and Recreation" (Another Dream Nominee... and Winner)
3. Zooey Deschanel- "New Girl" (Another Dream Nominee)
4. Tina Fey- "30 Rock"
5. Melissa McCarthy- "Mike and Molly"
6. Lena Dunham- "Girls" (Another Dream Nominee)
7. Edie Falco- "Nurse Jackie"

Assessment:
Seven nominees? This is turning into the 10 Best Picture nominee debacle.

Best Supporting Actor- Comedy 
1. Ty Burrell- "Modern Family"
2. Eric Stonestreet- "Modern Family"
3. Jesse Tyler Ferguson- "Modern Family"
4. Ed O'Neill- "Modern Family"
5. Nick Offerman- "Parks and Recreation" (Another Dream Nominee) Bill Hader- "Saturday Night Live"
6. Max Greenfield- "New Girl" (Another Dream Nominee)

Assessment: 
Here's the biggest surprise. Hader, who has never been nominated, gets one over the (no offense) superior Nick Offerman from "Parks and Recreation." And there's no surprise that Greenfield gets a nod for his hilarious work on "New Girl."

Best Supporting Actress- Comedy
1. Sofia Vergara- "Modern Family"
2. Julie Bowen- "Modern Family"
3. Kristen Wiig- "Saturday Night Live"
4. Betty White- "Hot in Cleveland" Mayim Bialick- "The Big Bang Theory"
5. Jane Krakowski- "30 Rock" Merrit Weaver- "Nurse Jackie"
6. Jane Lynch- "Glee"Kathryn Joosten- "Desperate Housewives"

Assessment: 
Wow. Joosten is only on this list because the voters are rewarding her for perserverance on a mediocre show. It's nice to see the unfamiliar Weaver and the familiar Bialick. Anything to knock "Glee" off any nomination list is fine by me but I would've enjoyed Maya Rudolph or anyone from "Community," "Parks" or "Happy Endings" to do it.


Best Drama:
1. "Breaking Bad"
2. "Mad Men"
3. "Homeland"
4. "Downton Abbey"
5. "Game of Thrones"
6. "The Good Wife" "Boardwalk Empire"

Assessment:
Just as I suspected. "Boardwalk" knocked the only network show off its list. And it's not a bad thing because "Boardwalk" had a great second season.


Best Actor- Drama
1. Bryan Cranston- "Breaking Bad"
2. Jon Hamm- "Mad Men"
3. Steve Buscemi- "Boardwalk Empire"
4. Damian Lewis- "Homeland" (Another Dream Nominee)
5. Kelsey Grammar- "Boss" Michael C. Hall- "Dexter"
6. Hugh Laurie- "House" Hugh Bonneville- "Downton Abbey"

Assessment:
And the "Downton" sweep begins. It's not strange to see Michael C. Hall's name up here for his consistently great work on "Dexter." But this season was so uneven that he seemed like a dark horse candidate. It IS surprising, however, that Hugh Laurie has been ignored for the final season of "House."


Best Actress- Drama
1. Claire Danes- "Homeland" (Another Dream Nominee... And winner)
2. Juliana Marguiles- "The Good Wife"
3. Elizabeth Moss- "Mad Men"
4. Glenn Close- "Damages" (Another Dream Nominee)
5. Mariska Hargitay- "Law and Order: SVU" Kathy Bates- "Harry's Law"
6.  Elizabeth McGovern- "Downton Abbey" Michelle Dockery- "Downton Abbey"

Assessment:
I love seeing Dockery's name in place of McGovern; Dockery was just better on "Downton." I'm also glad Hargitay is not on this list this year. But replacing her with Kathy Bates is just as bad because "Harry's Law" is just not a good show.


Best Supporting Actor- Drama 
1. Josh Charles- "The Good Wife" (Another Dream Nominee) Brendan Boyle- "Downton Abbey"
2. Peter Dinklage- "Game of Thrones" (Another Dream Nominee)
3. Giancarlo Esposito- "Breaking Bad" (Another Dream Nominee)
4. Aaron Paul- "Breaking Bad" (Another Dream Nominee)
5. Walton Goggins- "Justified" "Jim Carter- "Downton Abbey"
6. John Slattery- "Mad Men" Jared Harris- "Mad Men"

Assessment: 
It's wonderful to see Harris get his due for a great season on "Mad Men." For those of you who haven't seen it, please do immediately. Harris' Lane Pryce is heartbreaking towards the final episodes. This "Dowton" sweep is ridiculous considering how poor the quality of the second season was compared to the stellar first season. Thank God for getting Giancarlo Esposito on this list!


Best Supporting Actress- Drama 
1. Christina Hendricks- "Mad Men" (Dream Nominee)
2. Kelly MacDonald- "Boardwalk Empire" Christine Baranski- "The Good Wife"
3. Archie Punjabi- "The Good Wife"
4. Maggie Smith- "Downton Abbey"
5. Anna Gunn- "Breaking Bad"
6. Morena Baccarin- "Homeland" Joanne Froggatt- "Downton Abbey"

Assessment:
Considering this list was such a mixed bag, it was hard to predict or be upset by anyone. I'm just glad Anna Gunn is finally getting her due on "Breaking Bad."


Best Miniseries or TV Movie:
1. "Game Change"
2. "Sherlock" (Dream Nominee)
3. "American Horror Story"
4. "Hemingway and Gelhorn"
5. "Great Expectations" "Luther"
6. "Hatfields and McCoys"

Assessment: 
I'm so wildly happy to be wrong about "Great Expectations." It's not that the show was bad, it's just that "Luther" is just better.


Best Actor- Miniseries or TV Movie:
1. Woody Harrelson- "Game Change"
2. Clive Owen- "Hemingway and Gelhorn"
3. Benedict Cumberbatch- "Sherlock" (Ultimate Dream Nominee)
4. Kevin Costner- "Hatfields and McCoys"
5. Idris Elba- "Luther"
6. Bill Nighy- "Page Eight" Bill Paxton- "Hatfields and McCoys"

Assessment:
I should've known the other side of the "Hatfields and McCoys" would get recognition along with Costner. No matter, everything is alright because Benedict Cumberbatch has made the list!



Best Actress- Miniseries or TV Movie:
1. Julianne Moore- "Game Change"
2. Nicole Kidman- "Hemingway and Gelhorn"
3. Rachel Weisz- "Page Eight" Ashley Judd- "Missing"
4. Emma Thompson- "The Song of Lunch"
5. Romola Garai- "The Hour"
6. Connie Britton- "American Horror Story" (Dream Nominee)

Assessment: 
I'm surprised the Emmy voters only went with 5 ladies here when there are so many great women on miniseries. I'm also surprised that ABC used Judd's show as a miniseries... and actually succeeded.


Best Supporting Actor- Miniseries or TV Movie: 
1. Martin Freeman- "Sherlock"
2. Ed Harris- "Game Change"
3. David Stratharin- "Hemingway and Gelhorn"
4. Michael Gambon- "Page Eight"
5. Powers Boothe- "Hatfields and McCoys" Tom Berenger- "Hatfields and McCoys"
6. Denis O'Hare- "American Horror Story" (Dream Nominee)

Assessment: 
Another five person slot. I love that O'Hare made it on the list. And it looks like I just picked the wrong "Hatfields" castmember.


Best Supporting Actress- Miniseries or TV Movie: 
1. Jessica Lange- "American Horror Story"
2. Mare Winningham- "Hatfields and McCoys"
3. Sarah Paulson- "Game Change"
4. Gillian Anderson- "Great Expectations"
5. Laura Pulver- "Sherlock" (Dream Nominee)  Frances Conroy- "American Horror Story"
6. Judy Davis- "Page Eight"

Assessment:
I'm fine with Pulver not making the shortlist because Conroy was just too good on "AHS."

Well here are your nominees, ladies and gents. Amazing shows like "Community" and "Happy Endings" get the shaft once more and undeserving vets get to have their name read again (I'm looking right at you Jon Cryer.) We'll see what happens in September.