OPINION

Controversial Emmy Nominations Snub Major Contenders

Written by Chris Evans
Published July 06, 2006

Today at 8:39 AM, Seinfeld alumnus Julia Louis-Dreyfus and ex-Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett announced the nominations for the 58th annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Once they got to the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series I dropped the plate with my bagel on it and spit out my coffee onto the screen. Not a single housewife. Not even Mary Louise Parker's housewife on Weeds.

This year marked the beginning of a new system for the Emmys. Instead of all the Emmy voters voting on who they want to be nominated and the top 5 vote-getters being the final nominees — this time around the top 10 or 15 vote-getters (depending upon the category) have their submitted episodes screened before a special judging panel, and they decide who the final nominees are. You can find the complete list of the nominations over at the official Emmy site, and a simpler list with just the major categories over at Breath of Fresh Ink.

Among other reasons, one main cause for the change was the constant snub of critical faves Lauren Graham and Kristen Bell (and their respective shows), as well as continued wins by fading shows like Will & Grace and West Wing.

The new system did bring some good things, but the bad far outweighs the good. Kyra Sedgwick nabbed a nomination for her excellent work as the southern savant detective on TNT's The Closer. Among other great new nominations: Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni of Law & Order:SVU, Denis Leary for Rescue Me, The Office's Steve Carrell, the incredibly hilarious Jeremy Piven from HBO's Entourage, Elizabeth Perkins and Jaime Pressly of Weeds and My Name Is Earl respectively, and audience faves Sandra Oh and Chandra Wilson of Grey's Anatomy fame.

Now we get to the bad stuff. I'm the first to admit that the second season of Desperate Housewives was in no way as good as its flawless first season. But even though the central mystery was boring and many of the storylines were lagging, you cannot deny that the actors, particularly Marcia Cross and Eva Longoria, were still great. 

The fact that Marcia Cross didn't win last year pissed me off, but that she wasn't even nominated this year makes me sick. Especially when I look at the category and I see Jane Kaczmarek and Debra Messing, whose shows went down the toilet years ago and have been there ever since — using up perfectly good network space. I don't care if it's the last year for both shows. Neither of their performances from this year are Emmy worthy — especially when Marcia Cross is sitting in her home somewhere wondering what she could've done better (which, by the way, is nothing). Just watching these clips of Marcia in the season premiere and this one near the end of the season send laughs to my belly and chills down my spine. Tsk, tsk Emmy voters.

I'm quite baffled as to why Two and a Half Men got anything at all. Yes, it's the only sitcom left that has any real success, but the new system was supposed to let the true talent shine as opposed to simply high ratings. So let me get this right...My Name Is Earl: 1, Two and a Half Men: 3. Excuse me while I go shove my head into my ass and hurl. How Jason Lee isn't nominated in the Best Lead Actor in a Comedy category and simple average joe comedian Kevin James is, is the mystery of the century. Is The King of Queens entertaining? Yes. Is Kevin James' performance Emmy worthy? A few years ago I would've given it a maybe. This year?  I give it a hell no.

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Chris Evans is a junior at Marymount Manhattan College, studying Communications. He hopes to enter the television and film industry once he graduates, and continue his obsession with Johnny Depp and Christina Aguilera.
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Controversial Emmy Nominations Snub Major Contenders
Published: July 06, 2006
Type: Opinion
Section: Video
Filed Under: Video: News, Video: Awards Shows, Video: Television
Writer: Chris Evans
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Comments

#1 — July 6, 2006 @ 17:08PM — El Bicho [URL]

I read through this article and don't see where the controversary is. You liked some picks and didn't like others. Will this be your first awards show? They are never fair, and all seem to have equal amounts of politics and arbitrariness mixed into the decision-making process. When you give out the Evans awards, you can nominate all your favorites.

#2 — July 6, 2006 @ 17:14PM — Chris Evans [URL]

Normally there are snubs, yes. But it's very rare so many major contenders are so shut out as they were this year. Lost, Desperate Housewives, Sopranos acting nods--many people are up in arms about the nominations this year.

It wasn't just me being a spoiled brat--I've seen the Emmys before.

#3 — July 6, 2006 @ 17:21PM — Dave Nalle [URL]

I pay zero attention to the emmys. Out of curiosity did Entourage or Deadwood get any nominations?

Dave

#4 — July 6, 2006 @ 17:47PM — Chris Evans [URL]

Jeremy Piven got nominated, Dave.

And he BETTER win.

#5 — July 6, 2006 @ 18:46PM — Memoirs of a Bree

Could it be that Marcia Cross didnt act funny? She is in a comedy category and there wasnt to much that was funny about her season. but SHE ACTED HER BUTT OFF. It was amazing, it was unique, and It was the best! im not going to watch the emmys because of this. i mean i dont even know what to say im just stunned right now.

-Memoirs of a Bree

#6 — July 6, 2006 @ 18:49PM — Chris Evans [URL]

Well see that's just the thing. I really would like to know what episode ABC submitted for her--although, wait a second. I remember hearing an actor in an interview say that they selected their own episodes for Emmy submission. So I'm sure Marcia was smart about it. If she selected the first or second episodes of the season, she would have been fine. Remember the funeral? Those two episodes were hilarious.

#7 — July 6, 2006 @ 19:09PM — Ty

"tired Curb Your Enthusiasm"

I agree the nom for Cheryl Hines is crap, but Curb is tired? Come on now, it's the funniest show on Television, certainly the funniest show that most Americans have never heard of.

#8 — July 6, 2006 @ 19:22PM — Chris Evans [URL]

Eh, I suppose Curb is one of those shows where if you don't get it, you just don't get it.

#9 — July 6, 2006 @ 19:32PM — Beautiful People

Marcia Cross was not nominated. What in the hell? The world is coming to a horrible end. I can surely understand why Desperate Housewives would climb off the emmy wagon, but to snub the great MARCIA CROSS? Someone needs to campaign this. This is horrible. She's such a bright and lovely actress. The Emmy's have gone to hell.

#10 — July 6, 2006 @ 19:49PM — Vanessa PzzSchool

Let me just say I think Marcia Cross getting SNUBBED WAS A GOOD THING!

The Character she plays shows just how dark Right Wing Fascism and Nationalism Gay bashing is dangerous to our country!!!

Everybody on DH was awful this season IMHO!!!
If anybody from the main 4 was nominated it would be sad!
Alfre Woodard is the only person who deserves it besides Nicolette Sheridan!!!

#11 — July 6, 2006 @ 19:56PM — Chris Evans [URL]

Whaa'? So if someone did an AWESOME portrayal of a murderer that would make them a bad actor? Because of their character's behavior and opinions? Vanessa, honey you make no sense.

#12 — July 6, 2006 @ 20:25PM — Amber

I definitely agree with you about Marcia Cross. The best thing about season 2 of DH was Bree, and had she not been so great there is a good chance the show may have gotten the axe this season. I do disagree about Eva though. While she improved I dont think she is yet Emmy award winner material.

#13 — July 6, 2006 @ 20:28PM — Chris Evans [URL]

Well I don't think Eva would or could have won had she been nominated, but if you think about it--she was the most hilarious actress this season. And dont't forget, Housewives IS in the comedy category. Fighting the church lady, her priceless one liners, and a lot of other really funny scenes for her that I can't think of right now--but this season she was a riot.

#14 — July 6, 2006 @ 22:35PM — Jared [URL]

The only thing I disagree with in this entire piece is the "tired" tag on CYE. personally, I love the show, but I'll leave it at that. Everything else is spot on, including the Lost and Housewives discrepancies.

I really don't understand how this forced watching of one episode is supposed to change much. These people haven't been living under rocks, and there's still some of the shows they've been watching all through their respective runs. Watching one episode of everything else probably won't change their minds when stacked up to shows they've watched and enjoyed each offering of.

#15 — July 6, 2006 @ 23:18PM — Kelly

The Best Lead Actress in a comedy series is a complete mess. Kaczmerack and Messing - how predictable! Stockard Channing - WTF?

ONE Housewife deserved a nod: Marcia Cross
ONE pot seller deserved a nod: Mary Louise Parker
ONE single mom deserved a nod: Lauren Graham (she's on the WB, so all hopes are lost for her..sadly)
TWO Comback kids deserve nods: Julia and Lisa

#16 — July 6, 2006 @ 23:38PM — reggie von woic [URL]

i think Marcia deserved it this year. Mary Louise took it last time over (i think) 4 other DH women.

and messing is alright...if you consider her among the other nominees in her category.

i will surely miss Will and Grace.

#17 — July 7, 2006 @ 01:39AM — Charlene

If I was Marcia right now, I would be so devastated right now. Pssshhh, putting my heart and soul into my work and not being even nominated? She should have WON, and now they don't even give her a nomination. I wonder if the emmy voters even looked at her tape (She submitted "Next", I believe) or if they immediately just threw away any tapes that were from the housewives.

#18 — July 7, 2006 @ 03:09AM — Foywonder

There is a major snub that nobody seems to mention - THE SHIELD. The show had the best season of anything on television this year and was completely overlooked. A crime if there ever was one.

#19 — July 7, 2006 @ 03:27AM — Aaman [URL]

I agree - The Shield was awesome - a pity it's over

#20 — July 7, 2006 @ 10:13AM — Michael W Anderson

No Patricia Arquette nomination? This new voting system is truly criminal. Her work was exceptional again this year....and the critics agreed....AR!

#21 — July 7, 2006 @ 17:40PM — Ty

I noticed one more thing in your article:

No mention of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA.

This is widely regarded as one of the best shows on television, won a Peabody Award, etc, etc, but no love from the Emmy's.

I am starting to think that the Emmy' noms are just a popularity contest.

I mean, come on, WEST WING? The last season was AWFUL, and Battlestar's season was epic. Entertainment Weekly regards BSG as one of the top dramas on TV, along with Lost and 24. Lost got screwed too, but BSG should have OBVIOUSLY been nominated for Best Drama.

#22 — July 7, 2006 @ 17:47PM — Nikita Butcher

SMG rules1

#23 — July 8, 2006 @ 21:32PM — pete

agree with you until the last sentence - "Sarah Michelle Gellar in Buffy The Vampire Slayer" - (...) gimme a break.

lauren graham is a good actress, but gilmore girls is such a boring bad written show that she's forced to deliver her lines like a freaking robot; she just doesn't stop talking, god i can't take it. the emmy's always suck - the golden globes are probably the best and most fair award show (both on the movies and tv category).

just for instance, seinfeld took home ONE award for best comedy series - ONE - like, in 1993 or something.

everybody keep talking about marcia cross, but man, where the hell is mary louise parker nom? it doesn't make any sense at all.

six feet under is the best tv drama ever, and didn't got nominated. maybe the emmy's like to be unpopular.

#24 — July 9, 2006 @ 05:27AM — Ty

CHRIS EVANS!

I know we hardly see eye to eye on things, but you need to check out this Blogcritics article about the whole Cleanflicks controversy. Somehow I think you might have an opinion on it, and I think you might be surprised that we agree.

I hope you check this out ASAP and comment, I think it is right up your alley.

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