In preparation for Sunday’s 2016 Emmys, here is a blog about the 2014 Emmys, originally published on elkharttruth.com on Aug. 23, 2014.
Another year, another Emmys show.
The Emmys recognize talent in the TV world.
The nominations came out in July, and some winners have already been announced. Congratulations, by the way, to Jane Lynch, who won for hosting “Hollywood Game Night,” one of my favorite shows.
Now some award shows are predictable. “Modern Family” has won the Emmy for best comedy series every year it’s been on the air.
But there’s also a chance for a wild card.
The winners could be predictable or unpredictable choices. Here are my ideas:
Lead actor, comedy
Predictable choice: Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”)
I’m not going to lie; I just really want Parsons to win. I’m a big fan of Sheldon.
Unpredictable choice: Louis C.K. (“Louie”)
It’s an off-the-wall show on an often-not-talked-about TV network (FX), but C.K. might be recognized for only his writing instead of his acting.
Lead actor, drama
Predictable choice: Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”)
It was the last season, he has a lot of other nominations for the character (including a Golden Globe win this year), so he’ll probably go out with a bang.
Unpredictable choice: Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”)
Although Hamm has been nominated numerous times for playing Don Draper, he’s never won an Emmy for the role. With the show coming to the close, this could be the year he gets recognized. But don’t count on it.
Lead actress, comedy
Predictable choice: Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”)
She’s won the last two years, and third time’s the charm, right?
Unpredictable choice: Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation”)
She finally won the Golden Globe this year, so it might be for the talented comedienne time to win an Emmy … but, again, don’t count on it.
Lead actress, drama
Predictable choice: Claire Danes (“Homeland”) or Kerry Washington (“Scandal”)
I can’t choose here; both play powerhouse characters. Danes won last year, but some are rooting for Washington.
Unpredictable choice: Lizzy Caplan (“Masters of Sex”)
She’s a first-time nominee, so she might have beginner’s luck. Plus, her co-star Michael Sheen isn’t nominated, so she might get some love for being the show’s only lead nomination. (Allison Janney won outstanding guest actress for her work on the Showtime drama.)
Outstanding comedy series
Predictable choice: “Modern Family”
It’s won every year it’s been nominated. Will it take the cake again? Considering it tackled the wedding of Mitchell and Cameron and trips to Australia and Las Vegas, it probably will.
Unpredictable choice: “Silicon Valley”
I don’t even think many people have heard of this HBO show, and to be honest, I haven’t watched even a snippet of it. But it did beat out shows such as “New Girl,” “The Mindy Project,” “Girls” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” so it has a distant shot of winning.
Outstanding drama series
Predictable choice: “Breaking Bad”
It’s won before, and because the show ended its run last fall, it’ll most likely be recognized.
Unpredictable choice: “Game of Thrones”
The number of fans for this HBO show continues to become more excited and eager, and the show has the most Emmy nominations this year.
But the drama, based on the books by George R.R. Martin, has a niche appeal, which dwindles its chance of winning.
The 66th Emmy Awards will air at 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, on NBC.
