Category: Award shows

The “I Spy” Oscars game

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Feb. 12, 2015, edited slightly to make it good for any year. The 2017 Oscars will air Feb. 26 on ABC.

Remember the game “I spy with my little eye…”?

If you do, you’re in luck, because we’re playing ‘I spy’ for the Oscars.

The winners are usually unpredictable, but some predictable and funny things are bound to happen during the show.

Here are some things to watch for during the awards show:

  • Someone’s speech gets cut off by music.
  • Someone trips.
  • The host sings.
  • Someone flubs a name (As in when John Travolta called Idina Menzel “Adele Dazeem” at the 2014 Oscars).
  • Someone is bleeped.
  • Someone keeps talking even after the cut-off music starts playing.
  • More than three people say thank you for one award.
  • Someone takes a selfie.
  • Host or presenter changes outfits.
  • Diversity is mentioned.
  • Someone cries.
  • Harris does a magic trick.
  • The movie with the most nominations wins an award.
  • Someone jokes about how long the Oscars are.
  • The “in memoriam” segment plays.

And, if you’re like me and love the red carpet, here are some things to look for:

  • Someone falls.
  • Mani cam sighting.
  • Stiletto cam sighting.
  • During an interview, someone says how it’s an “honor to simply be nominated.”
  • Someone gets pranked (As in when Sacha Baron Cohen as “The Dictator” poured “ashes” on Ryan Seacrest in 2012.)

You can submit your own “I spy” moments, too. Comment here to submit your own “I spy” moments. And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @ClaraAB2 and tweet along with me. Let me know what you spy.

Golden Globes 2017: A night of jokes and fashion

The 2017 Golden Globes included Questlove, music, cut-off speeches and fashion.

“La La Land” went 7 for 7, meaning it won the most Golden Globes in one night. Other winners were announced, but I was disappointed that TV didn’t get equal recognition to movies (many TV awards were given out two at once).

Golden Globes 2016: How will ‘Empire,’ ‘Transparent,’ Jon Hamm, Viola Davis and others fare?

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 8, 2016.  The 2017 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 8, on NBC.

Just because Tina Fey and Amy Poehler aren’t hosting the 2016 Golden Globes doesn’t mean the show won’t be unpredictable.

With older heavyweights such as “Modern Family” and “Breaking Bad” out of the picture, many new entries have hit the awards stage.

So who will win? We’ll find out Sunday. But for now, here are my picks for frontrunners and underdogs in the TV categories this year.

 

DRAMA

Frontrunner: “Empire”

The Fox drama was snubbed by the Emmys, but it’s one of most-watched shows of last winter.

It’s different because of the music, so it has a good shot of taking the win.

Underdog: “Narcos”

Have you heard of this Netflix show? I hadn’t until I saw the nominations. The other dramas are more known, so I doubt “Narcos” can pull an upset.

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA

Frontrunner: Viola Davis, “How to Get Away with Murder”

She won the Emmy and had a magnificent speech about equality to follow.

Her character isn’t a class act, but Davis is on stage. Her star power is key to this ABC drama.

Underdog: Caitriona Balfe, “Outlander”

Balfe is a first-time nominee, but this Starz show has only a niche audience.

While some love this drama, it won’t have enough votes to win any big categories.

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA

Frontrunner: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

I’m sure many people will root for Rami Malek from USA’s “Mr. Robot,” but since AMC’s “Mad Men” finished its run this year and Hamm already won the Emmy, I predict another win during his swan song for this role.

Underdog: Liev Schreiber, “Ray Donovan”

Schreiber has been nominated before for this role, but he seems like a perennial nominee, not a winner.

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY

Frontrunner: Jamie Lee Curtis, “Scream Queens”

I have to admit, this category is tough to decide. But Curtis is the big star on this list, and “Scream Queens” is her return to the horror genre.

Sometimes Emmys go to bigger celebrity names, so Curtis could pull out the win.

Underdog: Rachel Bloom, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

Like I said, this category is tough to choose, but Bloom doesn’t have enough meat to her name yet.

Her CW show is hit or miss with critics, even though it spent some time in development.

Her nomination brings attention to the show, but don’t expect her to get a chance to sing a speech on stage.

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY

Frontrunner: Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”

Tambor won last year for bringing a transitioning character to life on the small screen. The second season recently premiered, and critics still like the show.

Because the Amazon comedy brings to light a current topic, expect it, and Tambor, to get attention.

Underdog: Rob Lowe, “The Grinder”

I’m not a fan. But others love the silliness of this Fox show about family, law and finding your way.

But out of all the nominees, Lowe’s work isn’t strong enough to carry a win.

BEST COMEDY

Frontrunner: “Transparent”

Again, it brings to light a current topic. It won last year. Expect a repeat.

Underdog: “Casual”

Hulu is making a showing for its original programming this year. But being a newcomer in a category that includes “Transparent” and “Veep” makes it an unlikely contender.

Ricky Gervais hosts the Golden Globes at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 on NBC.

Golden Globes 2015: Some surprises in TV nominations

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 6, 2015. The 2017 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 8, on NBC.

If you’ve heard any buzz about a TV show, there’s a good chance it was nominated for a Golden Globe.

The Golden Globe nominations were announced Dec. 11, and most of the obvious choices were present.

The Emmy winners weren’t much of a shock, and with this list of nominees, it’s doubtful the Golden Globes, hosted for a third time by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, will be much different.

That said, there are some surprises, such as:

CW IS ON THE LIST … BECAUSE OF ‘JANE THE VIRGIN’

Blah, blah, blah, Gina Rodriguez is a star. I’m so sick of hearing that — it’s such a broken record.

Yes, she’s talented. But I still don’t get why the show is so beloved. The premise for “Jane the Virgin” is absurd, reading more like a soap opera/crime procedural than the next “Ugly Betty.”

“The Flash” is a much better show and its effects are worth an award.

Also of note is the fact that it’s the first time the CW has been in the nominations.

‘THE BIG BANG THEORY,’ ‘MODERN FAMILY’ OUT

Nominated year after year, these two sitcoms are out of the running, as a show and for the actors.

“Modern Family” won a record-tying fifth Emmy in 2014. All of the adult leads have been nominated for an Emmy, and Eric Stonestreet and Sofia Vergara have Golden Globe nominations. Jim Parsons won a Golden Globe for playing Sheldon Cooper on “The Big Bang Theory” in 2011 and has won four Emmys for the role.

I’m not saying they have to be nominated, or that they deserve to be, but it’s a surprise not to see them on the list.

TATIANA MASLANY CAN’T CATCH A BREAK

I don’t know what it will take for Tatiana Maslany to get any award nominations, but she plays how many characters on “Orphan Black”?

With all those personalities, she should be honored.

The Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 11, on NBC. My early predictions? Look for “Transparent,” “The Affair” and “Fargo” to be big winners.

Golden Globes 2017: TV nominations by the numbers

Here’s some sparkle for your winter blues.

The 2017 Golden Globes nominees were announced Monday, Dec. 12, so some show runners, actors and more get to celebrate.

To paint a picture, here are some by the numbers:

56: Number of TV nominations (There are 6 in the best TV actress comedy/musical category.)

15: Number of actors and actresses with at least one previous Golden Globe win (Billy Bob Thorton, Keri Russell, Winona Ryder, Gael Garcia Bernal, Jeffrey Tambor, Rachel Bloom, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gina Rodriguez, Bryan Cranston, Felicity Huffman, Hugh Laurie, John Lithgow, Christian Slater, John Travolta)

14: Shows with only one nomination this year (“Better Call Saul,” “Ray Donovan,” “Goliath,” “Outlander,” “Graves,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Divorce,” “Insecure,” “Jane the Virgin,” “All the Way,” “The Girlfriend Experience,” “London Spy,” “Confirmation,” and “The Dresser“)

11: Number of shows with nominations this year and in previous years in any category (“American Crime [the previous installment had 3 nominations],” “Jane the Virgin,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Veep,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “Outlander,” “Ray Donovan,” “Better Call Saul,” “Mr. Robot,” “Transparent,” and “Game of Thrones“)

5: Highest number of nominations for one show (“The People v. O.J. Simpson,” which has nominations for actor, actress, supporting actor (2 nominations), and limited series/TV movie)

3: Number of shows with two nominations in the same category: “This is Us” has two supporting actress nominations for Mandy Moore and Chrissy Metz; “The Night Of” has two actor nominations for John Turturro and Riz Ahmed; and “The People v. O.J. Simpson” has two supporting actor nominations in Sterling K. Brown and John Travolta.

2: Number of nominations for the CW, both in the best actress comedy/musical category. (Gina Rodriguez for “Jane the Virgin” and Rachel Bloom for “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”)

2: Number of shows who received multiple nominations without receiving nomination top award in its category (“The Americans” and “Mr. Robot” each received 2 acting formations, but neither are up for best TV drama.)

The Golden Globes air Jan. 8 on NBC.

Emmys 2015: 3 takeaways from this year’s TV awards show

In preparation for Sunday’s 2016 Emmys, here is a blog about the 2015 Emmys, originally published on elkharttruth.com on Sept. 21, 2015.

If only I could hide in a cave and watch all these good TV shows.

The Emmys were last night, so in case you didn’t watch, here’s my take on the awards show.

WERE THERE ONLY THREE SHOWS ON TV THIS YEAR?

This year, the show was in three parts: one hour for comedy, one hour for reality/variety/etc. and one hour for drama.

I thought it was odd to be so focused on one category instead of mixing it up. It also made it seem like only three shows won Emmys: “Veep,” “Olive Kitteridge” and “Game of Thrones.”

In reality, this wasn’t the case. But let’s put it this way:

It’s not that these shows are bad. It’s just many other shows deserve praise, too. I haven’t watched everything, but I think the voters could’ve shared the love.

PEOPLE SEEMED GENUINELY HAPPY TO WIN

If you haven’t heard, history was made during this year’s Emmys.

But some, including Davis, made passionate speeches, and it was endearing to watch.

Uzo Aduba, who won for “Orange is the New Black,” cried during her speech, and she was thankful, especially for her sister.

HOST ANDY SAMBERG HAD FUNNY MOMENTS, BUT HOW ABOUT A DUO FOR 2016?

Samberg wasn’t the funniest host, in my opinion. The show overall had lower ratings. He could’ve brought Justin Timberlake, but Samberg said very early on in his monologue that the singer wouldn’t appear.

But hey, I’ll take an HBO Go password, which reportedly worked for a bit.

My favorite joke was when he said, “The red carpet: significantly less glamorous after you leave it.”

Some duos that presented during this year’s awards show would be excellent candidates for the 2016 host spot.

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey proved comedic gold at the Golden Globes, so it’s time for the Emmys to try it (hint hint, Poehler and Amy Schumer!)

What did you think of the 2015 Emmys? 

2015 Emmys: Surprises, more from Emmy nominations

In preparation for Sunday’s 2016 Emmys, here is a blog about the 2015 Emmys, originally published on elkharttruth.com on July 16, 2015.

Is it September yet?

Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance”) and Uzo Aduba (“Orange is the New Black”) announced the 2015 Emmy nominations Thursday, July 16, and as usual, it’ll be an interesting race.

While numerous expected nominations filled out the list, there were some surprises, as there are every year.

SURPRISES

It’s not a miniseries anymore, it’s a limited series. Not sure why the name change happened, but my best guess is it has to do with the plethora of shows that run for only a few episodes.

Jeff Daniels received a nomination for “The Newsroom.” It’s not that the HBO show isn’t good, but it was short-lived, and other actors such as Terrence Howard of “Empire” or James Spader of NBC’s “The Blacklist” could’ve been in Daniels’ spot.

Tatiana Maslany finally got an Emmy nomination. “Orphan Black” has been on the air for three seasons, and considering she plays multiple characters, it’s about time she got nominated.

SNUBS

“Empire” was practically shut out. Taraji P. Henson was nominated, but considering the show’s popularity and crazy amount of guest stars, it’s strange not see the drama more represented.

Also surprised “black-ish” didn’t receive more nominations. I didn’t enjoy the ABC show but many others did. I thought Tracee Ellis Ross would’ve gotten an actress nomination.

“Jane the Virgin” is out. An Emmy nod would have been huge for the CW, and many adore Gina Rodriguez. She did win the Golden Globe but failed to receive an Emmy nomination.

EARLY PREDICTIONS

“Mad Men” will finally win an acting Emmy. It’s the show’s swan song, and it’s not like the AMC drama isn’t deserving.

“Modern Family” will finally fall. The ABC show has won a record-tying five consecutive Emmys, but it’s far time for another show to win.

David Letterman will be recognized in some capacity. His show is nominated, and again, it’s a swan song, which seems to go over well with voters, but maybe he’ll even get a tribute during the show.

Andy Samberg (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) will host the 67th Emmy Awards at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, on Fox.

Emmys 2014: Will choices be predictable or unpredictable?

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.

Emmy nominations 2014: ‘Modern Family’ up for fifth win, ‘Orphan Black’ snubbed

In preparation for Sunday’s 2016 Emmys, here is a blog about the 2014 Emmys, originally published on elkharttruth.com on July 10, 2014.

It’s summer TV time, but it’s also Emmys time.

The Emmy nominations for 2014 were announced Thursday, July 10, and as usual, there were obvious choices and total snubs.

Here’s my breakdown of this year’s nominations:

Surprise nominations

While “Mad Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Breaking Bad” and this year’s season of “American Horror Story” are obvious returning nominations, there were a few unexpected twists.

“Bonnie and Clyde” was nominated for best miniseries. Considering many critics didn’t love the A&E, History and Lifetime show, which was plagued with historical inaccuracies, it was a shock to see it receive a nomination. It won’t win, though. The race will be between “American Horror Story: Coven,” and Billy Bob Thornton’s “Fargo.”

Melissa McCarthy is nominated for her work on “Mike & Molly.” Out of all the comedic actresses, I think there were other choices from shows more people are watching.

Biggest snubs

Andy Samberg, who (surprisingly) won the Golden Globe for his role on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” was left out of the Emmy race. The Fox comedy wasn’t nominated either.

“The Good Wife” received many deserved acting nominations, including Julianna Margulies 10th overall Emmy nomination — she had won once for “ER” in 1995 and once for “The Good Wife” in 2011, but the CBS show was left off the best drama category. Considering its rise to Sunday TV gold this season, I figured it would be a shoo-in for a nomination.

But perhaps the biggest snub of all was the omission of “Orphan Black.” It’s a show that may not appeal to everyone, but Tatiana Maslany plays multiple clones. Multiple! How does that not deserve a lead actress nomination?

“Modern Family” again?

The ABC comedy is up for outstanding comedy series for the fifth year in a row.

It’s been nominated every year it’s been eligible, and it’s won every year so far.

Will the show take the win again? It could happen. “Modern Family” showcased touching moments that still turn out a laugh, including Cam and Mitchell’s (played by Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson) wedding in the season 5 finale.

But I think a new show could take over, and with “Orange is the New Black” and “Silicon Valley” being first-time nominees, I expect the reign of “Modern Family” to end.

The conundrum of “Orange is the New Black” nominations

In its first year of eligibility, “Orange is the New Black,” the hit Netflix prison dramedy, snagged a decent amount of nominations. That’s no surprise, considering how popular and acclaimed the show is.

But what is surprising is what categories in which the actresses were nominated. Taylor Schilling (Piper) is in the lead actress category, with Kate Mulgrew (Red) is the supporting actress category.

Three actresses, however, are nominated in the guest actress category. Natasha Lyonne, Uzo Aduba and Laverne Cox have been lumped together with Tina Fey (“Saturday Night Live”), Melissa McCarthy (“SNL”) and Joan Cusack (“Shameless”).

The last three are guest actresses for those shows. But the OITNB stars, while not the leading actresses, are certainly more than guest actresses. Aduba is credited with being in 37 of the show’s 39 episodes, and Lyonne is credited with being in every episode on IMDb. They had standout and background moments. The characters are key to the story, so to only put them in the guest actress seems a bit strange.

The Emmys will air at 8 p.m. Aug. 25 on NBC. The show will be hosted by Seth Meyers.

What do you think? What were your surprises and snubs?