Hollywood loves Modern Family. I like Modern Family enough, but I personally believe that the stakes aren't high enough in that show. It's funny, but the plot doesn't drive me through the commercial break and I often lose interest when I watch it live. However, I and my fellow Gleeks are not voters in the Academy.
That brings me to the issue I approached in an earlier blog about the Emmys. I'm not saying Hollywood is out of touch with the rest of America, I'm just saying Hollywood uses a different ruler to gauge quality. I don't think that's a bad thing. If it was up to the people, Jersey Shore would sweep.
So, my predictions look like this:
Drama Series: True Blood
Damages, Breaking Bad and Mad Men have all done well in this category. Theoretically, any of the three of these could still win, but True Blood is gaining Hollywood and regular people traction, so I think Hollywood might lean towards True Blood.
Comedy Series: Modern Family
Miniseries: The Pacific
I've never seen it, but Hollywood can't stop talking about it so they obviously think it's good.
Made-for-TV movie: You Don't Know Jack.
Jack Kevorkian played by Al Pacino. 'Nuff said.
Actor, Drama: Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Hollywood loves Dexter and he had cancer this season. His colleagues will be rooting for him.
Actress, Drama: Julianna Marguiles, The Good Wife
Hollywood and regular people are eating this show up. Hollywood likes it when regular people like quality shows. Glenn Close keeps winning for Damages; it's someone else's turn.
Supporting Actor, Drama: Michael Emerson, Lost
Everyone loves Lost, it was the last season, and Hollywood respects his dichotomous performance.
Supporting Actress, Drama: Anyone but Rose Byrne
Though Hollywood loves Damages, Rose Byrne can't act. The fact that there are two nominees from Mad Men and The Good Wife make it difficult for actresses to win from either of those shows, so Sharon Gless from Burn Notice might win by default. If I was forced to, I'd guess Elizabeth Moss from Mad Men.
Actor, Comedy: Steve Carrell, The Office
Everyone loves him, Alec Baldwin has won enough times, and next season will be Carrell's last at The Office.
Actress, Comedy: Toni Collette, United States of Tara
Collette plays multiple personalities and Hollywood loves her. Tina Fey has enough Emmys and Amy Poehler's role in Parks and Recreation splits voters over the two of them. I wouldn't be surprised if Edie Falco won for her role in Nurse Jackie; Hollywood loves her too.
Supporting Actor, Comedy: Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
Everyone loves Barney and NPH is hot. Last year, he was hot as the host of the Tonys and in his musical villain role in Joss Whedon's online miniseries, and he had a great guest appearance in Glee this season, directed by Joss Whedon. The vote will split among the three nominees for Modern Family, Chris Colfer is not a Glee star, and there's too much drama on Two and Half Men right now for a win for Jon Cryer.
Supporting Actress, Comedy: Jane Lynch, Glee
Hollywood is madly in love with her right now. If you talk to anyone in the industry about Glee, she is who they rave about. Plus, she will no longer be on Party Down because it was cancelled and Hollywood loved on that show, too. In a side note, it appears insiders were the only ones who loved Party Down, and I'm guessing it's because they were the only ones who could really appreciate it.
Guest Actor, Drama: John Lithgow, Dexter
I have not seen any episodes of the shows nominated in this category because I don't have a DVR and none of these shows are available free online. John Lithgow's performance was the only one I've ever read about and I've read good things.
Guest Actress, Drama: Lily Tomlin, Damages
I haven't seen any of these episodes either, I'm just banking on Damages' appeal and Lily Tomlin's star power.
Guest Actor, Comedy: Neil Patrick Harris, Glee
For the same reasons as above.
Guest Actress, Comedy: Betty White, SNL
In my opinion, all would be right with the world if Kristin Chenowith received it for her role in Glee. It was a killer performance and how can anyone not love her? She's amazing. When reality kicks in, I know that Betty White is riding a wave a fire right now and it doesn't look like it's fizzling out anytime soon.
Reality Competition Program: The Amazing Race
It wins every year. If voters decided to stop voting for this show, I'm guessing they'd vote for Top Chef. Hollywood loves food porn.
Reality Series: Kathy Griffin, My Life on the D-List
Hollywood voters voting about a show about clout in Hollywood. Plus, she loves gay people. I say her chances are GREAT.
Variety, Music or Comedy Series: Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show
There's a whole movement around Conan's short stint as host of The Tonight Show. I doubt Hollywood would pass up their chance to give him a major award to commemorate it.
The rest of the categories are so obscure, I couldn't have begun to contribute worthwhile hypotheses. Besides, I don't want this to be the never-ending blog post. Pull this blog up when the Emmys air, you can get a chance to see if I am crazy off-base or spot-on.