Emmy nominations 2012: the good and the bad
THE GOOD: Despite the fact that our list of 鈥済ood鈥� seems to get smaller and smaller every year thanks to a voting body that inexplicably continues to place a priority on big names versus talent (See: Uma Thurman鈥檚 Outstanding Guest Star Actress in a Drama nod for SMASH), the Academy of Television Arts & Science did get a few things right. Namely, nominations for a handful of much deserving small screen newcomers like HOMELAND鈥檚 Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, SHERLOCK鈥檚 Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman and would appear to be the entirety of Britain鈥檚 DOWNTON ABBEY (Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Brendan Coyle, Jim Carter, Maggie Smith and Joanne Froggatt) Equally exciting, recognition for the likes of Don Cheadle (HOUSE OF LIES), Lena Dunham (GIRLS), NEW GIRL鈥檚 Zooey Deschanel and Max Greenfield, Merritt Wever (NURSE JACKIE), Anna Gunn (BREAKING BAD), and Jason Ritter (PARENTHOOD).
THE BAD: With the notable exception of a guest starring nod for Joan Cusack, this morning鈥檚 SHAMELESS shut out further confirmed our suspicions that those poor Gallaghers really can鈥檛 catch a break. Sticking with the subject of no laughing matter comes MODERN FAMILY, whose dominance in the supporting acting categories (See: Nods for Ed O鈥橬eill, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ty Burrell, Eric Stonestreet, Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara) continues to come at the expense of equally deserving ensembles on the likes of COMMUNITY (Dani Pudi! Gillian Jacobs!), PARKS AND RECREATION (Nick Offerman! Chris Pratt), HAPPY ENDINGS (Damon Wayans Jr! Casey Wilson! Eliza Coupe! Adam Pally!), 30 ROCK (Jane Krakowski!) and THE MIDDLE (Eden Sher!), among others. Meanwhile in the drama department, no Outstanding Drama Series nomination for THE GOOD WIFE means that for the first time in history none of the major four broadcasters are represented in the category, while the distinct lack of Emmy love for GAME OF THRONES, THE WALKING DEAD and FRINGE have us wondering if they might try their hand at scamming their way into the 鈥淢ini Series鈥� category next season based on the success FX鈥檚 AMERICAN HORROR STORY saw this year.
THE UGLY: Nominations for Ashley Judd (MISSING), Uma Thurman (SMASH) and Elizabeth Banks (30 ROCK) in their respective categories do little but leave us wounding if Emmys voters actually watch television or just tick of a list of names they鈥檙e familiar with. That, and don鈥檛鈥� even get me started on a Jon Cryer鈥檚 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series nomination over an insanely large list of far funnier nominees including but not limited to Joel McHale (COMMUNITY), Matt LeBlanc (EPISDOES), Garret Dillahunt (RAISING HOPE), Adam Scott (PARKS AND RECREATION).
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