Awards shows seem to be a dime a dozen at times, but certain shows continue to have a special touch to them. Though not as impressive as the Academy Awards, the Emmmy Awards (also appropriately scheduled right before the tv season) has its charms. Or so it seems, because I really never watched much of them. I saw a few minutes of this year's ceremony, and two things: Michael Moriarty gave a quite emotional speech (it appears he is overcoming some illness; he also touchingly thanked "North America," which Tom Hanks then stole) and Ophrah Winfrey (who's "I am a human, nothing human is alien to me" quote as well as her musings about having dinner with lovable poor characters when she was a child was just a bit much) a pretentious one. The show also was apparently over on time (news was on by around 11:30). Anyway, a few thoughts about the winners, many of whom were in categories (miniseries, etc.) that NONE of the nominees appealed or of which I did not see any of the nominees.
As a preliminary matter, I note that aside from some critic favorites like "Friend," "West Wing," and "Everybody Loves Raymond," some of my picks were not even nominated. For instance, "Gilmore Girls" and "Buffy The Vampire Slayers," surely deserved at least one nomination between them! And if Wendy Malick from the "comedy" "Just Shoot Me" is going to be nominated, so should Megyn Price on "Grounded For Life." Instead of nominating Dule Hill (Charlie Young) as well as practically every other actor on "The West Wing" for "Best Supporting Actor In A Drama Series," perhaps here would be a place to recognize the work of "JAG" actors (other categories also come to mind). I do not care for many shows on television these days, but these are just three of the few quality shows ignored.
I am glad that the lead of "The Shield" was recognized for his dramatic efforts in a critically praised series. On the other hand, and his little bit at the ceremony itself didn't help, I do not quite see the appeal of Ray Romano ... the guy is not funny. Bernie Mac should have won for the lead actor in a comedy category. I know it is a nice "family" comedy, but that still does not make it funny. Also, especially since she won in a tv movie role, Stockard Channing really should not have won for "supporting actress in a drama" over Lauren Ambrose in "Six Feet Under." For one thing, her role is not that big enough to trump Ambrose's efforts over on HBO. Finally, though I am inclined to accept Jennifer Aniston winning, "Friends" in general was not that funny for a few years ... it should not have won Best Comedy. Finally, though it started its new season on the right note, "West Wing" was not very good half the time last season, so probably didn't deserve its award either.
A few more picks of mine own, nominated and not. Jennifer Garner or Rachel Griffiths over Allison Janney (West Wing) for Lead Actress In A Drama. David Letterman, not just for direction, but for performer in the variety program category. Not seeing the others, I cannot really judge, but "Dinner With Friends" was a good (if not outstanding) tv movie. Since I bashed the show in general, a nod to the first episode of "24" in the dramatic writing category (and I hear his wife died! damn that show was an example of overkill ... in more than one way) Conan O'Brien seems like an excellent host ... second tier star for a second tier awards show!