And The Nominees Are...

The 2006 Emmy nominations are out. Some random thoughts:

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
This year, the Television Academy has gone to a new voting system. Instead of tabulating the ballots and giving the award to whomever has the most votes, now the Academy asks for a dozen or so nominees from every voter, and then the top 10 or so nominees receiving the most votes are judged by a separate committee that decides the winner based on actual performance. While this seems like a good thing, as it keeps the thing from becoming a popularity contest, it has apparently ruined the process, as it's the only reason I can explain how Charlie Sheen and Kevin James got nominated for their shitastic performances on their respective shows.

Choreography
Malcom in the Middle has choreography? Who knew?

Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special
Isn't it a little redundant that the Academy Awards got nominated for an Emmy?

Outstanding Comedy Series
I suppose it's too much to ask that none of the shows that aren't Arrested Development win this.

Outstanding Guest Actor/Actress in a Comedy Series
I'm glad to see they opened this category up to more than just those who had guested on Will & Grace. That being said, anyone who guested on Extras would be a suitable winner.

Outstanding Drama Series
Uhh, where's Lost? And why, in its place, is The Sopranos, which fielded 12 of the worst episodes of TV I've ever seen? (That show has been steadily going downhill since Livia died.)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
This should be a slamdunk for Denis Leary, which is code for "Chris Meloni will win." And who knew Six Feet Under was still on?

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Yet again, we've got someone from Arrested Development (Will Arnett this time) and Jeremy Piven, both of whom equally deserve to win. That being said, the super-gay guy from Will & Grace will win.

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Uhh, Rescue Me? Anyone?

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
In the three years it was on the air, Arrested Development was nominated for this five times. It's two for two on wins. Yet Fox didn't think that was good enough to keep it on the air. Let's give it to them a third time, and show Fox that, yes, they did cancel the funniest show on TV and should be killed.