Nominations for the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards gave two of television's most acclaimed series plenty to cheer about this morning. Meanwhile, the recent Emmy decision to expand leading categories offered mixed results, benefiting some shows who received key nods for the first time while shutting out critical favorites. HBO continued its dominance over the alphabet networks in a big day for TV Personalities.
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Leading the Comedy Series pack was Tina Fey's "30 Rock" (pictured above), which received 22 nominations, the most of any series. "Mad Men" followed, leading the Drama Series category with 16 nominations. Both series were named named best comedy and drama last year and are expected to win again when the awards are handed out in September.
Among the made-for-TV movies, HBO's "Grey Gardens" stands supreme with 17 nominations with its stars Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange (pictured above) both earning Best Actress nominations. The cable powerhouse's "Into the Storm" also proved a leader14 nominations.
Joining the eclectic crowd of Emmy nominee newbies was Jim Parsons of "The Big Bang Theory." Parsons, who announced the nominations this morning with fellow nominee Chandra Wilson of "Grey's Anatomy," couldn't contain his surprise at making the final cut.
"No! ... This is some sort of trick fest," said Parsons after he heard his nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. "I feel a little dreamlike right now." Parsons said later about his first ever Emmy nomination in a role many TV critics were hoping would get attention with the expansion of the acting categories.
Wilson added an emphatic, "I'm going to the party!" The actress came away with two nominations, including Best Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for "Accidental Friendship" and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for "Grey's Anatomy."
"Farrah's Story," the controversial documentary of Farrah Fawcett's fight against cancer, was cited in the Nonfiction Special Category, a bittersweet tribute to the star who died on June 25th. As Fawcett's close friend, Alana Stewart worked closely with the "Charlie's Angels" star in producing the special.
"Farrah passed away three weeks ago today," Stewart commented. "I know that she would be so, so happy. This was so important to her, this project. She's been nominated before, and I just know that this would be the most important one of all."
Here are more reactions from this year's Emmy contenders:
“I think there are many parts that make it so appealing. It is such a human story, and these women are so interesting and there is something so touching about their relationship. It is combination of many things but comes off as such a universal story and really was an actor’s dream to play this part.”
-- Jessica Lange, lead actress in a miniseries or movie, “Grey Gardens”
“I’m really happy that in our second year, the team pulled off something the Academy saw that was worth recognizing, and I was especially happy for Rose (Byrne), who is so much fun to work with. I wish the writers were nominated, though, as I wouldn’t be here for the second time without the words they put in my mouth.”-- Glenn Close, lead actress in a drama, “Damages”
“At first I said, ‘Are you sure?’ I had to see an official list. They gave all of us such great storylines this year, and every script I read was better than the last. My character is so outrageous and fun to play, without apologies, especially all of the Janis Joplin storylines.” -- Jane Krakowski, supporting actress in a comedy, “30 Rock”
“You don’t know what can happen when you go into those arcs, but those writers really stepped up to the plate and there was a lot of going on there. It was like a feast to any actor with everything that was going on. The writing and what’s on the page is a testament to the show. They walk a fine line, and you are rooting for this guy who is doing things that you usually don’t root for. I had a great time working on it and look forward to seeing what they do with Johnny Lithgow’s character next season.”
-- Jimmy Smits, guest actor in a drama, “Dexter”
“I’m so stunned that people like our show. We like it, but you don’t expect other people to. When a joke is so obscure, I’m always surprised that people get it. We like making this show. It’s a backbreaker, but we’ve got a great team behind it.” -- Seth Green, animated program, “Robot Chicken"
“I am completely overwhelmed. I’ve been spoiled for the rest of my career. These women brought their A game every day. Drew (Barrymore) completely shut out the rest of her world to focus on her performance, and Jessica (Lange) overcame the fear of singing. What they did in their own lives to overcome fear and challenges poured into the performance.” - Michael Sucsy, writer and director, “Grey Gardens”
“What was the difference this year? There were a lot of little things. We did well in the ratings, and the studio made an amazing push on the publicity side but, really, I don’t know what it is. Next year, we’ll have lots of focus on Barney and Robin, who in the past have had stumbling attempts at romance.”
-- Carter Bays, comedy series, “How I Met Your Mother”
Making the top groups in the series categories were: "Mad Men" (pictured below), "Big Love," "Breaking Bad," "Damages," "Dexter," "House" and "Lost."
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As for the comedies, "30 Rock," "How I Met Your Mother," "The Office," "Entourage," "Flight of the Conchords," "Weeds" and a surprising "Family Guy," the first animated series since 1961's "The Flintstones" to be honored with a Best Comedy Series nod.
Not feeling much Emmy love, despite much attention from the TV critics circle were "ER," "The Shield" and "Boston Legal." And, the long-running bias against fantasy and sci-fi series remains stronger than ever as represented by the exclusion of "Battlestar Galactica" and "True Blood" from any major categories. "True" star Anna Paquin, who earned a Golden Globe for her acclaimed performance in the series last year, failed to materialize in the final cut of actresses.
In terms of reality television, "Jon & Kate Plus 8" walked away from the table empty handed. However, ratings juggernaut "American Idol" is a strong contender in the Reality-Competition category.
Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, also a nominee this year for "How I Met Your Mother," the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony is scheduled to air live on September 20th from the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
Click on Emmys for a complete list of this year's nominations.
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