Friday, September 14, 2001

Television’s most prestigious night
Primetime Emmy Awards honors television’s best shows
By David Reese
Staff Reviewer

In the world of television, the Emmy Awards are known as the most prestigious recognition in the field for actors, directors, writers and technicians. After numerous years of complaints by industry insiders and viewers that there are a select few that continue to dominate in the categories year after year, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences began a new voting system last year to allow more voter participation within the television community. The higher level of voter participation could be the reason that a television series such as “Will & Grace” with two prominent homosexual characters, a series about the life of a 15-year-old boy (“Malcolm in the Middle”) and a sexually-driven series about four Manhattan women (”Sex and the City”) could be graced with nominations.

In just two short years, the Emmy organization has gone from a group of dying, old conservative men who thought Angela Lansbury in “Murder, She Wrote” was cutting edge to a mixed group of culturally minded citizens who are open to all lifestyle portrayals on television. Another example that the Emmys are stepping out on the ledge can be shown by their selection of host, Ellen DeGeneres, who a few years ago became one of the first high profile lesbian characters on television. Below are my predictions of winners for some of the major categories. In observance of Tuesday’s tragic events, the Emmys have been postponed, but a future time will be determined.

Outstanding Drama Series

“ER” (NBC)
“Law & Order” (NBC)
“The Practice” (ABC)
“The Sopranos” (HBO)
“The West Wing” (NBC)

Should Win: “The Sopranos”
Will Win: “The West Wing”

Although the Emmy Awards are making steps to become cutting edge, I will make sure to mention that they are baby steps. Many of these nominated series are past their prime especially in the cases of “ER,” “Law & Order” and “The Practice.” The most deserving shows are “The Sopranos” and “The West Wing” without a doubt.

Both have brought new life back to dramas on television. I think “The West Wing” will have the upper hand just because the violent themes of “The Sopranos” may turn some voters off.

Outstanding Comedy Series

“Everybody Loves Raymond” (CBS)
“Frasier” (NBC)
“Malcolm in the Middle” (FOX)
“Sex and the City” (HBO)
“Will & Grace” (NBC)

Should Win: “Sex and the City”
Will Win: “Everybody Loves Raymond”

Another good season for comedy series leaves this reviewer stumped as to who might actually win this category. I think “Frasier” is a decent series, but I truly believe it is time for some new blood to be nominated. “Frasier” has won the award five times, more than any other series, comedy or drama in the history of the Emmy Awards. In my opinion, I really enjoy my dose of the lovely ladies and their escapades on the streets of New York in “Sex and the City,” but I think it will face the same criticism “The Sopranos” receives due to the series’ racier subject matters. The race will probably be narrowed down to next year’s champ, “Will & Grace,” “Malcolm in the Middle” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” My bet is on the lovable Raymond because they have such an incredible cast with some very quirky and laughable story lines.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama
Series

Andre Braugher, “Gideon’s Crossing”
Dennis Franz, “NYPD Blue”
James Gandolfini, “The Sopranos”
Rob Lowe, “The West Wing”
Martin Sheen, “The West Wing”

Should Win: Martin Sheen, “The West Wing”
Will Win: Martin Sheen, “The West Wing”

Just a few quick notes: Braugher’s series was canceled so that cannot help in the voting process. Lowe is much more of a supporting character than a leading one and Franz is the finest actor on television, but he has won four previous times. Gandolfini won last year but his performance was more poignant then and there is no doubt that Sheen should and will win this category.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama
Series

Lorraine Bracco, “The Sopranos”
Amy Brenneman, “Judging Amy”
Edie Falco, “The Sopranos”
Marg Helgenberger, “CSI”
Sela Ward, “Once and Again”

Should Win: Sela Ward, “Once and Again”
Will Win: Lorraine Bracco or Edie Falco, “The Sopranos”

Ward won this category last year and deserves to win again, but I have a feeling that since her series is not as hard-hitting as her fellow nominees, she will lose out. Brenneman’s performance is decent but it is too lightweight just as Helgenberger’s, who only received the nomination on the merits that she was a previous winner for “China Beach.” I think the fight will come down to “The Sopranos” women. Will it be Tony’s wife or psychiatrist? My bet is on Bracco although in most cases she is a supporting character but her performance of a rape victim could help her snag the golden girl.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy
Series

Kelsey Grammer, “Frasier”
John Lithgow, “3rd Rock from the Sun”
Eric McCormack, “Will & Grace”
Frankie Muniz, “Malcolm in the Middle”
Ray Romano, “Everybody Loves Raymond”

Should Win: Eric McCormack, “Will & Grace”
Will Win: Kelsey Grammer, “Frasier” or John Lithgow, “3rd Rock from the Sun”

Even though this category is full of good actors, I do not believe any of them were spectacular this year. McCormack’s performance in the “Will & Grace” flashback episode is deserving of the Emmy, but he tends to be overshadowed by the supporting actors. Romano has a decent shot at the award but he is seen as a comedian rather than an actor and that could have an effect. Muniz is full of life on camera and in a perfect world, he would win, but he is only 15-years-old. No one in the history of the Emmys has been that young and won in a leading actor category.

It’s sad to say, but I think the award will definitely go to one of the old time multiple winners who should have been done and buried years ago. Lithgow may be the winner because his series finally ended this year. Who knows? This one is up for grabs.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy
Series

Calista Flockhart, “Ally McBeal”
Patricia Heaton, “Everybody Loves Raymond”
Jane Kaczmarek, “Malcolm in the Middle”
Debra Messing, “Will & Grace”
Sarah Jessica Parker, “Sex and the City”

Should Win: Sarah Jessica Parker, “Sex and the City”
Will Win: Jane Kaczmarek, “Malcolm in the Middle”

Parker is absolutely splendid as the neurotic columnist, Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City.” I think that she will have a better shot next year when the season that just ended on HBO is eligible because it is much better than last year’s season. The hilarious supporting characters on Messing’s series overshadow her like McCormack on the male side. Flockhart was a certain winner three years ago but Helen Hunt’s continuous winning streak kept her from gold. Her series, “Ally McBeal” made a resurgence this year, which could help her in the end. Last year’s winner, Heaton has another good shot but I think Kaczmarek will have the last laugh on award’s night.

David Reese