OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Candice Bergen, BOSTON LEGAL
Rachel Griffiths, BROTHERS & SISTERS
Sandra Oh, GREY'S ANATOMY
Dianne Wiest, IN TREATMENT
Chandra Wilson, GREY'S ANATOMY
Analysis: In my opinion, this is Rachel Griffiths's race to lose. Some people might be playing up Sandra Oh and Chandra Wilson and while they are fine performers, the material on "Grey's Anatomy" has been going downhill for quite some time now. A good performance is not enough to net those actor's the Emmys they may have deserved a year or two ago. Dianne Wiest has a problem of being a supporting performer in a half-hour show that people usually have to watch closely considering how the story unfolds. This leaves Bergen and Griffiths. Bergen submitted a great episode where she fights for her father's right to die but the real gem is Griffiths. Her episode submission deals with her soon to be ex-husband, out of nowhere, asking for sole custody of their two kids. After not being rewarded for her work on "Six Feet Under" it's going to be Griffiths's turn to strut up to that podium.
CURRENT EDGE: Rachel Griffiths, BROTHERS & SISTERS
PERSONAL PICK: Rachel Griffiths, BROTHERS & SISTERS
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Kristen Chenowith, PUSHING DAISIES
Amy Poehler, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
Jean Smart, SAMANTHA WHO?
Holland Taylor, TWO AND A HALF MEN
Vanessa Williams, UGLY BETTY
Analysis: This contest is mainly between Chenowith and Poehler. Chenowith's performance on "Pushing Daisies" is wonderfully ditzy and wacky and has an actual storyline that gives her character depth. Poehler has a huge buzz factor with her amazing comedic performance on SNL and her impersonation of Hillary Clinton in particular. The combination of Poehler's buzz plus the actual greatness of her performance give her the upper hand on Emmy night.
CURRENT EDGE: Amy Poehler, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
PERSONAL PICK: Jean Smart, SAMANTHA WHO?
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Eileen Atkins, CRANFORD (MASTERPIECE THEATRE)
Laura Dern, RECOUNT
Ashley Jensen, EXTRAS: THE EXTRA SPECIAL SERIES FINALE
Audra McDonald, A RAISIN IN THE SUN
Alfre Woodard, PICTURES OF HOLLIS WOODS (HALLMARK HALL OF FAME PRESENTATION)
Analysis: While all are fine performances in this category, the favorite seems to be Atkins. "Cranford" really doesn't seem to be getting much recognition in any other categories because of "John Adams" and this could be a good place to give it it's due. One to watch out for is Ashley Jensen. Her performance in "Extras" was magnificent in both season's and her performance in the movie was equally so. This could be the one "Extras" upset where Ricky Gervais does not go up to the podium.
CURRENT EDGE: Eileen Atkins, CRANFORD (MASTERPIECE THEATRE)
PERSONAL PICK: Ashley Jensen, EXTRAS: THE EXTRA SPECIAL SERIES FINALE