By the way, did you know that the 2,100 members of the Screen Actors Guild nominating committee receive DVD screeners from TV contenders? The system kinda works like the Emmys', which distributes DVDs to TV academy members on behalf of producers who wish to campaign. At the snooty Oscars, the motion-picture academy refuses to soil its hands doing such tub-thumping for contenders. That's left to the studios, which take out ads in the trades asking AMPAS members to fax in copies of their academy cards along with the address to which they want screeners sent. AMPAS polices how the procedure works, but doesn't participate in distribution.

As a SAG spokesperson explains, "We leave it up to the potential nominee to decide what they would like to send to the TV nominating committee. 'For Your Consideration' material provided by potential nominees is mailed to the nominating committee through our mailing house."

As an example, here, below, is what Showtime shipped to SAG voters this year. Let's see how much of this comes through in the nominations tomorrow morn:

* Two episodes of "The L Word" focusing on Jennifer Beals and Pam Grier

* First three parts of "Sleeper Cell: American Terror"

* Four episodes of "Brotherhood"

* Three episodes of "Dexter"

* Five episodes of "Weeds" focusing on Mary-Louise Parker, Elizabeth Perks and Justin Kirk

Photo: Showtime campaigned for "Weeds" star Justin Kirk to get noticed by SAG voters. He recently was nommed for best supporting actor by the Golden Globes. He'll chat live with us Envelopers here next Tuesday, January 9, at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET — CLICK HERE to get to our chat room!
(Showtime)