Inside track: Emmy race for best drama actress
Here's a snapshot of what we see on the Derby track right now.
* = Top 10 semifinalist in 2008
** = Nominee in 2008
(Front-runners)
Patricia Arquette, "Medium" *
Angela Bassett, "ER"
Connie Britton, "Friday Night Lights"
Glenn Close, "Damages" ** (WINNER IN 2008)
Sally Field, "Brothers & Sisters" **
Calista Flockhart, "Brothers & Sisters"
Mariska Hargitay, "Law & Order: SVU" **
Holly Hunter, "Saving Grace" **
January Jones, "Mad Men"
Evangeline Lilly, "Lost"
Mary McDonnell, "Battlestar Galactica" *
Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men" *
Anna Paquin, "True Blood"
Jill Scott, "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency"
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer" **
Chloe Sevigny, "Big Love"
Jeanne Tripplehorn, "Big Love" *
(Possible)
Ginnifer Goodwin, "Big Love"
Mary McCormack, "In Plain Sight"
Ellen Pompeo, "Grey's Anatomy"
Amber Tamblyn, "The Unusuals"
Anna Torv, "Fringe"
Maura Tierney, "ER"
Parminder Nagra, "ER"
Photo: ATAS
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I don't even know why we discuss other actresses because we already know that's going to be the same old, same old. At this moment I can write the ladies that are nominated in September. Here it is: Glenn Close, Sally Field, Mariska Hargitay, Holly Hunter, Kyra Sedgwick and Anna Paquin (because her show's on HBO and she's an Oscar winner). If there was any justice in the world we would see these ladies nominated: Calista Flockhart, January Jones, Mary McDonnell, Jill Scott, Chloe Sevigny and Jeanne Tripplehorn. But the sad truth is that the best leading actress this season on any show (drama or comedy) doesn't even have a chance in hell. Billie Piper who gave the most outstanding performance by any actress I've seen in years in 2nd season of "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" is a total unknown and we know that Emmys go after popularity, so she's going to be snubbed. From the ladies that I mentioned that should be nominated, January Jones is the one that should win because this category hasn't seen an episode like "A Night To Remember" in ages. BTW Angela Bassett is being pushed supporting.
Posted by: Paul | April 25, 2009 at 03:53 AM
I would love to see some new faces in the nominee list, we have seen the same actress and a lot of talented people are just left on the back of the whole thing. I am sure that if people could have a voice in this award you would be surprised to see that really few of these actress in this list would run for an award.
I am for Emily Procter who does a great job in CSI:Miami but there are so many talented people out there if you just take a look!
Posted by: AnAwardForEmilyProcter | April 25, 2009 at 02:25 AM
BIG LOVE ALL THE WAY! Jeanne Tripplehorn SHOULD WIN for her heartbreaking turn in episode 3.09 (LDS controversy aside, she rocked as a woman who is forced to leave her church in the most humilliating way). Cloe Sevigny should be nominated for episode 3.08 and her protrayal as a member of the family who has commited a huge betrayal but is able to be sympathetic to the audience. Ginnifer Goodwin should be nominated for her work on 3.06 and the emotional range she experienced during a very particular family trip.
In a perfect world all three of them would be nominated. In more ways than one these women are basically the foundations of the best show on HBO.
Posted by: Cindy | April 24, 2009 at 09:10 PM
Here's hoping the emmy voters can recognize the genius and mastery that Mary McDonnell has brought to us for the last 4 seasons.
Genre be Dam*ed! Laura Roslin is one of the most complex and empathetic characters in the media in the last 10 years (male or female) and that deserves at LEAST a frakking nomination!
Posted by: Alison | April 24, 2009 at 02:57 PM
If Jill Scott gets nominated, I think she'll win - if she submits the first episode. The scene with the young boy was great! I also agree about Chloe Sivigney who has several great episodes she could submit.
Posted by: Lance | April 24, 2009 at 01:02 PM
Mary McDonnell is so talented, her portrayal of Laura Roslin is subtle, complex, breathtakingly beautiful and with a huge acting range from quiet acceptance of her death, to desperation, rage, love, tenderness, fierceness, sensuality and many other things. If she won't be recognized for her talent, who will?
Posted by: Ysu | April 24, 2009 at 02:03 AM
I will scream if CHLOE SEVIGNY does not get nominated for her fabulous acting on"BIG LOVE"; probably the most original, awesome, most well-acted show on tv this year. I hope the Emmys better recognize this this year.
Posted by: M.J. | April 23, 2009 at 10:27 PM
If Mary McDonnell doesn't win this year, the jury is definitely blind and deaf and stupid!
Posted by: LBDL | April 23, 2009 at 12:03 PM
If Mary McDonnell doesn't win, my faith in humanity is officially dead.
Posted by: Erinn | April 23, 2009 at 11:28 AM
This year Big Love has its best season yet. It would be terrible if not a single Lead Actress of the show is nominated. J. Tripplehorn, C. Sevigny and G. Goodwin are definetely the best actresses on TV. They are emotional, natural, funny, dysfunctional and talented. For those who haven't watch the show I invite you to do it... you'll know what I'm talking about
Posted by: Trent | April 23, 2009 at 09:03 AM
And by the way... January Jones is the Lead on Mad Men. I don't understand why Elizabeth Moss insists on being nominated in that category... she's definetely supporting.
Posted by: Trent | April 23, 2009 at 09:00 AM
People, Emmys have sucked for many years now. But if not even a single Lead Actress of 'Big Love' is nominated this year, then they're just plain tasteless. Why do we need to see the same old faces year after year? With all due respect to the other actresses, Big Love had its best season this year and all three lead actresses showed great talent. They were funny, dramatic, emotional, dysfunctional and showed great range. They are indeed the best!
Posted by: Trent | April 23, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Crossing my fingers for a lead actress upset by Jill Scott. She is truly a natural. Awesome fresh performances episode after episode.
Posted by: memo | April 23, 2009 at 01:47 AM
we know it will be Close, Field, Hargitay and Sedgwick...but if there is any justice in this world January Jones and Chloe Sevigny would be nodded. Hands down they are the best female performances of the year.
Posted by: carlo | April 23, 2009 at 01:42 AM
OMG, yes, Angela Bassett! You betcha. I just added her to this. Good catch. TX
Posted by: Tom O'Neil | April 22, 2009 at 02:06 PM
My fingers are crossed for Mary McDonnell. It's her year!
Posted by: Megg | April 22, 2009 at 01:26 PM
What about Angela Bassett for ER?
Posted by: Marcus | April 22, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Where's Angela Bassett for "ER?" Has word dropped about which drama series acting category she'll be submitted for, lead or supporting actress? If she submits "Heal, Thyself," as her sample tape, I'd push hard for lead. If she submits another episode, like the one where she and Scott Grimes' characters are stranded at a medical convention or the series' finale, then I'd go supporting.
Posted by: Mack | April 22, 2009 at 12:15 PM
MARY MCDONNELL FOR THE WIN!
Posted by: Maud | April 22, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Maybe this year Mary McDonnell will get the recognition so rightly deserved for the last 4 seasons!
Posted by: firstlady1408 | April 22, 2009 at 10:18 AM