Both of our Emmy experts -- Rob "Rob L" Licuria (AwardsHeaven) and Chris "Boomer" Beachum -- are predicting Edie Falco to win the comedy actress category for the first season of "Nurse Jackie." Should she prevail, Falco -- who won three of her six Emmy bids for the series "The Sopranos" (1999, 2001, 2003) -- would join Carroll O'Connor ("All in the Family," "In the Heat of the Night") as the only lead regulars to have won Emmy Awards for both comedy and drama series.

COMEDY LEAD ACTRESS: ROB'S PREDIX
1. Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie" ("Pilot")
2. Toni Collette, "United States of Tara" ("Torando!")
3. Tina Fey, "30 Rock" ("Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001")
4. Amy Poehler, 'Parks & Recreation ("Telethon")
5. Lea Michele, "Glee" ("Sectionals")
6. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "New Adventures of Old Christine" ("I Love What You Do for Me")

ROB'S COMMENTARY: Julia Louis-Dreyfus was fortunate to garner another nomination in this category for the final season of "Old Christine," as the show ended without much fanfare and some expected that she might be overlooked. This episode does not present us with anything really exceptional to judge, but is what we would expect from Louis-Dreyfus – great timing as the sassy and dysfunctional Christine. But in terms of range and impact, I was left wanting more.

In my opinion, Lea Michele should have chosen the vastly superior pilot episode over this one in which she is not given much in the way of comedy to do at all. She belts out a great number and is given some poignant feel-good dramatic material, but in comparison with some of the other actresses in this category, it comes off a little slight and forgettable.

Amy Poehler similarly could have chosen a number of episodes, and yet is given similar material as the bumbling and not-very-self-aware Leslie Knope. She is very likable, and has some funny moments, but I think she might have been better off submitting "Pawnee Zoo."

As for Tina Fey, she has a few more laughs up her sleeve, but I think the writing lets her down as the episode descends into the ridiculous (and not in a good way). I just kept thinking that both of these brilliant comedic actresses didn't have a winning episode to rely on this year.

I think that this category is really a showdown between the two Showtime powerhouses — Edie Falco and Toni Collette, both of whom bring a bit more gravitas and "acting" to their roles in comparison with the other four women. Collette won last year, and many might think that her win was a one-time deal, but going by her chosen episode, "Torando," I think she has a great chance of repeating. Admittedly, her performance is not an overtly "funny" one (and the same thing can be said for Falco), but when she transforms into the new alter ego "Shoshanna," I was absolutely dazzled by her characterization, accent and the dry humor that that particular character adds to the show. Trust me. Don't count her out just because the show itself is not the funniest thing on TV.

Similarly, Falco and "Nurse Jackie" are not belly-laugh inducing, but obviously, Emmy voters love the show (nominated for best comedy series), and they definitely love Falco (multiple winner for "The Sopranos"). Falco displays a wildly out of control character -- drug addict, liar, adulteress and unconventional nurse -- and is given some sharp-tongued lines to throw at those around her. There is also likability in some scenes that may be just enough to tip voters over the edge.

COMEDY LEAD ACTRESS: BOOMER'S PREDIX
1. Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie" ("Pilot")
2. Tina Fey, "30 Rock" ("Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001")
3. Toni Collette, "United States of Tara" ("Torando!")
4. Amy Poehler, "Parks & Recreation" ("Telethon")
5. Lea Michele, "Glee" ("Sectionals")
6. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "New Adventures of Old Christine" ("I Love What You Do for Me")

BOOMER'S COMMENTARY: I had a pretty good feeling Falco would win this award way back when it was announced by Showtime that she would be starring in a new comedic drama. She certainly doesn't disappoint, especially in the premiere episode, in which the audience gets a real sense of who she is and why she is one of the hospital's best nurses. Voters will also discover a gifted comedic actress with some very funny moments as well as a couple of heroic ones. Falco is so good she even carried the show almost by herself into a somewhat unexpected nomination for best comedy series.

The top comedic performance in this category is once again given by Fey. I think it might be her best submission yet, with great physical comedy and one-liners throughout as she attempts to launch her own talk show. In a different year, she probably would have won her second Emmy in this category. Collette certainly shows range in her episode, especially in the momentous basement scene in which she lets loose all of her alter egos within a short period of time. Unfortunately, for all of the buildup to that moment, I thought the writing and directing let her down a good bit with the pacing and delivery of the scene. It felt forced, flat and underwhelming.

Winners of the seventh annual Gold Derby TV Awards were unveiled Tuesday night in a ceremony held in our forums' chat room. Posters in our message boards voted to heap three trophies upon "Modern Family," including best comedy series, ensemble acting and supporting actor (Ty Burrell).

Though "Glee" lost best comedy, it reaped four consolation prizes: supporting actress and breakthrough performer of the year (Jane Lynch), guest actor (Mike O'Malley) and guest actress (Kristin Chenoweth).

Biggest surprise: Victory by Courtney Cox-Arquette ("Cougar Town"), who isn't nominated for an Emmy this year (and has never been, for that matter). She beat Emmy nominees Edie Falco ("Nurse Jackie"), Tina Fey ("30 Rock"), Lea Michele ("Glee") and Amy Poehler ("Parks & Recreation").

"Mad Men" led among drama skeins, claiming best series and supporting actress (Elisabeth Moss). "Dexter" nabbed best actor (Michael C. Hall) and  guest actor (John Lithgow).

All winners listed below. To see a rundown of nominees plus the reax of our forum posters, click here. Many thanks to our forum moderators Chris "Boomer" Beachum, Rob Licuria, Andrew Pickett and Matt Noble for organizing the awards procedure.

COMEDY SERIES:
"Modern Family" (ABC)

COMEDY LEAD ACTRESS:
Courteney Cox-Arquette as Jules Cobb on "Cougar Town"

COMEDY LEAD ACTOR:
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper on "The Big Bang Theory"

COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester on "Glee"

COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy on "Modern Family"

COMEDY GUEST ACTRESS:
Kristin Chenoweth as April Rhodes on "Glee"

Our Emmy experts Chris "Boomer" Beachum and Rob "Rob L" Licuria (AwardsHeaven) disagree about who will prevail in the comedy lead actor race. Boomer believes Jim Parsons can win with his second nomination as Sheldon the slightly mad scientist in "The Big Bang Theory." And Rob thinks Tony Shalhoub can take home a fourth Emmy for the eighth and final season of "Monk," adding to those he won for seasons one, three and four.

COMEDY LEAD ACTOR: BOOMER'S PREDIX
1. Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory" ("The Pants Alternative")
2. Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock" ("Don Geiss, America & Hope")
3. Tony Shalhoub, "Monk" ("Mr. Monk and the End, Parts 1 & 2")
4. Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" ("Seinfeld")
5. Steve Carell, "The Office" ("The Cover Up")
6. Matthew Morrison, "Glee" ("Mash Up")

BOOMER'S COMMENTARY: I agree with many people that Tony Shalhoub gives the most complete and impressive overall performance of this category's nominees. It does have a little humor, but is mostly dramatic and probably contains the most crying and coughing of any comedy submission (maybe ever). The first hour is very interesting and makes you want to know what happens next, which is unfortunately the second hour and its poorly written and plotted conclusion to the series. With all of that in mind, I just can't bring myself to think that Emmy voters would want to elevate him into a pantheon with the only other men to ever win this category four times (Carroll O'Connor, Michael J. Fox and Kelsey Grammer).

Jim Parsons easily gives the funniest performance of the group, with nice ensemble work, individual one-on-one scenes with each character and a drunken conclusion accepting an award no less. Voters haven't warmed too much to "The Big Bang Theory," but I hope they will appreciate the all-out comedy in this particular episode. I am projecting him to take home his first Emmy this year.

I have Alec Baldwin in second place because I think it is the most complete performance he has submitted to Emmy judges yet. It doesn't have the gimmicks of previous winning submissions, but has a lot going for it and him. There is a strong possibility they aren't quite done with rewarding him yet, even more so in a year when practically nobody is predicting him to win again. Larry David is also very funny in his season finale and even gets a couple of tender moments trying to win back his ex-wife.

Steve Carell submits an incredibly weak episode this year that finds him off-screen as much as on. Speaking of weak, if I was ranking all 37 acting episodes in the comedy categories, I would most likely rank Matthew Morrison's at No. 37 (mainly due to the awful rapping).

COMEDY LEAD ACTOR: ROB'S PREDIX
1. Tony Shalhoub, "Monk" ("Mr. Monk and the End, Parts 1 & 2")
2. Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory" ("The Pants Alternative")
3. Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" ("Seinfeld")
4. Matthew Morrison, "Glee" ("Mash Up")
5. Steve Carell, "The Office" ("The Cover Up")
6. Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock" ("Don Geiss, America and Hope")

ROB'S COMMENTARY: Unbelievably, I have reigning champion and multiple Emmy winner Alec Baldwin in last place in this category, based solely on the episode that he chose to submit to judges. In "Don Geiss," I don't think he was given nearly as much to do as in previous entries. He doesn't have as much of the witty dialogue that we are accustomed to seeing and there's not even any of the over the top mugging for the camera (like in last year's "Generalissimo" episode) that I think was the main factor that propelled him to the top last year. I think it is safe to say Baldwin will sit this one out this year.

Similarly, Steve Carell is good but not great in his episode. There are some laughs, and the usual cringe-inducing hysteria that this character is renowned for, but I never once thought to myself that this performance would drive Emmy voters to tick off his name on the ballot. There is almost zero likeability, which Carell has had in past attempts (and still lost), which I think will ultimately cost him votes. Maybe next year, in his final season, he might get that great send-off episode that will (finally) get him the Emmy that has so far eluded him.

I was tempted to place Matthew Morrison in last position because I think he (or his representation, or the show's producers) made an almost fatal error by submitting the very episode that demonstrates the one incredibly irritating factor that he and the show were mercilessly criticized and picked on about all season long: Mr. Schu RAPPING. And it's not even once, but TWICE, in two separate song-and-dance numbers, that we have to suffer through the horror of it all. That all being said, Morrison is by far one of the most talented actors on TV right now – and that much is clear from his episode. He is an accomplished all-round performer and will garner some votes because of this. He also has plenty of screen time, some range, and even some laughs. So he proves that he deserves to be here, but I couldn't wait for the episode to be over, and I have a feeling that I won't be alone in that assessment.

OK, OK, maybe all of our webcam chats dishing who'll win the top Emmy races aren't exactly slugfests, but in this one Chris "Boomer" Beachum, Rob Licuria (AwardsHeaven) and I really come out swinging. Fearlessly, I take on both of them with my daredevil prediction that Chris Colfer ("Glee") will win supporting comedy actor, but they counter-punch for clown Eric Stonestreet ("Modern Family"). Read our expanded analysis of the contest here. Who do you think is correct?

 Also watch our webcam match-ups over who'll win best supporting drama actor and supporting drama actress.

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Emmy pundits' video slugfest: Who'll win best supporting drama actor?

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Boomer vs. Rob: Best supporting comedy actress

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Boomer vs. Rob: Best supporting drama actor

Boomer vs. Rob: Best supporting drama actress

Boomer vs. Rob: Best guest comedy actor

Boomer vs. Rob: Best guest comedy actress

Boomer vs. Rob: Best guest drama actor

Boomer vs. Rob: Best guest drama actress

Boomer vs. Rob: Best reality competition show

Photos: Eric Stonestreet in "Modern Family" (ABC), Chris Colfer in "Glee" (Fox)

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In an earlier post, I shared the breakdown of the acting races for best drama series (complete with titles of episodes being viewed by Emmy judges) that appeared in the recent print edition of The Envelope in the Los Angeles Times. Here's the equivalent comedy list plus who's in the running for best lead actor and actress in TV movie/mini.

BEST COMEDY ACTOR
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock" ("Don Geiss, America, and Hope")
Steve Carrell, "The Office" ("The Cover Up")
Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" ("Seinfeld")
Matthew Morrison, "Glee" ("Mash Up")
Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory" ("The Pants Alternative")
Tony Shalhoub, "Monk" ("Mr. Monk and the End, Parts I and II")

SPOTLIGHT: Three-time past champ Shalhoub could get a parting Emmy gift for the final episode of "Monk" in which he's poisoned, battles his usual phobias, weeps over memories of his dead wife and finally, after eight TV seasons, solves her murder. Or Emmy voters could get all choked up with nostalgia while viewing the "Seinfeld" reunion on David's submission.

BEST COMEDY ACTRESS
Toni Collette, "United States of Tara" ("Tornado!")
Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie" ("Pilot")
Tina Fey, "30 Rock" ("Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001")
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "The New Adventures of Old Christine" ("I Love What You Do for Me")
Lea Michele, "Glee" ("Sectionals")
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation" ("Telethon")

SPOTLIGHT: Barbra Streisand won an Oscar for belting out "Don't Rain on My Parade" in "Funny Girl." Now Michele croons the same in her Emmy episode. Good omen? Collette won the Emmy last year for portraying multiple personalities, but currently battles her Showtime rival Falco, who triumphed three times as tough mafia momma on "The Sopranos."

Our Emmy gurus Chris "Boomer" Beachum and Rob Licuria (AwardsHeaven) are in agreement that veteran comedy actress Jane Lynch will win her first Emmy Award for her supporting work on the rookie hit "Glee." Beyond this top pick, they rank the other nominees with both believing Julie Bowen from another freshman series -- "Modern Family" -- to be a strong contender.

Below is their in-depth analysis of this contest. Rob and Boomer also share their insights on guest drama actor, guest drama actress, guest comedy actor and guest comedy actress. And the three of us weigh in on the top drama series and comedy series races as well as best TV movie, best reality/competition show and best reality show host.

COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTRESS: BOOMER'S PREDIX
1. Jane Lynch, "Glee" ("The Power of Madonna")
2. Jane Krakowski, "30 Rock" ("Black Light Attack")
3. Julie Bowen, "Modern Family" ("My Funky Valentine")
4. Holland Taylor, "Two and a Half Men" ("Give Me Your Thumb")
5. Kristen Wiig, "Saturday Night Live" ("Host: James Franco")
6. Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family" ("Not in My House")

BOOMER'S COMMENTARY: Jane Lynch wins the Emmy for this category within the first three minutes of the Madonna-themed episode and then just keeps adding on funny scene after funny scene. She also gets to star in a shot-for-shot remake of the famous "Vogue" music video. Easy prediction and a well-deserved victory after many years of great comedic performances.

I imagine actresses over 35 on this judging panel will be enthralled by Jane Krakowski's episode in which she faces the perils and horrors of moving from the ingenue to mother stage of an acting career. She has so many funny moments, it is kind of a shame she will probably never win for this role. Julie Bowen gives a charming performance on a Valentine's Day-themed episode where she and her husband go on a date and pretend to pick up each other in a bar. It's a nice blend of sparkling dialogue and physical humor.

Holland Taylor has already received several nominations for this character but no wins. I liked some of her previous submissions much more than this one, which is somewhat on the dry-humor side rather than physical. Kristin Wiig has only two moments on her episode that might appeal to voters (the Lawrence Welk parody and her impersonation of Kate Hepburn), but it can't top the other ladies in this category.

Sofia Vergara made a major error on her episode choice, in which she has little to do other than react to a stuffed dog butler in her home. She has such a high industry buzz right now, a win could have been possible with the right choice.

COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTRESS: ROB'S PREDIX
1. Jane Lynch, "Glee" ("The Power of Madonna")
2. Julie Bowen, "Modern Family" ("My Funky Valentine")
3. Kristin Wiig, "Saturday Night Live" ("Host: James Franco")
4. Holland Taylor, "Two and a Half Men" ("Give Me Your Thumb")
5. Jane Krakowski, "30 Rock" ("Black Light Attack")
6. Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family" ("Not in My House")

ROB'S COMMENTARY: I think the episodes in this category are not nearly as strong as the comedy supporting actors' choices. Right off the bat, Sofia Vergara either isn't sure how the process works or simply is not interested in winning an Emmy this year. Her performance in her chosen episode is negligible, to say the least. And Vergara has some episodes in the can that make her very competitive.

Ditto for Jane Krakowski, who I found to be irritating in this episode. Not funny at all in my mind, and this is coming from a fan of hers. I'm not sure any actors from "30 Rock" are going to win this year, what with the relatively weak material they were given in the substandard fourth season. Similarly, Holland Taylor's nomination smacks of a filler to me. She has a couple of good scenes and is generally a well-liked veteran and excellent actress, but this performance is nothing to write home about.

• Reigning Emmy champ "30 Rock" will be live from New York for one episode in October. Peacock exec Angela Bromstad made the announcement at the TCA on Friday. Via the press release, Bromstad said, "We’ve had great success with live episodes in the past, both in a creative sense and in the ratings. I can’t imagine a series more suited to do an incredible live episode, thanks to its many cast, writers and producers, who hail from TV’s most renowned live series, ‘SNL.’" Previous NBC shows to test the mettle of actors with live episodes included "ER" and "Will & Grace." TV BY THE NUMBERS

• Greg Braxton has been busy attending the TCA summer session and delivers the news that Terrence Howard has inked a deal to join the cast of the new series "Law & Order: Los Angeles." The onetime Oscar nominee ("Hustle and Flow") is to "play a deputy district attorney. He will split the district attorney duties with Alfred Molina, who was previously signed." SHOW TRACKER

• NBC Universal TV chief Jeff Gaspin tells Joe Adalian he has "no issue" with Conan O'Brien appearing on the upcoming telecast of the Emmys on the Peacock net, adding that, "as long as he's not hosting, I'm fine." This news makes Joe wonder, "So will the TV Academy ask O'Brien to appear? If asked, will Conan serve?" NEW YORK

• While O'Brien's "Late Night" successor, Jimmy Fallon, has been tapped to host the prime-time Emmys, "Big Bang Theory" comedy duo Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar will emcee the engineering Emmys on Aug. 14 at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood. Among those slated to be feted for technical achievements is Desilu, "for their innovation of using a multi-camera film setup before a live studio audience. Desilu also used conventional film studio materials, production and processing techniques which made 'I Love Lucy' immediately available for production and distribution of prints when the series went into syndication at local stations around the country. In addition, the honor is bestowed to commemorate the upcoming 60th anniversary of 'I Love Lucy’s' debut." THE WRAP

• Mikey Glazer reports that "in L.A., costume designers descended on downtown's Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Saturday for the opening of the annual installation honoring 'The Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design.' Two of the stars of the evening were costume designer nominees Lou Eyrich of 'Glee' and 'Mad Men's Janie Bryant." THE WRAP

• Kyra Sedgwick will get another chance to contend for the lead actress Emmy award that has eluded her until now with Friday's news that TNT has renewed "The Closer" for a seventh season. Sedgwick has been nominated for each of the first five seasons of the crime drama. In the current derby, our pundits predict her to be an also-ran again. However, the sixth season of the show is airing currently and the seventh is slated for next summer, giving her at least two more tries. Also re-upped by the cablecaster are "Leverage" for a fourth season and freshman hit "Rizzoli & Isles." TV BY THE NUMBERS

• Following up on her look at the ladies in contention for best actress this year, Sasha Stone turns to the men of the moment. For this leading Oscarologist, "unlike the Best Actress race, the Best Actor race is still buried in the haze of expectations and unknowns. We wait for so many answers, like Jeff Bridges in 'True Grit'? Brad Pitt in 'Tree of Life'? We just don’t know. Javier Bardem‘s astonishing work in the very depressing 'Biutiful'? Sean Penn again for 'Fair Game'? George Clooney for 'The American'? Here is what we do know so far. Leonardo DiCaprio is having a hell of a year. Whether or not the actors will agree is another story. Michael Douglas turned in a very good performance in 'Solitary Man,' and will also charm audiences with 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.' Kevin Kline is making a run with 'The Extra Man.' One of the best I’ve already seen is Ryan Gosling, who does his best work yet in 'Blue Valentine.'" AWARDS DAILY

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• Longtime Oscarologist Sasha Stone has produced a list of 17 women who could vie for the best actress prizes in the awards derby. For Sasha, "the field is already half-filled with Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Jennifer Lawrence. But out of Cannes, came three great performances. I saw two of them, Michelle Williams and Lesley Manville. I missed Naomi Watts in 'Fair Game,' but word has it she won’t BE IGNORED, Dan. And then Tilda Swinton received her usual acclaim for 'I Am Love,' which puts her in the running." Beyond this, Sasha says, "there are more to come this year. The question is, how well will these early names hold as the festival season kicks into high gear? What names will rise to the top of the pile? Will it be a newcomer? Or will a veteran finally get her due?" AWARDS DAILY

• Ray Richmond delivers an insightful report into the continuing controversy surrounding which producers are deemed eligible to contend for the best series Emmy Awards. As Ray writes, "the academy has aggressively cracked down on the producer lists submitted by nominated series contenders since about 2000, with the joint goals of weeding out the undeserving and capping the producing team’s size." The academy's awards exec John Leverence, "stresses that, over the past year, there has been a 'generalized embrace' from the Academy of the writer-producer’s role with regard to comedy and drama series in particular. The dialogue that’s been conducted between ATAS members and showrunners over the past numbers of years 'has finally resulted in white smoke coming up at the PGA and WGA and the Academy during the last year. And it points to the fact there’s an understanding of the general eligibility of writer-producers.'" DEADLINE

• Barack Obama chose ABC's long-running "The View" as the first daytime talker to receive a visit from a sitting president. Had he waited till this fall, he would have been faced with a quandary as "The Talk," another female-friendly gabfest, is set to debut on CBS. On Tuesday, the sextet of sassy ladies who will gather daily to dish met the TV press. Among those joining show creator Sara Gilbert on the panel is, "Julie Chen, who will remain a contributor to 'Early Show' and host of CBS' 'Big Brother,' and said the show will be a discussion of motherhood and more. All the hosts, including Sharon Osbourne and actresses Holly Robinson Peete and Marissa Jaret Winokur, are parents. 'This show should feel like you're watching six women talking about what everybody's talking about, whether it's Mel Gibson or the Arizona immigration law,' Chen said. 'But we don't have an edit button.' " AP

• While "The Talk" replaces the canceled soap "Another World," another daytime drama -- "All My Children" -- is still going strong thanks in no small part to Susan Lucci, who has starred on the show for four decades. Now comes the news that the reigning diva of daytime is finally penning her autobiography. The press release promises that "in addition to providing readers with an exciting and satisfying behind the scenes look at her career, Lucci will devote much of the book to her personal life off-camera. Lucci will reveal information on her devastating car accident, her miscarriage, and the joy that came with finally winning an Emmy in 1999 after eighteen previous nominations."

• For Guy Lodge, Wednesday's announcement of 22 films in competition in Venice "looks much as we expected -- we'd effectively been promised Sofia Coppola' s 'Somewhere' and Julian Schnabel's 'Miral' since they failed to show up at Cannes, while Tuesday’s Toronto announcement tipped us off to the presence of Francois Ozon's 'Potiche,' the Dustin Hoffman starrer 'Barney’s Version' and the Haruki Murakami adaptation 'Norwegian Wood.'" And as Guy notes, "the list is no less appetizing for its lack of real surprises. Topping my 'can’t wait' list is another film that had widely been expected to play the Lido: Kelly Reichardt’s 'Meek’s Cutoff,' a period western starring Michelle Williams and Paul Dano." IN CONTENTION

• The international version of the Emmy Awards sent out a glossy reminder to save the date of Nov. 22 for the 37th annual edition of these kudos. The ceremony at the New York Hilton is slated to include salutes to Brit bad boy Simon Cowell and Canuck comedy maestro Lorne Michaels, who have changed the face of U.S. television with "American Idol" and "Saturday Night Live," respectively. The weekend prior will see the unspooling of the international television festival highlighting many of the contenders.

• Amy Poehler has a busy few weeks ahead of her as she and hubby Will Arnett prepare for the arrival of a second child to join son Archie and both prepare to attend the Emmy Awards. She is contending for lead actress in a comedy series for "Parks and Recreation" while he is up for best guest actor in "30 Rock" which was created by their good pal -- and Amy's category rival -- Tina Fey. Amy dishes with Leslie Bruce about the nomination, her dream role and her plans to get post-baby red-carpet ready. HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Photos, from top: Annette Bening and Julianne Moore in "The Kids Are All Right." Credit: Focus Features. Venice Film Festival logo. Credit: La Biennale.

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Front-row bleacher seats for the Emmy Awards red carpet are now selling for $510 after eight bids in the charity auction at EBay benefiting the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation. You can be the first person to bid $250 for a script of "30 Rock" (Emmy's best comedy series 2007, 2008, 2009) signed by Tina Fey.

Other items up for sale include VIP tickets and set visits to “How I Met Your Mother” and "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" plus a "Rescue Me" firefighter helmet signed by series star and creator Denis Leary. For the ultimate Emmy fan, there is an Emmy poster with autographs of winners and presenters from last year’s telecast, including Ricky Gervais, Amy Poehler, Simon Baker, Neil Patrick Harris, Sigourney Weaver and this year’s host, Jimmy Fallon.

There are many more sale items available here too. The auction continues until Aug. 1.

Photo credit: Academy of TV Arts & Sciences Foundation

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Our forums moderator Chris "Boomer" Beachum notes a curious Emmy fact. There's been surprising turnover of winners in the category of best lead comedy actress over the last decade. That's in contrast to other Emmy races that often look like a TV repeat. Consider the other top series acting categories — the winners all repeated over the last two years: Alec Baldwin ("30 Rock"), Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad") and Glenn Close ("Damages").

However, nine women won best comedy actress over the last nine years. The last repeat was Patricia Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond") in 2000 and 2001.

2009 — Toni Collette ("United States of Tara")
2008 — Tina Fey ("30 Rock")
2007 — America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty")
2006 — Julia Louis-Dreyfus ("New Adventures of Old Christine")
2005 — Felicity Huffman ("Desperate Housewives")
2004 — Sarah Jessica Parker ("Sex and the City")
2003 — Debra Messing ("Will & Grace")
2002 — Jennifer Aniston ("Friends")
2001 — Patricia Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond")

Photos: Toni Collette and Tina Fey. Credit: Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

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While our Emmy experts Chris "Boomer" Beachum and Robert "Rob L" Licuria (Awardsheaven.net) are divided as to which guy will get an Emmy for guesting on a comedy series, they agree that today's "it girl" Betty White is a sure thing to win the guest actress race for hosting "Saturday Night Live." Indeed, there was so much Emmy love for this episode of the late-night staple that it also got nominations for directing, writing, art direction, hair styling, lighting and makeup.

Boomer and Rob each assess the state of this race below and have already made forecasts, as did I, for best comedy series as well as lead actor and actress.

GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY: BOOMER'S PREDIX
(Ranked by likelihood to win)
1. Betty White, "Saturday Night Live" ("Host: Betty White")
2. Tina Fey, "Saturday Night Live" ("Host: Tina Fey")
3. Kristin Chenoweth, "Glee" ("The Rhodes Not Taken")
4. Elaine Stritch, "30 Rock" ("The Moms")
5. Christine Baranski, "The Big Bang Theory" ("The Maternal Congruence")
6. Kathryn Joosten, "Desperate Housewives" ("The Chase")
7. Jane Lynch, "Two and a Half Men" ("818-JKLPUZO")

BOOMER'S COMMENTARY: This Emmy Award was practically won weeks before the episode even aired! Most everybody was excited about Betty White hosting "Saturday Night Live" when it was first considered and then announced, but she surpassed all of the lofty expectations with the help of the writers, director, cast, returning "SNL" stars and her own funny, funny, funny performance. It was truly one of the most incredible performances I have ever seen on "SNL" or any variety series!

Along with White, this category is completely loaded down with past Emmy winners in every spot except for Jane Lynch (who will most likely pick up an Emmy for "Glee" in another category). Tina Fey won this same category last year for a return trip to her SNL roots. She again gets to play Sarah Palin (as she did last year with her win) plus quite a few other characters in various sketches. The "Brownie Husband" commercial alone might sway the voters, but Betty White is just too much to overcome.

Kristin Chenoweth has the perfect role of a former glee club star and does an especially good job throughout her episode (both acting and singing). Elaine Stritch always elevates every moment of her time on "30 Rock," and this time is no exception. She has also won an Emmy for this role, but her screentime is more limited than for her winning year.

While I love Christine Baranski as Leonard's mother on "The Big Bang Theory," I thought her performance last year was better written and developed. Both Kathryn Joosten and Jane Lynch are good but must bring up the rear for this overloaded category this year.

GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY: ROB'S PREDIX
(Ranked by likelihood to win)
1. Betty White, "Saturday Night Live" ("Host: Betty White")
2. Christine Baranski, "The Big Bang Theory" ("The Maternal Congruence")
3. Kristin Chenoweth, "Glee" ("The Rhodes Not Taken")
4. Tina Fey, "Saturday Night Live" ("Host: Tina Fey")
5. Elaine Stritch, "30 Rock" ("The Moms")
6. Kathryn Joosten, "Desperate Housewives" ("The Chase")
7. Jane Lynch, "Two and a Half Men" ("818-JKLPUZO")

ROB'S COMMENTARY:I am still not sure why Jane Lynch or Kathryn Joosten were nominated in this category. Both excellent actresses and great roles, but this year and in the episodes they have submitted, it’s just not enough for what I consider to be an otherwise competitive category. Lynch has about three and a half minutes in one scene to shine, and although she has some great one liners, she doesn’t move from her seat and barely registers any other emotion other than a more toned-down Sue Sylvester (her character from "Glee"). This nomination is a bit of overkill I think. Ditto for Joosten, who is charming and ultimately heartbreaking as an old gal diagnosed with cancer. True-to-life sentiment and the high regard that voters hold for Ms. Joosten got her in this race, but I can’t see it being her winning here again this year.

The Emmy bout over best guest comedy actor is a toss-up according to our Emmy gurus Chris "Boomer" Beachum and Robert "Rob L" Licuria (Awardsheaven.net). Boomer thinks Neil Patrick Harris -- who picked up his fourth consecutive supporting actor nom for his regular role on the laffer "How I Met Your Mother" -- will prevail for a star turn on the freshman hit "Glee." Harris got a chance to showcase his singing talents as well as his flair for comedy. However, Rob ranks Harris in the middle of the pack, preferring the performance of TV vet Fred Willard on another first-year smash, "Modern Family."

As usual, their insights into this matchup are fascinating, proving that this comedy contest is quite dramatic in terms of suspense. Read their expanded views below, plus check out their forecasts and mine for best comedy series as well as lead actor and actress:

GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY: BOOMER'S PREDIX
(Ranked by likelihood to win)
1. Neil Patrick Harris, "Glee" ("Dream On")
2. Fred Willard, "Modern Family" ("Travels with Scout")
3. Jon Hamm, "30 Rock" ("Emmanuelle Goes to Dinosaur Land")
4. Will Arnett, "30 Rock" ("Into the Crevasse")
5. Mike O'Malley, "Glee" ("Wheels")
6. Eli Wallach, "Nurse Jackie" ("Chicken Soup")

BOOMER'S COMMENTARY: This is an easy pick with Neil Patrick Harris winning his first-ever Emmy Award after 20-plus years on television. He has more than double the screen time than his competitors, gets to play the comedic villain (all that's missing is the twirling mustache), and performs twice with an almost comic wink throughout both songs. He doesn't really provide laugh-out-loud moments, but there is probably nobody alive that could have brought this performance to this role on this show (many were excited about him as a guest star even before the episode aired!).

I love Fred Willard in just about any program or film, and this perfectly-cast character is no exception. He offers some incredibly funny one-liners and a couple of touching moments as Ty Burrell's father. Jon Hamm only has an approximately two-minute scene near the beginning of the episode, and it is the single funniest performance among all of these nominees (but I don't think it is nearly enough time to actually win).

Will Arnett has one of the best recurring characters on any show and gets to shine again as the nemesis of Alec Baldwin at NBC/GE. He has three funny scenes but has no real character arc this time and is basically there to move the plot forward and get in some jokes. Mike O'Malley has the best character he has ever played, but he isn't one bit funny in his scenes with Chris Colfer or in the principal's office. Eli Wallach won an Emmy decades ago and might be here more because of his veteran status than any other reason. He is certainly charming in this brief role, but no Emmy this time.

GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY: ROB'S PREDIX
(Ranked by likelihood to win)
1. Fred Willard, "Modern Family" ("Travels with Scout")
2. Will Arnett, "30 Rock" ("Into the Crevasse")
3. Neil Patrick Harris, "Glee" ("Dream On")
4. Eli Wallach, "Nurse Jackie" ("Chicken Soup")
5. Mike O’Malley, "Glee" ("Wheels")
6. Jon Hamm, "30 Rock" ("Emmanuelle Goes to Dinosaur Land")

ROB'S COMMENTARY: Jon Hamm has around 2 minutes (one scene) in this whole episode and although he is ridiculously funny and likable, this nomination is perhaps not as deserving as everybody else. Mike O’Malley is fantastic in his episode, but I think he is the most dramatic (i.e., not really funny at all) in his scenes. The subject matter and emotion of the scenes he is in with Chris Colfer may help him, but in absence of some much-needed laughs, he will likely sit this one out. Ditto for Eli Wallach, who is only in fourth spot because he is a veteran and quite effective as a dying old man who refuses further treatment.

The three guys that are really in the running here each provide enough laughs and screen time to warrant serious consideration. Harris has loads of screen time, a great song and dance number, and gets to chew up the scenery with Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison. And yet I didn’t end the episode wanting to hand him his first Emmy for this performance. It’s probably the likability factor.