September 2002

Fresh nominations could make for exciting Emmy Awards

By Mike Duffy, Knight Ridder Newspapers

Better late than never, Emmy is cool.

Oh sure, "The Sopranos" has been lavishly nominated in the past. And "Sex and the City" was the pleasant surprise winner as television's top comedy series last year. That was pretty darn cool. But this year, well, jump up and praise the channel surfin' gods.

Thanks to a blissful breakout of unexpected nominations for fresh faces and innovative new shows, "The 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards" at 8 p.m. EDT Sunday on NBC has the potential to be downright divine.

Here's the proof of overdue change.

Emmy finally wised up and passed over aging perpetual drama series nominees like "ER" and "The Practice," both of which have taken a tumble in quality. That opened the way for such exhilarating newer shows as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "24" and especially "Six Feet Under," which led the fresh creative energy parade with 23 nominations.

Over in the comedy competition, the fading, four-time winner "Frasier" was justifiably snubbed for a series nomination for the first time in its nine-year history.

That's not all. The happy new wave of first-time nominees also includes hilarious comic maverick Bernie Mac of "The Bernie Mac Show," fabulous "Alias" action babe Jennifer Garner and "24" thrill ride star Kiefer Sutherland.

LEAD ACTRESS DRAMA: Allison Janney, "The West Wing"; Amy Brenneman, "Judging Amy"; Frances Conroy, "Six Feet Under"; Jennifer Garner, "Alias"; Rachel Griffiths, "Six Feet Under."
Will win: Rachel Griffiths. She's beguiling as bent Brenda in a category of top-notch acting talents where only Amy Brenneman looks a little out of place.
Should win: Jennifer Garner. Sexy, sophisticated, intelligent, athletic, charismatic. The whole package. A star is born.

© Knight Ridder Newspapers 2002

Back To All About Alias 2002