Emmy Results: "Modern Family" "Breaking Bad" and "Behind the Candelabra" take Top Honors

In a night of surprises, Modern Family and Breaking Bad captured the awards for Outstanding Comedy and Drama Series, respectively, while HBO's Behind the Candelabra was honored for Outstanding MiniSeries or a Movie. While no one series or movie dominated the awards, cable shows, such as Homeland, Veep, and American Horror Story: Asylum, won far more than the broadcast networks. Meanwhile, past winners The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Amazing Race were dethroned by The Colbert Report and The Voice, respectively. However, it was business as usual for Jim Parsons (Lead Actor in a Comedy for The Big Bang Theory), Claire Danes (Lead Actress in a Drama for Homeland) and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (Lead Actress in a Comedy for Veep). Ellen Burstyn's surprise win for Supporting Actress in a MiniSeries or Movie for Political Animals was one of the biggest of the night, but it was certainly well deserved.

The Emmy telecast was entertaining, but felt rushed as the evening wore on. While I appreciated the musical performances by Elton John and Carrie Underwood, I could have done without the song and dance numbers (sorry, Neil Patrick Harris). The controversial stand alone In Memoriam segments were well done, but I can understand why some were upset that Jack Klugman and Larry Hagman were not included, since they were both television icons. Finally, it was great to see Diahann Carroll, who looks amazing at 78.

Here are the winners from last night's Emmy telecast (I corrected picked 7 out of 17):

COMEDY SERIES - “Modern Family” (ABC)

 

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERES - Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory,” CBS)

 

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES - Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep,” HBO)

 

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES - Tony Hale (“Veep,” HBO)

 

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES - Merritt Weaver (“Nurse Jackie,” Showtime)

 

DRAMA SERIES - “Breaking Bad” (AMC)

 

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES - Jeff Daniels (“The Newsroom,” HBO)

 

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES - Claire Dames (“Homeland,” Showtime)

 

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES - Bobby Cannavale (“Boardwalk Empire,” HBO)

 

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES - Anna Gunn (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)

 

TV MOVIE/MINISERIES - “Behind the Candelabra” (HBO)

 

LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE - Michael Douglas (“Behind the Candelabra,” HBO)

 

LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE - Laura Linney (“The Big C: Hereafter,” Showtime)

 

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE - James Cromwell ("American Horror Story: Asylum," FX)

 

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE - Ellen Burstyn ("Political Animals," USA)

 

REALITY SHOW COMPETITION - “The Voice” (NBC)

 

VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES - “The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)

 

Emmy Predictions: Awards for "Breaking Bad" "American Horror Story: Asylum" and "Behind the Candelabra"

 

"Breaking Bad"

My track record for correctly guessing the Emmy winners is not usually great, but for some reason I feel really comfortable with my picks this year. Whatever happens, I hope "American Horror Story: Asylum," "The Big Bang Theory," "Downton Abbey" and "Behind the Candelabra" win at least one award. I am particularly rooting for Jessica Lange, Vera Farmiga and Connie Britton to feel the Emmy love.

The Emmy Awards air tomorrow, September 22, at 8:00 ET on CBS,


COMEDY SERIES
“The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)
“Girls” (HBO)
“Louie” (FX)
“Modern Family” (ABC)
“30 Rock” (NBC)
“Veep” (HBO)

I suspect "Modern Family" will win again, but "The Big Bang Theory" deserves to win this award, too. Of course, the best comedy on television ("Archer") is not even nominated.

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERES
Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock,” NBC)
Jason Bateman (“Arrested Development,” Netflix)
Don Cheadle (“House of Lies,” Showtime)
Louis C.K. (“Louie,” FX)
Matt LeBlanc (“Episodes,” Showtime)
Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory,” CBS)

Louis C.K. should win, but Jim Parsons can not be ruled out.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Laura Dern (“Enlightened,” HBO)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep,” HBO)
Lena Dunham (“Girls,” HBO)
Edie Falco (“Nurse Jackie,” Showtime)
Tina Fey (“30 Rock,” NBC)
Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation,” NBC)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus will win.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell (“Modern Family,” ABC)
Adam Driver (“Girls,” HBO)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Modern Family,” ABC)
Bill Hader (“Saturday Night Live,” NBC)
Tony Hale (“Veep,” HBO)
Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family,” ABC)

Expect a "Modern Family" victory, probably for Ty Burrell, but when will Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Ed O'Neill be recognized?

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Mayim Bialik (“The Big Bang Theory,” CBS)
Julie Bowen (“Modern Family,” ABC)
Anna Chlumski (“Veep,” HBO)
Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock,” NBC)
Jane Lynch (“Glee,” Fox)
Sophia Vergara (“Modern Family,” ABC)
Merritt Weaver (“Nurse Jackie,” Showtime)

I am rooting for Mayim Bialik, even though Julie Bowen will always be special to me for her role as Denise on "Boston Legal"...and she will win again this year.

DRAMA SERIES
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Downton Abbey” (PBS)
“Game of Thrones” (HBO)
“Homeland” (ABC)
“House of Cards” (Netflix)
“Mad Men” (AMC)

A three way race between "Breaking Bad," "Homeland" and "House of Cards," with "Breaking Bad" coming out on top.

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey,” PBS)
Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)
Jeff Daniels (“The Newsroom,” HBO)
Jon Hamm (“Mad Men,” AMC)
Damian Lewis (“Homeland,” AMC)
Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards,” Netflix)

Fiercely competitive category that may end up in a tie. I suspect this is a three way race between Bryan Cranston, Damian Lewis and Kevin Spacey, with Spacey barely winning.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Connie Britton (“Nashville,” ABC)
Claire Dames (“Homeland,” Showtime)
Michelle Dockery (“Downton Abbey,” PBS)
Vera Farmiga (“Bates Motel,” A&E)
Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men,” AMC)
Kerry Washington (“Scandal,” ABC)
Robin Wright (“House of Cards,” Netflix)

Claire Danes is tough to beat, but Vera Farmiga could upset. I still love you Connie Britton!

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jonathan Banks (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)
Bobby Cannavale (“Boardwalk Empire,” HBO)
Jim Carter (“Downton Abbey,” PBS)
Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones,” HBO)
Mandy Patinkin (“Homeland,” Showtime)
Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)

I am going with Aaron Paul.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Morena Baccarin (“Homeland,” Showtime)
Christine Baranski (“The Good Wife,” CBS)
Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones,” HBO)
Anna Gunn (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)
Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men," AMC)
Maggie Smith (“Downton Abbey,” PBS)

Maggie Smith seems unbeatable, but she never shows up to collect her awards, so maybe someone else will sneak in for the victory.

Jessica Lange in "American Horror Story: Asylum"

TV MOVIE/MINISERIES
“American Horror Story: Asylum” (FX)
“Behind the Candelabra” (HBO)
“The Bible” (History)
“Phil Spector” (HBO)
“Political Animals” (USA)
“Top of the Lake” (Sundance)

Many worthy nominees, but are any of them strong enough to overcome "Behind the Candelabra?" "Top of the Lake" and "American Horror Story: Asylum" both have a chance.

LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Benedict Cumberbatch (“Parade’s End,” BBC)
Michael Douglas (“Behind the Candelabra,” HBO)
Matt Damon (“Behind the Candelabra,” HBO)
Tony Jones (“The Girl,” HBO)
Al Pacino (“Phil Spector, HBO)

Michael Douglas will win. No contest.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Jessica Lange (“American Horror Story: Asylum,” FX)
Laura Linney (“The Big C: Hereafter,” Showtime)
Helen Mirren (“Phil Spector,” HBO)
Elisabeth Moss (“Top of the Lake,” Sundance)
Sigourney Weaver (“Political Animals,” USA)

I want to see Jessica Lange win and she deserves to, but something tells me that Elizabeth Moss may upset. I am still going with Lange.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISEIES OR A MOVIE
James Cromwell ("American Horror Story: Asylum," FX)
Zachary Quinto ("American Horror Story: Asylum," FX)
Scott Bakula ("Behind The Candelabra," HBO)
John Benjamin Hickey ("The Big C: Hereafter," Showtime)
Peter Mullan ("Top Of The Lake," Sundance Channel)

"Behind the Candelabra" appears to have a lot support, but this award will go to someone from "American Horror Story: Asylum" - probably James Cromwell.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Sarah Paulson ("American Horror Story: Asylum," FX)
Imelda Staunton ("The Girl," HBO)
Ellen Burstyn ("Political Animals," USA)
Charlotte Rampling ("Restless," Sundance Channel)
Alfre Woodard ("Steel Magnolias," Lifetime)

This category is loaded with talent, but Sarah Paulson (aka Lana Banana) should win.

REALITY SHOW COMPETITION
“The Amazing Race” (CBS)
“Dancing With the Stars” (ABC)
“Project Runway” (Lifetime)
“So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox)
“The Voice” (NBC)
“Top Chef” (Bravo)

"The Amazing Race" always wins.

VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)
“Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (NBC)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)

"The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" will win....again

The Television Critics Association Award Winners Include "The Big Bang Theory" and "Breaking Bad"

Photo Credit: Sean Teegarden

Press Release - (Saturday, August 3, 2013) – The Television Critics Association (TCA) tonight recognized the top programs and actors of the 2012-2013 television season at its 29th Annual TCA Awards presentation. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, stars of Comedy Central’s hit series “Key & Peele,” hosted the annual invitation-only event, held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in conjunction with the TCA’s summer press tour. The non-televised ceremony bestowed awards in 12 categories to recipients in comedy, drama, reality, mini-series, news and youth programming.
Members of the TCA, a media organization of more than 220 professional TV critics and journalists from the United States and Canada, voted AMC’s celebrated “Breaking Bad” this season’s Program of the Year and honored FX’s freshman drama, “The Americans,” with the award for Outstanding New Program.

“These were not easy choices for our membership because there were so many deserving nominees,” said TCA president Candace Havens. “In a year that saw a lot of great television, the TCA Awards winners represent the best of the best.”

HBO’s “Game of Thrones” received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Drama, having previously won for Program of the Year in 2012, and BBC America’s “Orphan Black” star Tatiana Maslany was honored with Individual Achievement in Drama for her portrayal of Sarah Manning.

CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory” and NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” both were award-winners, tying for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy. And Louis C.K., star of FX’s “Louie,” nabbed the top trophy in the Individual Achievement in Comedy category for the second consecutive year.

HBO’s “Behind the Candelabra” emerged victorious in the category of Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials, while ABC’s “Shark Tank” took home the award for Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming.

Additionally, the TCA also recognized ABC Family’s “Bunheads” with an award for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming, and PBS’ documentary “The Central Park Five” received top honors for Outstanding Achievement in News & Information.

The TCA not only recognized the year’s finest programming, but it also bestowed a Heritage Award upon CBS’ classic sitcom “All in the Family” (1971-1979), for the cultural and social impact the program has had on society.

The non-profit organization also presented Barbara Walters (“The Barbara Walters Specials,” “The View,” ABC News) with a Career Achievement Award for her influence in covering news and information.

2013 TCA Award recipients are as follows:

• Individual Achievement in Drama: Tatiana Maslany (“Orphan Black,” BBC America)
• Individual Achievement in Comedy: Louis C.K. (“Louie,” FX)
• Outstanding Achievement in News and Information: “The Central Park Five” (PBS)
• Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming: “Shark Tank” (ABC)
• Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming: “Bunheads” (ABC Family)
• Outstanding New Program: “The Americans” (FX)
• Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials: “Behind the Candelabra” (HBO)
• Outstanding Achievement in Drama: “Game of Thrones” (HBO)
• Outstanding Achievement in Comedy: (Tie) “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS) and “Parks and Recreation” (NBC).
• Career Achievement Award: Barbara Walters (ABC)
• Heritage Award: “All in the Family” (CBS)
• Program of the Year: “Breaking Bad” (AMC)

Primetime Emmy Nominations Announced: HBO and "American Horror Story" Dominate

Cable giant HBO captured 108 Emmy nominations, including 16 for Game of Thrones, when the nominees were announced earlier today. However, FX's American Horror Story was the most nominated series, with 17 nods. Other nominees attracting much Emmy recognition were Saturday Night Live and the HBO movie Behind the Candelabra, which both nabbed 15. In addition, the Netflix series House of Cards received nine nominations, including one for Drama Series, which is a first for an online series.

I was pleased to learn of the multiple nominations for The Big Bang Theory, Glee, Downton Abbey, the now defunct USA series Political Animals, as well as the aforementioned American Horror Story and Behind the Candelabra. It was also great to see Connie Britton and Vera Farmiga receive recognition for their great work on Nashville and Bates Motel, respectively. On the other hand, I was very disappointed that Archer was not recognized for Outstanding Comedy Series or Animated Series, since it is one of the best and most consistent series on television. I was also disappointed to learn that Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel), Jonny Lee Miller (Elementary) Hugh Dancy (Hannibal) and Mads Mikkelson (Hannibal) did not receive recognition for their exceptional work either.

The 2013 Emmy telecast will air September 22 on CBS.

Here is a partial list of the nominees.

COMEDY SERIES
“The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)
“Girls” (HBO)
“Louie” (FX)
“Modern Family” (ABC)
“30 Rock” (NBC)
“Veep” (HBO)

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERES
Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock,” NBC)
Jason Bateman (“Arrested Development,” Netflix)
Don Cheadle (“House of Lies,” Showtime)
Louis C.K. (“Louie,” FX)
Matt LeBlanc (“Episodes,” Showtime)
Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory,” CBS)

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Laura Dern (“Enlightened,” HBO)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep,” HBO)
Lena Dunham (“Girls,” HBO)
Edie Falco (“Nurse Jackie,” Showtime)
Tina Fey (“30 Rock,” NBC)
Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation,” NBC)

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell (“Modern Family,” ABC)
Adam Driver (“Girls,” HBO)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Modern Family,” ABC)
Bill Hader (“Saturday Night Live,” NBC)
Tony Hale (“Veep,” HBO)
Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family,” ABC)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Mayim Bialik (“The Big Bang Theory,” CBS)
Julie Bowen (“Modern Family,” ABC)
Anna Chlumski (“Veep,” HBO)
Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock,” NBC)
Jane Lynch (“Glee,” Fox)
Sophia Vergara (“Modern Family,” ABC)
Merritt Weaver (“Nurse Jackie,” Showtime)

GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Bobby Cannavale (“Nurse Jackie,” HBO)
Louis C.K. (“Saturday Night Live,” NBC)
Will Forte (“30 Rock,” NBC)
Nathan Lane (“Modern Family,” ABC)
Bob Newhart (“The Big Bang Theory,” CBS)
Justin Timberlake (“Saturday Night Live,” NBC)

GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Dot-Marie Jones (“Glee,” Fox)
Melissa Leo (“Louie,” FX)
Parker Posey (“”Louie,” FX)
Molly Shannon (“Enlightened,” HBO)
Elaine Stritch (“30 Rock,” NBC)
Kristen Wiig (“Saturday Night Live,” NBC)

DRAMA SERIES
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Downton Abbey” (PBS)
“Game of Thrones” (HBO)
“Homeland” (ABC)
“House of Cards” (Netflix)
“Mad Men” (AMC)

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey,” PBS)
Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)
Jeff Daniels (“The Newsroom,” HBO)
Jon Hamm (“Mad Men,” AMC)
Damian Lewis (“Homeland,” AMC)
Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards,” Netflix)

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Connie Britton (“Nashville,” ABC)
Claire Dames (“Homeland,” Showtime)
Michelle Dockery (“Downton Abbey,” PBS)
Vera Farmiga (“Bates Motel,” A&E)
Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men,” AMC)
Kerry Washington (“Scandal,” ABC)
Robin Wright (“House of Cards,” Netflix)

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jonathan Banks (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)
Bobby Cannavale (“Boardwalk Empire,” HBO)
Jim Carter (“Downton Abbey,” PBS)
Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones,” HBO)
Mandy Patinkin (“Homeland,” Showtime)
Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Morena Baccarin (“Homeland,” Showtime)
Christine Baranski (“The Good Wife,” CBS)
Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones,” HBO)
Anna Gunn (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)
Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men," AMC)
Maggie Smith (“Downton Abbey,” PBS)

GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Dan Bucatinsky (“Scandal,” ABC)
Michael J. Fox (“The Good Wife,” CBS)
Rupert Friend (“Homeland,” Showtime)
Harry Hamlin (“Mad Men,” AMC)
Nathan Lane (“The Good Wife,” CBS)
Robert Morse (“Mad Men,” AMC)

GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Linda Cardinelli (“Mad Men,” AMC)
Joan Cusack (“Shameless,” Showtime)
Jane Fonda (“The Newsroom,” HBO)
Margo Martindale (“The Americans,” FX)
Carrie Preston (“The Good Wife,” CBS)
Diana Rigg (“Game of Thrones,” HBO)

TV MOVIE/MINISERIES
“American Horror Story: Asylum” (FX)
“Behind the Candelabra” (HBO)
“The Bible” (History)
“Phil Spector” (HBO)
“Political Animals” (USA)
“Top of the Lake” (Sundance)

LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Benedict Cumberbatch (“Parade’s End,” BBC)
Michael Douglas (“Behind the Candelabra,” HBO)
Matt Damon (“Behind the Candelabra,” HBO)
Tony Jones (“The Girl,” HBO)
Al Pacino (“Phil Spector, HBO)

LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Jessica Lange (“American Horror Story: Asylum,” FX)
Laura Linney (“The Big C: Hereafter,” Showtime)
Helen Mirren (“Phil Spector,” HBO)
Elisabeth Moss (“Top of the Lake,” Sundance)
Sigourney Weaver (“Political Animals,” USA)

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISEIES OR A MOVIE
James Cromwell ("American Horror Story: Asylum," FX)
Zachary Quinto ("American Horror Story: Asylum," FX)
Scott Bakula ("Behind The Candelabra," HBO)
John Benjamin Hickey ("The Big C: Hereafter," Showtime)
Peter Mullan ("Top Of The Lake," Sundance Channel)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Sarah Paulson ("American Horror Story: Asylum," FX)
Imelda Staunton ("The Girl," HBO)
Ellen Burstyn ("Political Animals," USA)
Charlotte Rampling ("Restless," Sundance Channel)
Alfre Woodard ("Steel Magnolias," Lifetime)

REALITY SHOW COMPETITION
“The Amazing Race” (CBS)
“Dancing With the Stars” (ABC)
“Project Runway” (Lifetime)
“So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox)
“The Voice” (NBC)
“Top Chef” (Bravo)

REALITY PROGRAM
“Antiques Roadshow” (PBS)
“The Deadliest Catch” (Discover)
“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” (Food Network)
“MythBusters” (Discovery)
“Shark Tank” (ABC)
“Undercover Boss” (CBS)

REALITY SHOW HOST
Tom Bergeron (“Dancing With the Stars,” ABC)
Anthony Bourdain “(The Taste,” ABC)
Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance,” Fox)
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn (“Project Runway,” Lifetime)
Ryan Seacrest (“American Idol,” Fox)
Betty White (“Betty White’s Off Their Rockers,” NBC)

VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)
“Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (NBC)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)

Daytime Emmy Results: "Days of our Lives" Wins Best Drama for the First Time in 38 Years!

My prediction that Days of our Lives would win the award for Best Daytime Drama came true in a ceremony broadcast last night on HLN. The last time Days won the award was in 1975, so the second win was long overdue and certainly justified. Days was also honored in the Younger Actor category, with Chandler Massey picking up his second Emmy. Three other shows; General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless also won multiple awards. The Bold and the Beautiful won four; Directing Team, Writing Team, Lead Actress (Heather Tom) and Supporting Actor (Scott Clifton).

Scott Clifton tied with Billy Miller from The Young and the Restless in the Supporting Actor race (and yes, I predicted both would win in a tie!!!!). Y&R was also honored in Lead Actor category, with Doug Davidson winning his first Emmy in 35 years of playing Paul Williams. Good for him! General Hospital picked up two awards as well, for Supporting Actress (Julie Marie Berman) and Younger Actress (Kristen Alderson).

While I was pleased with many of the awards, the telecast experienced countless production problems, including an ongoing issue with losing the live feed, which resulted in a frozen screen for minutes at a time. In addition, the crowd noise was overwhelming all throughout the show, as the presenters and hosts had to shout in order to be heard. I am not sure who was responsible for the many technical glitches, but the overall telecast was rather embarrassing.

Here is a list of the Daytime Drama winners (I predicted four of nine correctly; Series, Writing Team, Lead Actor and Supporting Actor(s)):

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES - Days of Our Lives

WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES - The Bold and the Beautiful

DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES - The Bold and the Beautiful

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA - Heather Tom (Katie, The Bold and the Beautiful)

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA - Doug Davidson (Paul, The Young and the Restless)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA - Julie Marie Berman (Lulu, General Hospital)

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA - Scott Clifton (Liam, The Bold and the Beautiful) & Billy Miller (Billy, The Young and the Restless)

YOUNGER ACTRESS IN A DRAMA - Kristen Alderson (Starr, General Hospital)

YOUNGER ACTOR IN A DRAMA - Chandler Massey (Will, Days of Our Lives)

Other winners:

GAME SHOW - The Price is Right

GAME SHOW HOST - Ben Bailey, Cash Cab

TALK SHOW (Informative) - The Dr. Oz Show 

TALK SHOW (Entertainment) - The Ellen DeGeneres Show

MORNING PROGRAM - CBS Sunday Morning - I was so pleased to see Sunday Morning win this award. It is a consistently great program that deserves to be recognized.

 

Daytime Emmy Predictions for the Drama Series Categories

Doug Davidson (pictured above) has portrayed Paul Williams on "The Young and the Restless" for 35 years.

The 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will air live tonight, June 16, on HLN beginning at 8:00pm ET.

While there are many Daytime Emmy categories, I am only providing predictions for the daytime drama races.


OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
One Life to Live
The Young and the Restless

General Hospital appears to be the critical favorite, while The Young and the Restless is my personal favorite, but had a less than stellar 2012. One Life to Live only aired a couple of episodes in 2012, so there is not much to choose from there. I could go with what most everyone else thinks and pick GH, but it would be great to see Days of our Lives win the Emmy for Drama Series for the first time in 38 years. so I am going with Days.


WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
 The Bold and the Beautiful
General Hospital
One Life to Live
The Young and the Restless

 The Bold and the Beautiful will win.


DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless

Y&R has won this award 13 times, so I predict that they will win it for a 14th.


LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Susan Flannery (Stephanie, The Bold and the Beautiful)
Peggy McCay (Caroline, Days of Our Lives)
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, The Young and the Restless)
Heather Tom (Katie, The Bold and the Beautiful)

Heather Tom won last year and continues to deliver great work. If she wins again, it will be her fifth Emmy. Susan Flannery also has four Emmy trophies, while Michelle Stafford has two. I like and respect all three of the aforementioned actresses, but Peggy McCay has never won in her three decades of playing the role of Caroline Brady, so she is my pick to win.

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Peter Bergman (Jack, The Young and the Restless)
Doug Davidson (Paul, The Young and the Restless)
Michael Muhney (Adam, The Young and the Restless)
Jason Thompson (Patrick, General Hospital)

Like Days of our Lives and Peggy McCay, Doug Davidson has been denied an Emmy trophy for decades. He should win and he will win. Peter Bergman already has three Emmys, while Michael Muhney and Jason Thompson will have other opportunities.


SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Julie Marie Berman (Lulu, General Hospital)
Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea, The Young and the Restless)
Jessica Collins (Avery, The Young and the Restless)
Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, The Bold and the Beautiful)
Arianne Zucker (Nicole, Days of Our Lives)

To keep the theme running, Katherine Kelly Lang has been playing Brooke on The Bold and the Beautiful since 1987 and has never won an Emmy (or been nominated), despite earning critical praise and huge support among her peers. Tonight is her night to shine.


SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, General Hospital)
Jeff Branson (Ronan, The Young and the Restless)
Scottt Clifton (Liam, The Bold and the Beautiful)
Billy Miller (Billy, The Young and the Restless)

I think this is a two-way race between Scott Clifton and Billy Miller and I am actually hoping for a tie.

YOUNGER ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Kristen Alderson (Starr, General Hospital)
Hunter King (Summer, The Young and the Restless)
Jacqueline Macinnes Wood (Steffy, The Bold and the Beautiful)
Lindsey Morgan (Kristina, General Hospital)

The only performance I can speak of is Hunter King, who has improved greatly since her debut as Summer Newman. However, buzz seems to favor Jacqueline Macinnes Wood, who was expected to win last year, so I am going with her.


YOUNGER ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Max Ehrich (Fenmore, The Young and the Restless)
Bryton James (Devon, The Young and the Restless)
Chandler Massey (Will, Days of Our Lives)
Freddie Smith (Sonny, Days of Our Lives)

Max Ehrich is another youngster who has improved greatly in a short period of time. Bryton James and Chandler Massey have won before, so I am hoping for a newbie to win and am going with Ehrich.

"Archer" and "The Big Bang Theory" Among the Winners of The Critics' Choice Television Awards

The critics acknowledged several worthy series at The Critics' Choice Television Awards during a ceremony held last evening. Among the multiple winners were Breaking Bad, the HBO television movie Behind the Candelabra, and The Big Bang Theory, which picked up the award for Comedy Series. I was particularly pleased with the nod to Archer (pictured above) for Animated Series. Maybe next year, it will receive its due as Comedy Series, too. I was also pleased with the love for American Horror Story, which won two awards; Supporting Actor in a Movie or Miniseries (Zachary Quinto) and Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries (Sarah Paulson). However, I think Jessica Lange deserved to win for her amazing work in the series, too.

Here are the winners of the 2013 Critics' Choice Television Awards:

Drama Series: “Game of Thrones” (HBO) and “Breaking Bad” (AMC)
Actor in a Drama Series: Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad” (AMC)
Actress in a Drama Series: Tatiana Maslany, “Orphan Black” (BBC America)
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Michael Cudlitz, “Southland” (TNT)

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Monica Potter, “Parenthood” (NBC)
Guest Performer in a Drama Series: Jane Fonda, “The Newsroom” (HBO)

Comedy Series: “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)

Actor in a Comedy Series: Louis C.K., “Louie” (FX)

Actress in a Comedy Series: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep” (HBO)

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Simon Helberg, “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Kaley Cuoco, “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS) and Eden Sher, “The Middle” (ABC)

Guest Performer in a Comedy Series: Patton Oswalt, “Parks and Recreation” (NBC)

Movie or Miniseries: “Behind the Candelabra” (HBO)

Actor in a Movie or Miniseries: Michael Douglas, “Behind the Candelabra” (HBO)

Actress in a Movie or Miniseries: Elisabeth Moss, “Top of the Lake” (Sundance)

Supporting Actor in a Movie or Miniseries: Zachary Quinto, “American Horror Story: Asylum” (FX)

Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries: Sarah Paulson, “American Horror Story: Asylum” (FX)
Reality Series: “Duck Dynasty” (A&E) and “Push Girls” (Sundance)

Reality Series Competition: “The Voice” (NBC)

Best Reality Show Host: Tom Bergeron, “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC)
Talk Show: “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)

Animated Series: “Archer” (FX) 


Critics' Choice Television Icon Award - Bob Newhart

Nominees for the 3rd Annual Critics' Choice Television Awards include "The Big Bang Theory" and "American Horror Story: Asylum"

 

"It's a damn good thing you nominated me!"

 

Vera Farmiga (pictured above- photo credit A&E) is nominated for her role as Norma Bates in the A&E drama Bates Motel and deservedly so. However, that was the only nod the series received when the nominees for the Critics' Choice Television Awards were announced yesterday. How Freddie Highmore could have been overlooked for his work as Norman Bates is curious. In any event, other worthy series, including The Big Bang Theory and American Horror Story: Asylum, nabbed multiple nominations, including Best Comedy Series and Best Drama Series, respectively.

I was pleased to see recognition for Archer (Best Animated Series), Downton Abbey (Best Drama Series) and the cancelled cable drama Political Animals, which received four nominations, including Best Movie or Mini-Series. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the nominations is the lack of love for Modern Family, which only snagged one nod, in the Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy category.

The awards ceremony will be held June 10, 2013 in Los Angeles.

Here is a complete list of nominees:

BEST COMEDY SERIES

“The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)
“Louie” (FX)
“The Middle” (ABC)
“New Girl” (Fox)
“Parks and Recreation”(NBC)
“Veep” (HBO)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Don Cheadle (“House of Lies”) – Showtime
Louis C.K. (“Louie”) – FX
Jake Johnson (“New Girl) – FOX
Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”) – CBS
Adam Scott (“Parks and Recreation”) – NBC
Jeremy Sisto (“Suburgatory”) – ABC

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Laura Dern (“Enlightened”) – HBO
Zooey Deschanel (“New Girl”) – FOX
Lena Dunham (“Girls”) – HBO
Sutton Foster (“Bunheads”) – ABC Family
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”) – HBO
Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation”) – NBC

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Max Greenfield (“New Girl”) – FOX
Simon Helberg (“The Big Bang Theory”) – CBS
Alex Karpovsky (“Girls”) – HBO
Adam Pally (“Happy Endings”) – ABC
Chris Pratt (“Parks and Recreation”) – NBC
Danny Pudi (“Community”) – NBC

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Carly Chaikin (“Suburgatory”) – ABC
Kaley Cuoco (“The Big Bang Theory”) – CBS
Sarah Hyland (“Modern Family”) – ABC
Melissa Rauch (“The Big Bang Theory”) – CBS
Eden Sher (“The Middle”) – ABC
Casey Wilson (“Happy Endings”) – ABC

BEST GUEST PERFORMER IN A COMEDY SERIES
Melissa Leo (“Louie”) – FX
David Lynch (“Louie”) – FX
Bob Newhart (“The Big Bang Theory”) – CBS
Patton Oswalt (“Parks and Recreation”) – NBC
Molly Shannon (“Enlightened”) – HBO
Patrick Wilson (“Girls”) – HBO

BEST DRAMA SERIES
“The Americans” (FX)
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Downton Abbey” (PBS)
“Game of Thrones” (HBO)
“The Good Wife” (CBS)
“Homeland” (Showtime)

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) – AMC
Damian Lewis (“Homeland”) – Showtime
Andrew Lincoln (“The Walking Dead”) – AMC
Timothy Olyphant (“Justified”) – FX
Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”) – FX
Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards”) – Netflix

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Claire Danes (“Homeland”) – Showtime
Vera Farmiga (“Bates Motel”) – A&E
Julianna Margulies (“The Good Wife”) – CBS
Tatiana Maslany (“Orphan Black”) – BBC America
Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”) – AMC
Keri Russell (“The Americans”) – FX

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jonathan Banks (“Breaking Bad”) – AMC
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (“Game of Thrones”) – HBO
Michael Cudlitz (“Southland”) – TNT
Noah Emmerich (“The Americans”) – FX
Walton Goggins (“Justified”) – FX
Corey Stoll (“House of Cards”) – Netflix

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jennifer Carpenter (“Dexter”) – Showtime
Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”) – HBO
Anna Gunn (“Breaking Bad”) – AMC
Regina King (“Southland”) – TNT
Monica Potter (“Parenthood”) – NBC
Abigail Spencer (“Rectify”) – Sundance

BEST GUEST PERFORMER IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jim Beaver (“Justified”) – FX
Jane Fonda (“The Newsroom”) – HBO
Martha Plimpton (The Good Wife”) – CBS
Carrie Preston (The Good Wife”) – CBS
Diana Rigg (Game of Thrones”) – HBO
Jimmy Smits (Sons of Anarchy”) – FX

BEST MOVIE OR MINI-SERIES
“American Horror Story: Asylum” (FX)
“Behind the Candelabra” (HBO)
“The Crimson Petal and the White” (Encore)
“The Hour” (BBC America)
“Political Animals” (USA)
“Top of the Lake” (Sundance)

BEST ACTOR IN A MOVIE OR MINI-SERIES
Benedict Cumberbatch (“Parade’s End”) – HBO
Matt Damon (“Behind the Candelabra”) – HBO
Michael Douglas (“Behind the Candelabra”) – HBO
Toby Jones (“The Girl”) – HBO
Al Pacino (“Phil Spector”) – HBO
Dominic West (“The Hour”) – BBC America

BEST ACTRESS IN A MOVIE OR MINI-SERIES
Angela Bassett (“Betty & Coretta”) – Lifetime
Romola Garai (“The Hour”) – BBC America
Rebecca Hall (“Parade’s End”) – HBO
Jessica Lange (“American Horror Story: Asylum”) – FX
Elisabeth Moss (“Top of the Lake”) – Sundance
Sigourney Weaver (“Political Animals”) – USA

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOVIE OR MINI-SERIES
James Cromwell (“American Horror Story: Asylum”) – FX
Peter Mullan (“Top of the Lake”) – Sundance
Zachary Quinto (“American Horror Story: Asylum”) – FX
Sebastian Stan (“Political Animals”) – USA
David Wenham (“Top of the Lake”) – Sundance
Thomas M. Wright (“Top of the Lake”) – Sundance

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOVIE OR MINI-SERIES
Ellen Burstyn (“Political Animals”) – USA
Sienna Miller (“The Girl”) – HBO
Sarah Paulson (“American Horror Story: Asylum”) – FX
Lily Rabe (“American Horror Story: Asylum”) – FX
Imelda Staunton (“The Girl”) – HBO
Alfre Woodard (“Steel Magnolias”) – Lifetime

BEST REALITY SERIES
“Duck Dynasty” – A&E
“The Moment” – USA
“Pawn Stars” – History Channel
“Push Girls” – Sundance
“Small Town Security” – AMC
“Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan” – BBC America

BEST REALITY SERIES – COMPETITION
“Chopped” – Food Network
“Face Off” – Syfy
“Shark Tank” – ABC
“So You Think You Can Dance” – FOX
“Survivor” – CBS
“The Voice” – NBC 


BEST REALITY HOST
Tom Bergeron (“Dancing With the Stars”) – ABC
Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance”) – FOX
Gordon Ramsay (“Hell’s Kitchen/Masterchef”) – FOX
RuPaul (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) – Logo
Ryan Seacrest (“American Idol”) – FOX
Kurt Warner (“The Moment”) – USA


BEST TALK SHOW
“Conan” – TBS
“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” – Comedy Central
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” – Warner Brothers Television Distribution
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” – ABC
“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” – NBC
Marie” – Hallmark Channel

BEST ANIMATED SERIES
“Adventure Time” – Cartoon Network
“Archer” – FX
“Phineas and Ferb” – Disney Channel
“Regular Show” – Cartoon Network
“The Simpsons” – Fox
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” – Cartoon Network

"The Young and the Restless" Scores 23 Daytime Emmy Nominations

The nominees for the 40th annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced earlier today and The Young and the Restless scored 23 total nominations, the most for any daytime drama, including nine in the acting categories, as well as nods for Best Series, Writing Team and Directing Team. General Hospital was a close second, with 19 nominations, followed by Days of our Lives, with 17, The Bold and the Beautiful, with 15, and One Life to Live, with 3.

Here is a partial list of the daytime drama nominees:

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
One Life to Live
The Young and the Restless

WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful
General Hospital
One Life to Live
The Young and the Restless

DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Susan Flannery (Stephanie, The Bold and the Beautiful)
Peggy McCay (Caroline, Days of Our Lives)
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, The Young and the Restless)
Heather Tom (Katie, The Bold and the Beautiful)

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Peter Bergman (Jack, The Young and the Restless)
Doug Davidson (Paul, The Young and the Restless)
Michael Muhney (Adam, The Young and the Restless)
Jason Thompson (Patrick, General Hospital)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Julie Marie Berman (Lulu, General Hospital)
Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea, The Young and the Restless)
Jessica Collins (Avery, The Young and the Restless)
Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, The Bold and the Beautiful)
Arianne Zucker (Nicole, Days of Our Lives)

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, General Hospital)
Jeff Branson (Ronan, The Young and the Restless)
Scottt Clifton (Liam, The Bold and the Beautiful)
Billy Miller (Billy, The Young and the Restless)

YOUNGER ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Kristen Alderson (Starr, General Hospital)
Hunter King (Summer, The Young and the Restless) —
Jacqueline Macinnes Wood (Steffy, The Bold and the Beautiful)
Lindsey Morgan (Kristina, General Hospital)

YOUNGER ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Max Ehrich (Fenmore, The Young and the Restless)
Bryton James (Devon, The Young and the Restless)
Chandler Massey (Will, Days of Our Lives)
Freddie Smith (Sonny, Days of Our Lives)

The 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be held June 16 in Beverly Hills, CA and televised live on HLN, beginning at 8:00pm ET.

For a complete list of Daytime Emmy nominees, go here. 

Independent Spirit Award Winners Include "Silver Linings Playbook" and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

The Independent Spirit Awards, honoring the best in Independent film, were announced this past weekend, the night before the Oscars. Silver Linings Playbook was the big winner, picking up four awards, while The Sessions captured two. I was very pleased to learn that The Perks of Being a Wallflower was named Best First Feature. See below for a complete list of winners from the Spirit Awards:

Best Feature Film - Silver Linings Playbook
Best Director – David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Best Lead Female Performance – Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook 
Best Lead Male Performance – John Hawkes, The Sessions 
Best Supporting Female Performance - Helen Hunt, The Sessions 
Best Supporting Male Performance – Matthew McConaughey, Magic Mike
Best Screenplay – David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook 
Best Documentary - The Invisible War
Best International Film - Michael Haneke, Amour 
Best First Feature – Stephen Chbosky, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower 
Best First Screenplay – Derek Connolly, Safety Not Guaranteed 
Best Cinematography – Ben Richardson, Beasts of the Southern Wild 
Robert Altman Award for Cast Ensemble – Starlet 
Piaget Producers Award – Mynette Louie, Stones in the Sun 
Someone to Watch Award – Adam Leon, Gimme the Loot 
Truer Than Fiction Award – Peter Nicks, The Waiting Room 
John Cassavetes Award for Under $500,000 – Middle of Nowhere 

Oscar Results and Opinion: Life of Pi, Seth MacFarlane and Argo

The Oscar results yielded a few big surprises and host Seth MacFarlane polarized the audience at last night's award ceremony. Of course, being an Oscar host is almost always a thankless job, but overall I think MacFarlane did an adequate, if uneven job, as master of ceremonies. The show started with an overly long opening act featuring none other than William Shatner as Captain Kirk. The results were mixed, but when MacFarlane kept it classy and old school it worked very well. However, the routine featuring boobs should have also mentioned MacFarlane for going so low brow. Over the course of the evening, MacFarlane's jokes were hit and miss and he seemed too concerned with whether the audience in attendance liked his material. Who cares if they did. MacFarlane should have shown more confidence in his vast abilities and just went for it without feeling insecure. If the Oscar bigwigs liked him, he will be asked back and have a chance to improve on his performance next time. 

This year's Oscar telecast felt like a throwback with its inclusion of so many Hollywood legends, including Dustin Hoffman, Michael Douglas, Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep, Christopher Plummer, Sally Field, John Travolta, Liam Neeson, Richard Gere, the return of Jack Nicholson and the amazing performance of "The Way We Were," by Barbra Streisand. There was a good balance between classic and more contemporary stars, including five members of The Avengers cast, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Nicole Kidman, Paul Rudd and Melissa McCarthy. The tribute to musicals was well conceived, with an outstanding performance from the Les Miserables cast and the reunion of four stars from Chicago, the Oscar winner for Best Picture in 2003. In addition, the James Bond tribute was terrific and was highlighted by the performance of "Goldfinger" by Dame Shirley Bassey. However, I was disappointed that the reunion of the six Bond actors did not come to pass. 

The awards themselves held a few surprises, including the opening win for Christoph Waltz in the Supporting Actor category for Django Unchained. I was pleased to see Waltz win and in the future when he is nominated for a Quentin Tarantino film, I will surely pick him to win every time (Waltz also won the Supporting Actor Oscar for Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds). On the other hand, I was disappointed that Tommy Lee Jones and Robert De Niro did not win, but they have each won twice before. The other acting winners, Anne Hathaway, Daniel Day Lewis and Jennifer Lawrence were expected and appropriate. Argo's win for Best Picture was not surprising either, but its victory in the Adapted Screenplay category, where it upset Lincoln, was a bit of a shock. Congratulations to screenwriter Chris Terrio and condolences to Tony Kushner, who was the favorite through most of Oscar season. Overall, Lincoln won just two awards; Lead Actor and Production Design, which, of course, is better than nothing. However, I felt bad for Steven Spielberg, who looked genuinely disappointed for not winning Best Director. His efforts on Lincoln should have warranted more recognition from the Academy, but they have had a rather odd relationship over the years. With that being said, Ang Lee is certainly a worthy recipient of this year's Best Director Oscar for his stunning work on Life of Pi. I mentioned in my original review of the film that he should be the Oscar front runner, but his support was generally muted until last night. Life of Pi won more Oscars than any other film this year, with four (Director, Cinematography, Visual Effects and Score). 

I was genuinely surprised with Quentin Tarantino's win in the Original Screenplay category. I never thought his sometimes bloody and violent Django Unchained would appeal to the majority of Academy voters. However, I was pleased to see him win, even though I was hoping for Mark Boal's Zero Dark Thirty to pull off a victory. Another category that surprised many was for Animated Film. The support for Wreck-It Ralph was overwhelming, but in the end, Brave picked up the victory. Actually, I would have been pleased to see any of the nominated animated films win this year - they were a worthy bunch. Finally, Amour was victorious, as expected, in the Best Foreign Film category. However, after seeing the film shortly before the Oscar telecast yesterday, I am at a loss as to why it has been hailed as such a great achievement. Yes, the performances were outstanding, but the glacial pace of the film was distracting. 

I went 16-8 in my Oscar picks, which is slightly below where I usually perform. 

Here is a complete list of winners from The Oscars:

Picture - Argo

Actor - Daniel Day-Lewis Lincoln

Actress - Jennifer Lawrence Silver Linings Playbook

Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz Django Unchained

Supporting Actress - Anne Hathaway Les Miserables

Director - Ang Lee Life of Pi

Original Screenplay - Quentin Tarantino Django Unchained

Adapted Screenplay - Chris Terrio Argo

Cinematography - Claudio Miranda Life of Pi

Costume Design - Jacqueline Durran Anna Karenina

Film Editing - William Goldenberg Argo

Makeup and Hairstyling - Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell Les Miserables

Production Design - Rick Carter and Jim Erickson Lincoln

Visual Effects - Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume Rocheron, Erik-Jan De Boer and Donald R. Elliott Life of Pi

Original Score - Mychael Danna Life of Pi

Original Song - "Skyfall," Skyfall

Sound Editing (tie) - Paul N.J. Ottosson Zero Dark Thirty and Per Hallberg and Karen Baker Landers Skyfall

Sound Mixing - Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson and Simon Hayes, Les Misérables

Animated Feature Film - Brave

Foreign Language Film - Austria: Amour

Documentary Feature - Searching for Sugar Man

Documentary Short - Inocente, Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine

Animated Short - Paperman, John Kahrs

Live Action Short - Curfew, Shawn Christensen