To be honest, I can't tell what shows are on what network anymore, when they'r on, and whether I catch them in the middle of their 4 week run or not. So watching more movies, and a heck of a lot less of TV
"Olive Kitteridge" deserved everything it got--as did "Veep." Both brilliant in very different ways.
2
Hollywood's patting themselves on the back is getting so tiresome, so boring. Lame.
1
Three thoughts:
1. On a scale from 1-10, Andy Samberg was just. not. funny. Turned it off after the comedy writing award (the video of which WAS funny.)
2. Apparently, they added a new category by splitting the talk show by variety and just talk. Not what they needed. Approaching the bloated Grammy Awards. Soon - dividing best drama into period and contemporary. Best comedy by a stand-up v. non-stand-up and on and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
3. 8 nominees per category? Anyone not nominated. Man, they must stink.
1. On a scale from 1-10, Andy Samberg was just. not. funny. Turned it off after the comedy writing award (the video of which WAS funny.)
2. Apparently, they added a new category by splitting the talk show by variety and just talk. Not what they needed. Approaching the bloated Grammy Awards. Soon - dividing best drama into period and contemporary. Best comedy by a stand-up v. non-stand-up and on and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
3. 8 nominees per category? Anyone not nominated. Man, they must stink.
1
Like the Superbowl , the best part is that by Tuesday all of this coverage will have dried up.
1
Re: "Emmys 2015": I am second to none in my admiration for the comedic skills of Julia Louise-Dreyfus; however, I am not in a minority in thinking that six Emmys for her is one too many. Honoring the same actor, no matter how prodigiously talented, again and again, belittles and diminishes equally talented fellow-thespians. So I suggest that no actor receive more than two Emmys during her/his career. Have you ever heard of the same writer, scientist, or economist, or peace promoter being awarded the Nobel Prize twice?
Everybody applauded Viola Davis' remark about lack of roles for African American actors; but is anyone going to do anything about creating them?
There's no dearth of scripts with parts for black actors; producers need only to look for them. While on this subject, let me propose that it is time for color-blind casting in t v shows, as well as movies. Remember, Othello proposed to Desdemona not because she was white; he did so because he loved her. A female black actor can play Desdemona. Doing so would only entail minor textual changes. Audra MacDonald played Josie in "A Moon for the Misbegotten" splendidly. How about Jon Hamm playing Othello to Audra MacDonald's Desdemona?
They may both end up with Emmys! Not Hamm; he got his already.
Everybody applauded Viola Davis' remark about lack of roles for African American actors; but is anyone going to do anything about creating them?
There's no dearth of scripts with parts for black actors; producers need only to look for them. While on this subject, let me propose that it is time for color-blind casting in t v shows, as well as movies. Remember, Othello proposed to Desdemona not because she was white; he did so because he loved her. A female black actor can play Desdemona. Doing so would only entail minor textual changes. Audra MacDonald played Josie in "A Moon for the Misbegotten" splendidly. How about Jon Hamm playing Othello to Audra MacDonald's Desdemona?
They may both end up with Emmys! Not Hamm; he got his already.
"Minor textual changes"? The fact that Othello is of a different race than Desdemona (as well as the rest of the Venetians) is the catalyst for Brabantio's jealous actions in the first scenes of the play, gives Iago a particular hook for his most malevolent schemes, and is at the center of Desdemona's fierce loyalty to a man that many other characters counsel her against. Kneejerk political correctness must be tempered, it seems, by fidelity to the story one is trying to tell.
1
Ratings dropping steeply for the Emmy Awards each year. The people are recognizing the show for what it is. Rich narcissists out of touch with the common people and slapping each other on the back for being such talented and wonderful people in their sick, pretentious mutual admirations society. Get over yourselves, acting is the easiest job in the world. Witness people who rise to heights in the industry with zero training and the incredible level of the industry's nepotism. Real people with real jobs have more important things to do. Like watching football..
2
I love the TV show How to Get Away with Murder, though I don't really understand the ongoing debate about the number of African American rolls on TV.
Today on TV we learn that' ..."black women accounted for 13% of female characters on prime-time television this year, Latinas made up just 4%, according to a report by the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film." http://qz.com/506889/charts-latinos-in-the-us-really-need-a-viola-davis/
This got me thinking so I did a quick Google search and I learned that, "...According to the Center for American Progress
“African American women, who make up 13 percent of the female population in the United States, are making significant strides in education, participation, health, and other areas, but there is a long way to go to fully close the racial and ethnic disparities they face. "
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/report/2013/11/07/79165/fac...
If they received more rolls wouldn't they be over represented?
I really want to understand this,
Confused
Today on TV we learn that' ..."black women accounted for 13% of female characters on prime-time television this year, Latinas made up just 4%, according to a report by the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film." http://qz.com/506889/charts-latinos-in-the-us-really-need-a-viola-davis/
This got me thinking so I did a quick Google search and I learned that, "...According to the Center for American Progress
“African American women, who make up 13 percent of the female population in the United States, are making significant strides in education, participation, health, and other areas, but there is a long way to go to fully close the racial and ethnic disparities they face. "
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/report/2013/11/07/79165/fac...
If they received more rolls wouldn't they be over represented?
I really want to understand this,
Confused
' best supporting actor in a drama for Peter Dinklage.'
Congratulations to you sir!
Congratulations to you sir!
7
As a kid in the '60's, I knew all the shows, actors, and actresses nominated for an Emmy. You have three channels, that's it. Now I watch the show and didn't know, let alone watch, half of the shows. And almost none of them are on the three major networks. How has it changed.
But as a Mad Men fan, it's nice that Jon Hamm was finally recognized although it felt more like it came out of guilt for having him left out all these years. To me, there was no better TV - ever - than Jon Hamm in the carousel pitch. Absolute perfection.
But as a Mad Men fan, it's nice that Jon Hamm was finally recognized although it felt more like it came out of guilt for having him left out all these years. To me, there was no better TV - ever - than Jon Hamm in the carousel pitch. Absolute perfection.
6
Diversity? How about Peter Dinklage. No photo of him?
5
Hardly anyone with any brains cares about this. Ratings were down 20% from last year and those ratings were down considerably from the year before.
As far as Jon Hamm goes what did he do in season 8 that made him more deserving of an award than in previous seasons or did the Olde Boys network decide sentimentally to finally give him a going away present?
The host wasn't funny unless you're in 5th grade and a slew of awards were distributed on the basis if family otitis and it necessarily quality.
Thankfully by tomorrow no one will be writing or talking about this sham where an industry gives awards to itself.
As far as Jon Hamm goes what did he do in season 8 that made him more deserving of an award than in previous seasons or did the Olde Boys network decide sentimentally to finally give him a going away present?
The host wasn't funny unless you're in 5th grade and a slew of awards were distributed on the basis if family otitis and it necessarily quality.
Thankfully by tomorrow no one will be writing or talking about this sham where an industry gives awards to itself.
2
Bravo to Viola David & Olive Kittredge & the much-loved GOT. BTW, I am utterly happy with my affordable, stand-alone HBO Now. I wouldn't pay for bundled cable plans if they paid ME. I hope the message is getting through that people would rather pick & choose streaming services than go through cable plans than make you take scads of channels you'll never use in a million years. In fact, if I could get all those apps I never use off my phone I'd be a lot happier too.
5
The Emmys represent nothing other than the glad-handing and PR-PC face of the TV industry. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is without a doubt one of the best, if not the best, TV comedies of the past decade yet it has never even been nominated for a creative Emmy--their most recent season, a return to form for the show after a few lackluster years, brilliantly lamented this situation. Simply, misanthropy and savage introspection don't sell as well as vacuous optimism or demure, redemptive satire and that is all that matters. Aesthetic, artistic, and formal considerations are cast aside for feel-good familiar formulas that ask of their braying audiences only that they keep their TVs turned on.
1
Olive Kittredge was the clear winner. Sweeping 6 major awards. Yes, Samberg a good book is what is needed.
7
At least Tatiana Maslany was finally nominated, right?
14
Yes, she is amazing!
I applaud Viola Davis's sentiment that there can be no awards given for roles that aren't written. Hopefully we will see more of both in the near future. However, I do think that Mr. Koblin pointing to 'Empire' as an example of a lack of diversity in the Emmys is way off base. Most likely, Empire was not nominated due to its soap-opera-worthy plot lines and mediocre acting. Did the series Falcon Crest ever win an Emmy? (Answer: No)
3
I would not have given an award to Ms. Janey, but to Mayim Bialik. Any time I look at Ms. Janey and see the prim White House communication secretary at the White House. I don´t think that she´s funny at all in !Mom", but what do I know?
1
Why is it that out of 46 photos taken of actors on the red carpet in the attached slideshow, only 10 include at least one man (and of those 6 also had a woman pictured)? That perpetuates the idea that female actors should be judged first and foremost on their appearance rather than on their skill at creating believable and moving characters. It also perpetuates the idea that male fashion isn't interesting while female fashion is, which I'm guessing a lot of designers would at least question.
I know, it's a relative molehill in the grand scheme of things, but shouldn't the Times try to help fix it when all that would be involved is the photographers snapping a few more pictures of the guys?
I know, it's a relative molehill in the grand scheme of things, but shouldn't the Times try to help fix it when all that would be involved is the photographers snapping a few more pictures of the guys?
1
Agreed!
And then there's the sad irony of the Times' print vs. digital reports. On-line, the Viola Davis story is the lead piece on the award show. The headline suggests her win (and Jon Hamm's) is the main story. However, in the print edition, a photo of Julia Louis Dreyfus spans across the entire top half of the Arts section's front page, emblem of the focus on HBO's dominance over the awards--that's the takeaway point about the 2015 Emmys. OK. Fine. But, when the report's coverage concludes on the final page of the section, ALL of the images focus on white stars. You'd never know that any African Americans won any awards if you judged the Times' coverage by the print edition's photo spread.
What gives?
And then there's the sad irony of the Times' print vs. digital reports. On-line, the Viola Davis story is the lead piece on the award show. The headline suggests her win (and Jon Hamm's) is the main story. However, in the print edition, a photo of Julia Louis Dreyfus spans across the entire top half of the Arts section's front page, emblem of the focus on HBO's dominance over the awards--that's the takeaway point about the 2015 Emmys. OK. Fine. But, when the report's coverage concludes on the final page of the section, ALL of the images focus on white stars. You'd never know that any African Americans won any awards if you judged the Times' coverage by the print edition's photo spread.
What gives?
1
So glad I DVR'd the broadcast. Mr. Samberg was not funny, and the tasteless joking before announcing the winner was not funny, either. The show seemed to be put together by a 16 year old aspiring Comedy Central writer.
8
They need to get Bruce Vilanch to write the award shows again. Then it would be funny!
I am happy for Jon Hamm and I feel like he should have won for all seven seasons of Mad Men. But where the heck is Jessica Lange in this lineup? She's amazing in American Horror Story.
3
Jessica Lange was nominated this year for AHS. It was her fourth nomination this year for AHS, and she has won twice. She is terrific in AHS, but she probably didn't "need" to win a third time.
2
Uh. She won last year.
So even though The Walking Dead was far better received than Downton Abbey, Homeland, or House of Cards last season, and has an audience which dwarfs all three of them, no nominations? No acting nods, directing nods, or writing nods either?
Lead role on The Wire? Critical acclaim. Lead role on The Walking Dead? "Oh my god this is just like a soap opera." Someone please wake me when the Oscars and Emmys stop snubbing anything remotely in the realm of "science fiction".
Lead role on The Wire? Critical acclaim. Lead role on The Walking Dead? "Oh my god this is just like a soap opera." Someone please wake me when the Oscars and Emmys stop snubbing anything remotely in the realm of "science fiction".
"Lead role on The Wire? Critical acclaim." -- Not a single actor ever received an Emmy nomination for the five seasons of The Wire... and yes, despite it being vastly superior to The Walking Dead.
20
Look, I like the Walking Dead. But the acting isn't great and the writing is nothing special. It's entertaining, but it didn't deserve any Emmys.
5
I frequently watch recaps of the Oscars and the Emmys, and I cannot even articulate a valid reason for readings recaps of the entertainment awards.
I cannot remember the last time a new movie release caught my attention, especially given the fact that plots, and character development have long since given way to over the top special effects, and FWIW, at the age of 64, I am not the target audience the studio industry is trying to reach.
However, I do watch television programming, including a number of scripted shows, but even here I do not have any specific programs that I would consider "must see TV," which probably explains why I had never heard of "How to Get Away With Murder," and although I am familiar with the names of some of the programs mentioned, other than the Daily Show, I do not believe I ever watched an episode of any of these programs.
My personal preference for television programming are shows such as "The Roosevelts, an Intimate History," The Dust Bowl," and other informative programming, which provides the viewer some historical context as to how we arrived at this point in our history.
In addition, we need more programming such as HBO's "Vice," which focuses the viewers attention on stories we will not see featured on the corporate owned news outlets.
In addition to being informative the aforementioned programs are also "entertaining," as in engaging, absorbing and compelling.
I cannot remember the last time a new movie release caught my attention, especially given the fact that plots, and character development have long since given way to over the top special effects, and FWIW, at the age of 64, I am not the target audience the studio industry is trying to reach.
However, I do watch television programming, including a number of scripted shows, but even here I do not have any specific programs that I would consider "must see TV," which probably explains why I had never heard of "How to Get Away With Murder," and although I am familiar with the names of some of the programs mentioned, other than the Daily Show, I do not believe I ever watched an episode of any of these programs.
My personal preference for television programming are shows such as "The Roosevelts, an Intimate History," The Dust Bowl," and other informative programming, which provides the viewer some historical context as to how we arrived at this point in our history.
In addition, we need more programming such as HBO's "Vice," which focuses the viewers attention on stories we will not see featured on the corporate owned news outlets.
In addition to being informative the aforementioned programs are also "entertaining," as in engaging, absorbing and compelling.
5
Emmys for documentary/non-fiction shows are given out in a separate ceremony, the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
2
I'm close to your age, and except for PBS, I watch streaming services almost exclusively. I especially enjoy the foreign TV programs that are written for intelligent adults, and if anything worthwhile turns up on broadcast TV, it eventually finds its way to the streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu Plus.
The Help is a fantastic movie. Well done Viola. WIll wait for "How to get away with Murder" - hopefully it does get to SA.
2
Although the writing and the ensemble cast were extraordinary, Jon Hamm was a key ingredient to "Mad Men's" quality and one Emmy seems too little too late.
Also, the HBO special "Olive Kitteridge" is based on the prize winning book of stories by Elizabeth Strout. Though a couple people mentioned her, I think that the show owes much to its exquisite origins. However, HBO did a great job, especially the two leads, Francs McDormand and Richard Jenkins, in portraying some extremely complex characters.
Also, the HBO special "Olive Kitteridge" is based on the prize winning book of stories by Elizabeth Strout. Though a couple people mentioned her, I think that the show owes much to its exquisite origins. However, HBO did a great job, especially the two leads, Francs McDormand and Richard Jenkins, in portraying some extremely complex characters.
11
What is it with "Veep" that makes it so special? I've tried it several times, and find the jokes, the humor, painfully obvious and overplayed. J.-L. Dreyfus plays the Vice President as though she were still playing Elaine, from Seinfeld. She's simply a one-trick pony.
24
The dialog is all one-upsmanship, never anything truly humorous or even pithy.
2
It's brilliant satire; her character is nothing like Elaine. It's just it your taste.
2
I so agree.
To me, there is a difference between real acting and simply being comfortable in front of a camera; in my opinion, J L-D is clearly in the latter category, and, as such, isn't Emmy material. Indeed, there is no compariosn between her and, say, Frances McDormand.
Good call, Mr. Crosman.
To me, there is a difference between real acting and simply being comfortable in front of a camera; in my opinion, J L-D is clearly in the latter category, and, as such, isn't Emmy material. Indeed, there is no compariosn between her and, say, Frances McDormand.
Good call, Mr. Crosman.
1
I went through the 43 Red Carpet Fashion photos, what a collection of mediocre dresses, at best. A terrible disservice to these talented, attractive performers.
3
I agree...maybe some of the designers have finally run out of good ideas?
I'm not sure I agree with an Oscar for Uzo Aduba. "Crazy Eyes" wasn't a particularly compelling character in the third season of OITNB, and while I feel someone from this show deserved to win this award (Samira Wiley, Laverne Cox, to name a couple) I don't think she was the one to do it. Perhaps she won because her character delivered more of a comedic element, this season, while Wiley and Cox delivered more dramatic performances. I can't say.
I'm not sure I'm on board with GoT winning for outstanding drama, either. GoT has been my favorite show (nay, event) for the past few years, but season 5 felt a tad bullied by its viewership. For example -- Jaime Lannister's character was outstanding in seasons 3 and 4, so much so that the program's immense viewership (seemed) to will him into season 5. The writers drew up a kind of ham-fisted plot device to get him to Dorne (it was an underwhelming plot, to say the least.) GoT was better when it had less viewers, and a lower production value. But like most critics and award shows, the Emmys are a tad late to the party.
I'm happy for Amy Schumer, who hosts the funniest show on TV, but not so much for Veep, a comedy that takes itself so seriously it might as well run for president.
Andy Samberg was charming. I'd like to see him host again.
I'm not sure I'm on board with GoT winning for outstanding drama, either. GoT has been my favorite show (nay, event) for the past few years, but season 5 felt a tad bullied by its viewership. For example -- Jaime Lannister's character was outstanding in seasons 3 and 4, so much so that the program's immense viewership (seemed) to will him into season 5. The writers drew up a kind of ham-fisted plot device to get him to Dorne (it was an underwhelming plot, to say the least.) GoT was better when it had less viewers, and a lower production value. But like most critics and award shows, the Emmys are a tad late to the party.
I'm happy for Amy Schumer, who hosts the funniest show on TV, but not so much for Veep, a comedy that takes itself so seriously it might as well run for president.
Andy Samberg was charming. I'd like to see him host again.
1
these aren't the Oscars- Uzo doesn't have an Oscar.
Uzo Aduba's award was for the second season of "Orange," in which she had a big part.
Well-deserved for many, especially Hamm and McDormand. Hamm was previously unawarded due to Cranston's brilliance. A few of the best performances on TV were shut out though: Henson on Empire and Rylance on Wolf Hall. Also, while Amy Schumer is hilarious and the comic of the moment, Key and Peele is the iconic sketch series of our time and should have won the premiere award in that category.
12
Yeah VIOLA!
From a proud Rhode Islander. Viola Davis not only overcame a paucity of good roles for women of color (and women in toto) but growing up in impoverished Central Falls RI. Ms. Davis generously contributed to keeping that city's library open during its bankruptcy. Lest anyone demean state colleges, Ms Davis by doing our humble Rhode Island College proud, proved that you don't have to go to big ticket, big name schools to get a first rate education in the arts!
From a proud Rhode Islander. Viola Davis not only overcame a paucity of good roles for women of color (and women in toto) but growing up in impoverished Central Falls RI. Ms. Davis generously contributed to keeping that city's library open during its bankruptcy. Lest anyone demean state colleges, Ms Davis by doing our humble Rhode Island College proud, proved that you don't have to go to big ticket, big name schools to get a first rate education in the arts!
17
The best limited drama series was "Outlander" on STARZ. It was terrific on all counts: acting, direction, writing, costumes, sets. A totally immersive and believable experience. Yet, it was nominated for nothing. The Emmy committees and members need to look at networks other than HBO for a change. And just maybe they need to look beyond the substantial publicity machines of the most familiar shows and producers.
1
I watched Outlander, and thought it merely OK. Justified and The Americans were also overlooked, and they had vastly superior seasons.
6
So glad Viola Davis won. She is a superb actor.
18
Glad Viola Davis won - she's absolutely brilliant!! Was there a tribute to Leonard Nimoy?
4
Ah, there is nothing more important to Americans than TV entertainment and college and pro sports!
Go ISIS! (ironically speaking)
Rah, rah, rah!
The Revolution *Will* be Televised, Gil Scott-Heron.
But why would we Americans care?
Go ISIS! (ironically speaking)
Rah, rah, rah!
The Revolution *Will* be Televised, Gil Scott-Heron.
But why would we Americans care?
It is sad when I see someone like Viola Davis, who I always liked as an actress, and I don't even recognize her face.
8
What do you mean 'poke fun' at the rising number of scripted shows? I haven't watched 'reality TV' since my kids went to college and don't anticipate ever doing so again. The rising amount of programming with plot, character, and good acting is more than welcome.
40
How come no one is mentioning the fact that most American homes do not subscribe to HBO, so they have never seen any of these shows.
29
I agree. I just dropped my HBO because I frankly didn't feel their offerings were any better than Showtime which I do get, and AMC which is free. HBO is annoying because it never bundles with other premium channels and is an extra cost that one pays for plenty of fallow months, with nothing of interest, on. And their selection of "free" movies is terrible.
2
Because viewership is not necessarily indicative of quality. What you're after is the People's Choice Awards.
9
I just read that HBO reaches 40.54 million American homes. I highly recommend it. They spend a lot of money on production values and talent and have some very original programming, definitely not run of the mill stuff. The extra bonus is commercial free television. That alone is almost worth the price of a monthly payment. I could say that most Americans don't see every motion picture that is released and they find the Oscars equally baffling.
5
What about Cicely Tyson in 1974? She won for The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.
7
I think that was for Best Actress in a television movie.
5
The fact that you're going back three decades to find a counterexample is quite telling.
11
If I recall correctly, 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman' was a Film made for Television. Ms. Davis won for a (recurring) Dramatic Series.
3
I agree with Samberg, "so many shows, so little time." If one wanted to be tied in a chair for a full week, it would still be impossible to view them all. And I confess, I wasn't familiar with the majority of the shows up for awards.
However, I am so happy for Hamm, even though his win was largely expected. As the also ran to Bryan Cranston, Hamm had a tough go for 8 years in a category dominated by strong performances. That said, I've been a Mad Man fan since its inception, and wow, this last season was brilliant (as was Season 5, in my mind, the best of them all).
Hamm's acting chops in creating and expressing the personality of Don Draper was nothing short of amazing. Would that he get better roles than some of the hapless comedies and throw-away movies he's been in. Please let him be cast in more serious drama so he can persuade non-Mad Men fans just how talented he really is.
However, I am so happy for Hamm, even though his win was largely expected. As the also ran to Bryan Cranston, Hamm had a tough go for 8 years in a category dominated by strong performances. That said, I've been a Mad Man fan since its inception, and wow, this last season was brilliant (as was Season 5, in my mind, the best of them all).
Hamm's acting chops in creating and expressing the personality of Don Draper was nothing short of amazing. Would that he get better roles than some of the hapless comedies and throw-away movies he's been in. Please let him be cast in more serious drama so he can persuade non-Mad Men fans just how talented he really is.
37
Sometimes I wish there were term limits on the amount of time one actor can win this award consecutively! It just gets tiring....Really really? Brian Cranston all those years? Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Allison Janney??? Not taking a whit away from there outstanding work, but Jon Hamm has been nothing short of extraordinary for his entire run on Mad Men, ditto, Elizabeth Moss, Christina Hendricks and the never nominated John Slattery, who made his role as Roger so effortless it didn't even feel like acting.
Christine, I think one of the hardest things to do is be both a master of comedy and drama, (Robin Williams comes to mind.) I don't think that detracts from Jon Hamm's talent, I think it adds to it.
Christine, I think one of the hardest things to do is be both a master of comedy and drama, (Robin Williams comes to mind.) I don't think that detracts from Jon Hamm's talent, I think it adds to it.
19
Seconding John Slattery's brilliance as Roger Sterling. Can't believe he's never been nominated.
19
You know there were so many truly brilliant performances on Mad Men (OK, I'm partial!). Yes to John Slattery. Smarmy Pete. Elizabeth Moss for sure. and Christina Hendricks--wow, was there every a more fascinating character?
3