Settling the Score

As usual, the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards proved to be a crap shoot. I, like many writers throughout the industry, could not (and did not) correctly predict the winners in most categories. The main exception to this was that virtually everyone pegged America Ferrera to take the prize for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and she did. Other than that, my guess was as good as anyone else's.

As far as my picks for the top categories, I only got 4 out of 10. Considering that the majority of people were even surprised that James Spader got the nomination over Matthew Fox, Kyle Chandler and Michael C. Hall, how could anyone have guessed that Spader would nab his 3rd Emmy (he has yet to be defeated)?

Unlike film awards, the Emmys (both daytime and primetime) are at a disadvantage. Films, and the performances given by the actors, can be judged in their entirety. Television (series and performers) can only be judged in parts, and that isn't fair. But such is the nature of the beast.

And while there's already buzz for the 60th Emmy Awards for Damages, Mad Men, The Bronx Is Burning and The Company, don't be surprised if there are glaring omissions and shocking inclusions. After all, what else could we expect?

For a complete list of the winners from the 59th Emmy Awards, go to the Emmy website.