Picking Some Emmy Nominees

The Emmy Awards are somewhat like the forgotten middle child of the major awards. The Grammy Awards have the best show, the Golden Globes are the biggest party, The Tony Awards have some pretentious novelty, and the world pauses for The Academy Awards.

Then there's the Emmy Awards. Part of it is timing. The awards always take place just before the start of the fall TV season, sometimes going against original programming and sometimes against NFL games. Never a good plan.

Then there's the fact they don't get promoted that well and the fact that, despite the quality of TV in recent years surpassing the quality of storytelling being offered in feature films, a celebration of excellence on the small screen doesn't feel like a big event.

But since the announcement of the nominations will be tomorrow morning — how many even knew that? — I decided to offer a list of the shows and performers I would nominate. This list is based only on shows I actually watched during the 2009-2010 TV season.

Best Drama

Dexter, Showtime — After a couple weird seasons, "Dexter" finally had a storyline and performances that rivaled it's season one excellence. Definitely not for the faint of heart and definitely 180 degrees away from the Christian world view, this show had a fine season.

Friday Night Lights, DirecTV and NBC — For four years, no show has consistently delivered the kind of quality, emotional story telling of "Friday Night Lights." This wasn't it's best season, but even the least season of "Friday Night Lights" tops most other shows on television.

Fringe, FOX — Doubtless I am the only one that would have this among the top five shows on television, but I think this gem of a series only gets better. It mixes the cool plots of "The X-Files" with the riveting character development of "LOST." This is the jewel in producer J.J. Abrams' crown.

House, FOX — This show delivered its most compelling season, complete with some honest, emotional character development. From the out-of-the-box movie premier to the fantastic May finale, "House" showed its mettle this season.

Treme, HBO — David Simon is a creative genius. His greatness comes from creating real, honest characters and worlds. In this first-year New Orleans-based drama, he does both. It was emotional, gripping, and showcased the best of its performers.

Best Comedy:

Chuck, NBC — This is the little show that could, and this season was probably its best. The show continues to mature and deftly mix drama and comedy. Thankfully the show will see a fourth season.

Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO — By the seventh season, most shows decline. This comedy, from creator/star Larry David, just got better. For those that loved "Seinfeld," the season-long reunion sub plot was a treat, but this show was at its best when it unapologetically followed its stars wacky exploits.

Glee, FOX — This first year show about a show choir in Ohio warms my heart. It has some of the funniest lines followed by moments of beautiful sentiment. It was probably the best new show of the season.

The Office, NBC — Not as good as it once was, this show is still a solid performer. We'll have to enjoy it while it lasts as Steve Carrell is rumored to be leaving at the end of the season.

30 Rock, NBC — Four years into this creation from Tina Fey, "30 Rock" continues to offer consistent laughs. There is a reason it's been one of the most decorated comedies the past few years.

Best Actor, Drama:

Bill Paxton, "Big Love" — He has a hard job trying to keep the audience hooked to a character with some obvious flaws, but Paxton carries it off well. The story lines for his show's fourth season weren't great, but his performance was solid.

Hugh Laurie, "House" — This show wouldn't work without someone of his talent in the lead role. His work throughout the season was great.

Kyle Chandler, "Friday Night Lights" — He consistently delivers one of the most under-rated performances of the TV season. He is one half of the dynamic duo that makes "Friday Night Lights" soar.

Michael C. Hall, "Dexter" — By far his best work in his show's fourth season. He is imposing and engrossing at the same time.

Simon Baker, "The Mentalist" — His show's story telling slipped in year two, but Baker continues to deliver as Patrick Jane.

Best Actress, Drama:

Anna Torv, "Fringe" — Torv carries one of the best new dramas on television. She brings a cool intensity that helps ground the show.

Connie Britton, "Friday Night Lights" — Britton is the other half of the dynamic duo that carries "Friday Night Lights." She brings a grace and dignity to her performance that helps buoy the show.

Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer" — She continues to deliver great performances though her show's story lines have eroded a bit through the years. One of the best detectives on TV.

Mary McCormack, "In Plain Sight" — Another case of an actor rising above the material. While her show isn't the strongest, McCormack brings a great screen presence to the role, elevating the material.

Melissa Leo, "Treme" — Leo had one of the hardest story lines and gave one of the most moving performances. In a truly ensemble drama, she stood out.

Best Actor, Comedy:

Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock" — Comedy is truly Baldwin's comedy. He's never shone brighter as a performer than in this role.

Jay Harrington, "Better Off Ted" — "Ted" didn't find much of an audience, but it was really, really funny. Harrington was saddled with playing the straight man in a goofball factory and really pulled it off well.

Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" — Just a great season from a man with unique comic timing and talent.

Steve Carrell, "The Office" — Michael Scott isn't my favorite character, but few could pull off his antics as well as Carrell. "The Office" truly wouldn't be the same without him.

Zachary Levi, "Chuck" — Levi continues to improve and grow into his character. He is the lynch pin of the show.

Best Actress, Comedy:

Jordana Spiro, "My Boys" — This is a fun, quirky show and Spiro holds it all together. She really holds "My Boys" together.

Lea Michelle, "Glee" — This is an ensemble show, but Michelle is clearly the class of the cast. She has enormous talent and that shows on screen.

Mary Louis Parker, "Weeds" — The quality of her show has declined, severely, but Parker still gives a strong performance.

Tina Fey, "30 Rock" — She might be the most talented woman in comedy. "30 Rock" would be nothing without her.

Yvonne Strahovski, "Chuck" — Again, a fantastic year from an under-rated performer. She often has to play the straight woman with all the antics around her and forms a great dynamic duo with Levi.

Best Supporting Actor, Drama:

Daniel Dae Kim, "Lost"

Jon Seda, "The Pacific"

John Goodman, "Treme"

John Noble, "Fringe"

Joshua Jackson, "Fringe"

Justin Chambers, "Grey's Anatomy"

Best Supporting Actress, Drama:

Chandra Wilson, "Grey's Anatomy"

Jeanne Tripplehorn, "Big Love"

Lisa Edelstein, "House"

Sandra Oh, "Grey's Anatomy"

Yunjin Kim, "Lost"

Best Supporting Actor, Comedy

Jack McBrayer, "30 Rock"

Mark Sailing, "Glee"

Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother"

Rainn Wilson, "The Office"

Ted Danson, "Bored To Death"

Best Supporting Actress, Comedy:

Andrea Anders, "Better Off Ted"

Eliza Coupe, "Scrubs"

Heather Morris, "Glee"

Jane Lynch, "Glee"

Jenna Fischer, "The Office"