2009 Emmy nominations announced

By Eric Rezsnyak on July 16, 2009

Nominations for the 2009 Primetime Emmy Awards were revealed this morning, and in general I think many of the right shows and actors got picked. Even though they expanded the number of nominations per category (just like the Oscars), there were a couple noticeable snubs - STILL no love for "Battlestar Galactica"; "True Blood" somehow was completely overlooked in the Best Drama category; somehow "Boston Legal" got two noms in the supporting categories (you must be shitting me). All that aside, many of my favorites will be up for some shelf hardware come September.

Here are the nominees in the main categories, along with my picks for the win.

Outstanding Drama Series: "Big Love," "Breaking Bad," "Damages," "Dexter," "House," "Lost," "Mad Men"

Eric's Pick: It'll probably go to "Mad Men," even though Season 2 wasn't great. But "Lost" has experienced such a creative resurgence the past two years that I'd like to see it rewarded. Surprised to see "House" here, since the bloom is most definitely off that rose.

Outstanding Comedy Series: "Entourage," "Family Guy," "Flight of the Conchords," "How I Met Your Mother," "The Office," "30 Rock," "Weeds"

Eric's Pick: The fact that "Entourage" and "Family Guy" are here is a joke in itself. I think "HIMYM" is a charming show, but nowhere near Emmy material. "The Office" had its weakest season yet. For me it's a toss up between "30 Rock," with a third season that didn't live up to the heights of its second, but which was still wonderfully cracked out, and Season 4 of "Weeds," which had some utterly fantastic moments, but got awfully dark toward the end.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama: Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"; Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"; Hugh Laurie, "House"; Gabriel Byrne, "In Treatment"; Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"; Simon Baker, "The Mentalist"

Eric's Pick: Cranston and Hall are unbelievably good on their shows, but they'll have a tough time overcoming buzz boy Hamm. I personally would like to see Byrne's nuanced work get the nod, but I'm not holding my breath.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy: Jim Parsons, "Big Bang Theory"; Jemaine Clement, "Flight of the Conchords"; Tony Shalhoub, "Monk"; Steve Carell, "The Office"; Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"; Charlie Sheen, "Two and a Half Men"

Eric's Pick: I'd like to know who Charlie Sheen is blowing to get an Emmy nod, because for real. Similarly, who is NOT stick of Shalhoub's shtick by now? Parsons is a caricature, not a character. I've never gotten the ultra-hipster appeal of "Conchords" or its stars. But none of that is relevant. Alec Baldwin is a force of nature on "30 Rock." His work on that show will be remembered decades from now as the stuff great comedy is made of.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama: Sally Field, "Brothers & Sisters"; Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"; Glenn Close, "Damages"; Mariksa Hargitay, "Law & Order: SVU"; Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men"; Holly Hunter, "Saving Grace"

Eric's Pick: All great actresses (although I'm surprised Field is here and Calista Flockhart isn't), but I personally would give it to Close, who is chilling on "Damages."

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "New Adventures of Old Christine"; Christina Applegate, "Samantha Who?"; Sarah Silverman, "Sarah Silverman Program"; Tina Fey, "30 Rock"; Toni Collette, "United States of Tara"; Mary-Louise Parker, "Weeds"

Eric's Pick: Jesus, how do you pick a winner here? ALL of them are amazing on their shows. Louis-Dreyfus and Applegate are a delight, and elevate sometimes mediocre material. Silverman is probably the most daring female comedian on the scene right now. If you're looking for a more dramatic turn, Parker turned in the best work of her career last season on "Weeds" and Collette is playing a freaking schizophrenic. But I feel a deep abiding kinship with Liz Lemon, and I give it to Fey.

Your thoughts on the nominations? And remember, the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards air Sunday, September 20, on ABC.