Emmy contenders: The nominees speak their minds

 
With all the excitement over their Emmy nods, the nominees have a lot to think about these days. But more important than what they will wear or who they will thank at the Sept. 18 ceremony were far more pressing questions such as, “Is Jane Lynch going to tease me?” The Envelope had a chance to run this and other thoughts past some of the Emmy contenders; here's what they're thinking:

As Sue Sylvester on “Glee,” Jane Lynch can be downright mean. With her as host, are you nervous that she’ll poke jabs at you during her monologue? And what would she tease you about?

“Who could be the meaner person.”
— Margo Martindale, “Justified”

“She probably could talk about my [character’s] terrible wardrobe. Or the fact that I never smile.”
— Mireille Enos, “The Killing”

 “I love her, I think she’s going to be incredible. But we should all be a little worried.”
— Connie Britton, “Friday Night Lights”

“Bring it! It’s all in good fun.”
— Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes”

“Oh, she’s a great gal; she’s fun. I’m not afraid of her. I’m a big fan.”
— Betty White, “Hot in Cleveland”

"I’ve known her for a long time. She’s certainly a searing character. She’s always been very sweet to me in person, so I’m hoping she might give me a 'get out of jail' card [otherwise] I’ll just have to roll with the punches."
-- Johnny Galecki, "The Big Bang Theory"

“If she brings me up in her monologue, I’ve got reason to be nervous. But she’s very funny. I hope I can be recognized by her. That would be an honor.”
— Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights”

“I’ve worked with Jane. She’s a great broad and hilarious. She can do anything she wants. She can sit on my lap. Or maybe I can sit on hers.”
— Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation”

“I’d be so happy to get a hard time from Jane Lynch. She could say anything and I’d laugh. I adore her!
I’m sooo excited. I’m such a huge fan!”
— Evan Rachel Wood, “Mildred Pierce”

Emmys: Matt LeBlanc's seen it all before -- and he's just as thrilled this time around

Matt LeBlanc has had a career of ups and downs. You can't ride much higher than he did with the hit series "Friends." But his follow up series, "Joey," took him to some pretty low lows. Now, with Showtime's "Episodes," in which he plays a comic version of himself, Le Blanc has found a whole new fan base -- and critical respect. He received a lead actor in a comedy Emmy nomination this morning.

How’s your morning?

I would say it’s pretty darn busy. I got a very interesting phone call at 5:30 a.m. -- when I was sound asleep.

A good phone call. Do you think this means people are finally ready to see you as Matt LeBlanc and not totally as just Joey?

God, I hope not. I love that guy. He gave me the greatest 10 years of my life. It’s just a new chapter now. This nomination, it’s a huge honor. It’s very validating. The fact that it was nominated in writing as well is the best news of all. I’m really proud of the writing on this show. It makes what we do easier.

Have you talked to anyone from the show? Have your co-stars called?

No. They’re probably bitter and angry. I’ll call them and rub it in. They’re all in London.

What did you find most challenging about the character — is it hard playing an exaggerated you?

The most challenging part was to not laugh while shooting. It was so cleverly written. To be able to lay down exposition that is just so thoroughly funny, it’s a complex task.  One of my favorite scenes was that thing with the cologne. It was a very silly joke but was used as a catalyst for telling Stephen’s character [Sean Lincoln] that I slept with his wife. But it starts as a really silly joke. I don’t know. They just have this way of writing.

And are you nervous at all? This whole Emmy thing is nothing new for you.

Yeah, I know all about this thing. I’m familiar with not winning. If I don’t win,  you’ll find me out at the bar. But, really, just to be nominated -- I know everyone says that — but it really is a validating thing. I took five years off and to come back to this project and for it to be recognized is a blessing. I really have a good time. I love every scene. It's great to be part of something like this.

RELATED:

Emmys: Best comedy nominees

Emmys: Comedy actor, actress nominees

Complete list of 2011 Emmy Awards nominees

 -- Yvonne Villarreal

Photo: Matt LaBlanc, star of the Showtime comedy "Episodes." Credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times