Do the broadcast networks' drama series direct themselves?

The domination by cable drama series over their broadcast network counterparts in recent years is nowhere more noticeable than in the Emmy category for drama directing.

This year marks the first time that all five nominees stem from cable shows: Two are for HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" ("Anastasia," directed by Jeremy Podeswa and the pilot helmed by Martin Scorsese). Also in the mix are the pilots of these three shows: Showtime's "The Borgias" (Neil Jordan), HBO's "Game of Thrones" (Tim Van Patten) and AMC's "The Killing" (Patty Jenkins).

Over the last 10 years, cable has made significant inroads as far as TV directors are concerned. Last year, 4 out of 5 nominees in the directing race were cable offerings, and over the course of the last decade, drama series from AMC, FX, HBO, Showtime and even Syfy wiped the floor with their broadcast rivals.

Broadcast TV certainly had a lot of strong contenders. "The Good Wife" — the only broadcast show nominated for outstanding drama series — was touted as a strong possibility for show runner Robert King, who won raves for directing the season finale, "Closing Arguments." Other contenders — like Tony Phelan for the buzzed-about "Grey's Anatomy" musical episode, "Song Beneath the Song"; Bill D'Elia for the pilot episode of "Harry's Law"; and segments of Fox's "House" and NBC's "Parenthood" — were in the hunt, but they were completely shut out in favor of lavish big-budget period pieces ("Boardwalk," "Borgias" and "Thrones") and moody, cutting-edge thrillers ("The Killing").

So, who is likely to take home the prize? The smart money is on Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese to triumph for bringing Prohibition-era Atlantic City to life in "Boardwalk Empire." Close behind as a possible spoiler: "Game of Thrones" pilot, directed by five-time Emmy nominee Tim Van Patten (for "The Sopranos"), who has yet to win.

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Photo: Julianna Margulies and Josh Charles in the "Closing Argument" episode of "The Good Wife," which was surprisingly not nominated for drama directing at the Emmys. Credit: CBS.

Are the Emmys biased against 'Game of Thrones'?

"Let's be honest," a media colleague huffed recently, " 'Game of Thrones' doesn't have a prayer of winning best drama series at the Emmys. They nominated it, but voters were just throwing it a bone because it's a cool show and they want to look hip by having it in the mix. Genre shows never win."

There's a bit of truth to that tirade, but it's erroneous too. One program full of fantasy recently won best drama series — "Lost" (2005) — but it was set in contemporary days. It wasn't a so-called genre show like "Game of Thrones," which is set in fictitious lands during medieval times. Still, "Lost" was a genre show of a different sort. Given the complex mythology of "Game of Thrones," it's amazing that it scored 13 Emmy bids, including for drama series. When "True Blood" managed to sneak into the top race last year, it received no nominations in other top races.

As a general rule, genre and/or fantasy fare don't get much respect at the Emmys, but that's also true at the Oscars, where "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" finally won best picture after the previous two films in the trilogy went down to defeat and it was quite obvious that, if Part 3 met the same fate, millions of Hobbit fanboys would fling Oscar into the fiery depths of Mt. Doom.

Let's give Emmy her due. Here's a look back at some genre and fantasy shows that have been nominated for outstanding drama series in the past:

"True Blood" (2010)
"Heroes" (2007)
"The X-Files" (1995-98)
"Lost" (2005 winner; nominated 2008-10)
"Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1994)
"Quantum Leap" (1990-92)
"Twin Peaks" (1990)
"Beauty and the Beast" (1988, 1989)
"Star Trek" (1967, 1968)
"Twilight Zone" (1961)
"Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (1958, 1959)

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Photo: "Game of Thrones" star Peter Dinklage is nominated for supporting drama actor. Photo credit: HBO.

Emmys: Can 'Game of Thrones' or 'Friday Night Lights' win best drama? [Poll]

The Emmy race over best drama series is a real drama, pitting reigning champ "Mad Men" against "Boardwalk Empire," "Dexter," "Friday Night Lights," "Game of Thrones" and "The Good Wife."

After sweeping the category for three years in a row, "Mad Men" seems poised to win for a fourth consecutive time, just like "The West Wing" and "Hill Street Blues." ("L.A. Law" won four times too, but not consecutively.) Perhaps its strongest rival is "Boardwalk Empire," which won the Golden Globe and the Screen Actors Guild Award for ensemble drama. However, "Mad Men" and "Boardwalk Empire" aired in late 2010. Out of sight, out of mind?

Although "Game of Thrones" is certainly top of mind right now, based on its mega-buzz driven by fanboy obsession, it faces a tough time reigning on Emmy night: It probably skews too young for the old guys who rule the TV academy. And let's be honest: "Dexter" hasn't got a shot. If it couldn't win last year after its greatest, critically hailed season, it can't win for just a very good one since.

Possible spoilers may be CBS' "The Good Wife" and DirecTV/NBC's "Friday Night Lights" –- the former a broadcast-network show and the latter a program that began its life as one. Remember, most of the 16,000 members of the TV academy work in the broadcast-TV business. One of their shows hasn't won for drama series since "24" (2006). "The Good Wife" is relatively new and sexy, and it has another thing going for it: It's a legal drama like past champs "L.A. Law," "The Practice" and, heck, even "The Defenders" back in the 1960s. It could very well pull off an upset.

But watch out for "Friday Night Lights," which could very well catch a Hail Mary pass and go for a surprise touchdown. In Hollywood, there's enormous love for that program beloved by TV critics but overlooked by Emmy voters in this race up until now. Yes, the show is canceled, but that may not matter. Over in the comedy category, let's not forget that "Barney Miller" got the last laugh after it was off the air. Yes, "Friday Night Lights" didn't have amazing ratings, but neither did "Arrested Development" when it won for comedy series. It had the Cool Factor –- just like "Friday Night Lights."

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-- Tom O'Neil

Left photo: A scene from "Game of Thrones." Credit: HBO

Right photo: Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton in "Friday Night Lights." Credit: DirecTV, NBC

Poll: Which 'Game of Thrones' star has the best shot at Emmy glory?

Of course, "Game of Thrones" has emerged as a strong Emmy contender to nab a nomination for best drama series. TV critics and viewers love it. It's produced and telecast by Emmy-savvy HBO, which debuted the hot new series to much fanfare at peak voting period.

But what about its actors? Who has the best shot at a nomination?

Sean Bean: Series protagonist Ned Stark loses his head while fighting for honor, justice and the survival of his family.

Emilia Clarke: Daenerys Targaryen begins a sojourn as a frightened girl but emerges as a warrior queen.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau: fiendish villain Jaime Lannister.

Peter Dinklage: Tyrion Lannister is a somewhat comedic role. Those don't often get nominated for awards, but he just nabbed a bid from the Television Critics Assn.

Aidan Gillen: Another devilish villain, Littlefinger.

Lena Headey: Cersei Lannister is the lead female role on the show. She's the conniving chief of the Lannister family.

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-- Tom O'Neil

Photo: "Game of Thrones." Credit: HBO

 

Sean Bean on 'Game of Thrones,' Emmys and losing his head [video]

Sean Bean just suffered a gruesome death in "Game of Thrones" when his character, Lord "Ned" Stark, got his head chopped off at the end of the much-ballyhooed first season. But that doesn't mean he can't tap his brain for reflection on starring in the hit cult TV series that is HBO's fascinating entry in the Emmy race.

Emmys voters tend to like slick, classy, traditional drama series like "Mad Men" and "The West Wing." "Game of Thrones" is dark, gritty and maybe even too young-skewing for those codgers in the TV academy. Admittedly, it looks a lot like the "Lord of the Rings" feature films, offering tales of a fantastic ancient kingdom based upon bestselling books. The "Lord of the Rings" flicks didn't look like serious Oscar contenders at first, but they ended up sweeping those kudos. Maybe "Thrones" can do the same at the equivalent TV awards? Bean has some perspective on both — he starred in the "Lord of the Rings" films as well.

"'Game of Thrones' is a fantasy set in a timeless land with these very peculiar people, but it isn't magical," Bean notes in our webcam chat. "It's different from 'Lord of the Rings' in that respect. It's 'Lord of the Rings' for adults."

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'Game of Thrones,' 'Justified' and 'Parks and Recreation' rule bids for Television Critics Assn. awards

"Game of Thrones," "Justified," and "Parks and Recreation" lead with the most nominations (four) unveiled by the Television Critics Assn.

In the comedy lineup, "Glee," "The Big Bang Theory" and "30 Rock" were all snubbed, while there were surprise nominations for "Raising Hope" and "Louie" for best laffer.

Among TV dramas, "Justified" reaped its first bid for best series and "Friday Night Lights" gets a chance to score a final touchdown.

Oddities: "Boardwalk Empire" was not nominated for best drama series, but did make the list for program of the year. Conversely, "Mad Men" wasn't nominated for best program, but did make the cut for best drama series.

As usual, the Television Critics Assn. was heavily biased toward men in the performance categories. Out of the 12 nominations for best individual achievement in drama and comedy, only three females made the contests: Amy Poehler ("Parks and Recreation"), Julianna Margulies ("The Good Wife") and Margo Martindale ("Justified"). Surprisingly shut out: recent Golden Globe champ Katey Sagal ("Sons of Anarchy") and last year's TCA award winner Jane Lynch ("Glee").

It's interesting to compare the list of TCA nominees to the one recently issued by the rival group of tube journalists bestowing the new Critics' Choice Television Awards. While TCA considers "Raising Hope" to be among the five best TV comedies, it's not among the 10 Critics Choice contenders for best laffer. Critics' Choice nominees snubbed by TCA: "American Idol," "The Voice" and "Survivor."

Awards will be bestowed on Aug. 6 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Below, the full list of nominees:

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA
Steve Buscemi ("Boardwalk Empire," HBO)
Peter Dinklage ("Game of Thrones," HBO)
Jon Hamm ("Mad Men," AMC)
Julianna Margulies ("The Good Wife," CBS)
Margo Martindale ("Justified," FX)
Timothy Olyphant ("Justified," FX)

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY
Ty Burrell ("Modern Family," ABC)
Louis C.K. ("Louie," FX)
Nick Offerman ("Parks and Recreation," NBC)
Amy Poehler ("Parks and Recreation," NBC)
Danny Pudi ("Community," NBC)
Jon Stewart ("The Daily Show," Comedy Central)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN NEWS AND INFORMATION
"If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise" (HBO)
"Restrepo" (National Geographic Channel)
"60 Minutes" (CBS)
"The Rachel Maddow Show" (MSNBC)
"30 for 30" (ESPN)

How 'Game of Thrones' schemes to rule the Emmys

When HBO sent out its Emmy box to TV academy members a few weeks ago, DVDs of "Game of Thrones" weren't included inside because the new fantasy series hadn't yet debuted on the tube. Therefore, some confusion reigns over its kudos plans.

HBO confirms that only two "Game of Thrones" stars will compete in the lead Emmy acting races: Sean Bean and Lena Headey. Competing in supporting: actors Mark Addy, Peter Dinklage, Nicolaj Coster-Waldau, Aiden Gillen, Kit Harington and Jason Momoa and actresses Emilia Clarke and Michelle Fairley.

Our message-board commenters are divided over the series' Emmy hopes. After the second episode of "Game of Thrones" aired, a commenter named "Brilliance Immorbid" said it "was pretty much a perfect hybrid of geek pleasing and 'regular' people comprehension. It was thoroughly entertaining. I'm not sure if it'll ever be Emmy-worthy. A lot of it still comes off like a better acted version of 'Xena' and 'Legend of the Seeker.' If it manages to become less overwrought but still keep the intensity, it can eventually get there." Read more views here.

-- Tom O'Neil

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Photo: Sean Bean will compete in the lead actor category at the Emmys for "Game of Thrones." Credit: HBO

Emmy inside track: The race for TV drama actor

After winning the Emmy for TV drama actor three years in a row, Bryan Cranston is now out of the derby because "Breaking Bad" wasn't televised during the award's eligibility period (June 1, 2010 - May 31, 2011). That's good news for three repeat contenders who are always nominated and never win: Michael C. Hall (who won a Golden Globe and SAG Award for "Dexter"), "House M.D.'s" Hugh Laurie (two Globes and two SAG trophies) and Jon Hamm (one Globe but no solo laurels from SAG for "Mad Men").

Most pundits believe Laurie probably never will win because of the Emmy's voting method. Winners are decided by a jury of actors who watch sample episodes submitted by each nominee. Laurie gives a fireworks performance, yes, but it's of an arrogant, unhuggable character. Maybe we shouldn't discount his chances too much, however, considering James Gandolfini won three times for portraying a murderous thug on "The Sopranos."

Hamm may have a good shot this year thanks to a strong episode of "Mad Men" titled "The Suitcase," which he'll probably submit. It's a real winner, giving him a showcase to display a wide range of emotions. He even gets drunk and has crying scenes.

Hamm's toughest competition may be Steve Buscemi, who's widely considered to be "an actor's actor" starring in the white-hot new HBO series "Boardwalk Empire."

Below is a breakdown of how the race looks like right now. Expect Buscemi, Hall, Hamm and Laurie to fill up four of the six nominee slots in this category. They'll probably be joined by Kyle Chandler ("Friday Night Lights"), who was nominated last year too. Who'll nab the sixth slot?

TV DRAMA ACTOR
(Favorites)
Simon Baker, "The Mentalist"
Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"
Gabriel Byrne, "In Treatment"
Billy Campbell, "The Killing"
Kyle Chandler, "Friday Night Lights"
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"
Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"
Jeremy Irons, "The Borgias"
Hugh Laurie, "House M.D."
Andrew Lincoln, "The Walking Dead"
William H. Macy, "Shameless"
Timothy Olyphant, "Justified"
Ray Romano, "Men of a Certain Age"

Poll: Will 'Game of Thones' rule TV awards?

Hollywood awards seldom bow to fantasy/sci-fi fare, of course. Sure, "Game of Thrones" is getting great reviews, but can it seize the crown at the Emmys, Golden Globes and SAG Awards?

"Lost" won top prizes at the Emmys and SAG Awards, but that was rare recognition for the genre. "Lost" also won the Golden Globe, which is far more welcoming. The biggest winner for TV drama series at the Globes is "The X-Files" –- three times.

As for "Game of Thrones," it's scoring an impressive 82 at Metacritic. Sample reviews:

L.A. Times: "A great and thundering series of political and psychological intrigue bristling with vivid characters, cross-hatched with tantalizing plotlines and seasoned with a splash of fantasy."

TV Guide: "HBO has found its answer to 'Lord of the Rings' in adapting George R.R. Martin's enthralling, sprawling, ruthlessly brutal and magnificently entertaining series of page-turners. Be prepared. 'Game of Thrones' isn't a popcorn epic. More like steak: red-blooded and raw, with bone and gristle and a side of brains."

USA Today: "It's all very well told and well acted, but those who insist on comparing it to 'The Lord of the Rings' are setting up expectations 'Game' cannot possibly match.... It's a popular story, but it lacks the joyous force and universal appeal of 'Rings.' "

How will it fare at the Emmys? Below, sample comments from our forums. See more here.

MissyGal: "Knowing what kind of track record sci-fi/fantasy shows have at he Emmys, not much. Then again, it has been getting great reviews, so it could be like 'Lost' and break through at the awards."

Turtle: "There is some precedent for fantasy material doing well, and not just in tech categories, at the Emmys. 'Merlin' snagged 13 Emmy noms, including miniseries, and won four in tech categories … 'The Mists of Avalon" snagged nine noms (and one win for makeup) … "Tin Man" earned nine noms, including miniseries, and one win (makeup) in 2008 … 'Alice' snagged two noms in 2010, including supporting actress mini/movie for Kathy Bates."

thedemonhog: "With last year's nominees 'Lost' and 'Breaking Bad' ineligible, room has opened up in the Outstanding Drama Series.... Despite being a well-received classic HBO epic not made by David Simon, 'Games of Thrones' is not popping up in many predictions.... The only actor with a shot is Sean Bean because we know who he is and is the only one featured prominently in promotional materials. The cast is way too massive, full of non-names and arriving too late in the awards season to pick up buzz for them."

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Photo: HBO.

Emmy slugfest over best drama actor: Jon Hamm vs. Steve Buscemi

After three past losses for his work on "Mad Men," Jon Hamm will finally win best TV drama actor at the Emmys, according to three of the six pundits polled by Awards Tracker. The gurus are our forums' moderators, who monitor the Emmy voting process closely and believe that Hamm can finally prevail because of the emotional impact and range he displays in the Season 4 episode that he will probably submit to Emmy judges: "The Suitcase."

Our other three pundits are betting on Steve Buscemi in "Boardwalk Empire," which will certainly be a major Emmy contender. The hot new HBO series recently won best drama series at the Golden Globes, halting beat "Mad Men's" three-year winning streak, and may soon do the same at the Emmys.

For the last three years, the Emmy contest for best TV drama actor was dominated by Bryan Cranston, but he's not eligible now because "Breaking Bad" had no new episodes airing during the Emmy eligibility period that ends May 31. Five-time loser Hugh Laurie ("House M.D.") has never won. Other nominees last year included Hamm, Michael C. Hall ("Dexter"), Kyle Chandler ("Friday Night Lights") and Matthew Fox ("Lost"). All may return except Fox.

Other top contenders: Simon Baker ("The Mentalist"), Gabriel Byrne ("In Treatment"), Idris Elba ("Luther"), Charlie Hunnam ("Sons of Anarchy"), Jeremy Irons ("The Borgias"), Andrew Lincoln ("The Walking Dead"), William H. Macy ("Shameless"), Timothy Olyphant ("Justified"), Bill Paxton ("Big Love") and Tom Selleck ("Blue Bloods").

Our participating Emmy pundits: Chris Beachum, Matthew Cormier, Marcus Dixon, Darrin Dortch, Rob Licuria and Matt Noble. Below, they rank their top six predictions for best TV drama actor according to likelihood of winning (1 is most likely). Also, see their rankings for best drama series and comedy series.

-- Tom O'Neil

DRAMA ACTOR	Beachum	Cormier	Dixon	Dortch	Licuria	Noble
Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"	2	1	1	2	1	2
Gabriel Byrne, "In Treatment"		6		3	4	6
Kyle Chandler, "Friday Night Lights"			3			5
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"	4	2	6	5	3	3
Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"	1	3	2	1	2	1
Jeremy Irons, "The Borgias"	3				5
Hugh Laurie, "House M.D."	5	5	5	6	6	4
William H. Macy, "Shameless"	6	4	4	4

Photos, from left: Jon Hamm in "Mad Men"; Steve Buscemi in "Boardwalk Empire. Credits: AMC, HBO