Jane Lynch: No track suit at the Emmys

How much of vicious "Glee" cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester will Jane Lynch reveal while hosting the Emmys on Sept. 18? Not much, she told The Envelope earlier this month.

"I think we'll probably leave her track suit on the Paramount lot," she added recently while powwowing with TV critics.

In fact, she's planning to act much nicer than some other award show hosts have done recently. "I really enjoyed Ricky Gervais," she said. "I don't have that kind of snarkiness that Ricky has, though. I'm a huge fan of it. I laughed many times at the Golden Globes. But it's not quite me."

If she borrows from any award show host, it will probably be Neil Patrick Harris, who scored ace reviews for interacting a lot with the audience while emceeing the recent Tony Awards.

"My goal is that nobody will cringe," she said. "Or at least very few people will cringe."

While celebrating TV's Golden Girl, Lynch will enlist the sexy assistance of some dancing golden boys, as this new promo from Fox TV reveals.

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Emmy contenders: Jane Lynch has a secret advantage

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Emmy contenders: The nominees speak their minds

-- Tom O'Neil

Emmy contenders: Jane Lynch has a secret advantage

As the Emmys approach, Jane Lynch may look like the inevitable winner of best supporting comedy actress. Not only did she bag the category last year, but now she's hosting the Emmycast. But beware: She doesn't have the advantage she had last year -– she doesn't have that single powerhouse episode of "Glee" to submit to Emmy judges.

Last year, Lynch won for "The Power of Madonna," which was an impressive showcase for her skills as an actress, comedian, singer and dancer. She may have been competing in the supporting category, but she had so much screen time in that segment she seemed like a lead star.

The episode Lynch submitted this year isn't a blockbuster. "Funeral" is much more quiet and subdued as Lynch's character, Sue, mourns the loss of her sister, who had Down's Syndrome. Lynch shows a sadder and angrier side of her character and she doesn't get a chance to show off comedic skills. And she has much less screen time than she did in "The Power of Madonna."

Lynch does have another advantage this year though. She appears extensively in the episode submitted to Emmy judges by rival nominee Kristen Wiig. For some unknown reason, Wiig entered the episode of "Saturday Night Live" hosted by Lynch last fall. It's a perfect showcase for Lynch to show off her chops as a singer and comedian as she appears in a wide range of skits. It's a great complement to the dramatic performance Lynch gives on her own "Glee" submission, thus showing off her range as a performer.

Often this phenomenon helps a star to win. Felicity Huffman won for comedy actress in 2005 when her "Desperate Housewives" castmates Marcia Cross and Teri Hatcher submitted episodes that assisted Huffman in showing off her range. The same crossover aided Eric Stonestreet in 2010 (up against Ty Burrell and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, "Modern Family"), Cynthia Nixon in 2004 (up against Kim Cattrall and Kristin Davis, "Sex and the City"), and all throughout Emmy history ("The West Wing" supporting actors, "The Golden Girls" lead actresses, etc.).

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”

'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)

Jane Lynch as Emmys host: Why we should be 'Glee'-ful

By picking Jane Lynch to host TV's top awards show, the Emmys are making sure they don't repeat the Oscars' mistakes.

Lynch has all of the talents needed to command the stage with gusto. She's a triple threat -– a comic entertainer who can sing and dance. Indeed, she demonstrated all that nicely last year when she participated in the Emmys' opening "Born to Run" musical number with host Jimmy Fallon.

Also, she's an Emmy champ, having won the award for best supporting comedy actress that year for "Glee.

Oh, yes, and she's not James Franco.

The first mistake Oscar chiefs made at the last kudocast was to cast a flat-out actor without diverse entertainment skills to cohost. Second, they gave him a lousy script without jokes, heart or substance to perform. Assuming the producers of the Emmys show employ a gifted writing team, as they usually do, Lynch should be able to shine on all fronts.

It's noteworthy that Lynch will preside alone over the Emmys stage. Only two women have hosted the awards show solo in years past: Angela Lansbury and Ellen DeGeneres. Many other women have served as cohosts, including Kirstie Alley, Lucille Ball, Candice Bergen, Angie Dickinson, Shelley Long, Shirley MacLaine, Mary Tyler Moore, Jane Pauley, Joan Rivers, Wanda Sykes and Marlo Thomas. The last female cohost was Heidi Klum, who teamed up with four male hosts of reality-TV shows two years ago.

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-- Tom O'Neil

Photo: At the 2010 Emmys show, Jane Lynch accepts her award as best supporting actress in a comedy series. Credit: NBC

Is Jane Lynch going to host the Emmys?

One year after Jane Lynch ("Glee") appeared at the podium to nab an Emmy as best supporting actress in a comedy series, she may take charge of the whole stage as host of the TV awards ceremony. Lynch is reportedly in talks with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to emcee the Sept. 18 event, according to the Hollywood Reporter. An Emmy media representative declined to comment when asked to confirm or deny the report.

Lynch is a logical choice to preside over the kudofest considering "Glee" airs on Fox, which will telecast this year's Emmys. She's a deft performer -- both as a singer and comedian.

"There is no deal with Lynch yet, and it is unclear whether she would host alone or be paired with one or more co-hosts," notes the Reporter. "The host must also be approved by the TV Academy's board of governors, which meets on Wednesday night."

Only two women have hosted the awards show solo: Angela Lansbury and Ellen DeGeneres. Many other women have served as co-hosts, including Kirstie Alley, Lucille Ball, Candice Bergen, Angie Dickinson, Shelley Long, Shirley MacLaine, Mary Tyler Moore, Jane Pauley, Joan Rivers, Wanda Sykes and Marlo Thomas. The last female co-host was Heidi Klum, two years ago.

What do you think about Lynch hosting? If you have other host suggestions, leave a comment here.

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-- Tom O'Neil

Photo: Last year, "Glee" lost best comedy series to "Modern Family," but Jane Lynch claimed a trophy in the acting slots. Credit: NBC

Emmy diva smackdown: Jane Lynch, Betty White, Cloris Leachman

The Emmy battle over best supporting comedy actress is turning out to be a dramatic face-off involving some of TV's top divas.

Jane Lynch ("Glee") won last year and will surely pose a tough challenge again, but beware: She competes against two of Emmy's most beloved stars.

Betty White ("Hot in Cleveland") is a five-time past champ, whose most recent victory was last year for guesting on "Saturday Night Live." But that's a modest tally compared with the trophy stash of Cloris Leachman, who's won more Emmys in the performance categories than anyone in TV history –- nine, if you count her Daytime Emmy along with her Primetime awards. Now she's back in the running for "Raising Hope," competing against last year's nominees who have a good shot to return: Julie Bowen ("Modern Family"), Jane Krakowski ("30 Rock"), Holland Taylor ("Two and a Half Men"), Sofia Vergara ("Modern Family") and Kristen Wiig ("Saturday Night Live").

Knocking hard on this category door are Allison Janney ("Mr. Sunshine"), Martha Plimpton ("Raising Hope") and Gabourey Sidibe ("The Big C").

Below, my breakdown of the category. Also see my handicapping of the races for best supporting comedy actor, lead drama actor and best drama series.

-- Tom O'Neil

BEST SUPPORTING COMEDY ACTRESS
(Front-runners)
Julie Bowen, "Modern Family"
Allison Janney, "Mr. Sunshine"
Jane Krakowski, "30 Rock"
Diane Ladd, "Enlightened"
Cloris Leachman, "Raising Hope"
Jane Lynch, "Glee"
Martha Plimpton, "Raising Hope"
Gabourey Sidibe, "The Big C"
Holland Taylor, "Two and a Half Men"
Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"
Betty White, "Hot in Cleveland"
Kristen Wiig, "Saturday Night Live"

 

 

Comedy Central/MTV Networks Comedy Awards nominations announced

 
So you thought the awards' season was officially over on Feb. 27, Oscar Sunday?

Think again. Comedy Central and MTV Networks have created the Comedy Awards, which will be telecast on April 10 on Comedy Central, Spike TV, TV Land, VH1, CMT and Nick at Night.
 Nominations in 15 categories were announced Tuesday. The nominees were chosen by the "Comedy Awards' Board of Directors,'' which includes director James Burrows, Stephen Colbert, Brad Grey, Whoopi Goldberg, Joan Rivers and Seth MacFarlane. The winners will be chosen by an invitation-only voting body from members of the comedy community.

The nominees are:

Comedy Series

"30 Rock"

"Eastbound & Down"

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"

"Modern Family"

"The Office"

Comedy Actor-TV

Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"

Ty Burell, "Modern Family"

Steve Carell, "The Office"

Danny McBride, "Eastbound & Down"

Tracy Morgan, "30 Rock"

Comedy Actress-TV

Tina Fey, "30 Rock"

Jane Krakowski, "30 Rock"

Jane Lynch, "Glee"

Betty White, "Hot in Cleveland"

Kristen Wiig, "Saturday Night Live"

Comedy Actor-Film

Russell Brand, "Get Him to the Greek"

Will Ferrell, "The Other Guys"

Zach Galifianakis, "Dinner for Schmucks"

Paul Giamatti, "Barney's Version"

Jonah Hill, "Cyrus"

Comedy Actress-Film

Tina Fey, "Date Night"

Anne Hathaway, "Love & Other Drugs"

Helen Mirren, "Red"

Chloe Moretz, "Kick-Ass"

Emma Stone, "Easy A"

Late Night Comedy Series

"The Colbert Report"

"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"

"Jimmy Kimmel Live"

"Late Night with Jimmy Fallon"

"Late Show with David Letterman"

Sketch Comedy/Alternative Comedy Series

"Children's Hospital"

"Funny or Die Presents"

"Saturday Night Live"

"Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job"

"Tosh.O"

Stand-Up Special

"Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening"

"Bill Maher...But I'm Not Wrong"

"Louis C.K.: Hilarious"

"Ricky Gervais: Out of England 2"

"Whitney Cummings: Money Shot"

Comedy Film

"Cyrus"

"Easy A"

"Get Him to the Greek"

"Kick-Ass"

"The Other Guys"

Animated Comedy Film

"Despicable Me"

"Megamind"

"Shrek Forever After"

"Toy Story 3"

Animated Comedy  Series

"American Dad"

"Archer"

"Family Guy"

"The Simpsons"

"South Park"

For a complete list of nominees, go to Thecomedyawards.com

-- Susan King

Photo: Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin star in NBC's "30 Rock," which garnered seven Comedy Awards nominations. Credit: Nicole Rivelli / NBC Universal

Golden Globes: A Jane Lynch love fest

As Jane Lynch made her way in the back of the ballroom, she ran into "Glee" costar Matthew Morrison and managed to not break into song over her victory. Morrison, though, was a little too enthusiastic about her win: "Oh, I want to make love to you right now. Ahhh! This is great!"

 The love-making would have to wait. As he left, Lynch was then tapped on the shoulder by another adoring fan, new Captain America, Chris Evans:  "I think you're fantastic. This is totally deserved."

After their hug, Lynch, noticing people were stepping on her dress, picked up her train with one hand and raised the statue with the other: "This is suuuwweeett!" she raved as passersby clapped. As the Lynch congratulatory train continued, she was stopped by Jake Gyllenhaal, who wanted to sing her praises too: "You rock so hard."

— Yvonne Villarreal

Photo: Jane Lynch arrives at the Golden Globes. Credit: Mario Anzuoni / Reuters