Emmy Predictions '03

Granted, we're a strange family. But every year, for bragging rights, we sit down in front of the Emmy Awards and try to outdo each other by choosing more correct winners than anyone else. Modesty prevents me from telling you who won last year, with nine correct out of twenty-five. It's probably because the Emmys are more accessible than the Oscars. Tell me the truth. When was the last time that YOU actually managed to see all of the Best Picture nominees?

Well, without further ado, I'll make my fearless predictions for Sunday night's cast. It will go down as the year of "Everybody Loves Raymond," but the drama awards will be more spread out.

For best Supporting Actress, I think Tyne Daly will probably edge out a tight competition on the basis of her performances in the wake of her co-star Richard Crenna. Emmy loves angst. Best Supporting Actor should go to "The Sopranos"' Joe Pantoliano. He's got the momentum, and EVERYBODY was talking about it when Ralphie finally got whacked. Pantoliano has a new CBS series of his own, "The Handler" this fall.

On the comedy side, I like Doris Roberts, perfect as the meddlesome Marie Barone on "Everybody Loves Raymond." And while I'd like to see Peter Boyle, the only cast member without a trophy, to get the nod this year, Brad Garrett clearly had more substantial material, with his rocky engagement and wedding storylines. Brad will take the prize, a consolation for not winning for "Gleason."

The closest thing to a lock this year is Edie Falco as Best Actress, Drama Series. Her work on the finale of "The Sopranos" was spellbinding, and will be difficult to top. While I'd love to see Kiefer Sutherland take the honors on the male side, Emmy voters inexplicably adore "Six Feet Under," and the nod will go to Peter Krause, who was better on the late, lamented "Sports Night."

Patricia Heaton has slid nicely into the Helen Hunt groove for her work on "Raymond," and will keep winning as long as she's nominated. I'm not saying she doesn't deserve it. But it would be nice to see Jane Kaczmarek of "Malcolm in the Middle" get her due. Lead Actor is a horse race. I'd love to see Tony Shalhoub get the nod for his brilliant work in USA's "Monk," but the comedy nomination is likely to hurt him in a crowded field. Matt LeBlanc, with his meaty storyline in "Friends" is probably your winner here.

Best Drama, hands down, will be "The West Wing." The Academy loves this show no matter how awful it gets. Trust me. And while I'd love to see the deliciously nasty "Curb Your Enthusiasm" win top honors, I truly believe that "Everybody Loves Raymond" rebounded nicely from a lackluster previous season, and should take the gold.

See you Sunday. Have your ballot sheets ready. . .

http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/9/171880