Primetime Emmy Predictions for Moms

The 2009 Primetime Emmy Awards airs this Sunday, September 20th on CBS, and if you’re like me, you probably haven’t had the chance to watch all the shows, specials, mini-series and reality programs that are up for that big gold statue. But have no fear, I’ve compiled a cheat sheet for you that covers the categories that moms are most interested in and if you have time this week to catch some of these shows, maybe you can weigh in with your picks too.

For now, I’m going to share my personal faves for each category. And later this week, we’re going to be speaking with Jack Sussman, who heads up specials at CBS and the CW Networks. I've even had the great fortune of working with Jack in my past life at CBS when I handled publicity for the Country Music Association Awards. Trust me when I tell you he is one of the nicest (and coolest) TV executives I’ve ever met. Especially since Jack was the person who I used to hunt down whenever I needed to snag an interview with a country performer and magically, he managed to deliver the superstars just about every time! Jack will be giving us the inside scoop on what to expect at this year’s show, hosted by one of my favorite comedic actors, Neil Patrick Harris, who stars in the Emmy-nominated series “How I Met Your Mother.” But for now, here’s your official Emmy cheat sheet and my personal predictions!

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Breaking Bad • AMC • High Bridge, Gran Via Productions, Sony Pictures Television
Bryan Cranston as Walter White

Dexter • Showtime • Showtime Presents in association with John Goldwyn Productions, The Colleton Company, Clyde Phillips Productions
Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan

House • FOX • Universal Media Studios in association with Heel and Toe Films, Shore Z Productions and Bad Hat Harry Productions
Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House

In Treatment • HBO • Leverage, Closest To The Hole Productions and Sheleg in association with HBO Entertainment
Gabriel Byrne as Paul

Mad Men • AMC • Lionsgate Television
Jon Hamm as Don Draper

The Mentalist • CBS • Warner Bros. Television
Simon Baker as Patrick Jane

My Prediction: Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan. Always love to see actors play characters with split personalities - so my nod goes to the mild-mannered serial killer.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Brothers & Sisters • ABC • ABC Studios
Sally Field as Nora Walker

The Closer • TNT • The Shephard/Robin Company in association with Warner Bros. Television
Kyra Sedgwick as Brenda Leigh Johnson

Damages • FX Networks • FX Productions and Sony Pictures Television
Glenn Close as Patty Hewes

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC • Wolf Films in association with Universal Media Studios
Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson

Mad Men • AMC • Lionsgate Television
Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson

Saving Grace • TNT • Fox Television
Holly Hunter as Grace Hanadarko

My Prediction: I love Sally Field hands down. As a huge “Brothers & Sisters” fan, my vote goes to Nora Walker all the way. I doubt she’ll get it but if I was a member of the Academy, then Sally Field would be the undisputed winner!

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

The Big Bang Theory • CBS • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper

Flight Of The Conchords • HBO • Dakota Pictures and Comedy Arts in association with HBO Entertainment
Jemaine Clement as Jemaine

Monk • USA • Universal Cable Productions in association with Mandeville Films and ABC Studios
Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk

The Office • NBC • Deedle-Dee Productions and Reveille LLC in association with Universal Media Studios
Steve Carell as Michael Scott

30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy

Two And A Half Men • CBS • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., The Tannenbaum Company in association with Warner Bros. Television
Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper

My Prediction: I'm 99% sure the Academy will be selecting Tony Shalhoub - because that’s what they do every year. But if it were up to me, it would be a toss up between Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) or Steve Carell (The Office). Honestly, I just look at Steve Carell and I laugh.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

The New Adventures Of Old Christine • CBS • Kari's Logo Here in association with Warner Bros. Television
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine

Samantha Who? • ABC • ABC Studios
Christina Applegate as Samantha Newly

The Sarah Silverman Program • Comedy Central • Central Productions/Eleven Eleven O'Clock Productions/Oil Factory Inc.
Sarah Silverman as Sarah Silverman

30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Tina Fey as Liz Lemon

United States Of Tara • Showtime • Showtime presents in association with DreamWorks Television
Toni Collette as Tara Gregson

Weeds • Showtime • Showtime Presents in association with Lionsgate Television and Tilted Productions, Inc.
Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin

My Prediction: My personal pick is Julia Louis-Dreyfus - the ultimate TV mom who always says and does the wrong things and that’s why I love her! I bet the Academy will go for Mary-Louise Parker in "Weeds" because that’s the hip thing to do, but again, if they wanted my vote, it would be Julia, Julia, Julia!

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

Entourage • HBO • Leverage and Closest to the Hole Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama

How I Met Your Mother • CBS • 20th Century Fox Television
Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson

The Office • NBC • Deedle-Dee Productions and Reveille LLC in association with Universal Media Studios
Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute

30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Tracy Morgan as Tracy Jordan

30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Jack McBrayer as Kenneth Parcell

Two And A Half Men • CBS • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., The Tannenbaum Company in association with Warner Bros. Television
Jon Cryer as Alan Harper

My Prediction: This category is a tough one since I pretty much watch all these shows religiously and I'm a huge fan of most of the actors who are nominated. I’m going to lean toward Neil Patrick Harris since I've been a fan of his forever and he can morph into any character and make it seem realistic. A close second would be Kevin Dillon in “Entourage” - because Johnny Drama is so rude and totally cracks me up. And then my third choice would go to Jon Cryer - because he played Duckie in “Pretty in Pink” and is uncomfortably funny in “Two and a Half Men.”

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Boston Legal • ABC • A David E. Kelley Production in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
William Shatner as Denny Crane

Boston Legal • ABC • A David E. Kelley Production in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
Christian Clemenson as Jerry Espenson

Breaking Bad • AMC • High Bridge, Gran Via Productions, Sony Pictures Television
Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman

Damages • FX Networks • FX Productions and Sony Pictures Television
William Hurt as Daniel Purcell

Lost • ABC • Grass Skirt Productions and ABC Studios
Michael Emerson as Ben Linus

Mad Men • AMC • Lionsgate Television
John Slattery as Roger Sterling

My Prediction: No contest for me - William Shatner in “Boston Legal.” I love the quirky Denny Crane and hope Shatner comes up triumphant.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Pushing Daisies • ABC • Living Dead Guy Productions, The Jinks/Cohen Company in association with Warner Bros. Television
Kristin Chenoweth as Olive Snook

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with NBC Studios and Broadway Video
Amy Poehler as Various Characters

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with NBC Studios and Broadway Video
Kristen Wiig as Various Characters

30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney

Ugly Betty • ABC • ABC Studios
Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater

Weeds • Showtime • Showtime Presents in association with Lionsgate Television and Tilted Productions, Inc.
Elizabeth Perkins as Celia Hodes

My Prediction: I love Amy Poehler. She is one of the most gifted comedic actresses on the planet and I can watch her in “Baby Mama” at least a hundred times and never get bored.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Damages • FX Networks • FX Productions and Sony Pictures Television
Rose Byrne as Ellen Parsons

Grey's Anatomy • ABC • ABC Studios
Sandra Oh as Dr. Cristina Yang

Grey's Anatomy • ABC • ABC Studios
Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey

In Treatment • HBO • Leverage, Closest To The Hole Productions and Sheleg in association with HBO Entertainment
Dianne Wiest as Gina

In Treatment • HBO • Leverage, Closest To The Hole Productions and Sheleg in association with HBO Entertainment
Hope Davis as Mia

24 • FOX • Imagine Television and 20th Century Fox Television in association with Teakwood Lane Productions
Cherry Jones as President Allison Taylor

My Prediction: I heart Chandra Wilson. I don’t know if this is going to be the hip choice, but Chandra Wilson’s portrayal of Dr. Miranda Bailey is real, honest and at times, as stressful as being a real working mom.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Accidental Friendship • Hallmark Channel • A Muse Entertainment and Automatic Pictures Production
Chandra Wilson as Yvonne

Coco Chanel • Lifetime • Lux Vide S.p.A, Pamp Productions and Alchemy Television Group
Shirley MacLaine as Coco Chanel

Grey Gardens • HBO • Specialty Films and Locomotive in association with HBO Films
Drew Barrymore as Little Edie

Grey Gardens • HBO • Specialty Films and Locomotive in association with HBO Films
Jessica Lange as Big Edie

Prayers For Bobby • Lifetime • Once Upon The Times Films, LTD in association with Permut Presentations and Sladek Taaffe Productions
Sigourney Weaver as Mary Griffith

My Prediction: It’ll be a toss-up between Shirley Maclaine, Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange from “Grey Gardens.”

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Grey Gardens • HBO • Specialty Films and Locomotive in association with HBO Films
Ken Howard as Phelan Beale

Into The Storm • HBO • Scott Free and Rainmark Films production in association with the BBC and HBO Films
Len Cariou as Franklin D. Roosevelt

The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice • TNT • Electric Entertainment
Bob Newhart as Judson

Little Dorrit • PBS • A co-production of BBC Productions and WGBH Boston
Sir Tom Courtenay as Mr. Dorrit

Little Dorrit • PBS • A co-production of BBC Productions and WGBH Boston
Andy Serkis as Rigaud

My Prediction: I go for Ken Howard in “Grey Gardens” - I’m convinced this film will sweep all its nominated categories.

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series

Desperate Housewives • The Best Thing That Ever Could Have Happened • ABC • ABC Studios
Beau Bridges as Eli Scruggs

Saturday Night Live • Host: Justin Timberlake • NBC • SNL Studios in association with NBC Studios and Broadway Video
Justin Timberlake as Various Characters

30 Rock • Gavin Volure • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Steve Martin as Gavin Volure

30 Rock • The Bubble • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Jon Hamm as Dr. Drew Baird

30 Rock • Mamma Mia • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Alan Alda as Milton Greene

My Prediction: Justin Timberlake all the way. Anyone who slips into a leotard and perfectly re-creates the choreography in Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” video, wins my vote any day of the week!

Outstanding Comedy Series

Entourage • HBO • Leverage and Closest to the Hole Productions in association with HBO Entertainment

Family Guy • FOX • Fox Television Animation

Flight Of The Conchords • HBO • Dakota Pictures and Comedy Arts in association with HBO Entertainment

How I Met Your Mother • CBS • 20th Century Fox Television

The Office • NBC • Deedle-Dee Productions and Reveille LLC in association with Universal Media Studios

30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios

Weeds • Showtime • Showtime Presents in association with Lionsgate Television and Tilted Productions, Inc.

My Prediction: This one is a toughie. I’m going to give it to the one consistently funny show that you should be watching - "How I Met Your Mother." There are few shows on TV where you find yourself laughing out loud in every episode and "How I Met Your Mother" is definitely one of them.

Outstanding Drama Series

Big Love • HBO • Anima Sola Productions and Playtone in association with HBO Entertainment

Breaking Bad • AMC • High Bridge, Gran Via Productions, Sony Pictures Television

Damages • FX Networks • FX Productions and Sony Pictures Television

Dexter • Showtime • Showtime Presents in association with John Goldwyn Productions, The Colleton Company, Clyde Phillips Productions

House • FOX • Universal Media Studios in association with Heel and Toe Films, Shore Z Productions and Bad Hat Harry Productions

Lost • ABC • Grass Skirt Productions and ABC Studios

Mad Men • AMC • Lionsgate Television

My Prediction: This category is incredibly difficult since I don’t watch any of these shows. I’m going to tip my hat to “Big Love” since most of my girlfriends love that drama series and never miss an episode.

Outstanding Miniseries

Generation Kill • HBO • Company Pictures and Blown Deadline Productions in association with HBO Films

Little Dorrit • PBS • A co-production of BBC Productions and WGBH Boston

Outstanding Made For Television Movie

Coco Chanel • Lifetime • Lux Vide S.p.A, Pamp Productions and Alchemy Television Group

Grey Gardens • HBO • Specialty Films and Locomotive in association with HBO Films

Into The Storm • HBO • Scott Free and Rainmark Films production in association with the BBC and HBO Films

Prayers For Bobby • Lifetime • Once Upon the Times Films, LTD in association with Permut Presentations and Sladek Taaffe Productions

Taking Chance • HBO • Motion Picture Corp. of America and Civil Dawn Pictures in association with HBO Films

My Prediction: While I’d love to see “Prayers for Bobby," "Coco Chanel" (go Lifetime!) or “Generation Kill” win (my good friend was an actor who was featured in the miniseries), I think the award will go to “Grey Gardens.” I’m just sayin’...

Outstanding Children's Program

Hannah Montana • Disney Channel • It's a Laugh Productions/Michael Poryes/Disney Channel

iCarly • Nickelodeon • Nickelodeon in association with Schneider's Bakery

Wizards Of Waverly Place • Disney Channel • It's a Laugh Productions/Disney Channel

My Prediction: Finally, a category where I’ve actually watched every show more than once. Not that I’m proud of it or anything. I tip my hat to "iCarly" - it’s a cleverly written show, I think Amanda Cosgrove is terrific and it is by far my favorite sitcom for tweens!

Outstanding Nonfiction Special

The Alzheimer's Project: Momentum In Science (Parts 1 & 2) • HBO • HBO
Documentary Films and the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health in association with the Alzheimer’s Association, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Geoffrey Beene Gives Back Alzheimer’s Initiative

Farrah's Story • NBC • Windmill Entertainment, Sweetened by Risk LLC

Michael J. Fox: Adventures Of An Incurable Optimist • ABC • Lincoln Square Production in association with ABC Entertainment

102 Minutes That Changed America • HISTORY • Produced by Siskel/Jacobs Productions for History

Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired • HBO • Milwood Pictures, Graceful Pictures, BBC, Antidote Films in association with HBO Documentary Films and ThinkFilm

My Prediction: Toss-up between "Farrah’s Story" and "Michael J. Fox: Adventures Of An Incurable Optimist." I saw both shows and wept throughout. Oh and if you haven’t read Michael J. Fox’s book, then what are you waiting for? It’s phenomenal!

Outstanding Reality – Competition Program

The Amazing Race • CBS • World Race Productions Inc.

American Idol • FOX • FremantleMedia N.A., Inc. & 19TV Ltd.

Dancing With The Stars • ABC • BBC Worldwide Productions

Project Runway • Bravo • Magical Elves for The Weinstein Company, Full Picture, Heidi Klum Company, Bravo

Top Chef • Bravo • Magical Elves, Bravo

My Prediction: If you’ve been keeping score, “The Amazing Race” wins every year so if I were a betting woman, I’d put my money on “Race.” If the Academy decides to go with the latest water cooler reality show, then it’s Project Runway all the way! But LifetimeMom Lori says that Top Chef or Dancing with the Stars should wind up on top. So I guess this category is a total toss-up!

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