(Image source: The Emmy Awards)
BY: TRACY PFEIFFER
ANCHOR: JENNIFER MECKLES
The 2011 Primetime Emmy nominations are in -- and surprise, surprise, everyone’s got an opinion.
The overall reaction has been positive - with most entertainment analysts agreeing the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences got it pretty much right.
Leading the nominations with 19 is AMC’s Mad Men, followed by HBO’s Boardwalk Empire with 18, and ABC’s Modern Family with 17.
A pop culture columnist tells MSNBC -- this year’s nods suggest the Academy really is looking for quality -- not ratings.
COURTNEY HAZLETT, TODAY.COM COLUMNIST: “Gone are the days that we look at ratings and say, ‘Okay, they’re not a hugely-rated show, do they deserve an Emmy?’ I mean, when you look at the rest of the list, you’re looking at shows like Dexter and Justified, and more niche sort of shows, i.e. not the big network shows you’re used to getting these Emmy nods.”
The announcement itself has gotten some coverage too -- namely because co-presenter Melissa McCarthy found out about her own nomination -- while at the podium.
JOSHUA JACKSON:“The nominees for lead actress in a comedy series are Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie. Tina Fey, 30 Rock. Laura Linney, The Big C. Melissa McCarthy, Mike and Molly.”
MELISSA MCCARTHY: “Oh my... yikes!” (CBS)
A blogger for The Guardian says -- this year’s nominations seem more quote- “considered,” and suggests the Academy is recognizing shows and casts that maybe got the snub in years prior.
“Along with the seemingly obligatory nods to Hugh Laurie (for House) and Mariska Hargitay (for Law and Order: Special Victims Unit) was unexpected recognition for the sharp and funny Justified, which scored nominations for drama, leading actor and, brilliantly, for Walton Goggins as the slippery Boyd Crowder. Goggins, also outstanding in The Shield, is one of those underrated actors the Emmys so often ignore – it was great to see him singled out.”
But an arts blogger for the Montreal Gazette takes issue with who WASN’T included in this year’s nods.
“What did the Emmys get wrong? Where is the love for Raising Hope, left off the best-comedy list. Where also is the love for AMC’s Walking Dead? For Breaking Bad? Hmmmm?”
Finally, the hosts of ABC’s Good Morning America had a similar sentiment -- for veteran actor Ed O’Neill, best known for his roles in ‘Married, With Children’ -- and now, ‘Modern Family.’
LARA SPENCER: “Ed O’Neill - we’re going to talk about that - it’s a big morning for him. His first nomination in all his years.”
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: “How has he never been nominated before?”
ROBIN ROBERTS: “I know.”
SPENCER: “Well, the actors have said it’s because he’s so generous. He gives to them and so, perhaps, this is his year.”
ROBERTS:“He kinda gets hidden in an ensemble cast because he’s so giving, so it’s great that he’s got that nomination.”
STEPHANOPOULOS: “We’re rooting for you, Ed!”
Stick with Newsy for more on this story and other entertainment news.
Transcript by Newsy.
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