…or something. A nominee to the nominees. Top 11 (11?) semi-finalists for best supporting drama actress.
Tom O’Neil of the LA Times ‘the Envelope’ has plenty to say about this list. Of interest to us:
Another surprising omission: January Jones, who portrays Jon Hamm’s emotionally plagued wife on “Mad Men.” Her role is so prominent that many Emmy observers were surprised she opted to compete in the supporting race, not lead like costar Elizabeth Moss. Instead, voters (academy membership is overwhelmingly male) chose to snuggle up to costar Christina Hendricks, who portrays the — ahem — sexually frisky office manager.
Christina is nominated to be nominated (whatever) for Babylon. I’m all for it.
July 1, 2008 at 7:38 pm
As annoying as the Betty character is, I agree that January is doing a phenomenal job in portraying her. It’s kind of sad that she got overlooked. Don’t know why she was considered a supporting lead, when clearly she should have been considered in the lead category. Great news about Christina, though.
I checked the supporting actor categories, as well, looks like Slattery got the nod, but Kartheiser didn’t. Another glaring omission, in my opinion.
July 1, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Agreed on all counts.
July 1, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I can see the logic. While January gave an excellent performance, she didn’t have THAT scene during the season that really defined her character. The closest thing would be the parking lot scene in Wheel, but it was so brief. And it wasn’t even the best scene in the episode.
While Christina Hendricks seemed to have one scene-stealing turn after another. I’m sure it will even out over time.
As for lead vs. supporting, in such an ensemble cast, I think the only lead is likely to be Jon Hamm. Everyone else seems to share time around him.
July 1, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I kind of disagree; I think the leads are definitely (in this order) Don, Peggy, Betty. I think we see the world from Peggy’s eyes for the first episodes especially.
July 1, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Honestly, I’m kind of offended that O’Neil considered CH’s nomination to be sexist pandering for the “frisky” character. I make no secret of being a Joan fan, but the reason she’s not a complete caricature is solely because of CH’s amazing performance – *because* Joan’s such a bombshell and has dramatic lines, it would be so easy to play her over the top, but CH really keeps it understated. Babylon is my favorite episode, but the best example of this (IMO) is the scene with Carol in The Long Weekend.
I thought JJ picked up Betty’s sympathies in the episodes with Glen, but she definitely seemed far more wooden in the earlier episodes.
Ignoring VK, however, is inexcusable – his Pete is so indelible, I still get creeped out whenever I see pics of him out of character!
July 2, 2008 at 7:02 am
Glad I’m not the sole person who finds Betty annoying! She makes me wanna rip her throat out! But the Emmys overlookingVinny K as annoying as hell Pete the Creep, that’s simply bad form on the awards’ part! VK rocks in that role!
July 2, 2008 at 8:23 pm
The Envelope has also short-listed Elisabeth Moss and Jon Hamm as lead actor potential nominees, as well as (OT) Bryan Cranston for Breaking Bad. Looks like AMC’s programming risks have paid off.