I am cracking up right now!  I don't know why Ohio is such a point of reference for boring average America.  I need to get the truck up outta here!  ;-)

I'm watching Ugly Betty at the part where she and Wilhemena are at lunch...

Wilhemina: "Look at us.  Two women of color out for a fancy lunch.  Isn't this fun, girlfriend?"

Ugly Betty: "I guess."

Wilhemina: "And the blouse is heaven.  Where did you get it?  I love it."

Ugly Betty: "Ok, no you don't."

Wilhemina: "No, I don't it's hideous, like driving through Ohio."

LMAO!!!

I love me some Vanessa Williams, but I think she might be typecast right now.  She does the Wilhelmina character so believably well that I can't shake that evil feeling even when I see her appear off the show.  Kind of like Gabrielle Union.

Actress Vanessa Williams and daughters Sasha,8,(Dad is Rick Fox) and Melanie,21,(dad is Ramon Hervey II) are pictured at the 50th Anniversary Release of the Walt Disney Classic ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the Chelsea Cinemas on September 28, 2008 in New York City.
CLICK HERE TO SEE FIRST TAKES

[gallery]
source/blackcelebkids.com

I forgot how much I love, love, love Ugly Betty.  Now being filmed in NYC as opposed to a Hollywood set pretending to be NYC (ready why HERE in LA Times) and no longer plagued by long breaks as we did last season as the result of the writer's strike, it's time to fall in love with one of the best shows on television all over again.

We were all on the edge of our seats during the season finale when Betty was left to choose between Henry or Gio.  I was thinking she'd choose Gio for probably the same superficial rationale that I figured J. Lo eventually landed with Marc Anthony and not Diddy (it's just comedy, y'all).  Let's put it this way, we were all wrong, but the result was right for Betty.  Betty seems to be trying to live for herself, a common thread in our culture now, letting her dreams and passions be her guide.  Not to mention echoing a sentiment of women's lib with her dove as her spirit animal..or was it power animal?...whatever...and a shout out to the lesbians in her tale about Peg.

And who hasn't made a list like this?

1. "I am going to take on more responsibilities at work so that in one year I get a promotion"
2. "I am not going to let any romantic entanglements get in my way."
3. "I'm getting my own apartment in the city."

Oh, Betty, you and your idea book reminded me of LalaTamago and that spirit of the world is yours to conquer that I used to take in with every breath but instead has me left jaded but hopeful (or is it hopeful but jaded??) as the haters and naysayers of the real world have marred my spirit.  Keep hope alive for us Betty!  Yes we can!  8-)

I digress...

Of course, life at Mode has definitely flipped the script on this show.  I'm wondering how long they'll play this out because it's just ridiculous...like too ridiculous for even this show.  Willhimena running things at Mode with heiress baby on the way via Christina.  Daniel has that stupid Player magazine and a staff that's as ridiculous as the mag.  Not to mention his fake French speaking son that appeared from nowhere last season.  Daniel, a father?  Plausible that he sperminated, but not so much on the daddy figure.

Team Amanda and Marc are back to their old antics reminiscent of Karen and Jack from Will and Grace.  Betty's arrival at work was HI to the LARIOUS thanks to them.

I could go on and on.  Just watch it.  You can actually catch the entire episode online through abc.go.com (click HERE).

Youtube is saying it isn't available but that's not true!!  HERE is the link.  PS - Thank GOD for DVR so I can watch the Office and Ugly Betty without having to pick between them.

Cynthia Nixon went all the way into last season and pulled out this beautifully elegant Calvin Klein dress. HIT

Tina Fey (the big winner of the night- taking home 3) wore a very simple, a little too simple, David Meister dress. She won in the Emmy's, but not on the carpet. Due to a lack of risk & creativity, she gets a MISS

Nicolette Sheridan stepped out and shut the whole show down in THEE color of the season in a strapless Angel Sanchez gown. HIT

The never aging Vanessa Williams looked fab in her Kevin Hall one shoulder dress. Can't say I don't love it. HIT

Terri Hatcher wore an ill-fitting canary yellow Monique Lhuillier dress. The ruffles were in the wrong places, and the dress hugged her in the wrong places. MISS

Eva Longoria-Parker took a risk with this bow front Marchesa dress. Marchesa is one of the most fabulous and instantly recognizable designers and one of my favorites. Work it Eva. HIT

For more Emmy Primetime fabness, and not so fab....

Felicity Huffman sparkled a little too much in this Reem Acra floor length dress. Hate the fit, and the sparkles were too heavy up top. Looks like a school project, you know the one where you pour glue on the paper and then turn the silver glitter upside down and let it dry? MISS

Marcia Cross pulled out the champagne before being seated, in this Elie Saab floral dress. Personally, I felt that the dress should have hit the floor but it's still a HIT nonetheless.

Hot mama Brooke Shields went off in this Badgley Mischka number. LOVES IT! One of the best dressed of the evening. HIT

Sandra Oh covered up too much for my likings. Only arms? Seriously? This Oscar de la Renta dress did nothing for me-- or her. MISS

Heidi Klum went out on a ledge and risked her whole life with this... and I LOVED IT! This Armani Prive dress worn with very daring Lorraine Schwartz butterfly earrings really hit the ball out the park. HIT

Hayden Panittiere put me to sleep in this simple body hugging Badgley Mischka dress. I-just-don't-like-it. MISS

The Rachel Zoe styled Debra Messing really did it in this Monique Lhuillier dress. Love the color against her skin and it didn't compete with her hair color. HIT

Breast cancer survivor Christina Applegate looked lovely in this Reem Acra gown. The Lorriane Shwartz jewelry played it's position in this look and it came together great. HIT

Who you callin' ugly? America Ferrera tapped into her vintage side with this look. The Vintage World dress, 19th Century Diamond necklace and the Veronica Lake inspired hair was great. She took a risk and although the bottom was over-poofed, the look came together great. HIT

Star of (one of) my favorite show, Mariska Hargitay, tapped into her bright side in this Carolina Herrera dress and the easy to miss split at the side really took a couple years off of her. Not that she's old, but you know what I mean. HIT

Looks like Jennifer Love Hewitt was trying to make up for that prom she missed. Wrong award show to re-live that lost moment love. The waist was all wrong, the proportion was all wrong, the pattern was all wrong, everything was all wrong. Either your stylist don't like you or Carolina Herrera didn't make that for you. MISS

I don't think anyone looked more uncomfortable, out of place and bad as Kate Walsh did. Obviously this Zuhair Murad dress is not the problem, boo-boo it's you. Your too tall and not curvy enough to carry this out. The Neil Lane jewelry should have also been toned down because the dress was so sparkly. MISS

Lauren Conrad wore herself to the Emmy's. I wonder how it feels to say that? "Who are you wearing?"... "Oh, me". LoL. Loves it! With Lauren, I wasn't expecting no badaboom. She's a simple girl and I get that. Hate if you want, I love it. HIT

House star Olivia Wilde looked fab in this Reem Acra dress. At first glance, I thought it was Matthew Williamson, but I guess not. I love this look and it was a perfect fit. HIT

She had to have done this on purpose. Kathy Griffin looked horrible! MISS

Evangeline Lily looked amazing in this Elie Saab Haute Couture nude dress. FABULOUS! Nothing went wrong here. HIT

There you have it... my HITS and MISSES. Next up, Best & Worst Dressed

Last night the Emmys were blinged out beyond belief.

Check out who was wearing what - including a single piece of jewelry worth nearly $250,000.

TOP DIAMOND TRENDS at the 2008 Emmy(R) Awards included:

Gorgeous Diamond Drop Earrings

-- Amanda Righetti - H. Stern - Deco diamond earrings
-- *America Ferrara - Fred Leighton - 2.5-carat old mine pendant diamond
earrings
-- Anastasia Griffith - Kwiat - Diamond drop earrings
-- Audra McDonald - H. Stern - Diamond Stern Radiant earrings, valued at
$495,000
-- *Brooke Shields - Fred Leighton - Old mine-cut diamond leaf and vine
earrings in silver on gold
-- Candice Bergen - Cathy Waterman - Diamond pendant earrings set in
platinum
-- Catherine Keener - Neil Lane - Diamond and platinum earrings
-- Chandra Wilson - Chopard - Fancy-cut yellow diamond drop earrings
-- Cheryl Hines - Diamond hoop earrings
-- Cynthia Nixon - Fred Leighton - Fancy shape diamond pendant earrings
-- Dana Delany - LILY et Cie - 1920's French diamond earrings set in
platinum
-- Debra Messing - Fred Leighton - 19th Century old mine diamond fan
pendant earrings, 25-carats
-- Elisabeth Moss - Chopard - 6-carat oval diamond drop earrings
-- Emilie de Raven - H. Stern and Stephen Russell - H. Stern Victorian
diamond earrings with cognac diamonds, valued at $8,300
-- Evangeline Lilly - Kwiat - Diamond pendant earrings
-- Felicity Huffman - Martin Katz - Diamond pave teardrop earrings,
12-carats of diamonds, valued at $35,000
-- Glenn Close - Fred Leighton - 1930's diamond pendant earrings
-- Giuliana Rancic - Chopard - Yellow diamond heart shaped earrings
-- Hayden Panettiere - Fred Leighton - Diamond drop earrings in platinum
-- *Heidi Klum - Lorraine Schwartz - (Red carpet) Blackened platinum and
diamond and lavender jade butterfly earrings; (Look #1) Diamond stud
earrings; (Look #2) Gray and yellow rough diamond flower earrings;
(Look #3) Diamond and lavender jade briolette earrings; (Look #5)
Diamond earrings; (Look #6) Diamond and turquoise teardrop earring
-- Holly Hunter - Fred Leighton - 6-carat cushion-cut pendant earrings in
platinum and gold
-- Jane Krakowski - Diamond Waterfall earrings
-- January Jones - Lorraine Schwartz/ Kwiat - Lorraine Schwartz diamond
and blackened platinum drop earrings
-- Jean Smart - Chopard - Multi-cut diamond chandelier earrings
-- Jennifer Carpenter - H. Stern - Giuliana diamond hoop earrings
-- Jenna Fischer - Erica Courtney -- Diamond and gold Royal Lotus earrings
-- Jennifer Morrison - Lorraine Schwartz - Blackened platinum brown
diamond mesh earrings
-- Jennifer Westfeldt (with Jon Hamm of Madmen) - Martin Katz - Cognac and
yellow briolette diamond drop earrings with 24-carats of diamonds,
valued at $65,000
-- Jillian Dempsey - Fred Leighton - Old mine-cut diamond pendant
earrings, 3-carats each
-- Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Tiffany & Co. - Classic diamond stud earrings,
6-carats
-- Julie Benz - Chopard - Rose-cut diamond hoop earrings, 28-carats
-- Kate Flannery - Erica Courtney - Diamond and platinum wide flower
earrings
-- Kate Walsh - Neil Lane - Diamond and platinum earrings
-- Katrina Bowden - H. Stern - Zephyr diamond earrings, valued at $209,000
-- Kristen Chenoweth - Jude Frances - Diamond earrings
-- Kyra Sedgwick - Fred Leighton - 1930's diamond pyramid earrings in
platinum
-- Lauren Conrad - Hearts on Fire - Diamond studs
-- Lisa Edelstein - Kwiat - Diamond and onyx earrings, 10-carats of
diamonds
-- Lisa Rinna - Bochic - Diamond snowflake earrings
-- Marcia Cross - Hearts on Fire - Diamond Botanica earrings
-- *Mary-Louise Parker - Cartier - 4.05-carat cushion-cut diamond studs
with pave detail, valued at $261,000
-- Melora Hardin - Kwiat/Chopard - Chopard diamond stud earrings, 8-
carats in diamonds
-- Olivia Wilde - Kwiat - 1960's diamond Decades Collection earrings,
valued at $300,000
-- Rose Byrne - Fred Leighton - 2.5-carat each old mine diamond stud
earrings, silver on gold
-- Saffron Burrows - Chopard - Multi-shape yellow diamond chandelier
earrings, with 25-carats of diamonds
-- Sally Field - Martin Katz - Martin Katz original design diamond drop
earrings with 7-carats of diamonds, valued at $50,000
-- Sandra Oh - Bulgari - Emerald-cut diamond stud earrings, 5.5-carats
each
-- Sarah Paulson - Kwiat - Vintage diamond earrings
-- Teri Hatcher - Neil Lane - Diamond and platinum earrings
-- Tina Fey - Diamond drop earrings
-- Valerie Cruz - H. Stern - Celtic Dunes diamond earrings
-- Vanessa Williams - Diamond linear earrings

Truth be told I wasn't excited about the red carpet arrivals.  I think I set myself up thinking that someone will come out looking so great that it will cause me to take out my laptop and start blogging about it right then and there.  Well that wasn't the case last night.  There were some ok dresses but nothing to write home about.  In my opinion there was only one dress that caught my eye and that was worn by Oliva Wilde.  My only problem with that dress was the sleeves could have been taking completely off. On the other end of the spectrum you can always count on one "star" to be completely over the top and that actress was Alyssa Milano.  I couldn't even believe my eyes.  If anyone puts that on there top dresses of the night I will be in shock. 

Oliva Wilde

Alyssa Milano

( the shoes were not hot either)

!!!

The most important thing is that the best tresses had styles created at the nape of the neck.  The  worst coiffed celebs wore their styles at the crown of their head and had hideous curls- which MIGHT have worked for another event in another era (circa 1987 prom).  I just don't understand what they were or their stylists were thinking.  Were their stylists even trying?  Obviously...her stylist must HATE her...otherwise why would she let her be on the red carpet looking such a hot mess!  Same thing goes to Jennifer Love Hewitt.  Seriously.  Wow...what a disappointment. 

Hope you all enjoy!  As always, if you have any hairstyle questions or requests for trends - please submit a comment - I would love to hear from ya!

*correction - the original post had mistaken Alyssa Milano for Christina DeRosa. My heartfelt apology goes out to Alyssa as I should have known better than to say or think that she would leave the house looking like that! Sorry!! Thanks Erin!!

See how we did (SPOILER ALERT: neither of us gets them all right), and what I thought of the award show after the jump!

Oprah was there! She looked lovely in a red dress. Then came all five hosts, also nominees in the Best Reality Host category. Jeff Probst was the only one not wearing a tie - even model Heidi Klum was wearing a black suit and tie. The hosts all pointed out they are not scripted. Tom Bergeron & Klum looked bored as Probst, Ryan Seacrest & Howie Mandel talked and talked. The talkers left the stage. William Shatner came up on the stage, they ripped the suit off Ms. Klum to reveal a sequined shorts jumper.

Tina Fey & a very pregnant Amy Poehler presented the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. They did some silly foreign language bit, then got on with the nominees. Jeremy Piven won, making it his third consecutive Emmy for this category (all from "Entourage"). score: Julie 0, Nicole 1

Bergeron & Seacrest are sitting in Monk's Cafe - where the Seinfeld gang cozied up, chatted and ate - sometimes a big salad. Next, a clip of "Seinfeld" from that "contest" episode. Julia Louis Dreyfus comes out in a pretty salmon colored dress. She's presenting Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Jean Smart wins for her performance on "Samantha Who?" score: Julie 0, Nicole 1

Klum (in a ruffled cream colored dress) & Probst (still sans tie) introduce a clip of "Desperate Housewives." Then, we see the ladies sitting in a living room-like set that looks like it was plucked from Wisteria Lane. They're all there to give the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Wow! Zeljko Ivanek won for his role on "Damages." I did not see that coming! score: Julie 0, Nicole 1

Ricky Gervais came out. He pointed out he won last year. He gave pointers on how to give a good acceptance speech. He said they should keep it short, especially if not on camera. Don't cry. Then, there are clips of other winners - all funny and ending with Steve Carrell stealing Gervais' award. Carrell proceeds to stare him down. So funny. Gervais starts tickling Carrell to get his Emmy. Finally, Carrell gives it up. Then, the award for Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program. The guy who directed last year's Academy Awards. If you want his name, or the names of any of those people who aren't on camera (as well as the other awards that were presented earlier), click here.

Funny clip from "The Simpsons." Conan O'Brien comes out to talk about the cartoon, where he started out as a writer. After saying he would have made a few more jokes, but Katherine Heigl didn't think they were "Emmy worthy," he presents the award for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Diane Wiest wins for her role on "In Treatment." score: Julie 0, Nicole 1

Jennifer Love Hewitt & Hayden Panettiere present the award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program. "The Colbert Report" writers win their first Emmy! Colbert takes the award. He tells Hollywood all is forgiven, then goes about thanking everyone even after the music starts.

Mandel & Probst return. They bring out the accountants - the people who do the tabulating for the awards show. Then, they introduce Steve Martin. He talks about his time as a writer on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour." He says Tommy Smothers did not want his name on the list for Emmy consideration and the show won. Now, Smothers gets a Commemorative Emmy for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Comedy/Variety Writing. Smothers gets a standing ovation as he takes the stage. How does he remember all those people who worked on show that hasn't aired in four decades? He makes a speech about peace and war before dedicating his Emmy to people who feel compelled to speak out.

Klum (in a black and white dress) & Seacrest are back. They introduce Josh Groban. He sings TV theme songs. It's weird. It's awkward. It's kinda funny. Blink and you missed Ed McMahon (I hope they paid him - he needs the cash).

Alec Baldwin takes the stage to present Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. Laura Linney wins for her role on "John Adams." It's her third Emmy win in three nominations. score: Julie 0, Nicole 2

Bergeron talks about "Laugh In," before they roll a clip with all kinds of people saying "Sock it to me!" That's the phrase made famous by the show. Then, a whole bunch of the show's stars are there to introduce the award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series. "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" wins.

Klum shows the dresses designed by a couple of reality show stars. Then, Lauren Conrad and (a very annoyed looking) David Borneaz reveal the nominees in Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress in a Comedy Series (they received their awards earlier). Tim Conway won for "30 Rock" and Kathryn Joosten for "Desperate Housewives." Joosten appeared to present the award for Outstanding Director for a Comedy Series. The guy from "Pushing Daisies" wins. Conrad & Borneaz presented the award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (cool note: they showed the nominees on people's cell phones in the audience). Tina Fey wins for "30 Rock." It's her third Emmy win!

Bergeron pitches to a clip of "West Wing." Oh, how I miss this show. Martin Sheen is sitting in his old set, behind that big desk. He talks about the televised Presidential debates. He's encouraging everyone to vote in the November election - at least once. Then, a guy who's behind the awards show comes out and makes a speech I'm totally not interested in. Why do they do this during the show? Get on with the awards!

Christian Slater & Christina Applegate (in a blue/silvery dress) exchange kind of nice words. Then, the present the award for Outstanding Made for Television Movie. "Recount" wins.

A clip from "Dragnet" airs, then Probst is sitting on the set. He introduces William Peterson & Laurence Fishburne (who's dressed like a valet). They're presenting the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries. Tom Wilkinson from "John Adams" wins. score: Julie 0, Nicole 2

Jon Stewart & Steven Colbert say they aren't there to talk about politics. Colbert starts eating prunes and says America needs a prune. He says it has experience we need. Stewart says after 8 years of prunes, you would think... They present the award for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special. Jay Roach wins for "Recount." Then, they present the award for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special. Kirk Ellis wins for "John Adams." His speech is cut off.

Mandel is out with medical speech he remembers from his days on "St. Elsewhere." He introduces a clip from "M.A.S.H."

Sandra Oh & Patrick Dempsey present Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. Eileen Atkins wins for "Cranford (Masterpiece)."

Kathy Griffin & Don Rickles appear from a tent (a la "M.A.S.H."). The sensors better be ready! Griffin gets everyone on their feet. Rickles agrees to read the "funny lines they wrote for us." They finally present the award for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. "The Amazing Race" wins. score: Julie 1, Nicole 2

Sally Field (in a lovely black dress) presents the award for Outstanding Miniseries. "John Adams" wins. Tom Hanks accepts the award.

Klum & Bergeron do a demonstration on the difference between "drama" (Bergeron catches Klum) and "comedy" (Bergeron drops Klum).

Neil Patrick Harris & Kristin Chenoweth present Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program. Don Rickles wins for "Mr Warmth: The Don Rickles Project." His show already won an Emmy. Rickles says he's stunned. Then, he tells a funny, heart-felt story.

Kate Walsh (ooh - where's the red hair?) & Wayne Brady present Outstanding Guest Actor & Actress in a Drama Series. Glynn Turman ("In Treatment") & Cynthia Nixon ("Law & Order: SVU") win. They present the award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. The guy from "House" wins. Walsh & Brady present Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. The guy who penned an episode of "Mad Men" wins (it's actually his third Emmy). score: Julie 1, Nicole 2

Glenn Close presents the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. Paul Giamatti wins for "John Adams." He says he's "living proof that anybody can play the President." score: Julie 2 (though she also picked Gervais), Nicole 3

Candace Bergen comes out in a sparkly suit. She says her father, who was a radio star, was the first president of the Television Academy. Citing an obscure by-law, she says she's allowed to present any award she wants to. Her pick: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Alec Baldwin wins for "30 Rock." It's his first win in seven nominations (not all from "30 Rock"). score: Julie 2, Nicole 3

Vanessa Williams & America Ferrera present Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Glenn Close wins for "Damages." It's her second Emmy win. score: Julie 2, Nicole 4

The tribute to those entertainers we've lost int he last year. So sad.

Kiefer Sutherland presents the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Bryan Cransten wins for "Breaking Bad." It's his first win and fourth nomination. score: Julie 2, Nicole 4 (though I did give him a shout out)

Brooke Shields & Craig Ferguson (who does some groping of Ms. Shields) present the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Tina Fey wins for "30 Rock." It's her fourth Emmy win. score: Julie 2, Nicole 5 (if I give Julie credit for an earlier award, I'm taking some credit for this one)

Jimmy Kimmel presents the very first award for Outstanding Host for Reality or Reality-Competition show. Jimmy does a funny thing where "judges" critique the hosts. And just like so many of those hosts have done to the competitors/performers, the hosts have to wait for a commercial break to learn who wins. Probst wins for "Survivor." score: Julie 3, Nicole 5

Funny clip of "Mary Tyler Moore" plays before the lovely MTM (in a great black dress - hello, awesome arms!) takes the stage (with her show set right behind her). She introduces Betty White, who she says has been on television for 60 years!). Standing ovation for Ms. White. They present the award for Outstanding Comedy Series. "30 Rock" wins. score: Julie 3, Nicole 5

Tom Selleck presents the award for Outstanding Drama Series. "Mad Men" wins. score: Julie 3, Nicole 5

Since they didn't air the choreography category, I looked it up to give us a final score. The winner is Wade Robson from "So You Think You Can Dance." That brings our final tally to Julie 4, Nicole 6.

I have to say, the best part of watching this awards show for me was not the show itself. I was so excited to see all the promos for the upcoming Fall season. I cannot wait for all those shows I've missed to return. And I'm excited about some of the new shows starting in the next few weeks! That's another blog post...

WHOA!!! Why does Cynthia Nixon look so old?

Hooray for House! I never used to watch it, but I started checking it out a few weeks ago, and it's pretty good. Hooray for Mad Men: it's a pretty good show.

I just saw the video of Groban's performance. Kinda funny, especially when he said, "Oh God..." before the Fresh Prince. Plus, I love "Suicide is Painless", and I'm not too sure why...

PLEASE!!!! God, let Lee Pace win:

Shoot, Alec Baldwin won again... All well. At least it went to a worthy competitor. Yeah, and how come there was no little pause before his name? I figured he win, but come on! Where's that little bit of tension?

MIC ISSUES!!!!! WOOO HOOOO! Poor Vanessa Williams... How dare that microphone sass her like that???

And kudos to Glen Close. I hear that Damages is a REALLY good show! There's a dramatic actress club???

UPDATE: Whoa, whoa, whoa... This was Alec Baldwin's FIRST EMMY?!?!? I got my Golden Globes mixed up with my Emmy's. Why the freak hasn't he already won one?!?! Oh, I'm sorry Lee, but Alec should take this one. It's kinda like how there was competition against Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett for MVP. Garnet was really good, but Kobe's been awesome for ever and it was about time that he got it!

• Kristin Chenoweth por Pushing Daisies
• Amy Poehler por Saturday Night Live
• Jean Smart por Samantha Quê?
• Holland Taylor por Dois Homens e Meio
• Vanessa Williams por Betty Feia

E a vencedora será:

Kristin Chenoweth

Comecemos pelo fundo.

Holland Taylor (por Dois Homens e Meio) - No final da tabela das nomeadas, ou seja, com menos hipóteses de ganhar está Holland Taylor, pelo seu trabalho em Dois Homens e Meio. A actriz submeteu um episódio fraquinho em comparação com outros desta temporada nos quais causa muito mais gargalhadas. Tem contra si o facto de não ter nenhuma excelente cena na qual se destaque. Como sempre, os seus one liners são bons, mas não lhe valerão o seu primeiro Emmy por Dois Homens e Meio.

Jean Smart (por Samantha Quê?) - Com muita pena minha, Jean Smart deverá fazer companhia a Holland Taylor na plateia, e não se levantará para receber um Emmy. Digo com muita pena minha porque a actriz é quem fez uma melhor temporada a nível geral, mas que infelizmente não submeteu um episódio que lhe fizesse jus. No episódio "The Girlfriend", Smart tem uma participação reduzida: Apenas cinco minutos. Nestes cinco minutos a actriz consegue dar bons momentos típicos do seu estilo cómico, momentos que no passado já lhe renderam dois Emmys (em Frasier). A empatia que os votantes sentirão pela sua personagem graças ao breve monologo que Smart tem neste episódio não é suficiente para vencer esta noite.

E chegamos ao trio principal. Qualquer uma destas três tem grandes hipóteses de ganhar, ainda que Chenoweth se destaque mais do que Williams e Poehler, não seria nenhuma injustiça para as restantes, nem nenhuma surpresa para mim, se a diva da Broadway perdesse para qualquer uma das duas.

Amy Poehler (por Saturday Night Live) - Desde Will Ferrell em 2001 que nenhum outro actor do elenco fixo de Saturday Night Live havia recebido uma nomeação a um Emmy. No episódio que Poehler submeteu, que contou com Tina Fey como apresentadora, Poehler tem muito que fazer. Das cinco nomeadas é Poehler quem arranca mais gargalhadas, não só pelo teor cómico da série, como também pela perfeição com que a actriz interpreta personalidades e personagens famosas, como Hillary Clinton. Este acaba por ser o principal trunfo da actriz, algo que poderá facilmente levar os votantes a votar em si.

Vanessa Williams (por Betty Feia) - No ano passado submeteu um episódio muito forte e ainda assim perdeu para Jaime Pressly (por O Meu Nome é Earl), algo que quase ninguém esperava que acontecesse. Este ano, Williams submete um episódio no qual é menos proeminente, mas um bom episódio por demonstrar um lado mais frágil de Wilhelmina Slater. Vemo-la no fundo do poço, de extremamente confiante a extremamente desesperada. É uma personagem de grande impacto junto dos votantes, pelo sarcasmo e inteligência com que Williams a constrói, ocupando o lugar deixado vago por Megan Mullally com o final de Will & Grace.

Kristin Chenoweth (por Pushing Daisies) - Ela actua, ela canta, ela dança. Não há nada que Chenoweth não faça em Pushing Daisies. Mesmo que odiemos não gostemos muito da série, é impossível não gostar da atraente e afável Olive Snook. Das cinco nomeadas é aquela que tem mais tempo de antena, algo que a beneficia (e muito), pois permite-lhe desenvolver uma forte empatia com os votantes. Aliado ao facto da série pela qual está nomeada fazer as delícias dos críticos, as hipóteses de Chenoweth são das mais elevadas dentro da sua categoria.

QUEM VAI GANHAR: Kristin Chenoweth (por Pushing Daisies) (com base no episódio submetido)

QUEM DEVIA GANHAR: Kristin Chenoweth (por Pushing Daisies) (com base no episódio submetido) ou  Jean Smart (por Samantha Quê?) (com base no trabalho da actriz no decurso da temporada 2007/2008)

Last year, during this important period of the pre-Emmy festivities, I had a bit more time to really delve into some key issues. This year, things are busier, but that doesn't mean that I'm not going to make some prognostications about the end results. I'm going to be discussing more themes and the like tomorrow in my Emmy Preview, but for now let's get to what we really care about: predicting who is actually going to walk home with Emmy Awards.

Outstanding Drama Series

• Boston Legal (ABC)
• Damages (FX)
• Dexter (Showtime)
• House (FOX)
• Lost (ABC)
• Mad Men (AMC)

There is some wiggle room here, as each some has something (Pedigree, viewership, buzz, etc.) that makes it stand out, but there is nothing on this list quite as emphatically received and, more importantly, different from your standard fare than Mad Men. I'll discuss more of this tomorrow, but its combination of a small network, a small fanbase, fresh-faced actors and its attention to detail will be unstoppable.

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

• James Spader (Boston Legal)
• Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
• Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
• Hugh Laurie (House)
• Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
• Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment)

This is a category where only one thing is important: that James Spader finally loses. Either Hamm, C. Hall or Laurie are in a position to usurp last year's winner, and I've got my money on Michael C. Hall. After getting snubbed here last year, and with his show in the big race, voters might choose to recognize his brave and fantastic performance even when the show itself loses them with its dark atmosphere. But, this is maybe the night's most up in the air race.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

• Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters)
• Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer)
• Holly Hunter (Saving Grace)
• Glenn Close (Damages)
• Mariska Hargitay (Law and Order: SVU)

This race, however, is not up in the air at all. Its highly serialized nature and red herring use might keep it from being the best drama series on television, but there is no way that Emmy Voters can ignore Close's pedigree with such a richly portrayed character (even if I'd argue that character isn't nearly as important as voters might think it is to the show's success).

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

• Michael Emerson (Lost)
• Ted Danson (Damages)
• William Shatner (Boston Legal)
• Zeljko Ivanek (Damages)
• John Slattery (Mad Men)

This is one of those categories where I've got to go with my gut - sure it might not be possible to stop Ted Danson's career resurgence playing so far against type as Arthur Frobisher, but Michael Emerson was such an acting highlight this season on Lost, and he and Ivanek have amazing material that shouldn't be allowed to go unnoticed. In the end, Emerson deserves this award.

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

• Dianne Wiest (In Treatment)
• Candice Bergen (Boston Legal)
• Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters)
• Chandra Wilson (Grey's Anatomy)
• Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy)

Yawn. This category is just very boring, there's nothing more to it than that. I'd argue that there's two major wrongs that need to be righted here: Sandra Oh's lack of an Emmy for her earlier work on Grey's, and Rachel Griffiths' lack of an Emmy for her earlier work on Six Feet Under. But, since the Emmys don't listen to me very often, I'll say that Candice Bergen pulls a Blythe Danner/Tyne Daly and waltzes away with the award.

Outstanding Comedy Series

• 30 Rock (NBC)
• The Office (NBC)
• Entourage (HBO)
• Two and a Half Men (CBS)
• Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)

30 Rock was the best comedy on television last season. It has the most critical buzz, the most high profile guest stars, the most clout amongst Television Elite, and after their surprise win last year have won almost everything under the sun (Except for the SAG, which The Office took home). With a bit of a weak 4th year from that show, though, Tina Fey should waltz off with at least one Emmy.

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

• Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
• Steve Carell (The Office)
• Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men)
• Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies)
• Tony Shahloub (Monk)

It's the epic battle we expected to see put to rest last year until Ricky Gervais took home a stunning win, which means that it'll be at least two years before both Alec Baldwin and Steve Carell have their rightful Emmys. This year belongs to Baldwin, however: the oft-quoted and mentioned therapy scene really is as funny as people make it out to be, and when people are calling it "Alec Baldwin's Emmy Tape" the second it airs I don't think anyone can beat that level of hype.

Leading Actress in a Comedy Series

• Christina Applegate (Samantha Who?)
• America Ferrera (Ugly Betty)
• Tina Fey (30 Rock)
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus (New Adventures...Old Christine)
• Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds)

This is a tough category to call, but let's not get too caught up in it. It's really a race between Applegate and Fey, two people that Television really likes and who they enjoy seeing succeed. In this instance, I'd have to say that Samantha Who just wasn't on people's cultural radars enough to draw the type of support Applegate needed to get the win, while Fey just had a much higher profile. Tina Fey takes home the Emmy to match her SAG and Golden Globe Awards.

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

• Rainn Wilson (The Office)
• Kevin Dillon (Entourage)
• Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men)
• Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother)
• Jeremy Piven (Entourage)

I love Jeremy Piven, I really do, but he cannot win this award. Really, this should be a battle between Wilson, who continues to do amazing work as Dwight on The Office, and Neil Patrick Harris, who continues to be insanely funny. NPH got robbed last year for his amazing performance in Showdown, but even with a weaker tape this year I think that there has to be some sort of justice. I apparently have a thing about totally reckless supporting actor picks, but NPH it is.

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

• Kristin Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies)
• Amy Poehler (Saturday Night Live)
• Jean Smart (Samantha Who?)
• Holland Taylor (Two and a Half Men)
• Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty)

There are two schools of thought in this category: one is that Vanessa Williams' continued popularity and her loss last year make her the definite favourite. The others, however, point out quite rightly that Amy Poehler's tape is more varied, longer, and broader than anything else the rest of the category has to offer. It is so fundamentally different, in fact, that it's really hard to predict what's going to happen when voters cast thier ballots. So, I'm predicting the delightful Kristin Chenoweth and calling it a day.

Outstanding Reality Competition Program

• The Amazing Race (CBS)
• American Idol (FOX)
• Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
• Project Runway (Bravo)
• Top Chef (Bravo)

I'm predicting that it will finally happen: with numerous pop culture references, Heidi Klum's hosting nomination, and a great deal of public support behind it, I think that voters might finally end the five-year winning streak of The Amazing Race (my favourite reality show) by handing the award to Project Runway, a show for which I have definite appreciation.

Outstanding Reality Host

• Jeff Probst (Survivor)
• Howie Mandel (Deal or No Deal)
• Heidi Klum (Project Runway)
• Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars)
• Ryan Seacrest (American Idol)

I feel as if Jeff Probst probably deserves this Emmy in some ways, but I honestly feel like Tom Bergeron has the toughest job in television: being funny on a show that is so cliched and gaudy is not something that just anyone can do, but Bergeron brings to Dancing with the Stars a lightness and, more importantly, a sense of self-deprecation that he is honestly often the show's redemptive figure.

The Other Awards

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

Alan Taylor (Mad Men - "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes") - Easy decision on this one, as the pilot's strength in direction is one of the things that makes it such a knockout when it comes to awards season.

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

David Simon, Ed Burns (The Wire - "-30-") - Sure, it's a bit of a sentimental choice, but with the two Mad Men episodes splitting the vote I think that there's a chance that it could be Simon and Burns finally winning one of the damn trophies that they've deserved for a while now.

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

Barry Sonnenfeld (Pushing Daisies - "Pie-Lette") - It's visually stunning, unique in its setting, and charming in many ways because Sonnenfeld directs it with such life. There's a lot of tricks to Fuller's script, and Sonnenfeld really kept them from spiralling into control (if that makes sense) as opposed to the organized chaos that defines the series' aesthetic.

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies - "Pie-Lette") - If history tells us anything (See: My Name is Earl winning in this category), a show doesn't need to be a big nominee to get love from their own. With the other major shows getting most of their love from performers, it's Pushing Daisies that will find their appreciation in these categories. Fuller's script, in particular, was lauded the moment the pilot leaked onto the internet, and the hype hasn't died down in over a year. At least for me.

Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety Series

Stephen Colbert (The Colbert Report) - The man has been robbed of this award twice, and Don Rickles remains in the wings as the "Pedigreed Performer who Beats Stephen Colbert," but I'd like to think that the Emmys will soon realize the level to which Colbert has trumped Jon Stewart from a comic performance perspective. Also watch out for Tina Fey, here with her fourth nomination (Producing, performing and writing 30 Rock, and here for hosting Saturday Night Live).

Outstanding Variety, Comedy or Musical Series

Saturday Night Live - The Daily Show is running a five year streak on this award, and while it's entirely possible that it will continue that streak I have a feeling based on Fey and Poehler's nominations that SNL might break through (even if it doesn't at all deserve it considering that the show isn't any better than its been in recent years). As always, watch out for Colbert.

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

The Colbert Report - After Conan O'Brien got his legacy win last year, it's time to honour the hottest commodity in farcical fake news already.

Outstanding Miniseries

John Adams (HBO) - A total no-brainer, the miniseries has already won something ridiculous like 8 Emmys from the Creative Arts portion, so this award seems like the evening's biggest lock.

Outstanding Made for Television Movie

Recount (HBO) - I think it's a bit of a long shot to be honest, but I really enjoyed Recount and feel that its collection of wonderful performances (Laura Dern, Kevin Spacey, Tom Wilkinson, etc.) should be recognized, if not individually, by recognizing the strong production.

Whew. With that out of the way, I'll be back tomorrow with some general thoughts on the pattern of the awards and what they could mean for the future of television (Preview: Not that much, but maybe more than usual), and then back Sunday night for an epic Emmys LiveBlog.

Monday night, your favorite blogger attended the Diamond Information Center hosted Ugly Betty premiere party at the super gorgeous High Bar on 48th street in New York City.

Other fabulous guests in attendance included many of the show's castmates including America Ferrera, Vanessa Williams, super cute actor Mark Indelicato, Eric Mabius, Lindsay Lohan (who has had a cameo appearance on the show), Ana Ortiz, and Becki Newton. Other special guests in attendance included Dita Von Teese, America's Next Top Model winner Jaslene Gonzalez and wow wow wow judge Jay Emanuel.

....and if you think it doesn't get any better:

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Micah Jesse was ga ga over miss Dita Von Teese. We chatted with her for about 10 minutes about her make up (she does it herself!) and how she is a true inspiration to people, rather than celebrities like Lindsay Lohan who are making headlines for nothing.

What a night!!!!!!!!

[Micah Jesse's shirt and bag courtesy of Evisu. Shoes courtesy of Shane & Shawn Shoes, the official shoe of MICAHJESSE.COM]

The movie started off pretty strong but as the character's madness started to set in, the movie got more random with each passing minute. I did like hearing about the math because most of the explanations about patterns did make sense, but when they tried to fuse the topic with religion, I just didn't buy it because it's too implausible (I actually caught my eyes rolling a couple of times). I feel like the director was trying too hard to fit everything together, but instead it all falls flat. The black and white, grainy look didn't bother me at all. In fact, that's what I like most about it because it's stylish in its own way. It might, however, repel most casual viewers because there's nothing much to look at. To me, the movie isn't about the images anyway. It's more about the idea and how the filmmakers play with that idea. Ultimately, the look of it elevated the creepiness factor. Thankfully, this movie is only about eighty-five minutes long because the ending was too random, if not a bit unforgivable. If this film had retained its focus, it would have been a good picture.

Moulin Rouge!
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I thought this film was way overrated when it came out because everyone I knew seemed to have loved it. After five years, I rewatched it again and I still think it's overrated although not as much as before. Sure, I commend this picture for having a great cinematography and wonderful clothing, but story-wise, it's nothing ground-breaking. It's pretty much your boy-falls-in-love-with-girl-but-they-can't-be-together-because-another-boy-is-interested-in-the-girl story but set in a musical. But what makes this film above average is Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. Nicole Kidman is elegant in every scene she's in without sacrificing her signature ice queen personality. Ewan McGregor has this boyish charm that one cannot help but love. When you put them together in one scene, they summon a little bit of Leonardi DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in "Titanic." I also really liked the way they fused songs from pop culture to its original material... and then having to fuse those into the storyline. Surprisingly, all of it worked for me. The weakness of this film is the beginning: there were too many cuts from one character to another to the point where it made me dizzy and want to look away from the screen. Otherwise, when it finally found its footing twenty minutes into the picture, it was pretty good... but it couldn't quite attain greatness.

Eraser
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I was expecting for this to be another typical action film but I was proven wrong. Instead of taking itself too seriously, this is actually quite funny due to its campy one-liners and colorful characters. Arnold Schwarzenegger is really likeable in this film because he is able to provide comfort for the characters who need protecting, but at the same time killing those who want to harm them. Vanessa Williams is a good leading lady for this role because she's actually given things to do and she's able to work with her plucky persona. James Caan is an effective villain because he actually goes wherever Schwarzenegger goes and tries to kill the protagonist whenever he could instead of waiting in a room for the final battle. Also, I thought this film was creative because it was able to feature incredible weapons, it's not afraid to add animals into the action, and it has decent twists. Several highlights of the film include the plane showdown and the zoo. Also, the winks to the "Terminator" franchise somehow felt right. This movie surpassed my expectations and was able to surprise me in many ways.

in 15 years) with Jada Pinkett Smith in the background.

 Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith are always sophisticated when they walk the Red Carpet!

 Eva Mendes looks gorgeous as she stops to pose!

CLICK ON LINK FOR MORE PHOTOS!!!

 Meg Ryan and Eva Mendes!

 Vanessa Williams was there.  I love this dress on her, although I think she could have looked around awhile longer for a pair of shoes!

Debra Messing rocked a really cute look for her.

 Daphne Zuniga was there!

Candice Bergmen was there.  

Tara Reid looked very cute.   

 The happy couples pose and cheese it up!

Natasha Alam looked very glamourous!

Rosier/News

Designer Julie Haus preps for her Spring 2009 Fashion Week show.

Rosier/News

Haus makes adjustments to a dress worn by one of her models.

The frenzy of a runway show can boggle the mind of even a Bryant Park veteran, so for Fashion Week newcomer Julie Haus, organization is key.

Select shoppers and celebs already know the designer. Her clothes sell in department stores and are snatched up by fans such as Vanessa Williams, Leighton Meester and Eva Mendes. In past seasons, 34-year-old Haus and her business partner and husband, Jason Alkire, arranged intimate presentations for fashion editors post-Fashion Week. This year, they wanted to show when every style-hound in New York City turns his or her attention to the latest runway discoveries.

"It's still a steppingstone process," says Haus. "It's 200 people. We're not showing to 400 or 500 people ... but we wanted to make it more timely."

Tomorrow afternoon, models will strut Haus' latest in a show at Gary's Loft, an airy event space on W. 36th St. But the prep work started long before the tents were flooded with fashion fixtures.

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