'West Wing,' 'Sopranos' get 18 nods each

Politics, crime rule in Emmy nominations

From staff and wire reports

July 20, 2000
Web posted at: 9:34 a.m. EDT (1334 GMT)

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, California (CNN) -- "The West Wing" and "The Sopranos" won the Emmy nominations sweepstakes Thursday with 18 nominations each, while "Will & Grace" emerged as a comedy power by grabbing nominations in all the top categories.

NBC's "The West Wing," about the inner workings of a White House staff, was nominated for outstanding drama series, while Martin Sheen was nominated as outstanding actor for his portrayal of the president. HBO's Mafia hit, "The Sopranos," also drew an outstanding drama nomination, along with bids for outstanding actor (James Gandolfini) and actress (Edie Falco).

Other top nominees were TV movies "RKO 281" on HBO, which got 13 nominations, and ABC's "Annie," which got 12.

2000 NOMINEES Click for a list of the major nominations for comedy, drama, miniseries and more 1999 nominees:  Who was nominated last year? Who won?     MESSAGE BOARD Were your favorites nominated? Which shows didn't make the cut? Who should win?     ON AIR Watch Showbiz Today at 4:30 p.m EDT on CNN U.S. for more on the nominations     CHAT Chat with CNN Entertainment Correspondent Paul Vercammen. Who received Emmy nominations? Who was snubbed and why? 5:15 p.m. ET

Gay-themed "Will & Grace" on NBC broke into the outstanding comedy category with 11 nominations, including outstanding comedy, outstanding actor (Eric McCormack), outstanding actress (Debra Messing), supporting actor (Sean Hayes) and supporting actress (Megan Mullally).

While veterans like NBC's "Frasier" and "Friends" also drew several nominations, noticeably overlooked in the outstanding comedy category was Fox's "Ally McBeal," which won the award last year. Also ignored was Fox's new "Malcolm in the Middle," although Jane Kaczmarek did get an outstanding actress nomination as the comedy's frazzled mom.

Other drama nominations went to "ER," "Law & Order," and "The Practice," which won last year.

Winners announced September 10

Presenting the nominations for the 52nd annual primetime awards were previous Emmy winners Edie Falco ("The Sopranos") and Michael Badalucco ("The Practice"), along with academy chairman Meryl Marshall.

The prime-time awards program will be broadcast September 10 on ABC, with Garry Shandling as host.

Like their Oscar counterparts, Emmy judges have been accused of playing it safe and overlooking lesser-known or edgier fare.

Edie Falco of "The Sopranos" and Michael Badalucco of "The Practice," both 1999 Emmy winners, announced this year's nominations

Shandling's "The Larry Sanders Show" received 56 nominations over six seasons -- but got only one award. "The Sopranos," got 16 nominations last year but won only two, including best drama series writing and Falco's outstanding actress in a drama series.

But the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has changed the way it doles out awards this year in hopes of making the selections a little more cutting-edge.

Until now, judges were expected to spend a weekend watching videotapes at one hotel, which tended to draw older academy members with more leisure time. Under the new approach, which will be used for the top categories, judges can watch tapes at home.

"The West Wing" was expected to fare well. It won several awards from the Television Critics Association, including program of the year, new program of the year and outstanding drama. It also won, along with "The Sopranos," a prestigious Peabody Award.

Although some series get canceled long before the awards ceremony, others count on Emmy honors to boost their exposure. Emmy defenders are quick to note that "Hill Street Blues" -- which revolutionized TV drama in the 1980s -- endured low ratings and near-cancellation until the Emmys lent them new status.

The nominations come as comedies and dramas face increasing competition on the schedule from game shows like "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and so-called reality-based programs like "Survivor" and "Big Brother."

TV critics vote for 'West Wing'
July 18, 2000
1999 Emmy Awards
Kelley's 'Practice' and 'McBeal' take drama, comedy Emmys
September 12, 1999

Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

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