Emmy Preview

By: NBC News Channel | WSAV-TV
Published: September 19, 2008

The television industry honors its best this Sunday in Los Angeles.

Chances are, you've never seen "Mad Men" but come Sunday’s Emmys with its chain-smoking, sixties backdrop, the cable series has 16 nominations, including best drama.

"It tells a story that's not like anything else on TV. It's isn't about doctors, it isn't about lawyers, it's about advertising men creating an American dream that clearly isn't coming true in their own lives," said Matt Roush of TV Guide.

Another basic cable series, "Damages", and the pay cable effort "Dexter" are also in the hunt for best drama.

So are shows from the major networks, "House", "Boston Legal" and, a previous best drama winner, "Lost".

"These are all great shows, but none of them have the critical acclaim and the momentum that 'Mad Men' really has right now," said Dave Karger of Entertainment Weekly.

"Boston Legal" star James Spader is also on a roll.

Three straight wins as best actor in a drama with a shot at four.

The competition includes Hugh Laurie of "House", Michael C. Hall of "Dexter" and much-buzzed about "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm.

"Still waters run very deep in that performance. I think he has a really good shot at winning but that is one tough field," said Roush.

Same goes in the actress category.

Mariska Hargitay is a past winner.

Nominees Holly Hunter and Sally Field both have Oscars to their credit, and Glenn Close, from the legal drama "Damages" has been up for Oscar five times.

Tina Fey certainly had a juicy role on "Saturday Night Live" last week.

Her work on the sitcom "30 Rock" could land her an Emmy as best actress.

"Tina Fey is kind of the media darling of the comedy world right now, so I think she's very well set to win the Emmy this year," said Roush.

Fey's cast mate, Alec Baldwin, is a best actor nominee, but he has to get past the likes of "Office" star Steve Carell and three time Emmy winner Tony Shalhoub of "Monk".

"A lot of people thought Alec Baldwin was robbed when he lost this category last year, so I think he has a great chance to win," said Karger.

And "30 Rock" could make it a sweep if it beats out "The Office" and others to repeat as best comedy.

"There's just something very very cool and hot about that series," said Roush.

Several Emmy wins could make it even hotter.

The Emmys telecast will be co-hosted by the five nominees for best reality show host.