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American Morning

"Sopranos," "West Wing" Lead Emmy Charge

Aired July 12, 2001 - 09:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: They could use a cup of coffee on the West Coast in Hollywood, where the Emmy nominations came out very early this morning.

And right there to follow who got nominated and who did not, our own Paul Vercammen -- Paul, good morning. An early morning for you.

PAUL VERCAMMEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Yes, but who needs coffee when you're running on raw adrenaline, which was, of course, coursing through here earlier today as we all got up so early. And we heard those Emmy nominations and let's run down just who and what shows were nominated. We'll start with the comedy category. The nominees are "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Sex and the City," "Frasier," "Malcolm in the Middle." And then "Will & Grace" led the way for the comedies with 12 nominations. "Will & Grace" has come a long way because it was just last year when they said when is that show finally going to get its due by the Emmy people and now they're voting for it like it's going out of style.

Let's turn now also to the drama category. Another epic duel between "The West Wing" and "The Sopranos" -- and this year "The Sopranos" led the way with 22 nominations in all and "The West Wing" had 18. Last year, I think they were tied 18-18. But, interesting note, "The Sopranos" just can't seem to win Emmys. Last year after all those nominations, it only won one. So we'll see what happens this year. And I would fear that maybe if they don't give "The Sopranos" its due, someone is going to get clipped.

Let's look at the lead actor in a comedy series. Kelsey Grammer, who is sitcom's iron man. He's going like Cal Ripken, into his 18th season, I believe. John Lithgow, outgoing, from "Third Rock From the Sun." We've got Eric McCormack of "Will & Grace," Frankie Muniz, the kid in "Malcolm in the Middle," and Ray Romano.

Lead actress in a comedy series -- yes, "Ally McBeal" is considered a comedy. You've got Calista Flockhart, Jane Kaczmarek of "Malcolm in the Middle," Deborah Messing, Sarah Jessica Parker -- and the defending champion is Patricia Heaton.

Lead actor in a drama, Andre Braugher one of the surprises this morning for "Gideon's Crossing." Dennis Franz, now he never gets nominated. Of course he does. He's a shoe in. James Gandolfini from "The Sopranos," Rob Lowe and Martin Sheen, of course, both of them from "The West Wing." And as we look at lead actress in the drama, you have Elaine Bracco from "The Sopranos." You also have Amy Brenneman from "Judging Amy." You have Edie Falco -- a surprise here, Marg Helgenberger from "C.S.I.," one of the top breakout shows of the season. And also you have Sela Ward. And also I need to show you something, Daryn, because I know you've been in the field. This is how crazy and wild and woolly it got in here today. I accidentally kind of broke our CNN mike flag here, so don't tell anybody, because I think they'll bill me.

KAGAN: It shows you how, it just shows how hard you're working out there so early. Now, you covered the haves, Paul. But what about the have-nots? Any glaring omissions of people or shows that were not included in nominations today?

VERCAMMEN: Well, they often talk about the Emmys can be slow on the take. One show I know that a lot of critics like, a peppy show, if you will, would be "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" -- also a WB show that people gave a lot of accolades to, as well, would be the "Gilmore Girls."

That show didn't get any recognition. Another possibility is in a supporting role, Joe Pantoliano from "The Sopranos." He came in, he's generally a film actor, loved in this town, very well respected. You may remember him for giving Tom Cruise such a bad time in "Risky Business." He's in "Cats and Dogs." He also does a lot of work in independent films. He didn't get a nod this morning either.

So those are some of the omissions, some that you hear people talking about down here in North Hollywood this morning. I think they were glad, however, that Patricia Heaton locked up this morning, made the announcements and then, of course, heard her own name called. And I had a chance to chat with her and I asked her what that was like.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PATRICIA HEATON, "EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND": I was freaking out a little bit ever since I committed to doing the announcements because there's always that chance that you won't be nominated. I mean it's a crazy business. You never know what's going to happen. So it was a little scary, I have to say. I was more nervous up there than I was accepting my Emmy last year. Isn't that weird?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VERCAMMEN: And here's a great thing about Patricia Heaton. She's got four boys. Where does she go off to now? Not a big party, not to go celebrate, not to call Daryn on the phone. She's going home, she says, to pour cereal for the four boys.

KAGAN: There you go. Well, with two little ones of your own, I know you can appreciate that kind of responsibility -- Paul, thank you very much for that early morning report.

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