Creative Emmy Awards: "Richard" Skit Wins Trophy

This past weekend, Creative Arts Emmy Awards were handed out just prior to the "big" Prime Time Emmys (which air this coming Sunday night). And believe it or not, a "Saturday Night Live" skit about male genitalia took home an Emmy.
The short feature, which aired just before Christmas 2006, was called "D--- In A Box." (I do not kid you; I can't make this stuff up!) It featured SNL regular Andy Samburg and that week's guest host, singer Justin Timberlake. The pair wrote the music and lyrics for the skit, which centered on a certain holiday gift all wrapped up with somewhere to go. (Actually, a sweater or a pair of gloves would have been more tasteful, but "SNL" is a late night comedy show.)
Moving on to more general audience-friendly categories and programs, "American Idol" has won its first Emmy since its 2002 debut: It picked up the Governor’s Award and a technical direction for a miniseries, movie or special Emmy for its “Idol Gives Back” special. HBO took home five creative Emmys for its Dick Wolf-produced television film "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee."
Best guest performances in a drama series went to John Goodman ("Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip" and Leslie Caron ("Law & Order: SVU") For comedy, the winning guest performers were Elaine Stritch ("30 Rock") and Stanley Tucci ("Monk").
Kudos to Kathy Griffin for winning in the Best Reality Series competition (Bravo's "My Life On The D List"). Also major winners in their respective categories: "South Park;" "The 60th Annual Tony Awards;" "When The Levees Broke: A Requiem In Four Acts;" and the beautiful Discovery Channel special "Planet Earth."
With those out of the way, here's a roundup of my picks--and predictions--for the major awards this Sunday night:

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES: Should and will win: "The Sopranos." Not just for its final season, but an entire body of work that deservedly belongs among the best dramatic programs in US television history.

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES: Should win: "Ugly Betty" Will win: "The Office"
Both programs are very good, but its stellar cast and fresh take on the fashion industry give "Betty" the edge. Still, "Office" had a top-notch season. No matter which wins, I won't gripe.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN DRAMA SERIES:
Should win: Hugh Laurie ("House") Will win: James Gandolfini ("The Sopranos")
An expected "Sopranos" sweep could help Gandolfini win yet another Emmy (and he would deserve it). But if there's justice, the Academy will make way for Laurie, television's most complicated physician.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN DRAMA SERIES:
Should Win: Either Edie Falco ("The Sopranos") or Sally Field ("Brothers & Sisters")
Will Win: Falco
Both women put in top-notch performances this season on two diverse dramas. If there's a "Sopranos" wave, it's Falco's to lose. But Field is the industry sentimental figure, so she could be the spoiler. Possible dark horse: Kyra Sedgwick for her top-flight work on "The Closer."

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN COMEDY SERIES:
Should win: Alec Baldwin ("30 Rock") Will win: Tony Shalhob ("Monk")
Baldwin's role as NBC executive Jack Donaghy was laugh-out-loud funny, but since Emmy likes to lock on repeat every so often, past winner Shalhob could walk home with the trophy.
Steve Carell could be a dark horse for his role on "The Office."

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN COMEDY SERIES:
Should and will win: America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty")
Ferrera was the breakout star of the past television season for her work in the title role. But possible upsets could include "Desperate Housewives" co-star Felicity Huffman (she had a great year) or the wonderful Julia Louis-Dreyfuss for making "The New Adventures of Old Christine" such a treat to watch.

Until next time, happy viewing!