Emmy-Watch: Best Supporting Actor/Actress

It’s that time of year again; everyone seems to be doing some early handicapping the Emmys.  The latest entry is Michael Slezak’s prognostication in Entertainment Weekly.  And he seems to like Ugly Betty.  A lot.  (Hey, so do I!)

He doesn’t give an entire list, but Slezak is operating under the assumption that Vanessa Williams is a hands-down favorite for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her portrayal of Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty.  And, although I agree (she’s shown some incredible range in season 3), we Vanessa Williams fans have been burned before when it comes to television’s highest honor.

Williams has been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Ugly Betty seasons 1 and 2, but she was beaten by Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl) in 2007, and Jean Smart (Samantha Who?) in 2008. 

Considering those two shows have been canceled, perhaps it’s finally Vanessa’s turn?  Maybe Williams will be the favorite this year.

Slezak lists four dark horses for the supporting actor/actress awards.  He gives a nod to Keir Gilchrist, United States of Tara,  Hamish Linklater, The New Adventures of Old Christine.  He then says the following about Michael Urie: 

Watching Marc strive for love and a better career proved alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, and proved Urie is every bit as valuable to the Ugly Betty cast as the more heralded Williams and America Ferrera.

I couldn’t agree more – like I’ve said, Urie has absolutely shined this past season, becoming almost a co-star.  Granted, the writers gave him more to work with than Becki Newton or Eric Mabius (who was also great this year!), but Michael ran with it.  I’d love to see him get the nomination, but it’s hard to break past the usual suspects (Neil Patrick Harris, Jon Cryer, half the cast of Entourage).  We’ll see.

Finally, Slezak gives props to Ana Ortiz.  In the past, I’ve clamored for Becki Newton to get a Supporting nomination instead of Ana, but this year, Ana probably deserves it a little more.  (Sorry Becki – it’s not you – the writers struggled all year with Amanda).  Ana Ortiz, however, has not only been hilarious at times, but she got her drama on several times (most notably, episode 3.12, Sisters On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown – not my favorite episode, but Ortiz had some great scenes nonetheless).  AND, she had two romances!

All this being said, most likely Vanessa Williams will be the only cast member to get a supporting nomination.  I don’t think the Academy was very fond of Ugly Betty’s second season, and they probably won’t give Ugly Betty the look it deserves for season 3, which is a shame.

But, here’s hoping they ALL get nominations!