Photo courtesy Mathew Imaging 2006
HAYLEY LERCH
Staff Writer
Sometime during his career as host of “American Idol,” Ryan Seacrest was apparently bitten by the singing bug . Seacrest has hinted at opening the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards, which air live Sunday at 8 p.m. with a musical number of his own.
While Seacrest may or may not showcase his vocal skills, a host of celebrities have been confirmed as presenters. Steve Carrell, Kelsey Grammar, Patricia Heaton, Katherine Heigl and Keifer Sutherland are among those presenting at the show, which will take place at the historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which was founded in 1946, awards the Emmys in honor of primetime television. Thirty-three of the 54 nominations for comedy and drama programs, as well as leading and supporting performers, were not included among last year’s nominees, according to the Academy’s Web site.
Though some Pepperdine students say they watch the nominated shows and recognize the nominated actors, many seem apathetic about the Emmy Awards broadcast.
“There aren’t performers at the Emmys,” said junior Ivy Brewer. “It doesn’t quite appeal to our age demographic like the Video Music Awards.”
Senior John-Paul Juette, however, said the Emmys is interesting and worth watching in its own right.
“The Emmys have more validity than any other awards show,” said Juette. “They carry prestige, and they’ve been around for a long time.”
One of the new nominees this year includes ABC’s “Ugly Betty,” which is nominated for outstanding comedy series. The show’s leading lady, America Ferrera, is nominated for outstanding lead actress in a comedy.
Junior Liz Atwood is one of many Pepperdine students who enjoy the show.
“I love Ferrera — she’s a cute, upcoming, fresh actress who plays a relatable character,” Atwood said.
Senior Donald Mitchell doesn’t find the show quite as praiseworthy. “”Ugly Betty’ is cute, but I think it only appeals to women,” Mitchell said. “I think ‘The Office’ is the most universal because it appeals to the working class, as well as people young and old.”
Though the show is set in a standard American work environment, NBC’s ‘The Office’ has become quite popular among Pepperdine students. The show is nominated for outstanding comedy series as well as outstanding lead actor, supporting actress and supporting actor in a comedy.
While students like Mitchell find the show entertaining, others prefer the original, British version.
“The American ‘The Office’ is trite and contrived compared to the British version,” said junior Kaleb Horton. “Steve Carrell turns it into a cartoon.”
Horton prefers HBO’s comedy “Extras,” for which actor Ricky Gervais is nominated for outstanding lead actor in a comedy. Another HBO series, “Entourage,” is well-liked by students, including seniors Spencer Pfiel and Zach Mason who praise the show’s lead actor, Jeremy Piven.
Other comedies nominated for outstanding series include CBS’ “Two and a Half Men” and NBC’s “30 Rock,” both of which received nominations in the major acting categories.
Pepperdine students say they watch comedies to break away from the stresses of responsibility, while others enjoy dramas like Fox’s “House.”
Senior Ryan McKillip said he likes the show for its dynamic mix of medical mystery and comedy.
“‘House’ has a formula that works well for television with its characters, plot, and dialogue,” McKillip said.
The show’s lead actor, Hugh Laurie, is also nominated.
Another medical show up for outstanding drama is ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Senior Camille Gamboa recently became interested in the show, which she said she watches consistently.
“I think the relationships are over-the-top, but I follow the show because of the intriguing storyline,” Gamboa said.
Actor T.R. Knight, who plays “George,” is nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a drama and Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson and Katherine Heigl are all nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a drama.
Other nominees for outstanding drama series include ABC’s “Boston Legal,” NBC’s “Heroes,” and HBO’s “The Sopranos.”
For those who are passionate about television shows or simply enjoy celebrity red carpets, the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards will air Sunday on ABC.
09-13-2007
