Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/patrick-dempsey/18549' target='_blank'>Patrick Dempsey</a>

Seriously? One of TV's most popular shows not only got left out of the top dramas category, its leading man didn't get any love either. Dempsey had great material to chew on when his neurosurgeon began a risky clinical trial, but Emmy voters just weren't scrubbing in.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/mad-men/1342134/main' target='_blank'>'Mad Men'</a>

Sure, AMC's critically acclaimed first scripted series won a Golden Globe, but Emmy voters tend to be more rigid than the Hollywood Foreign Press. Instead, the period piece about ad execs in the '60s dominated all other dramas, racking up a total of 16 nominations.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/greys-anatomy/426427/main' target='_blank'>'Grey's Anatomy'</a>

This ratings powerhouse received nominations the two previous years, but somehow fell short this season. With increased competition from cable, the only 'Grey's' nods were for Sandra Oh and Chandra Wilson, in the supporting drama actress category.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/amy-poehler/273694' target='_blank'>Amy Poehler</a>

It's been seven years since an individual 'SNL' performer was honored with a nom, and since then Will Ferrell's done pretty well for himself. With talk of a role in an 'Office' spin-off, Amy Poehler's branching out too. Perhaps her late-night laugh-fest nod will keep her up on Saturday nights.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/ugly-betty/762061/main' target='_blank'>'Ugly Betty'</a>

OK fine, ABC's zany comedy wasn't quite as hilarious -- or heartwarming -- as it had been its freshman season. But just because the strike and some misguided subplots put a cramp in its camp doesn't mean it didn't deserve to be noticed.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/kristin-chenoweth/290127' target='_blank'>Kristin Chenoweth</a>

The tiny vocal powerhouse can line her shelves with theatre awards, including a Tony, but had never been nominated for an Emmy. Then on 'Pushing Daisies,' Chenoweth was able to show off both her comedic and singing chops as a waitress with an unrequited crush.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/desperate-housewives/379235/main' target='_blank'>'Desperate Housewives'</a> Stars

Was it just a few years ago that the ladies of 'Desperate Housewives' were dominating the comedy categories? The show rebounded from its creative dip with a strong season, and while Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria landed on the best comedy actress short list, none made the final cut.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/michael-c-hall/302587' target='_blank'>Michael C. Hall</a>

After overlooking his chilling turn as a serial killer with a superego last year, the nominators decided to honor the 'Dexter' star with a nod. Perhaps he just scared them into their senses.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/john-krasinski/418679' target='_blank'>John Krasinski</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jenna-fischer/390758' target='_blank'>Jenna Fischer</a>

Emmy nominees Steve Carell and Rainn Wilson may be the humor of 'The Office,' but Krasinski and last year Emmy also-ran Fischer are its heart (and they're pretty funny, too). Laughter may be the best medicine, but the Academy needs to recognize the power of love by giving some themselves.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/damages/1274934/main' target='_blank'>'Damages'</a>

FX has been making quality scripted dramas since it debuted 'The Shield' in 2002 but never broke into the Emmy-nominated ranks. But thanks to a big-name cast, the legal thriller 'Damages' helped make basic cable history when it earned a nomination alongside 'Mad Men.'

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/naveen-andrews/1729' target='_blank'>Naveen Andrews</a>

Andrews' Sayid Jarrah is so cool, collected and capable, we've always wondered why 'Lost''s leadership struggle came down to Jack vs. Locke. And in his flash-forward episode, Andrews kicked it up a notch by going all James Bond on us.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! 23 Nods for <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/john-adams/10181428/main' target='_blank'>'John Adams'</a>

This wasn't a miniseries, it was an EVENT. And there certainly was a lot to love in HBO's historical saga, particularly its cast (Laura Linney, David Morse, Stephen Dillane and Tom Wilkinson all deservedly earned nods, and Paul Giamatti got one too, though his performance was odd).

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/patricia-arquette/2423' target='_blank'>Patricia Arquette</a>

As multitasking 'Medium'/mom Allison Dubois, Arquette's always been popular with critics (and viewers). But the Emmy winner didn't get any love from the Academy this year. Perhaps, considering her ESP skills, she saw it coming.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/entourage/99659/main' target='_blank'>'Entourage'</a>

Really? The boys -- with the exception of Emmy stalwart Jeremy Piven and surprise nominee Kevin Dillon -- were not at their best and the season started and ended with a whimper. Apparently the Academy doesn't think a comedy needs to generate laughs.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/kyle-chandler/12245' target='_blank'>Kyle Chandler</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/friday-night-lights/942750/main' target='_blank'>'Friday Night Lights'</a>

Repeat after us: 'Friday Night Lights' is not a football show. It's a finely wrought family drama, thanks in large part to Chandler's quiet, nuanced performance as a husband, father, mentor and, yes, football coach. His Eric Taylor is a man of few words, but when he does speak, listen up.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/gabriel-byrne/10031' target='_blank'>Gabriel Byrne</a>

With HBO's 'In Treatment' flying way under the radar, Byrne's quietly intense performance as a therapist could easily have been overlooked. Still, there's nothing Emmy voters love more than a movies-to-TV crossover.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/blair-underwood/72431' target='_blank'>Blair Underwood</a>

As an angry fighter pilot on 'In Treatment,' Underwood went toe-to-toe with nominee Gabriel Byrne. Add to that his excellent work on the soap 'Dirty Sexy Money' and comedy 'New Adventures of Old Christine,' and this versatile actor deserved to be recognized.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/howie-mandel/44979' target='_blank'>Howie Mandel</a>

It's not easy to ask one question over and over again -- and still keep everyone on the edge of their seats. But Mandel manages to make 'Deal or No Deal' into a cliffhanger every time. Plus, it's just fun to watch contestants try to hug, kiss and maul the OCD host.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/pushing-daisies/1342106/main' target='_blank'>'Pushing Daisies'</a>

One of the season's best new shows was also the most lovable. With its quirky humor, cute-as-a-button cast and rich imagery, 'Daisies' seemed like a lock for the top comedy category. Alas, while it earned a few acting nods, the hour-long dramedy might've been too much drama, not enough comedy for voters.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/lee-pace/352548' target='_blank'>Lee Pace</a>

'Pushing Daisies' might have gotten snubbed, but Emmy voters gave a deserving first-time nod to the show's leading man. And in a category filled with more outlandish performances, we're happy that Pace's understated comedic skills were appreciated.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/larry-david/207898' target='_blank'>Larry David</a>

He has three Lead Actor nods under his belt -- but no wins. His character's going through a divorce -- and so is he in real life. And his show got a nod. But Larry David -- who, let's face it, is 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' -- wasn't recognized. No love at home; no love at work, either.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/bryan-cranston/15637' target='_blank'>Bryan Cranston</a>

His intense performance as a chemistry teacher turned crystal meth maker in 'Breaking Bad' is addictive -- and miles away from his thrice-nominated role as the harried head of household on 'Malcolm in the Middle.' Nice of the Academy to acknowledge his descent into darkness.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/mary-mcdonnell/47297' target='_blank'>Mary McDonnell</a>

Sure, any nomination for sci-fi drama 'Battlestar Galactica' is a long shot -- but we still had our fingers crossed for McDonnell. As a president suffering from a reoccurrence of cancer, she's been fierce and vulnerable, commanding and heartbreaking. Our only consolation is that she'll have one more chance next year.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/zeljko-ivanek/34685' target='_blank'>Zeljko Ivanek</a>

The folks at the Academy probably still can't pronounce (let alone spell) his name, but thankfully it popped up on the Supporting Actor list for his work as a slick but conflicted lawyer on 'Damages.' After a quarter of a century of being TV's "that guy," Ivanek finally gets some awards love.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-wire/1130387/main' target='_blank'>'The Wire'</a>

It was the last year for the Academy to get it right. But HBO's 'The Wire' -- one of the most critically acclaimed shows in TV history -- leaves the airwaves without an Emmy (hey, at least they have a Peabody to make them feel loved). We blame 'Boston Legal.' Again.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-andromeda-strain/10232178/main' target='_blank'>'Andromeda Strain'</a>

Remaking a landmark sci-fi novel and flick for TV is an arduous undertaking, and the celebrity-studded cast of A&E's apocalyptic miniseries tried valiantly to make it work. But as star <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/tv-celebrity-interviews/benjamin-bratt' target='_blank'>Benjamin Bratt told us</a>, it was sort of like throwing himself "on the grenade."

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/phil-keoghan/304272' target='_blank'>Phil Keoghan</a>

'The Amazing Race' has dominated as the in the Reality category since its inception, yet wry host Keoghan did not earn a nomination in the new Best Reality Host slot.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/kevin-dillon/19208' target='_blank'>Kevin Dillon</a>

'Entourage' may not have been at its peak last season, but resident B-list buffoon Johnny Drama provided most of the laughs. Forget made-up mega-movie star Vincent Chase: this Hollywood insider comedy's all about the Drama.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Snub! No Drama Love for NBC

For the first time in Emmy history, NBC doesn't have a drama in the running. Critics may swoon over 'Friday Night Lights' and viewers may tune in for 'Heroes' and (amazingly) 'ER,' but apparently the Academy's watching something else.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Surprise! Cable Dominates Drama

For years, the networks only had to worry about juggernaut HBO as an Emmys competitor. Now, Showtime, FX, TNT and even little AMC have gotten into the game -- and took three of the six top drama slots and more than half of the drama acting nominations. Sorry, nets, your playing field's more crowded.