64TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

The Judges of NBC's The Voice

The 64th Primetime Emmy Award Nominees have been announced and indeed Television has stepped-up its game with field upon field of tough competition in each category. This year we see the return of AMC's Mad Men after a lengthy absence and it is a force to be reckoned with Elisabeth Moss, Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks and even the underrated Jared Harris being recognized for their superb work. HBO's Comedy, Girls, also is a force to be reckoned with, getting nods for Outstanding Comedy Series and Lead Actress in a Comedy with Lena Dunham. 

ABC's Modern Family once again is well-represented with all four of its male Stars, Ty Burrell, Ed O'Neill, Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson all up against each other for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Kristen Wiig stands a v. good chance at winning in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work on NBC's Saturday Night Live with this past season having been her finale one.

Julianne Moore is up against her The Hours Co-star Nicole Kidman for Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie for her portrayal of Sarah Palin in HBO's Game Change, while the latter is being recognized for her work in HBO's Hemingway & Gellhorn.  Ashley Judd somehow is angled into the same category for her work in Missing which after its cancellation, is now being considered a Miniseries? Girl, please.

Interestingly, NBC's The Voice is nominated in the category of Outstanding Reality Program, while the Godfather in the genre, FOX's American Idol fails to get any recognition from the Academy.  The two programs have had v. public feuds in the Media in the past with Idol's Randy Jackson having called its Foe, "second-rate".

Click here for a full list of Nominees.

(Photo credit: NBC)

KATE WINSLET WINS FOR "MILDRED PIERCE" AT PRIMETIME EMMYS

Kate Winslet at 63rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards

Is there any Award left which Kate Winslet hasn't won? The gorgeous Oscar Winner won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie at last night's Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Winslet won for the HBO Miniseries, Mildred Pierce. Am eagerly awaiting its DVD release!

In other categories, ABC's Modern Family won Outstanding Comedy Series, while AMC's Mad Men won Outstanding Drama Series.

Despite Jon Hamm not getting Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series again for the fourth consecutive year, his lovely Partner Jennifer Westfeldt did get a bit of amazing news during the Awards broadcast.  Westfeldt's self-directed/written/acted Friends with Kids, which premiered last week at TIFF 2011, struck a  distribution deal with Lionsgate Films in the U.S. (Alliance Films likely will handle in Canada).  Hamm also stars in the Film.  See Photos from the Premiere here.

For a complete list of Primetime Emmy Winners, click here.

See more Photos from the Primetime Emmys at Zimbio.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Kevin Winter)

"DEGRASSI" RECEIVES FIRST PRIMETIME EMMY NOMINATION

Clare Edwards, Sav Bhandari & Holly Sinclair from Degrassi

Congratulations to the Cast and Crew of Degrassi, who received their first-ever Emmy Award nomination earlier today for Outstanding Children's Program. Seeing the complex and sophisticated ideas which have evolved out of The Kids of Degrassi Street - which I watched  religiously growing up - brings me a sense of pride and joy as a Torontonian.  

Despite negative reviews, Toronto-filmed Mini-series The Kennedys also received a handful of nominations!  No love for Katie Holmes though.

BANANA REPUBLIC TO RELEASE "MAD MEN" COLLECTION IN AUGUST

Banana Republic Mad Men Collection

Banana Republic has just announced that come August 11, 2011 they will be introducing a line of Mad Men-inspired clothing, based on the Mod looks seen on the AMC Series. The Capsule Collection will feature a total 65 pieces including Suits, Dresses, Ties, Sweaters, Hats, Skirts, Coats and Blouses.



Originally the Collection was to launch in tandem with the Premiere of Mad Men's Fifth Season however ongoing Contract negotiations have pushed the Season Premiere to early 2012.

It was also just announced that Lead Actor Jon Hamm has signed a new three-year Contract with Lionsgate, which potentially could mean he'll be starring in the Series up until its seventh season. With the Contract, it is said that he will now be paid $250k per Episode. Well-played!

(Photo credit: Banana Republic)

JON HAMM TO DIRECT SEASON FIVE PREMIERE OF "MAD MEN"

Jon Hamm - TIFF 2010

Although we won't be seeing any new episodes of AMC's Mad Men until Spring 2012, this latest bit of news will have Fans of the Drama Series excited.  TVLine has confirmed that Donald Draper (Jon Hamm) himself not stars in the Series, but also will be directing the eagerly-awaited Premiere of Season Five.  

Hamm tells TVLine, “I watched Slattery do it, and he handled it with such grace and ability and ease,” he continues, before adding with a laugh, “I figured if he can do it, shitt, I can do it too.”.  Co-star John Slattery directed two episodes of the Show last season.

The handsome Actor has been making the most of his time off from filming, with appearances on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.  He currently can be seen in the massive hit Comedy Bridesmaids, opposite SNL's Kristen Wiig.  He also has been busy producing and acting in his long-time partner Jennifer Westfeldt's  her upcoming directorial debut Friends with Kids, which also stars Bridesmaids Co-stars Wiig and Maya Rudolph.  

Westfeldt and Hamm were seen last September in Toronto schmoozing on the Party Circuit during TIFF.  Perhaps we'll be seeing their collaboration in Toronto this Fall?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ENTER TO WIN A SIGNED PHOTO BY JON HAMM OF "MAD MEN"

Although AMC's Mad Men won't be back til 2012, that thankfully has left Don Draper himself some spare time to sign a few Autographs.  Straight from Mr. Jon Hamm himself, is a guaranteed authentic 4x6 Photo signed up for grabs to one lucky Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven reader.

To qualify for the win, answer for me in the Comments section - True or False - Jon Hamm won a Golden Globe Award in the category for Best Actor - Television Series Drama in 2010.  One Winner will be chosen May 15, 2011 and all are welcome to enter.  Good luck, Mavenati!

Maple Pictures releases Mad Men Season 4 in Canada on DVD - now in stores in Standard and Blu-ray Editions.

AMC & MATT WEINER REACH "MAD MEN" DEAL

Still from Mad Men

And order was restored. It was announced earlier today that AMC and Mad Men Producer Matt Weiner have struck a deal which will renew the series for a fifth and sixth season. Adweek reports the possibility of a seventh season is strong.

On the Docket during negotiations were issues such as Weiner’s Salary, Cast reductions and the length of Episodes. It is said that despite being the most expensive show on Television in costing $3 million per Episode to make, its third season brought in less than $2 million in Advertising Revenue. Maybe AMC weren’t the Bad Guys after all.

It was finally agreed upon that no Cast members will be cut in the upcoming fifth season of Mad Men, set to air March 2012 and that Weiner will allow a total two additional minutes of Advertising per Episode, which hopefully won’t be too noticeable. Yay.

(Photo credit: AMC)

JESSICA PARÉ IN TORONTO FOR "MAD MEN"

Jessica Paré

Montreal native and now Santa Monica-resident Jessica Paré flew in last night to promote Season Four of AMC's Mad Men's DVD release.  Doing a round of Press today which included appearances on CityTV's Breakfast Television, followed by an appearance on Jian Ghomeshi's Q Radio on CBC, the Actress' timing couldn't have been better considering all the controversy surrounding the future of the Series right now.

As mentioned earlier today, Mad Men's Producer Matthew Weiner is currently in heated negotiations with AMC, which in a profit-minded decision is said to be ordering a reduction in Cast Members and also  a shortening of Episodes to allow for more Advertisements during its Airtime.  With Production at a standstill right now and no new episodes slated for the 2011 Calendar Year, the future of the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Period Drama is uncertain.

Good logic surely will prevail from AMC perhaps based solely on Mad Men's ardently loyal following and hard-earned status as a Critical Darling.  And did I mention what a big Mad Men Fan I am?  I absolutely adored Paré's performance as Megan, Don Draper's level-headed Secretary-turned-Love Interest.  To me, she is one of the brightest highlights of the past Season.

I did catch Paré on her way into an appearance this evening at a fittingly Period-appropriate Club in the  City's Entertainment District, but surprisingly was denied a Photograph upon her arrival after asking kindly.  Although it doesn't happen often, it does happen occasionally and it's unfortunate that it had to come from a fellow Canadian. She had spotted a Camera on one Fan and immediately asked him, "Where are these Photos going to be appearing?", before elaborating "I'd much prefer to be photographed inside without my coat on".

I myself however, did not possess a $150 Ticket to be "inside" the intimate event for Globe & Mail readers, but mind you I am no less a Fan of hers.  Making the most of my wait in the Cold, I was reduced to asking if she could sign a Photo or two in the v. least, including one for my Readers.   The request was met with general disinterest and a "Sorry, we've gotta go" as one of her Handlers gave me a genuinely apologetic look.

I was then relegated to waiting outside the venue where Paré could be heard speaking about her role as Megan and her experience on the Series, speaking with enthusiasm on her Microphone.   She could be heard mentioning Christina Hendricks' character Joan and how tough she is.

Upon exiting the event, she proceeded to enter her Town Car.  Once again I requested a Photo with good intentions and seeing that she was in a rush earlier, I gave her the benefit of the doubt that her initial rejection was a result of time constraints perhaps. "I'd rather not", she said to the Photo request, before personalizing the above Photo begrudgingly.  "I appreciate you Guys waiting, but I've got to go to Dinner", she said clearly with more pressing concerns on her mind as she seated herself in her Town Car for a short duration before heading off.  

WILL AMC'S "MAD MEN" BE CANCELLED?

Matt Weiner, Producer of Mad Men

In a devastating bit of news, there are rumours of AMC's Mad Men possibly being cancelled. Before we overreact, negotiations are said to be heated right now the network looking to boost profitability by cutting three Cast members and reducing Episodes further by three minutes to allow more Advertisers spots on the program.  Producer Matt Weiner who has been an integral part of the Show's success, vehemently is against this move.

The irony is killing me as this struggle sounds like a Modern Day episode of the Advertising Agency-centered Period Drama.  The Huffington Post has more on the ordeal which has halted Mad Men's fifth Season for now.

Hopefully sooner, before later.  The thought of Mad Men: The Movie - Sterling Cooper in Abu Dhabi does excite me though.  LOL

(Photo credit: AMC)

AMBER HEARD, JENNA DEWAN, LAURA BENATI & NATURI NAUGHTON IN NBC'S "PLAYBOY" SERIES

Amber Heard at TIFF 2009

You've in all likelihood seen her in many Movies already, but this will be the role that makes her a Star.  24 year-old Amber Heard is confirmed almost for NBC's upcoming Playboy series in the role Maureen, who works at the Playboy Club as a new-hire.  Heard's Résumé actually is quite impressive having starred in  hits like Pineapple Express, Zombieland, Friday Night Lights and North Country as a young Charlize Theron.  Her next Film in theatres this Friday, Drive Angry 3-D, has her opposite Nicolas Cage.

The lead role of Carol-Lynne played by Laura Benati whose best known work so far has been on the series Eli Stone. Benati's character is said to be approaching her last days as a Playboy Bunny on the series and her standing is threatened by some of the newer Girls. Carol-Lynne will be involved with a Chicago Mobster.

Naturi Naughton also stars and you  might remember her from moderate successes like Lottery Ticket, Fame (2009) and a brief turn on AMC's Mad Men (an inspiration for this new Series) also as a Playboy Bunny.

17TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

Still from The Fighter

Nominees for the Screen Actors Guild Awards have just been announced and perhaps this is a better indication of what's to come for the Oscars than the randomness of Monday's Golden Globe nominees.  Honouring the v. best performances in Television and Film, the SAGs will air Sunday, January 30, 2011 on TBS.

The Fighter ties The King's Speech in leading all nominees with four nods each. Surprisingly, The Social Network only earned two nominations this time - Oustanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture and Oustanding Performance by an Actor in Leading Role in a Motion Picture.

Both Robert Duvall for Get Low and Jeff Bridges for True Grit finally get some recognition this Awards season in the category of Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role alongside favourites Jesse Eisenberg for The Social Network, Colin Firth for The King's Speech and James Franco for 127 Hours.

NBC DEVELOPING "PLAYBOY" SERIES

The iconic Playboy Logo

Variety Magazine reports that NBC is developing a Television Series set in 1960s New York City, about a group of young Women employed at the legendary Playboy Club.

The Series which tentatively is titled Playboy, formerly was known as Bunny Tales. Playboy itself is said to be planning a relaunch of the popular Gentlemen's Clubs, so the timing of this Series would definitely aid their cause.

Playboy isn't the only '60s-themed Series in the works as ABC also is developing Pan Am, about that Airline's notoriously wild employees. The renewed interest in the '60s definitely can be attributed to the Emmy Award-winning success of AMC's Mad Men which has featured a number of scenes set at the Playboy Club.

Read the Article by Michael Schneider in full here.

THE LEADING LADY OF AMC'S MAD MEN

Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss, January
Jones and Christina Hendricks

Make no mistake about it,  I love AMC's Mad Men.  In fact, it is one of the few shows on Television - albeit Cable Television - which I have watched religiously from beginning onwards as my limited attention span hinders my loyalty to other programs.  Despite my hectic schedule, there is always that one weekend where things calm down a bit which I dedicate to catching-up on the series.  This weekend I managed to zip through the first 11 of 13 episodes of Season Four and I must say that the show is better than ever; beautifully developed story lines and truly interesting, complex characters who incessantly we want more from.  

The ensemble cast on Mad Men is magnificent.  They keep pushing each other to dig deeper with every Season and Jon Hamm, who I got to meet only briefly during TIFF last month, is devastatingly good still as Donald Draper.  We take joy in watching him throw jabs at anyone who dares challenge his authority, yet at the same time are entranced by his downward spiral, even though he always gets saved just when he seems to hit rock bottom.

But let's be real here for a moment.  Although the Men might be at the forefront of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, this show is really about the Women.  The many, many, many gorgeous love interests of Donald Draper - some weak, some strong, yet all vulnerable when it comes to his hot-and-cold habits of affection.  One by one, they each peel a layer off his enigma of a character and in Season Four we meet Dr. Faye Miller played by Cara Buono.  Despite being strong, independent and in-control of her life, even she is not immune from the poisons of Donald.

EMMY AWARDS RECAP: JANE LYNCH WINS BIG

A huge congratulations goes to Jane Lynch, one of tonight's big winners at The 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards.  Lynch was awarded Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on Glee, which should come as no surprise.  I've been championing her from the get-go here, so this victory is especially sweet for me!  Above this, Glee Director Ryan Murphy also scored a win in the Outstanding Director for a Comedy Series category.

The ceremony held at Nokia Theatre and hosted by Jimmy Fallon united Television's biggest stars and there were some surprises to be found.  Paying tribute to Glee, the program opened with Fallon, the cast of Glee and many of television's biggest stars singing a highly entertaining rendition of Bruce Springstreen's Born to Run.

Claire Danes and the team behind Temple Grandin cleaned-up, winning multiple awards this evening after receiving a whopping 15 nominations.  The made-for-television Movie is based on the true story of an Autistic woman, who actually was in attendance tonight.  Danes was awarded Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie.

For a third year in a row, AMC's Mad Men won Outstanding Drama Series although its stars Christina Hendricks, Jon Hamm (who will be in-town for TIFF), Elisabeth Moss and January Jones, were all shut-out in the Acting categories yet again.  Modern Family, which continues to win the praise of audiences across the nation, won Outstanding Comedy Series - its star Sofia Vergara drew a lot of Red Carpet attention this evening as did Glee's Lea Michele, who is celebrating her Birthday today.

George Clooney made an appearance also tonight accepting the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his charity work, more notably his efforts in organizing the Hope for Haiti Now Telethon.

To view a full list of tonight's winners, click here.

Check out a few of these beauties below:

2010 PRIMETIME EMMY NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

The nominees for the 2010 Primetime Emmys have been announced and the usual suspects Steve Carell (The Office), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Tina Fey (30 Rock) and Glenn Close (Damages) are nominated again.  Glee's presence is also v. strong this year garnering nominations for Best Comedy Series, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.  

Our darling Betty White also received a nomination for her Guest Appearance on Saturday Night Live too in the Best Guest Actress in a Comedy category!

Check out a full list of nominees here.

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS, THE BEST-LOOKING WOMAN IN AMERICA

And this is what a good-looking woman looks like.... and I cannot disagree!  Mad Men's buxom beauty Christina Hendricks easily is my favourite actor on the show and she was awarded the title of "Best-Looking Woman in America" by Esquire Magazine, in which she will be featured May.  

Contrary to popular belief, Hendricks is actually blonde but has been dying her hair red since she was ten years old.  In her interview with the magazine, she goes on to profess her love for Pork and Chocolate-Covered Bacon. She explains even, the type of bra she wears as Joan Holloway on the show.

The actress has three films coming out in 2010, in addition to her regular role on Mad Men which enters its fourth season this July.  Her biggest release will be Life as We Know It, which comes out December 22, 2010 starring Katherine Heigl, Josh Lucas and Josh Duhamel.  I'm so crossing my fingers she'll be here in Toronto for TIFF this September!

Read Hendricks' full interview with Ryan D'Agostino, in addition to seeing some gorgeous photos of her by photographer Sheryl Nields, here. (Photo credit: Sheryl Nields)