Emmy Nominations Offer Surprises…And Snubs

The announcement of the Emmy nominees has everybody talking, but it’s the shows (and people) who weren’t announced that provides true water-cooler conversation.

While Tony Shalhoub does great work in “Monk,” not everyone may be thrilled at the prospect of him taking home a fourth statue!

But along with all of the snubs, there also comes some great surprises. After all — who would’ve thought that Justin Timberlake would get a nomination for his work on “Saturday Night Live’s” “D-ck in a Box?”

Access Hollywood breaks down the exciting revelations (and depressing omissions) in this year’s nominees!

As far as drama series go, there’s no denying that “The Sopranos” is quality material. But some may wonder what happened to other fan-favorites such as “Lost” and “24.” While both shows were accused of going “off the rails” a bit this season, they still have incredibly loyal fanbases due to their compelling characters, actors, plotlines and style.

“24” received props for lead actor Kiefer Sutherland and guest actress Jean Smart, but failed to receive a nomination for Oustanding Drama Series…after winning the big award last year!

Similarly, “Lost” took home the gold in 2005, but failed to make the cut this year (or last). While “Lost” actors Terry O’Quinn and Michael Emerson each grabbed Supporting Actor nods, high-profile female cast members were shut out of the running. Evangeline Lilly failed to secure a nomination, as did Elizabeth Mitchell — whose “is she good or is she evil” performance as “Other” exile Juliet had everyone talking this season.

“Grey’s Anatomy” scored multiple nominations this year, including Outstanding Drama Series and a three-way battle between Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson and Katherine Heigl in the Supporting Actress race. T.R. Knight also got his first nomination this year for his work on “Grey’s,” but lead players Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo were ignored. Kate Walsh, who has her very own spinoff show in the pipeline, was also snubbed by Academy voters. As for controversial “dismissed” star Isaiah Washington? He took himself out of the running before ballots were even sent out!

Two other noteable snubs in the Drama department concern “Friday Night Lights” and the shows of the “CSI” franchise. While critics heaped praise on NBC’s “Lights,” the football drama didn’t attract a huge audience in its freshman season. Conversely, CBS’ “CSI” shows are some of the most-watched series in all of television, but failed to get the attention of Academy voters.

As for comedy nominations: “Ugly Betty” did very well for ABC, getting a nod for Outstanding Comedy Series, as well as recognition for stars America Ferrera and Vanessa Williams. In addition, a welcome surprise came in the form of a nomination for series producer Salma Hayek in the Outstanding Guest Actress category, for her wonderful work as duplicitous magazine writer Sofia Reyes.

NBC was happily surprised by a whopping 10 nominations for their new comedy, “30 Rock.” The critically acclaimed show has gained ratings momentum over the past year, but has not been the breakout smash hit that was expected. The multiple nominations, including Oustanding Comedy Series and nods for stars Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin (as well as a guest star nod for Broadway powerhouse Elaine Stritch), may help push the ratings to new heights next season.

Kevin Dillon finally gets his due for his hilarious portrayal of “Johnny Drama” on HBO’s “Entourage.” The first-time nominee will have to face off against co-star Jeremy Piven, though, who took home the Supporting Actor prize last year.

The winner of this year’s “Most Snubbed Comedy” has to go to “Desperate Housewives.” While Felicity Huffman scored a well-deserved nomination, her talented co-stars Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross and Eva Longoria were left out to dry with the laundry (as they were last year). The show itself also failed to make the cut for the second year in a row, following its initial nomination in 2005. Many felt the show improved this season, following its sophomore slump.

“Scrubs” was also a noticeable omission this year. The NBC sitcom has been nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series the last two years in a row, but failed to get a nod this time around. Star Zach Braff was also shut out, after previously being nominated for an both an Emmy and three Golden Globe awards. At least they have one more year left!

Timberlake’s nomination was also a fun surprise, as the “D-ck in a box” song and sketch was an online sensation following its debut on “SNL.” With the nomination, Timberlake further proves that he’s a force to be reckoned with in virtually all entertainment mediums. Queen Latifah pulled off a similar hat trick. The multi-faceted performer has conquered the realms of music and feature films, and now she can add her nominated performance in HBO’s “Life Support” to her long list of accolades.

Two former “Roseanne” stars were nominated for guest roles this year: John Goodman for his performance as a cranky small-town judge on “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” and Laurie Metcalf for her homicidal role on “Desperate Housewives.” Metcalf’s character was killed on “Housewives,” and one of the men responsible for her death was played by her real-life husband, Matt Roth — also a “Roseanne” alum!

Two former “Designing Women” were recognized as well. The aforementioned Smart, and Dixie Carter, who both received nominations for their guest starring roles in “24” and “Desperate Housewives,” respectively.

As for late-night talk and variety shows, “Saturday Night Live” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” were shut out of many races, most likely due in part to the rise of “The Colbert Report” as a major player. Furthermore, Leno’s heir apparent, Conan O’Brien, trumped him when it came to a spot in the Outsanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series race.

Reality categories had a couple tricks up their sleeves as well. Bravo’s “Top Chef” received its first nomination, and “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” may want to upgrade a couple letters after receiving its second nomination in a row.

Multiple-nominated actors this year include Tina Fey, Mary Louise-Parker and Ricky Gervais. Fey was recognized for her acting and writing on “30 Rock,” Parker for her roles in both “Weeds” and TV movie “The Robber Bride,” and Gervais for acting, writing AND directing for HBO’s comedy, “Extras.”

And finally, there are the snubs that aren’t a surprise. “Gilmore Girls” fans hoping to finally see the departed show get its due are disappointed today, and “Battlestar Galactica” –despite receiving sweeping critical praise over the last four seasons — was yet again ignored in major categories by Emmy voters.

[ Click Here to see Access Hollywood’s coverage of the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards ]