See TheWrap's Complete Emmys 2011 Coverage
The 63rd Annual Emmy Awards give voters the chance to daringly celebrate the new and bold, finally recognize the long-deserving, or keep piling awards on the same winners.
Look for them to mostly go with the third option -- with a little of the first two sprinkled in.
Also read: 'Mad Men,' 'Mildred Pierce' Lead Emmy Nominations
"Mad Men" and "Modern Family" seem likely to dominate, building on their past successes. "Mad Men" is going for its fourth consecutive win in the Outstanding Drama Series category, and will likey get it thanks to a strong year that should also give Jon Hamm his first win for Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
That would mean "Boardwalk Empire," HBO's bold new prohibition drama, will likely have to wait another year or two. And "Friday Night Lights," which would be the sentimental pick after five outstanding but unrecognized seasons, would have to wait forever. So would its excellent leads.
One indication of a possible "Empire" upset: The show's seven wins at the Creative Arts Emmys, handed out last weekend.
Also read: 'Boardwalk' Cleans Up at Creative Arts Emmy Ceremony
"Modern Family," meanwhile, seems likely to take its second consecutive win for Outstanding Comedy Series, and perhaps pick up more awards for its cast. It is the most nominated comedy with 17 nods. ("Mad Men" has 19, and "Boardwalk" 18.)
"Mildred Pierce," the most nominated program of the year with 21, is the favorite for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie. It could bring an Emmy for Kate Winslet, to go with her Oscar. Guy Pearce and Evan Rachel Wood are strong contenders in their supporting roles.
The reality competion race, meanwhile, looks like a rematch between "Top Chef" and "The Amazing Race" after "Top Chef" defeated it last year. ("Race" had won in the first seven years of the Outstanding Reality Competition Program.) The award could even go to a resurgent "American Idol."
Probably not up for grabs? The award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series, which has gone to "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" for the last eight years.
Voters will likely seize at least one opportunity to look back, by giving Steve Carell his first Lead Actor in a Comedy Series win for his completed run on "The Office."
The lead actress categories provide two big opportunities to look forward.
After losing out in her first nomination for Lead Actress in a Drama Series last year, Julianna Marguiles is a favorite for "The Good Wife." But voters could add to a "Mad Men" pile-on by finally recognizing Elisabeth Moss, coming off her strongest year on the show.
Connie Britton would be a sentimental -- and deserving -- choice for her five seasons on "Friday Night Lights."
