As predicted by TVMoJo weeks ago, there will be two "Tonight Shows" in the hunt for Emmy nominations this year: Jay Leno’s version and Conan O’Brien’s.
NBC submitted "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" for consideration in the variety series category, reports Tom O’Neil in his Gold Derby blog, while Conan himself submitted his version, which was canceled amidst much media attention earlier this year.
Normally a show’s production company is responsible for its Emmy submission. However, since Universal Media Studios produced both versions of "The Tonight Show," it seemed likely its choice would be the show still on the air — Leno’s.
TheWrap’s Josef Adalian pointed out that the last time the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences actually nominated a Leno-hosted TV series was when "Tonight" got a nomination back in 2003. O’Brien’s last at-bat in the show category came in 2007, the same year his version of "Late Night" won for writing in a variety/music/comedy show.
O’Neil says other contenders for nominations, to be announced July 8, are "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," with Fallon set to host "The 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards" on Aug. 29; "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," which is on a seven-year winning streak; its offspring "The Colbert Report"; "The Mo’Nique Show," hosted by the Oscar-winning "Precious" actress; and "Real Time With Bill Maher," whose host, according to O’Neil, is the new Susan Lucci — the biggest loser in the history of TV’s top award, with 22 defeats and no wins for producing, writing and performance.
