The Emmy Awards Live

Watching and chatting about all the Emmy action

Why just watch the 58th Annual Emmy Awards when you can chat about them at the same time?

Jen Chaney of washingtonpost.com will be seated in front of the television from the moment the red carpet pre-show begins until the final award is announced. As she's done each year during the Academy Awards, she'll respond to questions, catty comments and any complaints about the winners. (She will also accept and respond to diatribes about the lack of nominations for "Lost.")

A transcript follows .

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Jen Chaney: Is it me or does it seem really weird to be doing awards coverage before Labor Day?

Hopefully I'll get over it since we have a long night of Emmy commentary to go.

I've been watching bits and pieces of the red carpet and so far, I like Portia de Rossi, Leah Remini (although was it me, or was she kind of a bee-yatch to Ryan Seacrest on E!?) and Katherine Heigl. Still not sure what to make of Patrick Dempsey's highlights.

But what do you think? Is anybody out there? Does anyone care about the Emmys this year? Will "Two and Half Men" triumph tonight, sending me into a sitcom-suicide spiral?

Oh, the excitement!

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Rockville, Md.: How did Martin Sheen get a nomination this year? He was barely in "The West Wing's" final season; if they were going to nominate anyone from that show, it should have been Bradley Whitford, who pretty much carried the final season.

Jen Chaney: Here's the thing about the Emmy nominating process, which was revamped this year to much ado. The people voting don't watch the entire season's worth of shows. Unless they're fans and have seen every episode throughout the season, they just watch the one or two episodes submitted in each category. So when they decide on Sheen, they look at the eps in which he played a more central role.

Not necessarily fair, but that's the way the game goes. I have a feeling Sheen may actually win tonight since he has never gotten an Emmy for playing President Bartlett.

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Washington, D.C.: Well, that opening montage was weird - I didn't recognize anyone except Alfre Woodward and Ellen Pompeo, both on shows I don't watch. Should I take this as a sign -- turning off the tv and using my evening productively?

Jen Chaney: What are you, crazy? Don't be productive. Stay here with us!

Besides, how could you want to change the channel after hearing Randy Jackson refer to himself as dawg?

Oh wait, I'm not really helping matters...

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Balboa Towers: What the HELL is going on with Will Arnett's hair? Is he filming a direct-to-video "Da Vinci Code" sequel that I'm unaware of?

Jen Chaney: I haven't seen Will yet, but he can almost do no wrong in my book after "Arrested Development."

He's Gob, people ... come on!

That said, I will have to check out the hair ASAP.

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New York, N.Y.: Who had the best cleavage on the red carpet, and was it real or was it Memorex?

Jen Chaney: Virginia Madsen was certainly showing quite a bit, but I'm not sure how flattering it looks, despite the endorsement of Mr. Tim Gunn.

Jean Smart also wasn't being so shy with the whole chest region, but I wasn't wild about her dress. I thought it looked borderline trashy and she's hardly a trashy woman.

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Brookland, Washington, D.C.: What was up with Nancy O'Dell asking Jon Voigt about Angelina? Can you say "awkward"?

Jen Chaney: I actually think Voight welcomes the opportunity to talk about it because he seems to want to get Angelina's attention. But he did seem a little unprepared in this instance.

However, that awkward moment comes in distant second to Ryan Seacrest's attempt to ask Leah Remini about Suri Cruise. But kudos to him. We need less b.s. on the red carpet and more hard questions and awkward moments, darn it!

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Washington, D.C.: Could Ryan Seacrest have made Lisa Kudrow feel MORE awkward? "Gee Lisa, why did your show totally tank?" Argh, he's so bad I can't turn away ...

Jen Chaney: Shoot, I'm on NBC now instead of E! I might have to switch back...

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Washington, D.C.: Ellen Pompeo looks ridiculous.

Jen Chaney: I didn't see the dress but I'm not digging the hair.

Please tell me she gained some weight. If she gets any skinner, she might turn invisible.

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New York, N.Y.: What's with the anti-"Two and a Half Men" vibe? Been watching since beginning and it is fast, clever and well played. They keep the mix going. Never really know what they'll throw in nest within the limits of the format. Escapism at its finest for getting away from the concerns of the day.

Jen Chaney: You know, a lot of people watch that show so you're clearly not alone. I think my feeling is that, as far as awards go, we should be honoring work that tries something new and different. There's been so much hoo-hah about the death of the TV comedy and I think it's simply not true. There are plenty of funny and really different shows on TV right now, like "Arrested Development" (okay, that got canceled, but still), "My Name is Earl" and "Entourage." I think those last two deserved it more than "Men" simply because, as you say, the format for "Men" is limiting and has been done to death.

That said, I will always have a soft spot for Jon Cryer. He is, was and will always be Duckie Dale.

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Washington, D.C.: NBC is promoting a "Win $10,000" contest but it costs $0.99 to enter by text message. Even if the phone company takes half, if 20,000 people enter, they've broken even. If 100,000 people enter, they've made a lot of money. Don't you think that's shameful?

Jen Chaney: Not only did you write in to the chat, you even included some higher math in your question. That's impressive.

It is a bit shameful, but a lot of things about awards show telecasts are shameful. So really, why stop now?

I finally saw Pompeo's dress and for some reason, I felt compelled to burst into song: "Purple rain, purple rain..."

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Springfield, Mass.: Why do all the "Grey's" folks appear to be spouse less or dateless?

Jen Chaney: Don't know. I thought Dempsey's wife was with him, unless I was hallucinating when I briefly flipped to E!

As for Pompeo, maybe her date is afraid of velvet/velour evening wear.

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Washington, D.C.: Oh my, Simon Cowell ... the open-neck dress shirt, the hideous pseudo-aviators ... he looks so skeezy!

Jen Chaney: Um...I kinda think he might be skeezy. So he's just dressing the part.

I had to switch when he tried to interview Debra Messing. It made my eyes sting.

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Washington, D.C.: So, your take: will Ellen Burstyn win for her 14 second appearance?

Jen Chaney: I think it's very possible.

I love Jeremy Piven, but what's with the ascot? And man, does he seem annoyed by Billy Bush.

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Rockville, MD: FYI - for all NBC contests (including tonight's) you can enter for free at nbc.com instead of paying to text message. This comes in especially handy during "Deal or No Deal" where you can enter up to 10 times for that show's contest (not that I do that or anything...)

Jen Chaney: The washingtonpost.com live Emmys discussion: Not just entertaining and informative, but also a public service.

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Washington, D.C.: The purple plethora really has convinced me that the stylists are all in cahoots with the fashion industry.

Jen Chaney: I love purple but some people are rocking it better than others.

Tim Gunn has just declared it: Aubergine is the new black.

Evangeline Lilly is beautiful but her hair seems to be suffering from the heat, no?

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Washington, D.C.: Wow, Jenna Fischer cleans up nice! Much sleeker in real life than she is as slightly-dowdy Pam.

Jen Chaney: I haven't seen her yet, but now I really want to. I think they make her look dowdy on purpose on the show, so I can see how she would clean up nice pretty easily.

Roughly 15 minutes until ceremony time. Can you taste the anticipation?

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Detroit, Mich.: Martin Sheen absolutely deserves to be nominated.

Jen Chaney: I personally can't believe he never won for that role. In the early seasons, his ability to be a convincing president was crucial. Otherwise you couldn't believe in the staff's devotion to him. I think he should have won three or four years ago myself, but I have no particular beef with his nomination. I don't think "West Wing" should have been up for best drama, though. "Lost" should have been in there instead.

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Washington, DC: Oooh, Evangeline Lilly! She looks gorgeous in that eggplant-colored frock. And she's totally pulling off the undone hair, unlike Kate Walsh.

Jen Chaney: I think she looks very pretty and the color works for her. Just think the hair looked unintentionally undone, which is understandable given the apparent heat.

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Holliston, Mass.: OHG!!! What WAS Sandra Oh wearing? It looked like a purple bed ruffle attacked and wrapped itself around her.

Jen Chaney: Agreed. Not digging the ruffles.

Joan Collins: Wig or not a wig? Her hair seems to be holding its position remarkably well.

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Arlington, Va.: Let's see of that witty cynicism that we have come to hold dear from the WaPo TV writers. Give us your grades (so far) on the announcers - who does it well and who needs to be sent packing. Let's hope "Arrested Development" wins!

Jen Chaney: Agree on "Arrested Development" 100 percent, though I'm not hopeful for a win.

Nancy O'Dell -- cheesy but tolerable.

Billy Bush -- just plain cheesy and not a very good improver. He looked utterly lost when Jeremy Piven started giving him s---.

Ryan Seacrest: He too is pure Velveeta, but I appreciate that he will ask non-fawning questions and not kiss everyone's butt all day long. After Star Jones, that's a welcome change.

I have missed the Rivers ladies, simply because I can't change channels so often and type at the same time. Without them, I feel like something's missing. It's not an awards show until I hear Joan River call a celebrity by the wrong name.

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Springfield, Mass.: Paula Abdul's hair is from where? Wow.

Jen Chaney: Um, outer space?

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Washington, D.C.: I don't have cable. The quality of Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush makes me totally miss the Rivers ladies. There's a sentiment I never thought I'd have.

Jen Chaney: All right, now you've just made me go to the TV Guide Channel. And of course, it's in commercial. Figures.

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Fort Valley, Va.: A. Jenna Fisher as Pam does _not_ look in the last bit dowdy 2. I don't know if I would consider they way these stars get all glammed up for the Emmy awards "real life."

Jen Chaney: Maybe dowdy isn't quite the right word. Pam definitely doesn't dress in particularly flattering clothes and they don't do much make-up on her either. Which is fine, she still looks adorable.

And I don't think anyone thinks what we're watching right now is real life. Real life is what we see on reality television ... duh!

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Couch City: Wasn't Martin Sheen nominated for "2.5 Men" and not "The West Wing"? Also, it is innovative and funny, and it has Duckie!

Why are you watching lame NBC and not the TV Guide channel? Debra Messing was Joan's 1000 interview! How planned was that?

They said they'd have all the original Charlie's Angels during the Spelling tribute!!!!!

Jen Chaney: You know, that should have been the Emmy campaign slogan for "Two and a Half Men" -- "It has Duckie!"

It's hard to watch every channel. Next year I need multiple TVs.

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DC: Piven looks even more skeezy than Cowell! What a mess!

Jen Chaney: Yeah, the ascot look does not work for him.

All right, we're getting ready to start the show, people. Are you ready for Conan O'Brien's antics?

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Thorndale, Pa.: Jen -- you are right about "Two and a Half Men" not be inventive or particularly creative. But you remind me of the people who applaud clever comedians. I remember when the best comedians were the ones who actually made you laugh. The clever shows you like just aren't funny. "Earl" is obnoxious. Change your standard for comedy to what makes you laugh--these guys aren't supposed to be Picassos!

Jen Chaney: I think "Earl" is funny, actually. Watch it a couple of more times. It grows on you.

I like clever and funny at the same time, whenever possible. Is that too much to ask?

Speaking of, I'm liking this opening. Any one else smell the irony of opening with "Lost" when it DIDN'T GET A NOMINATION. Sorry, I'm still bitter.

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Elkridge, Md.: I think plane crash humor is tasteless anytime, but especially on the same day as a real crash occurs.

Jen Chaney: I hear what you're saying, but given that it's a spoof of "Lost," I didn't even think about that right away.

What do other people think? Poor taste or funny?

This "South Park" stuff is great -- I can't believe they did the Tom Cruise thing. Kudos to Conan.

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Washington, D.C.: Haha, Tom Cruise jokes: always funny.

Jen Chaney: Indeed, my friend. Strong opening all around.

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Ann Arbor, Mich.: OK - the "South Park" bit was beautiful. However, I can't believe so many people want to watch Joan. She scares me!

Jen Chaney: She can be scary but she's also oddly entertaining.

And the "SP" thing was brilliant. Conan is rocking ... following up on Cruise with a Mel Gibson joke? Nice.

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The Opening: Was hilarious! I love Conan and can't believe they used Trapped in the Closet. Tom isn't going to be happy...

Jen Chaney: No, he isn't. But he has other things to worry about these days ... let's wait and see if he tries to sue the Emmys, NBC and/or Conan O'Brien.

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Rockville, Md.: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! NO MUSICAL ACTS!! DAGNABIT!

Jen Chaney: Yeah, but he just acknowledged how ridiculous it is, thereby preventing us from mocking it for him.

Plus I think it was pretty funny.

Uh-oh, here comes Mc Dreamy and Purple Rain. The first award, kids.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: I heart Conan. $50,000 to Olive Garden...CLASSIC!

Jen Chaney: I heart him, too.

We're on to Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy. I'm thinking Megan Mulally will win as a bye-bye to "Will & Grace."

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Anonymous: What a random musical score! Who thought that would be a good idea to have Conan sing?

Jen Chaney: And Mullally just won. Cheryl Hines just sighed. And Jamie Pressley looks miffed.

Conan killed.

Mullally is going on too long and they're trying to play her off. What is this horrible Muzak??

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Washington, D.C.: Conan's gangly-ness is really working for him comedically in this song-and-dance number ... don't see that on his night show ... good for him!

Jen Chaney: He's getting good marks all around.

Now we're on to Supporting Actor in a Drama ... will it be Shatner?

Nope ... goes to Alan Alda, who is not there.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I guess Megan Mullally won because they couldn't give it to Candace Bergen for "Murphy Brown" again. Good grief . . . the cast of "Will and Grace" phoned in the last 5 seasons or so . . .

Jen Chaney: I think the cast of that show was the strongest thing about it. But I agree, it had its day, let's recognize something else.

I was disappointed that Jessica Walters from "Arrested Development" wasn't nominated. Honestly, everyone on that show deserved a nomination.

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No love for Jersey?: I'm sad Christopha (Michael Imperioli) didn't win! Has he ever won or been nominated before?

Jen Chaney: He has been nominated, and he won two years ago. So don't feel too badly for dear Christa-fuh.

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Emmy Question: Are the commercials that play as important or expensive as the Super Bowl ones or the Oscar ones?

Jen Chaney: I don't know how much they cost, but I know they don't approach Super Bowl or Oscar levels, especially on the Sunday before Labor Day weekend.

My guess is that ratings for this will be pretty low. I suspect a lot of people don't know the Emmys are even on tonight.

Bob Newhart bit -- another good one. Conan is crushing.

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Washington, D.C.: I love the Bob Newhart bit! He's such a good sport.

Jen Chaney: The man's a pro. He played that beautifully.

We're on to supporting actress in a drama. I'm thinking Sandra Oh.

And the winner is ... Blythe Danner?! Wow, first big surprise of the evening. She won last year, I think, so I wouldn't have thought she'd get it again.

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Indianapolis, Ind.: Heeeey, it's an Emmy party!! What's everyone else drinking? My choices are Asahi, Guinness, or some kind of Mexican pop called BOING.

Was it just me, or did it just look like Blythe Danner was going topless to claim her statue????

Jen Chaney: I'm drinking caffeine free Coke and water. That's right, I'm hardcore.

Blythe rambled a bit, but they really aren't giving anyone any time, are they?

Now, supporting actor in a comedy. (Please give it to Will Arnett!)

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Jen Chaney: Hey, Jeremy Piven just won for Supporting Actor. He was my second choice after Arnett -- he makes a fantastic Ari, really the main reason "Entourage" is worth watching.

Sadly, this makes that ascot choice all the more noticeable and unfortunate...

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Blythe Danner is gorgeous for an older woman! How come they don't show clips for all of the categories??

Jen Chaney: I agree -- she is beautiful and has aged in a very graceful, classy way.

Everyone on that family is attractive, though, so she obviously has great genes in her favor.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm making tacos and wearing my Emmys tiara. Just thought you all should know. Is crushing a good or bad thing?

Jen Chaney: Darn, my Emmys tiara is at the jewelers, getting polished. Obviously I didn't plan ahead.

Crushing is a good thing. Same thing as killing, which can be bad, but in the context of comedy is good.

Have a taco for me, friend.

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Oh no!: I was so hoping Gob would get it! Any more nominees from Arrested Development tonight? I really want that show to get some Emmy love, they were so good!

Jen Chaney: They are nominated for Best Comedy and, I believe, in writing and directing categories, too. So there's still time. But I'm really thinking "The Office" will win Best Comedy.

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Steve, Lanham, Md.: They might have had new procedures for determining the nominees -- now they need to do something about picking the winners.

Mullally and Alda were straight from the tried-and-true "How to Win an Emmy" handbook.

Sad to see the Logans ("24") go 0-for-2.

Jen Chaney: Yes, I thought the Logans were deserving, particularly Jean Smart. She played fragile and mentally unstable without getting over-the-top or unsympathetic.

Let's see if Ellen Burstyn ... no! Kelly MacDonald won for supporting actress in a miniseries. Controversy averted.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: The winners this year are really disappointing. If they keep giving them to nondeserving and boring people I'm going to switch it off.

Jen Chaney: NBC and the Academy, are you listening?

Try to stick it out, at least until 9. Hopefully we're making things somewhat entertaining for you at least.

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Who??: ...is Kelly MacDonald??

Jen Chaney: She is a Scottish actress. She has been in a number of films, most notably "Gosford Park."

Nice to see a newcomer win at least, though I never saw "Girl in the Cafe."

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Food chat or Emmy chat?: So, like I guess I'm eating these pasta things that look like little bowties. I don't know why they make pasta that looks like bowties. Seems silly to me. No sauce. Just margarine and parmesan. I'm not even watching the Emmys. So who's on screen now? Do I have to mention that I am very lonely...

Jen Chaney: It's too bad you can't loan one of your pasta bow ties to Jeremy Piven. Would have looked better than the ascot ... and tasty, too!

Right now, John Lithgow, Heidi Klum and Jeffrey Tambor are on, presenting outstanding variety, music or comedy. And they're doing a crazy product placement for iPods.

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Office Shmoffice: I really like The Office, but I am so hoping the Emmy Deciders go with "Arrested Development." It's their last chance, and "The Office" will have plenty more. Plus AD is way smarter.

Yay for Kelly Macdonald, she has been great from Trainspotting on.

Jen Chaney: I couldn't agree more. I'm just afraid they won't honor "AD" because it got cancelled. It's so brilliant, though.

Also, is it just me, or is Jason Bateman the hotness? I may be alone, but I think he's so attractive and a master of the under-the-breath sarcastic line.

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Elkridge, Md.: Jon Stewart - excellent choice!

Jen Chaney: This is, what, the third consecutive time they have won? I love Jon Stewart, though, so I can't argue with it.

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Baltimore, Md.: Kelly MacDonald was also fantastic in "Trainspotting"...

Jen Chaney: Yes, you're not the first person to point that out.

Okay, I was wrong about "Arrested Development" being nominated for directing. But "My Name is Earl" just won in that category so that's not a bad choice.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Can't talk now. Berger aka Ron Livingston is on.

I am so happy that Beverly Leslie won! His business associate Benji would have been so proud! -wink-

Jen Chaney: I like Ron L., but never loved the Berger character.

Here we go -- a writing nom for "Arrested Development," fingers crossed everyone.

Also, why does Cloris Leachmen keep pronouncing "Entourage" like it's super-French?

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Baton Rouge, La.: I am totally crushing on Jon Stewart, and every other guy on here. Damn being single - I'm not a fan! I am a fan, however, of chocolate chip cookies...

Jen Chaney: Greg Garcia from "My Name is Earl" (a Washingon area native, by the way) just won for comedy writing and made the best acceptance speech of the night so far.

Jon Stewart is crush-worthy.

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Anonymous: "Elkridge, Md.: Jon Stewart - excellent choice!

Jen Chaney: This is, what, the third consecutive time they have won? I love Jon Stewart, though, so I can't argue with it."

Apparently he can tho. Did you hear what he said?

Oh and I LOVE that little guy who won best guest star. I've loved him since he used to be on, yes, Murphy Brown.

Jen Chaney: I did. He's always ultra-humble at these things. I like the fact that a woman writer was finally on stage with them this year.

Leslie Jordan is pretty funny. And one of the few "Will & Gracers" who hadn't won something before.

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You are reading my mind: You are totally correct, Jason Bateman is the epitome of the hotness. All I need is to find his exact personality and body double and I'm on the way to the alter, postehaste.

And again, no Emmy for AD. Tear.

Jen Chaney: Oh, it's so good to know I'm not alone.

I think he's pretty happily married, though. Tear.

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N. Potomac, Md.: I like creative acceptance speeches and that "MNiE" writer was golden! 8th grade teacher? Good one! lol

Jen Chaney: It was very funny, agree wholeheartedly. I wish more people would be so creative with their speeches.

Simon Cowell just got booed... or was that imagination? Perhaps that was just me, mentally booing at the sight of his bare chest.

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Gaithersburg, MD: HOLY SHNICKIES! They just boo'd Simon Cowell! AWESOME!!

Jen Chaney: Okay, so that wasn't my imagination.

Finally, the crowd at the Emmys speaks the truth.

Couldn't they have gotten someone else to pay tribute to Dick Clark? Seriously. Even Regis would have been a better choice.

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Jason Bateman is SO the hotness: Is he at the Emmys? I haven't spotted him yet, but I didn't watch the pre-show.

Holy hell, Simon Cowell is being booed!!!!

Jen Chaney: Apparently there is a Jason Bateman contingency that has been waiting for years to profess their admiration.

I haven't seen him yet either so we may be out of luck tonight.

Dick Clark, who is seated behind a podium, is now getting a standing ovation. It's brave of him to appear live like this. I find it so sad to see him like this.

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Washington, D.C.: Wow, Dick Clark ... tough to watch.

Jen Chaney: Absolutely. He looks old for the first time, which is disconcerting.

As opposed to Barry Manilow, who just looks heavily Botoxed.

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Dick Clark: It is bittersweet to see him. Such an energetic, vibrant man (who has come a long way in his recovery). At least he still has his sense of humor!

Jen Chaney: Definitely. And a sense of class, which stands in sharp contrast to Mr. Cowell.

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Washington, D.C.: Leno gets snubbed again! The Emmys love Letterman -- remember Dave's tribute to Carson last year, and Jon Stewart's tribute to Dave?

Jen Chaney: I prefer Letterman to Leno myself. Leno dishes out a decent joke in his opening monologue every once in a while, but he's a horrible interviewer.

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Ashburn, Va.: So, I logged into wapo.com to get my daily hit of news but now I've been sucked into your emmy vortex. And I don't even watch TV! It's the devil's work, I tell you! Now I have to go find my rabbit ears and figure out how to work that darn box. Cheers!

Jen Chaney: Yes! My scheme is working exactly as planned.

Welcome to the vortex.

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Ithaca, N.Y.: Is it just me, or is it a little ironic that an awards show that is here to celebrate television isn't being filmed and broadcast in high definition TV - the "television of the future"?

Are all those stars worried about showing how much makeup they're actually wearing and how bad their complexions really are?

Jen Chaney: I'm watching in high-definition. Surely you must be able to get it, too?

I think Tina Fey looks pretty great. I like her dress; simple but elegant.

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Ummmmm....: Tracy Morgan and Tina Fey are not funny. I had to change the channel to the "Pirate" movie.

Jen Chaney: Confound those "Pirates." After making so much money on the second one, can't they give it a rest?

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Germantown, Md.: Tina Fey looks so pretty!!! Wow, she had a baby how long ago? I want to be like her if I get pregnant.

It will be good to see Tracy Morgan and Tina together with Alec Bladwin

Jen Chaney: And another opinion on Fey and Morgan

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Dick Clark is pure class: Regardless of his physical condition, Dick Clark stands head and shoulders above Simon any day. Simon couldn't have buttoned his shirt or worn a tie or a poncho or something? He knew he was presenting the tribute, right?

Jen Chaney: Evidently wearing a tie or buttoning his shirt would have impeded his efforts to get cast in "A Night at the Roxbury Two: Electric Gigaloo."

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Washington, D.C.: that accounting thing was hilarious!

Jen Chaney: Totally -- introducing them like a basketball team was pure Conan.

"24" just won Best Drama Directing. Writing is up now ... and the Emmy goes to "The Sopranos." Bummer. I like "The Sopranos" but was hoping "Six Feet Under" or "Lost" would win. That "Six Feet" finale was brilliant.

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Washington, D.C.: Wentworth Miller and Evangeline Lily onstage together? Mine eyes were just blinded by the hotness ... and Christina Ricci was robbed.

Jen Chaney: I'm not that blinded by Wentworth, but they did look pretty stellar together.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm probably the only one but ... I love the writing awards. These pretty faces ain't nothin without those pen-wielders. Tricky thing to judge though ...

Jen Chaney: I do, too. Writing is really key to a show's success and those people don't get nearly enough credit for what they do.

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Qualicum Beach, B.C., Canada: Oh my god!! Nothing has been funnier than the intro to the Emmys with Conan O'Brien...somebody give that boy a raise. PLUS Megan Mullally deserves her award...but it was a tough call because we loved them all!!! Ceri John

Jen Chaney: Thanks for sharing, Canadian friend. Everybody doesn't love Raymond -- they love Conan.

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Four Corners: So tell me, how does one get a job being paid to watch the Emmys?

Jen Chaney: Dumb, stupid luck.

I oversee movie and Ent. News for washingtonpost.com, and have done a chat like this for several years during the Oscars. So I thought I'd give the Emmys a whirl this year. You know, because I have nothing better to do.

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Alabama: Did they need to put a stroke victim on a stage in front of an audience to do a tribute? The video montage would have been enough on its own, but there's something repellent to me about putting him at a desk. It's like the Emmy people want to show off their compassion. Kind of skeezy, I think.

Jen Chaney: In all fairness, Dick Clark seemed to be a willing participant. It's possible he wanted to be there for the tribute, but as he said, he couldn't walk very well. So sitting may have been the only way he could handle it.

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Falls Church, Va.: A world in which Barry Manilow beats Stephen Colbert is a world I don't want to live in. The Emmys are dead to me.

Jen Chaney: I can see how you might feel that way. But at least stay a little while longer. I hear there's good food at the wake.

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Washington, D.C.: Howie Mandel needs to crawl back into the hole from which he came ... he's just so ... ick.

Jen Chaney: Hey, blowing up surgical gloves and turning them into funny masks is comedy gold.

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Anonymous: Do my eyes deceive or is Tracy Morgan the only face darker than a paper bag that's been on this entire show?

Jen Chaney: Well, there have been a few nominees of color. But you're quite right, this has been a largely white ceremony, both in terms of honorees and presenters.

Doesn't reflect well on the TV community, does it?

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Gaithersburg, Md.: OK, NBC needs to stop with the blatant promos. Deal or No Deal spoofs can stop RIGHT NOW!

Jen Chaney: I agree. Not funny. Just sad.

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Re: Jason Bateman: are you sure Lisa de Moraes hasn't kidnapped him? Wasn't she in L.A. for this show?

Jen Chaney: If she has, I will be soooo jealous.

, I think Lisa is busy blogging, as you can see

here

.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: The comedy writer's award is the best of the night. I loved the outsourcing skit and the Telemundo clips!

Jen Chaney: The best comedy/variety/yadda yadda category is always good for a laugh for that reason. Although a couple of those skits seemed less funny in light of what we just mentioned about the lack of diversity on the show.

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Ann Arbor, Mich.: Someone called me while Jon was on stage. What did he say about Colbert? Someone please tell me! I adore them both.

Jen Chaney: He just gave a shout-out to the show. Was a nice, classy thing to do.

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N. Potomac, Md.: No, there was Dennis Haysbert as well.

It IS hard to believe that in 2006-2007, there are so few people of color on TV

Jen Chaney: True, I forgot Mr. Haysbert. But I still think the percentage is on the low side.

Some shows are clearly trying to diversify their casts. "24" and "Lost" are two that come to mind. Unfortunately, a lot of African-American, Latino and Asian actors tend to play supporting roles, or at least roles that get less attention at awards time.

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Washington, D.C.: I wish my job had an annual awards ceremony where I could wear a really pretty dress and win a golden statue. Unfortunately no one wants to honor, "Best Admin", "Best Telephone Voice", "Best Teamwork without Complaining" and the like. I'm clearly in the wrong field.

Jen Chaney: Maybe you can start your own awards. The Adminnys. With categories like Best Response to a Computer Snafu, Best Delivery of a UPS Package and Most Complete Expense Report, it will be a magical night for all.

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Baltimore, Md.: Hey, Jen. Great to see you have Emmy chats as well as Oscar ones. I'm still at work in the ER. Don't worry, it's not hectic.

Like the earlier chatter, I, too, just got sucked into your vortex. I don't know a darn thing about TV shows, but couldn't resist the opportunity to be entertained by you once again. By the way, I am having a spicy tofu/vegetable dish that was just delivered. Cheers!

Jen Chaney: The vortex will get you every time.

Oy, Tony Shalhoub just won Best Actor in a Comedy -- AGAIN -- for "Monk." You know, it's a good thing they changed the nomination process so some new people and shows could win. It's really gratifying to see how well that worked out.

Good God! Could poor Steve Carell have been sweating more? He didn't perspire that much during the chest waxing scene in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."

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New York, N.Y.: So is the inimitable Chatwoman producing tonight? How 'bout a shout out to your peeps!

Jen Chaney: I would shat out, but I am acting as both producer and question-answerer tonight.

So, to paraphrase Michael Keaton in "Batman," I ... am Chatwoman.

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Re: Diversity: Let's not forget the role "Survivor" is trying to play in diversifying their cast...ughh, I feel dirty writing that.

Jen Chaney: Yeah, I'm not so sure that's going to do as much for racial harmony. To me, that whole thing is just a bald, lame attempt to get attention for a show that should just be taken off the air.

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Four Corners: How much of a say does the network get in the presenters? Matt Perry and Brad Whitford have a HUGE new show coming out. Does the Emmy authority choose the presenters or NBC?

Jen Chaney: I'm not 100 percent sure how it works. I suspect the Academy chooses but NBC, because of its deal to broadcast the Emmys, probably gets some leeway to promote its programming with a few presenters.

Yikes, I'm not digging Candice Bergen's belt.

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Washington, D.C.: I don't think that Carell's sweat was real ... my hunch is that it was to be part of a joke ... if he won.

Jen Chaney: Maybe so, but he should have mopped up real quick after he lost.

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YIKES!: What is Candace Bergen wearing???

Jen Chaney: Yeah, yikes is really the only word for that outfit. She's a striking woman and that emsem did her no favors.

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Heather Locklear: ... looks not a day over 26. I hope I look like her when I grow up.

Jen Chaney: No joke. If she's had any work done, I want that surgeon's name.

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Goldsboro, N.C.: I am so busy following you on the Internet that I am missing most of the fun on the Emmys while sitting right in front of the tube. But this is so much better getting your view on from there. Mariska Hargitay is the most beautiful actress I have seen tonight, but what's up with Candace Bergin. Really frumpy tonight, but still a long-time favorite.

Jen Chaney: Wait, this is better than the Emmys? Maybe we should let NBC know. Perhaps I can get my own show, and then I can get nominated for an Emmy next year, and then I can do this chat and make fun of my own red carpet outfit.

Oh, I can dare to dream.

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Indianapolis, Ind.: Props to Joan Collins! She's trying to bring back Jheri curls!! You GO, girl!!

Jen Chaney: I'm telling you, I don't think that hair is real.

Does anyone else enjoy hearing the theme from "Melrose Place" (heard during the Aaron Spelling tribute) as much as I do?

Hey, here come the three original Charlie's Angels. Pretty cool. Kate Jackson looks pretty darn good.

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Heather:

Yeah, don't really know much about her (besides the silly gossip stuff), but she really is beautiful ...

Jen Chaney: She has a reputation for being pretty nice. Not that I know the woman.

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Charlie's Angels!: ... Farrah, stop fidgeting!

Jen Chaney: She scares me a little bit. I think it's the surgery on her face. But she said some nice words about Aaron Spelling.

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Washington, D.C.: Actually, and I'm sorry to write this, but I think that Candace has lost her figure in the last few years ... just getting older. Many others (like me) lost it at a much younger age. Still, she's classy.

Jen Chaney: I saw her at an event at the Kennedy Center not too long ago, and I thought she looked great. Sure, she's getting a little older (as we all are) but I think wearing a belt like that would make anyone who wears a size 6 or greater look kinda frumpy.

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Herndon VA: This Aaron Spelling thing is horrible! Jaclyn Smith is the only one who looks like herself -- Kate Jackson's facelift makes her look ridiculous!! And the cutaways to the grieving widow, it's just awful.

Jen Chaney: It's not an awards show until somebody cries. And if somebody cries, the camera guys have to capture it.

It's "dramatic."

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Albany, N.Y.: What's the 411 on the Tori and Mrs. Spelling seating arrangements? I can only imagine the politics behind it ... (Maybe this is a question for Ms. De Moraes... you both rock, but still...)

Jen Chaney: There is major bad blood between Tori and her mother and there's been a lot of speculation about how that will play out in the will. I believe Tori was somewhat estranged from her dad at the very end, partly because of what ever the deal is with her mom. That's a general explanation, I can't recall all the gory deets at the moment.

Clearly it doesn't look like things have been resolved.

That was a rather abrupt return from commercial, wasn't it?

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Love that Melrose theme: I especially loved hearing it played over the 7th Heaven intro!

Jen Chaney: Indeed. Gosh, I miss the uniquely wooden acting of Andrew Shue.

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Three Bridges, N.J.: Talking about people of color, It looks like the only black person in an Aaron Spelling show was the black guy on "Mod Squad."

Jen Chaney: Let's not forget Ted Lange, aka Isaac from "The Love Beat." That man can make a mean mai tai.

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Jaclyn Smith: Still has it. Kate Jackson didn't look too bad either. Farrah Fawcett looks like she was pulled taut.

Jen Chaney: Farrah Fawcett has been pulled taut.

Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert are doing a hilarious job of presenting reality programming.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm noticing a lot of errs in the telecast tonight. At one point, as the winner was speaking, they awkwardly showed the presenters. Now we missed the intro of James Woods and whoever. This is distracting.

Jen Chaney: I agree. It's been a little sloppy, though more entertaining than I had expected.

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I Lost to the Copacabana!: Best. Outburst. Ever. Bravo, Colbert.

Jen Chaney: Apparently the Emmy audience has more of a sense of humor than the folks at the Correspondents Dinner. They are loving him, and rightly so. I liked the line about Wolverine, too.

"Amazing Race" just won best reality show. Crud. I wanted "Project Runway" to win.

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BOOOOOOOOOO Amazing Race: What can be more indicative of the struggle of man's inhumanity to man than seeing someone create haute couture from leftover gum wrappers??? Runway was ROBBED!

Jen Chaney: Hear hear!

Can anyone on the "Amazing Race" make a dress out of curtains and chandelier crystals? I don't think so.

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Half a season --- : is all the Amazing Race needs to win, even after the admitted failure that was the family edition.

So, when do the voters wake up and shake things up a bit? (Not complaining, I like TAR. But still ....)

Jen Chaney: I suspect the voters may be going with what they know in that category. The Emmys tend to take a while to go in new directions.

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Colbert and Stewart: Brilliant intro to the Reality Show Category. I hope "I lost to MANILOW!" enters the American lexicon.

Jen Chaney: Maybe together we can make it happen.

Here's a question. I'm watching a promo for the new season of "E.R." And I'm thinking, does anyone still watch that show? I stopped after Clooney and Anthony Edwards left.

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Oscars: Perhaps Stewart and Colbert should host it together next time??

Jen Chaney: Ooh, that's a delicious idea. I'm thinking Jon won't be asked back this year, though.

Okay, Hugh Laurie looked kind of sweaty a second ago. So I'm thinking that Carell sweat may have been real and that it's really hot in the auditorium.

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New York, N.Y.: Ok, not to be a home team booster, but can I just say the NY contingent is always the funniest at the Emmys - Jon S. and Colbert presenting, Conan hosting, even the clip for nominees for best comedy/variety show which were dominated by New Yorkers (how funny was the Indian call center clip, or the David Blaine spoof). Oh, and go Yankees!

Jen Chaney: You can say that all that stuff was funny (because it was) but let's not bring the Yankees into this. That's just pushing it too far, unless the old Yankees-themed episodes of "Seinfeld" were nominated.

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Project Runway Got Robbed.: I don't know anyone who watches the stupid Race thing.

And I agree, the directing/editing is sloppy. But the director of this show won an Emmy for the Oscars. How ironic. He needs Tim Gunn in the control room to urge him to "Make it Work."

Jen Chaney: It's possible other people are messing up and it's not the director's fault. But ultimately he is responsible. I also think the way they keep cutting off the winners is excessive. They can give people a minute for Pete's sake.

Edie Falco looked pretty smoking in red, didn't she?

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Ithaca, N.Y.: If you're able to see the Emmys broadcast in high def then you're the only one ... nobody else in the country seems to be getting it. Rumor is that Conan has it written into his NBC contract that he doesn't want to be filmed in high def (apparently because of how he looks).

Jen Chaney: Forgive me. I completely stand corrected. My picture isn't occupying my full screen so it's clearly not true high-def. It just looked so much clearer than the E! picture that I got confused for a second.

Is that really true about Conan? If it is, I heart him a tiny bit less. That's ridiculous. His show is broadcast in high-def, so I don't know why he should care.

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It's a Clinker!!: Goodbye Darren McGavin.... RIP...

Jen Chaney: I love Darren McGavin. He is genius in "A Christmas Story."

Only a half-hour until the party's over. Can you believe it? It seems like only yesterday that Billy Bush was making inane comments on the red carpet.

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Couch City: Yayayayayay TAR!!! Project who? TAR is for smart people! Go Emmy voters.

Jen Chaney: Uh-oh. Now it's getting ugly. Us "Project Runway" viewers have effectively been called stupid.

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On the couch: Doesn't Maureen Stapleton deserve more than 5 secs in the "in memoriam"?

Jen Chaney: Perhaps, but so do a lot of people. They have to treat everyone equally, though. It's only fair.

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Re: Edie Falco: She absolutely looked fabulous and I thought Gandolfini looked pissed. He looked disgusted announcing that award. He needs a stiff drink.

Jen Chaney: He kind of always looks like that, though. It's hard to gauge when he's actually annoyed.

He makes a great Tony though.

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New York, NY: Ok, is anyone else not liking the playing of clips as people walk up to get their awards. It seems like you're getting 10 seconds of silence and then three seconds of clip.

What happened? The TV industry can't afford an orchestra?

Jen Chaney: It's a little strange. And for being so concerned about time, we seem to be taking an awful lot of commercial breaks in this last hour.

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Holliston, Mass.: Any guesses on the number of quarts of Botox used on the show? Jacqueline Smith's face looked utterly frozen!!

Jen Chaney: Ooh, good question. I'm guessing somewhere between 250 and 400?

Whoever guesses right wins $10,000 from NBC and a shot to compete on "Deal or No Deal!"

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Annandale: OK, I have a question. When is "The Wire," on HBO, ever going to get nominated for an Emmy? The storylines are great, the actors are even greater, and I have a major crush on the lead actor!!! (But I forget his name).

What's the deal?

Jen Chaney: It does seem to get lost. I've only heard good things about it, though I must confess I have never watched it.

Mariska Hargitay just won for Best Actress in a Drama. Dang. I really wanted Frances Conroy to win. She was so fantastic on "Six Feet Under," and consistently so.

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Derwood, MD: Not to disparage any of the other reality shows, but Amazing Race is ...well, amazing and deserving of the Emmy. The camera work is awesome, the locations are inspired (where else on primetime broadcast TV will you see Montevideo Uruguay and Dakar Senegal?) AND a few seasons ago they had a footrace with a midget carrying a slab of beef over her shoulder. Brilliant.

Jen Chaney: Full disclosure: I watch no reality TV, pretty much, except for "Project Runway." So "Race" may be fantastic. I'm just partial to the fun fashions on "Runway," even though it can be a little goofy sometimes (see constant references to the Tresomme Hair Salon).

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Conan is stealing the show: Conan's jokes are my favorite part of the show. His joke about Kiefer's Sutherland's first name was pretty funny. Felicity Huffman looks gorgeous tonight also.

Jen Chaney: I didn't love Felicity's dress, but she looked pretty good in it.

And Conan has been a resounding success. Which probably means he'll get slammed in the press tomorrow.

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Arlington, VA: I'll just throw a little flame on the fire here: I don't watch PR either and I think it suffers in its delivery. I'll take TAR any day of the week. It seems that this chat is dominated by women and they love PR, while the more intelligent men tend not to care for clothes. Now if only the PR show was about Heidi...than we may have something.

Jen Chaney: I think some intelligent men enjoy "Runway." But let's be real, both shows are guilty pleasures when it comes right down to it.

Fun guilty pleasures, but guilty nonetheless.

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Alexandria, VA: Ok, late to the game - just remembered that you did this last year and I loved it. I really, really wish the producers would have skipped the very opening of the opening with the plane crash (given that 49 people died in KY this morning) and cut directly to Conan coming out of the ocean to the island - it would have worked just as well and have been in much better taste. I was horrified.

Jen Chaney: That's a fair point. Although it seems like they needed to introduce the Emmy idea. And having him on the plane made the fact that he wound up on "Lost" more surprising.

Julia Louis-Dreyfuss just won for Best Actress in a Comedy. Now the "Seinfeld" curse is officially over.

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New York, N.Y.: What is with the flying bats/paper airplanes thingys is the display wall? Keeps distracting me.

Jen Chaney: Don't know.

Kiefer Sutherland just won for Best Actor in a Drama. I'm actually happy to see that. No one says, "Damn it Chloe, we're running out of time!" like Kiefer.

And he was in "The Lost Boys," so therefore he rules.

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Conroy:

She's clearly the better actress ... but I suspect that her character wasn't as likeable .. too human, too real ..

Jen Chaney: Yes, but shouldn't human and real be what you want in a dramatic actress. I don't know, maybe it's me. I have nothing against Hargitay at all, but I'm over all these "Law & Order" shows.

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Arlington, Va.: Tyra Banks was invited to this thing? Is that part of your diversity quota? I don't understand it - she isn't that good, her show is awful. It has to be a diversity quota, right?

Jen Chaney: I don't think it has anything to do with a quota. I suspect it's more because she's a recognizable name and she's purty.

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Getting here late from Olney, : ...but I've loved Jason Bateman since "Silver Spoons"! And yes, because I'm that interested, (quite sad) he is married to Amanda Anka, aka Daughter of Paul.

Jen Chaney: And Ms. Anka is pregnant with their child, if I'm not mistaken.

I also always thought Derek was way cuter than the Ricker.

Clearly, we both know a little too much...

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I fear: that Bob Newhart is going to die

Jen Chaney: I also am afraid, mainly because my fingers are starting to hurt. The fact that we're running out of categories leads me to believe we will finish close to 11.

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Late Night with Conan O'Brien: Has been in HD for over a year.

Jen Chaney: That's what I thought. Doesn't make sense that he would care about whether this is in HD.

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Seinfeld curse over??: Tell that to Jason Alexander & Michael Richards...

Jen Chaney: As long as one co-star has launched a hit show, the curse is broken. That may not help Alexander or Richards, but oh well.

Great, now the birds/bats are distracting me.

They are about to give Best Comedy to ... "The Office." Knew it. Rest in peace, "Arrested Development."

I actually know a producer for "The Office" ... hey, there she just went on her way to the stage!

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Columbia, Md.: There's no way that Kiefer Sutherland could be considered a better actor than Martin Sheen, now or in the past. This is, to use a wonderful Yiddish word, a _shanda_.

Jen Chaney: That's fair. But Martin Sheen was not in "The Lost Boys," now was he?

Let's be real: Shouldn't Ricky Gervais be up there with "The Office" people? Doesn't seem right.

And that Carell sweat looks seriously real.

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Nooooooooo...: "The Office" won. This show isn't good, it's not the British version.

Jen Chaney: I agree that the British version is better and smarter. But the American one isn't bad. It's gotten much better as it's grown into its own identity.

"24" just won Best Drama. I called that, too. Either I'm smart (which is not the case) or the Emmys are very predictable. You make the call.

I like "24," but I think it only works on a surface level. It's not as dramatically deep as, say, "The Sopranos" or "Lost." HOW could that not have been nominated?

Pure lunacy. Anyhoo, I'll take a few more questions before I sign off.

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24, schmoneyfour: ... the fact that Lost wasn't even granted a nomination makes this a false win!

Jen Chaney: Yeah! So there!

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Bham, Ala.: Well, there was an homage to Gervais

Jen Chaney: True, that was a nice thing to do. But he should have been up there, if only because I wanted to hear him talk.

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Rockville, MD: I haven't seen any comments on Katherine Heigl, so I'll be the first: her dress was the best I've seen all night, a throwback to classic movie-star style. But, you know, in a size 0.

Also loved Hugh Laurie and Helen Mirren.

Jen Chaney: I thought I said earlier that I thought she looked great. If I didn't I meant to.

She looked a lot like Charlize Theron, with the hair and everything.

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Blue Bell, Pa.: Why nothing for "Grey's" do you think? Is it too green?

Jen Chaney: It may be a green thing -- as we know, the Academy is often slow to honor newer shows -- but I also think "Grey's" is a little bit soap opera-y. And that might have made the Academy take it less seriously.

I'm in the process of watching the second season on DVD. I don't think it's a great show (it's a little shallow) but I find it incredibly addictive. And that counts for something.

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Fairfax, Va.: Whither Leno? That's striking that the Tonight Show was shut out of all the categories for best comedy/variety series. Stunning.

Jen Chaney: Are you being sarcastic? I'm thinking you have to be.

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New York, NY: Here's hoping that "House" has many more nominations next year. What a marvelous show.

Jen Chaney: Hugh Laurie's lack of a nomination also seemed like a major oversight.

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Auckland, New Zealand: 24. Best show on television. Kiefer. Sexiest man alive.

Jen Chaney: Sexier than Jason Bateman? A couple of chatters might beg to differ.

I agree, though. He is an attractive man.

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Washington: Thanks for the chat Jen! Dibs on Jason Bateman or his look alike, whichever is available first!

Jen Chaney: Well, technically, I'm already married. So you can have dibs before I do. Although something tells me that the question of which of us gets dibs may never seriously be an issue.

And on that note, I must be on my way. It's been a pleasure chatting with all of you and am sorry I couldn't answer every one of your smart questions.

Happy fall TV season. See you next time the folks in Hollywood feel like congratulating themselves.

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