Outstanding Animated Program, Half Hour
The "Family Guy" episode titled "North By North Quahog," where Peter impersonates Mel Gibson, is nominated for Outstanding Animated Program for Programming Less Than One Hour. "Family Guy" has yet to win this category.
"The Simpsons" episode "Future Drama" is also nominated. In this episode, Professor Frink shows Bart and Lisa what their futures may be like if they don't change their ways. It's a shame that "There's Something About Marrying," which tackled the subject of same sex marriage, wasn't nominated. "The Simpsons" last took home this trophy in 2003.
"Best Friends Forever" from "South Park" is the next nomination. This episode is a smart choice for nomination. The conflict of the show concerns the new and cool portable gaming device that Kenny owns, and Cartman doesn't. In this half hour, "South Park" comments on pop culture and religion. "South Park," has yet to win an Emmy.
Cartoon Network favorites "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "Samurai Jack" complete the list of noms. Both were nominated last year, with "Samurai Jack" winning the category.
Outstanding Animated Program, Hour or More
Not many cartoons fall into this category, let alone get nominated for an Emmy. This year, two animated series were chosen.
"Star Wars: Clone Wars, Vol. 2" is no doubt a fan favorite to win. These episodes chronicled what happens in "Star Wars" between "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith." This series has helmed by Genndy Tartakovsky, who also created "Samurai Jack."
The other nomination is for "Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real" by Animal Planet. The computer animation for this special was outstanding. The detailed environments and creatures made you believe dragons may have been real at some point. But the story was thin, serving only an educational purpose. I didn't find it highly entertaining.
The Emmy Award winners will be announced on Sunday, September 18 on CBS.
