5 notable characters in tonight’s Emmys crowd

The protege

Upstart Stephen Colbert has a chance to upstage his old boss, Jon Stewart, in the best variety, music or comedy series category. (For a complete list of contenders, see www.theenvelope.com/emmylist

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The perennial

If “American Idol,” with grads like Kelly Clarkson, above, doesn’t nab top honors in the outstanding reality-competition category, it can go cry on Susan Lucci’s shoulder.

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The prez

Outgoing President Bartlet -- ahem, Martin Sheen -- is in the running for best actor in a drama, while “West Wing” could take home four additional trophies.

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The Emmy vet

If Cloris Leachman wins a supporting actress statuette for HBO’s “Mrs. Harris,” it adds to her considerable Emmy collection -- she already has eight -- and her standing as the overall performer, male or female, with the most Emmys.

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The double nominee

It could be a two-fer for Alfre Woodard: She’s nominated for supporting actress in a comedy series (“Desperate Housewives”) and miniseries or movie (“The Water Is Wide,” Hallmark Hall of Fame).

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Tonight’s Emmy TV watch

4 p.m. “Countdown to the Red Carpet: The 2006 Emmy Awards” (E!)

6 p.m. “Live From the Red Carpet” (E!)

7 p.m. “2006 Emmy Red Carpet Special,” hosted by Billy Bush and Nancy O’Dell (KNBC)

8 p.m. “The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards,” hosted by Conan O’Brien (KNBC)

11 p.m. “E!’s Live 2006 Emmy Awards Post Show” (E!)