Gold Derby: Emmy Spotlight

Here’s proof that Hollywood (1) is crazy and (2) spends recklessly. Many of TV’s most trashy shows have not only filled out forms to compete for the industry’s highest award, but they’ve also paid $400 to $800 entry fees: “Jersey Shore,” “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” and the “Real Housewives” shows of Atlanta, New Jersey, New York City and Orange County.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Jeff Probst is a true “Survivor,” having won both years of this category’s existence. Three other contenders received repeat nominations and thus will probably return: Tom Bergeron, Heidi Klum and Ryan Seacrest. That leaves two open spots.   (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Celebrity bios often dominate this race, but voters don’t like fawning over famous folk or getting cozy with the infamous. Likely nominees include Scott Hamilton‘s triumph over a brain tumor and affectionate salutes to the careers of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and Johnny Mercer.   (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)

“The Good Wife” star Julianna Margulies is a good bet to reign. Not only did she win the Golden Globe and SAG Award earlier this year, but she was an Emmy fave during her heyday as nurse Carol Hathaway on “ER.” Margulies was nominated six times (four in lead, twice in supporting), winning the supporting trophy in 1995.   (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

When actors switch Emmy categories while performing one role, they usually move up from supporting to lead — like Katey Sagal (“Sons of Anarchy”) just did and Allison Janey ( “The West Wing”) did famously in years past, winning in both. Last year, Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”) was nominated in lead, but now she’s dropped down to supporting, apparently to create room for costar January Jones, who was nommed in lead twice at the Golden Globes, but hasn’t yet broken into the Emmy contest. That’s classy.

Pictured left to right: Elisabeth Moss, January Jones and Christina Hendricks  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The battle between Jay Leno‘s and Conan O’Brien‘s rival versions of “The Tonight Show” isn’t over just because O’Brien left NBC to launch a new program on TBS in November. Both “Tonight” versions compete in this Emmy contest (Conan submitted his version, NBC entered Jay’s) where they’ll clash with “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” — which has won the race seven years in a row. Another formidable rival: BET network’s “The Mo’Nique Show,” starring the “Precious” actress who recently swept the film awards.  (Paul Drinkwater / Associated Press)

George Clooney quickly organized a star-studded telethon to raise funds for earthquake-stricken Haiti, much as he did for victims of Sept. 11 with “America: A Tribute to Heroes,” which won this race in 2002. The annual Kennedy Center salute has taken this award five times, most recently last year.

The Envelope Print Edition June 3  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)