Emmy Exclusive: Vegas Oddsmaker Johnny Avello Picks Lead Actress in a Drama Series

By Tom Rose
Fancast.com

The Drama Queens are out in force with a trio of returnees (Kyra Sedgwick, Sally Field and Mariska Hargitay.) But cable TV is already the big winner at the Emmys this year, gaining real credibility by offering up shows that more than give the networks a run for their money, and the list reflects the shift in momentum.

So we turn to our favorite Vegas oddsmakeer, Johnny Avello of Wynn Las Vegas fame to narrow the field for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. As Johnny points out: “A big surprise is possible” Let’s hope so.

And the nominees are:

Glenn Close on Damages: The FX series about an upwardly mobile ambulance chaser, gives Close plenty of scenery to chew. Even so, she’s the long shot in the contest. Maybe it’s time for a “Fatal Attraction” type resolution if Glenn just keeps repeating to herself “I’m not going to be ignored, I’m not going to be ignored…
Johnny Avello’s Odds: 8 to 1

Kyra Sedgwick on The Closer: This is the third time Sedgwick has been nominated for the role of hard-ass homicide detective with a sweet tooth. Could her past failures have anything to do with her being only one degree of separation from hubby, Kevin Bacon? The actor has the unfathomable reputation of withering everything he touches. Maybe the curse has worn off.
Johnny Avello’s Odds: 7 to 2

Mariska Hargitay on Law & Order: SVU: Hargitay, Hollywood royalty (her mom was ’50s sex bomb Jayne Mansfield) has carved out a career of her very own the old-fashioned way: by being a great actress. Still, I recommend Mike Myers show up in full “Love Guru” mode and chant his trance inducing mantra: “Mariska Hargitay, Mariska Hargitay.” Maybe this time David Archuleta will get it.
Johnny Avello’s Odds: 4 to 1

Sally Field on Brothers & Sisters: A fan favorite since she debuted on TV as “The Flying Nun” Sally plays widowed matriarch to the Walker clan, back out on the dating scene. And at age 62, she’s still turning heads. She won the category last year, so the Academy may look the other way. But don’t count her out just yet. They may like her. They may really, really like her.
Johnny Avello’s Odds: 5 to 2

Holly Hunter on Saving Grace: Hunter has won an Emmy before but this is her first series run. More known for her movie work (she’s got an Oscar too) the show’s mystical themes have really struck a chord with viewers and put cable TV on the Emmy map. If Earl shows up and flashes some angel wing, it’s all locked up.
Johnny Avello’s Odds: 3 to 1