Verne Gay: Some thoughts on 2010 Emmy nominations

The nominees for this year's Emmy Awards were announced Thursday. Some thoughts:

BIGGEST WINNERS: The biggest winner of the 2010 Emmys derby is HBO's "The Pacific," with 24 nods. But without question, this is a "Glee" (19) versus "Modern Family" (14) versus "30 Rock" (15) year. "Glee" looks to be the headline grabber the day after the Aug. 29 ceremony, but to ignore "30 Rock" would be unwise. "Lost" also leaves the stage a winner, with another best show nod, and the very first nomination for Matthew Fox.

STRANGEST OMISSIONS: In a word, O'Neill. Make that two words - Ed O'Neill ("Modern Family") who seemed the surest of bets, then watched as the rest of the cast members had their names called out. "O'Neill in '11," Steve Levitan, the show's co-creator, tweeted Thursday. But why not '10? Also, "Entourage" got shunted aside in the best comedy category - perhaps outpointed by longtime Emmy fave "Curb your Enthusiasm" (34 nods, 1 win), which had the Seinfeld reunion this season, after all. Fans of Courteney Cox ("Cougar Town") and Katey Sagal ("Sons of Anarchy") have plenty to gripe about, too. Despite strong seasons, "Survivor" was left out in the cold and so was the "Late Show with David Letterman" - there was online speculation Thursday that the host's scandal may have cost.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: An easy call here - twin nominations for Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton, Eric and Tami Taylor of "Friday Night Lights." For years, Emmy voters have ignored "FNL," bestowing a paltry four nominations since 2006 and none in major categories. The show is nearing the end of a great run, and finally, some recognition.

GREATEST IRONY: "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" - remember that? - up for a best variety/music/comedy series. "The Jay Leno Show" was not nominated. (That was the biggest non-surprise.)