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Television has become a part of my life. I learn about the dos and don'ts of dating from Friends, while I catch up on what's going on in politics by watching The West Wing. That's why I'll be watching on Sunday, September 21, when the 55th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards airs at 8 pm on FOX. This is where the best of television shine. Check out the nominees and my predictions of the winners. But don't forget to tune in to catch all the action ....

•Nominees for Outstanding Drama Series:
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CBS
Six Feet Under, HBO
Sopranos, HBO
24, FOX
The West Wing, NBC

Prediction: With the most nominations for a single television show, 16, Six Feet Under is most likely to sweep the awards this year. HBO garnered the most nominations over all the other networks, proving that cable television leads the pack this year.

•Nominees for Outstanding Comedy Series:
Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO
Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS
Friends, NBC
Sex and the City, HBO
Will & Grace, NBC

Prediction: Although this is Friends' final season on television, I think that Everybody Loves Raymond will win this year. This hilarious show most certainly deserves to win and definitely deserves its whopping 13 nominations.

•Nominees for Outstanding Reality/Competition Program:
100 Years of Hope and Humor, NBC
AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Passions: America's Greatest Love Stories, CBS
The Amazing Race, CBS
American Idol, FOX
Survivor, CBS

Prediction: Most people aren't even aware that the Academy honors "Reality" programming, but this has become the new trend on television. Viewers are unable to escape reality when they turn on the television nowadays. While American Idol has created one of the biggest fan bases, the award most likely will go to either the NBC or CBS special honoring the past 100 years of television and film.

• Nominees for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
Bernie Mac, The Bernie Mac Show, FOX
Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO
Ray Romano, Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS
Matt LeBlanc, Friends, NBC
Tony Shalhoub, Monk, USA
Eric McCormack, Will & Grace, NBC

Prediction: I think this should definitely be Ray Romano's year. His comedy show keeps me laughing all the time, and he should definitely be recognized for his talent. But it's quite possible that the highly acclaimed Tony Shalhoub might beat out this year's shoe-in.

• Nominees for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:
Patricia Heaton, Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS
Jennifer Aniston, Friends, NBC
Jane Kaczmarek, Malcolm in the Middle, FOX
Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex and the City, HBO
Debra Messing, Will & Grace, NBC

Prediction: I think Parker's winning days are over .... My guess for this year's winner is Patricia Heaton. Her sarcastic wit on Everybody Loves Raymond really adds to the show. Unfortunately, the very un-funny Jane Kaczmarek might take home the statue once again.

• Nominees for Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
Michael Chiklis, The Shield, FX
Peter Krause, Six Feet Under, HBO
James Gandolfini, The Sopranos, HBO
Kiefer Sutherland, 24, FOX
Martin Sheen, The West Wing, NBC

Prediction: This most certainly will be one of the most difficult decisions for the Academy. All these men are equally deserving of the award this year, but I'd pick Peter Krause from Six Feet Under, only because I think this highly acclaimed cable show will take over the awards this year.

•Nominees for Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
Jennifer Garner, Alias, ABC
Marg Helgenberger, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CBS
Frances Conroy, Six Feet Under, HBO
Edie Falco, The Sopranos, HBO
Allison Janney, The West Wing, NBC

Prediction: My personal favorite is Allison Janney because she truly spices up The West Wing, but she most likely will not walk away with the award .... It will probably go to Frances Conroy or Edie Falco for either of their amazing performances in these HBO dramas.

Unfortunately, I am not a member of the Academy — yet. So, my vote really doesn't count. But tune in to find out if any of my predictions were accurate. Plus, many of your favorite actors and actresses will be presenting.

Written by Laurie Mascia

Which shows and/or actors would you like to see take home an Emmy? E-mail us!