2012 Emmy nominees: Hudson Valley movie stars

Thursday September 20, 2012 1:00 PM By Kirthana Ramisetti

Photo credit: AP | Star: Steve Buscemi
Best known for: "Boardwalk Empire"
Local connection: Lives in Stone Ridge

Leading up to the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, airing Sunday, Sept. 23, on ABC, Hudson Buzz will preview the Emmy races that feature stars with Hudson Valley roots. We wrap things up with a look at Hudson Valley movie stars who have appeared on TV. And, if you missed it, check out our coverage of the region's Emmy-nominated rising stars, leading ladies and Saugerties golden boy Jimmy Fallon. 

There was a time when movie stars would dismiss the idea of ever appearing on a TV show. Well, those days are over. Television is now such a popular medium that many film actors will gladly appear on the small screen. Not only do they get an opportunity to play interesting roles, but they also increase their odds of winning awards. Basically, if they don’t have a chance to win an Oscar, why not try for an Emmy?

Two local actors with successful movie careers were nominated for Emmys this year. Steve Buscemi has had a long and diverse film career, including roles in popular flicks like “The Big Lebowski,” “Reservoir Dogs” and “Fargo.” But only his portrayal of Nucky Thompson in the HBO drama “Boardwalk Empire,” now in its third season, has provided the Stone Ridge resident with award recognition.

Buscemi has already won a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award for his portrayal of the gangster, but an Emmy has so far eluded him. Will the five-time Emmy nominee -- he’s also received nods for his work on “The Sopranos” and “30 Rock” -- finally win TV’s top award this year?

It’s looking bleak. The competition in the Outstanding Actor in a Drama category is one of the tightest of this year’s awards. Buscemi is vying for Emmy gold against Hugh Bonneville for "Downton Abbey," Bryan Cranston for "Breaking Bad," Jon Hamm for "Mad Men," Damian Lewis for "Homeland" and Michael C. Hall for "Dexter." Cranston has dominated the category in recent years, scoring a win for every year he has been nominated, and if the Emmy doesn’t go to him, it could just go to the stars of “Downton Abbey” or “Homeland,” critical favorites that are also first-time nominees. While Buscemi’s character experienced a number of dramatic events last season, including (spoiler alert) murdering a major character, the best actor field might be too crowded with talent to net him a win.

Uma Thurman’s Emmy chances were already decided at last week’s Creative Arts Emmy Awards, when the Woodstock resident lost to another film actress turned TV star. Thurman was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama for her role on “Smash,” but lost the Emmy to Martha Plimpton -- the star of TV comedy “Raising Hope,” who is best known for the beloved kids’ flick “Goonies” -- for her turn on “The Good Wife.”

Tomorrow, Newsday Westchester will share the five things to watch for (Red carpet! Jimmy Kimmel! Acceptance speeches!) when tuning in to the Primetime Emmy Awards.  

Tags: Stone Ridge , Woodstock , Steve Buscemi , Uma Thurman , Emmys , Boardwalk Empire , Smash , TV , Westchester