The Emmy nominations came out today. Award shows are fun to watch, but oftentimes the Emmys get old because they are predictable. The same old people win year after year (Kelsey Grammer, Tony Shalhoub, 30 Rock, Sopranos…you know what I mean).

This year, the field has some of the same usual suspects, but there are some surprises as well — some welcome surprises.

Here’s what made me happy:

• Kristin Wiig’s nomination for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Saturday Night Live. She’s easily the funniest woman (if not overall performer) on the show.
• The nomination of Jim Parsons as Dr. Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory. He’s the best part of one of the funniest shows on television and his character is a modern-day Cosmo Kramer. I’ve talked about The Big Bang Theory plenty of times before. It’s genius. (Get it?)
• The Supporting Comedic Actor category. Barney. Dwight. Drama. Kenneth. Where was Ari, though?
• Big Love. I’m almost embarrassed to say that, but I freaking love that show.
• Justin Timberlake’s nomination for Guest Actor on Saturday Night Live. He’s a terrific, versatile host. Bring it on down to Justinville!
• Neil Patrick Harris as host. BARNEY. WIN.

What did you think of the nominations?