2008 Emmy Awards: Neil Patrick Harris, Cynthia Nixon and Kathy Griffin are among the nominees...

Emmy nominations were announced veeeerrry early this morning by the inspired pairing of Neil Patrick Harris and Kristen Chemowith. I tell,ya, get the actors with stage experience to do the gig, they just had so much charm and humor and none of that deer in the headlights look that so many other actors who have done the job before have been afflicted with.

Not only were they sensational nomination announcers, but both got Emmy nominations themselves!

Neil, of course, got his second consecutive nod for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for CBS' "How I Met Your Molther." The out actor plays the womanizing Barney and has been the show's breakout character from the beginning. NPH will compete against Jeremy Piven and Kevin Dillon of "Entourage," Rainn Wilson of "The Office" and Jon Cryer of "Two and a Half Men."

I don't know about you, but I think it's Neil's year! I hope he wins and gives that cute boyfriend David Burkta a big smooch before heading to the stage.

Kristen, a Tony Award winner already, was nominated for her supporting role in "Pushing Daisies" (series star Lee Pace (sigh....) was also nominated.) Kirstin and Neil "surprised" Academy offiicials with a birthday cake because it is Emmy's 60th birthday. Before blowing out the candles Kristen said: "I would sing happy birthday but it's not public domain and the Emmys can't afford for me to sing that song!"

It was also funny when NPH announced Jeff Probst as one of the nominees in the new category of outstanding reality show host. Kristen gave a little cheer then explained: "I had a date with him. He's hot. He's really cute.

NPH to Kristen: "Maybe you'll have a second one."

Kristen: "No, he;s marrying someone else."

Anyway, I think I had predicted that Cynthia Nixon would not only get an Emmy nomination but would likely win for her guest appearance on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." She played a woman with multiple personalities and did so brilliantly. If Cynthia wins, it would be her second Emmy. She won one for her performance as Mirnada in the final season of "Sex and the City." She also has a Tony Award for "Rabbit Hole." I hope she brings her girlfriend and gives her a big kiss too before taking the stage!

Cynthia's award would be handed out at the Creative Arts Emmys which is a non-televised event a week before the main Emmy ceremony. Sounds kinda dull, huh? Well, not with Kathy Griffin in the room! It is at this ceremony last year that Kathy won for Outstanding Reality Program for "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List." She took to the stage and said "Suck it Jesus! This award is my God now!" Well, Kathy is up for the award again and will compete against a strange mix of shows: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Antiques Roadshow," "Intervention" and "Dirty Jobs."
But here's the best part: Kathy has been nominated for TWO Emmys this year and will actually be let into the Kodak Theatre for the main show! Who;s D-List now? "Kathy Griffin: Straight to Hell" is up for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy special! I'm rooting for Kathy because, well, she loves the gays. And we love her!

Other nominations I find of interest: Michael C. Hall, at last, is nominated for an Emmy! This superb actor - one of the best working in television for the past decade or so - has been overlooked so many times. First as David Fisher on "Six Feet Under" and last year as a forensic specialist/serial killer on "Dexter." He's up for outstanding actor in a drama series. Last year's winner James Spader is somehow nominated again and if he wins over Hall, I will have to take a moment to collect myself.

Other Greg faves nominated: last year's winner Sally Field for outstanding actress in a drama series for "Brothers & Sisters," Elaine Stritch and Carrie Fisher for outstanding guest appearance in a comedy for "30 Rock" and Jean Smart, outstanding supporting actress in a comedy for "Samantha Who?"

Here is a video of Neil and Kristen this morning: