I usually don't get too excited when the Emmy nominations are announced. But, outside of a few glaring exceptions, I felt like the nominating panel did its homework this year, particularly when it came to highlighting Peter Dinklage. 

Dinklage was nominated as best supporting actor in a drama for his role as Tyrion Lannister in HBO's "Game of Thrones." Dinklage is a short person who refuses to play roles that denigrate his height, and anyone who watches Dinklage for five minutes sees an actor at the top of his game. In fact, after about a half hour, I told myself Dinklage would get an Emmy at some point for this role. 

His nomination is especially noteworty when you think about the terrific "Game of Thrones" cast around him. As I noted last month, by all means give this series a look. 

On the downside of the Emmy nominations, it's sickening that "Treme" didn't earn a single nomination. When you factor in that producer David Simon's "The Wire" earned just one nomination over five seasons, you begin to wonder whether the business can't handle series with predominantly black casts. I'd like to think otherwise but you have to wonder. 

I usually don't have much success predicting major awards but I hit on this one: Dinklage picked up the Emmy tonight for best supporting actor in a drama.

Well deserved.