L.A. Times awardsologist Tom O’Neil reports that NBC is only pushing one of the two Tonight Shows that aired on the network last year for consideration in the Emmys’ Best Variety Series category — Jay Leno’s. Even so, Conan O’Brien’s Tonight may still find itself among the nominees, because paperwork for that show has also been submitted — by O’Brien himself, hilariously. Regardless of how nominations play out, both shows would definitely lose to five-time champion The Daily Show (or maybe to Mo’Nique’s new show, because when has she ever lost an award?). Still, though, the next time NBC loses a late-night host to bungling incompetence, they’ll want to be sure his exit deal includes a non-Emmy-submitting clause. (Also, don’t worry — not even Jay Leno could bring himself to submit The Jay Leno Show for consideration.)
Emmy battle of the ‘Tonight Shows’: Conan vs. Jay (plus watch out for Jon Stewart — AND Mo’Nique) [Gold Derby/LAT]