Conan the Emmy conqueror returns Sunday

By LYNN ELBER, AP Television Writer
Wed Aug 23, 10:25 AM ET

LOS ANGELES - Conan O'Brien may have helped Finland's president get
elected. His NBC show "Late Night" is humming along nicely after 13
years. And he's not far from claiming the plum "Tonight" job promised
him after Jay Leno's announced 2009 departure.

Life is good. So why is he taking on the often-thankless task of
hosting Sunday's Emmys (airing 8 p.m. EDT on NBC)?

"I was under the mistaken impression that it pays well," O'Brien told
The Associated Press this week. "I actually asked my producer, `Do I
get paid for the Emmys?' and he laughed. So I'm just going to take some
awards backstage."

In fact, O'Brien reaped a wealth of critical praise and audience
goodwill when he hosted his first Emmys in 2002. It was so much fun, he
said, he was glad to be asked back for the chance to work different
muscles than he does on his nightly show in New York.

"I've been in Studio 6A with the same desk and the microphone - and
having lots of adventures - but you're still in that space. And when
I get a chance to go into prime time and be part of a show like this, I
really do feel like a kid in a candy store."

Viewers are likely to see pre-taped skits like the ones that O'Brien
used effectively four years ago and stage-to-star exchanges with those
seated in the Shrine Auditorium. In 2002, he feigned lust for Jennifer
Aniston and drew scowls from her then-husband, Brad Pitt.

"I think it's clear I was responsible for whatever troubles they had in
their relationship," O'Brien told reporters in July. "I'd like to
apologize to the press and to them."

The redheaded comedian (whose uncanny resemblance to Finnish
presidential candidate Tarja Halonen led O'Brien to conduct a hilarious
mock campaign for her) has more to worry about than Hollywood marital
strife.

A revamped nominations process was lambasted after popular and
critically lauded shows like "Lost" and actors including Hugh Laurie of
"House" and Edie Falco of "The Sopranos" were left out, while Lisa
Kudrow of the short-lived "The Comeback" made the cut.

And because of NBC's upcoming Sunday football schedule the awards were
bumped from their traditional September airing to the time of year when
the fewest Americans are watching TV.

"Maybe some people will bring portable televisions when they go
camping," O'Brien said. "Camping isn't camping unless you're watching
an awards show. And I'm trying to see if I can get the Emmys broadcast
onto the interior wall of the Grand Canyon. That would be an artistic
statement and a huge ratings boost."

He knows he'll be expected to incorporate some of the nominations
controversy into his remarks. (O'Brien should have no complaint: his
show is up for best variety, music or comedy series.)

"These things are always walking the line. I think there are a lot of
people nominated in that room who deserve to be nominated. ... The
controversy is more that some people are left out," he said. "There
shouldn't be just five nominees. There's too much television these
days."

So how many should there be?

"Nineteen nominees. They should double the number of categories, the
awards should take place over a two-week period like the Olympics and
people all over the world should participate.

"And the long jump should be incorporated."