A Peek Into Shondaland: Interviews with Cast and Creator About GREY’S ANATOMY

It is a rare treat when once can catch castmembers from one of television’s hottest shows and find out their thoughts on their increasingly complicated characters.  One such opportunity was at “An Evening With Shonda Rhimes & Friends” at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, where creator/producer Shonda Rhimes and cast members Ellen Pompeo and Sandra Oh chatted briefly about what they foresee in the future for their characters as the 8^th season of rushes towards its climatic season finale.

Ellen Pompeo:

Sandra Oh:

Shonda Rhimes:

While the cast are understandably cautious about revealing any real spoilers lest they invoke the ire of their illustrious creator who was standing nearby, Ellen and Sandra were clearly ecstatic to continue portraying their complex characters for the foreseeable future. (Nudge:  Are those contract negotiations finalized yet?!)

Life is changing for the residents of Seattle Grace.  With the residents facing their “Boards” and the daunting task of finally becoming board-certified in their specialty areas, the stress does not end with just passing an exam.  Next comes the more tricky decision of where to practice.  Not everyone can stay at Seattle Grace, nor just walk into a waiting position in their specialty.  That means that board certification may open new doors to opportunities far outside the Seattle area for doctors in search of homes for their practices.

Meredith and Cristina

For characters like Meredith and Cristina, there is a whole wide world out there.  Are they content to stay close to their makeshift “home” because of the friendships and relationships they have fostered and forged over the past eight years? Or are they just waiting for the chance to venture out and explore new opportunities?  It is not only their careers and callings that they must heed, but also their marital relationships and family obligations.  Meredith and Cristina have both gotten married, and Meredith now has a daughter, Zola, who she must also consider.  Those significant ties are things that may stop one or both from just moving away too quickly.  Plus, what would become of Meredith and Cristina if they did not have each other to help get through the tough times?

Regardless of whether they successfully conquer their “Boards,” the real challenge will be deciding the next chapter of their lives.   With GREY’S ANATOMY itself on the verge of a pivotal season finale, we hold our breaths to find out what lies ahead for all the Seattle Grace characters.  Keep your fingers-crossed, things are about to get interesting!

GREY’S ANATOMY returns with 7 more episodes this season on Thursday, April 5^th at 9:00 p.m. on ABC.

Related:

“A few fun candid photos from ‘An Evening With Shonda Rhimes & Friends’”

Where to find this article:

http://www.thetvaddict.com/2012/04/05/is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-meredith-grey-and-cristina-yang-we-check-in-with-greys-anatomy-stars-ellen-pompeo-and-sandra-oh/

A few candid photos from “An Evening With Shonda Rhimes & Friends”

Sharing a few fun candid photos from the red carpet with cast members from “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” at An Evening With Shonda Rhimes & Friends:

Sandra Oh of "Grey's Anatomy"

Sandra Oh of "Grey's Anatomy"

Sandra Oh of "Grey's Anatomy"

Ellen Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy"

Ellen Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy"

Ellen Pompeo (Photo credit: PictureGroup)

Shonda Rhimes, creator of "Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice"

Katie Lowes of "Scandal"

Tony Goldwyn, Katie Lowes and Kerry Washington of "Scandal"

Tony Goldwyn and Kerry Washington of "Scandal"

Tony Goldwyn of "Scandal"

Kerry Washington of "Scandal"

Kerry Washington posing for photographers on the red carpet

Katie Lowes and Kerry Washington (Photo credit: PictureGroup)

"An Evening with Shonda Rhimes & Friends" (Photo Credit: PictureGroup)

A replay of last night’s webcast can be viewed on the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ websites, www.emmys.com and www.emmys.tv.

Reflections on the 2009 Emmy Nominations (part 2)

“Dexter” -

 For the 2nd year in a row, “Dexter” snagged nominations for both Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Michael C. Hall. This year it also scored a 3rd nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Jimmy Smits’ fine performance as Miguel Prado.

 “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” -

 In one of the funest nominations in television history, “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” scored a nomination for its work as an internet original creation in the category of Outstanding Special Class – Short Format Live Action Entertainment Programs. It is a remarkable achievement for what is essentially a film that was created for internet distribution to have garnered a television award nomination. And if this internet phenomenon has eluded your finely tuned TV/entertainment radar, then by all means, get the DVD and check it out. It will be worth every penny. (All puns intended.)

 “Friday Night Lights” –

 For the 3rd consecutive year, “Friday Night Lights” scored yet another nomination for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series. Having won this Emmy in 2007, it is still a remarkable achievement for it to get the same award nomination year after year. Kudos to the show’s casting directors who are obviously doing a hell of a job!

 “Fringe” -

Also coming off a successful freshman year, “Fringe” has scored a nomination for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series for its pilot episode. “Fringe” is an off-beat sci-fi show with quirky humor and some truly stunning visual effects.

“Grey’s Anatomy” -

Another highly successful TV show that remains popular viewers, but which seems to have fallen from favor from the Emmy voters. “Grey’s Anatomy” still managed to eek out 6 Emmy nominations for:

(1) Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Sandra Oh)

(2) Outstanding Support Actress in a Drama Series (Chandra Wilson)

(3) Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (Sharon Lawrence)

(4) Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (for the episode “Dream a Little Dream of Me”)

(5) Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series (for the episode “Stand By Me”)

Sandra Oh has been nominated 5 times for her brilliant performance as Cristina Yang on “Grey’s Anatomy” and Chandra Wilson has received her 4th consecutive nomination for her equally astounding performance as Miranda Bailey.

“Heroes” -

Despite receiving 8 Emmy nominations in 2007 after its debut year, “Heroes” has struggled to find its creative edge in subsequent years, with only 3 nominations last year and 2 this year for:

(1) Outstanding Art Direction for a Single Camera Series (for the episode “Cold Snap”)

(2) Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series (for the episode “The Butterfly Effect”)

While its storyline may meander quite a bit over the course of a season, the show’s creative vision and dedication to superior craftsmanship does not. Each episode feels lovingly sculpted.

“House” -

Receiving its 4th consecutive nomination for Outstanding Drama Series and 4th nomination for Hugh Laurie in the a category Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, “House” remains a critical darling and immensely popular TV show around the globe. Typically, it also received nominations for its remarkable direction and storytelling, but this year, it was instead recognized and nominated for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama for the episode “House Divided.” While the nominations are cool for Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Drama Series, these categories are the most competitive and scoring a win has so far eluded the show. But with rumors of both “Lost” and “24″ ending this next season, “House” stands a chance of stepping outside of their long shadows.

“Legend of the Seeker” -

Also fresh off its debut season, “Legend of the Seeker” managed to startle everyone and nabbed an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series for the episode “Prophecy.” It is truly a wondrous achievement for a show that is not well known to beat out the competition for this nomination.

“Lie to Me” -

Another smash hit right out of the gate, “Lie to Me” has raised eyebrows and attention with its nomination for an Emmy in the category Outstanding Main Title Design. This will be a show to watch this next season as it stretches its creative legs.

“Life on Mars” -

Hardly seen as it was abruptly canceled during its freshman run, “Life on Mars” still snagged a nomination for Outstanding Cinematography for a One Hour Series for the episode “Out Here in the Fields.” For those of you who blinked and missed it, be sure to check out the DVD box set which will be released on October 5th. It definitely is worth your time.

“Lost” -

In 2005, “Lost” received 12 Emmy nominations and took home 6 of them, including Outstanding Drama Series. Ever since, it has remained an Emmy darling receiving 9 Emmy nominations in 2006, 6 Emmy nominations in 2007, and 8 Emmy nominations in 2008 — and 2009 is no different as it scored 5 nominations, 3 for its jaw-dropping season finale “The Incident”. This year’s nominations include:

(1) Outstanding Drama Series

(2) Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

(3) Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Michael Emerson)

(4) Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series

(5) Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama

Raising the stakes as it races towards its series finale next year, “Lost” continues to surprise, dazzle and confound us all. It is a gift to the television audience that I am not sure it fully appreciates.