By: Valerie Milano - Past presenter award given to PBS’s “Bob Dylan – No Direction Home”

The Television Critics Association will host the 26^th Annual Television Critics Awards tomorrow, Saturday July 31^st, 2010, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The TCA is an organization of professional journalists and critics writing about television for a variety of media outlets. Hosted by “Parenthood’s” Dax Shepard, the TCA will honor outstanding television programming for the 2009-2010 season. Susan Young, TCA president said, “The nominees reflect a strong year that brought innovative storytelling to viewers. In the 26 years the Television Critics Association has been giving these awards, the more than 200 members reaching millions of readers have been able to spotlight the best television can offer.”

New series and continuing fan favorites were nominated in various categories including individual achievement in a movies, mini series, news and youth programming. “Glee”, “Justified”, “Modern Family”, “Parenthood” and “The Good Wife” are nominated for Outstanding New Program. The Drama category includes “Breaking Bad”, “Lost”, “The Good Wife”, “Mad Men” and “Sons of Anarchy”. The Comedy nominees are “Glee”, “Party Down”, “The Big Bang Theory”, “Parks and Rec” and “Modern Family”.

The Heritage Award is given to a long running series that has socially or culturally had a societal impact. Up for consideration are M*A*S*H (CBS), “24” (Fox), “Law & Order” (NBC), “Lost” and “Twin Peaks” (ABC). In recognition of individual influence, the Career Achievement Award nominees include Sherwood Schwartz, Bill Moyers, James Garner, William Shatner and Dick Wolf.