What Emmy voters see

Emmy winners are chosen by more than 5,000 members of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, who critique each nominee based upon episodes selected as examples of their best work from the past TV season.

Lead series actors submit one sample episode, supporting stars submit two. Six episodes are submitted in the races for best drama and comedy series, divided into three pairings that are distributed randomly to voters. Typically, voters participate in judging two categories, but they can do up to four, but no more, since the Academy does not want members overloaded with too much viewing responsibility.

After checking off their ballots, they must sign an affadavit attesting that they've viewed everything, and mail both directly to the accounting firm of Ernst & Young by August 15. Winners will be announced on Aug. 27 during the NBC telecast at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Here's the breakdown: (Many Spoilers Ahead):

Comedy Lead Actor

Steve Carell For The Office
"The Injury"
When Michael burns his foot with his George Foreman mini-grill, he requires the entire office staff to work around his new injury. Dwight acts stranger than usual, the result of a car accident he was in earlier that day.

Larry David For Curb Your Enthusiasm
"The Ski Lift"
Anticipating having to give a kidney to Richard Lewis, Larry tries to develop a contingency plan should he need a kidney donation himself. Meanwhile, a nurse claims Jeff has some shortcomings.

Kevin James For The King Of Queens
"Pole Lox"
Doug convinces Carrie to take pole dancing lessons, but is disappointed when she puts on a show for him. Meanwhile, Arthur worries her new hobby is a result of his poor parenting, and smothers her in effort to make up lost time.

Tony Shalhoub For Monk