“The Office” Receives Four Emmy Nominations

NBC’s hit comedy “The Office,” produced by Ben Silverman, received four Emmy nominations last week, marking the sixth year in a row the series was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series. Though the show has been nominated every year since its US premiere, it has only won the award once in 2006, its first year.

Steve Carell was also nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of Michael Scott, the inept, yet lovable boss at Dunder-Mifflin Paper Company’s Scranton branch. He’s up for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, also for the sixth year in a row. Unlike the show itself, Carell has yet to win the Emmy for his performance.

This past season on “The Office” was the last for Carell, who left the show to focus on his film career. He has a romantic comedy, “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” co-starring Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone coming out later this month. James Spader was signed as a permanent cast member, but will not fill Carell’s vacant role. He will play the CEO of Sabre, the parent company of Dunder-Mifflin, replacing Kathy Bates, who also left the show after this season.

"It is thrilling that ‘The Office’ is recognized as the best show on TV year in and year out,” Executive Producer Ben Silverman said. “Our writers and actors deliver at the highest level, and continue to make America laugh and relate."

The show was also nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for the episode "Goodbye, Michael" and Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) for the episode "Andy's Play."

James Spader Confirmed as new CEO on "The Office"

While rumors abounded over who would replace Steve Carell on NBC’s hit comedy “The Office,” produced by Ben Silverman, the network confirmed yesterday that James Spader will have a permanent role on the mockumentary as the CEO of Dunder-Mifflin paper company. Spader, who guest starred in a few episodes last season, will return as Robert California, the devious applicant who incensed office-weirdo Dwight Schrute and interviewed for Michael Scott’s job in the season finale.

Contrary to previous information, Spader will not replace Steve Carell, but will in fact replace Kathy Bates’ character, as the actress is leaving “The Office” to focus on “Harry’s Law,” where she plays the lead. This still leaves Carell’s manager position open, and NBC has yet to announce who will permanently take over the role.

In the eighth season, it is said that California, Spader’s character, will receive the position of manager of Dunder-Mifflin’s Scranton branch, Michael Scott’s old position. Within hours, though, he will be promoted to CEO of Sabre, Dunder-Mifflin’s parent company, and leave the manager position open once again.

Ben Silverman and the show’s other producers will not say whom they’ve chosen to replace Carell, who left the show to focus on his movie career.

Ben Silverman Praises "The Office" for Being a Place "Where TV and Film Stars Co-exist"

Despite Steve Carell’s — and the lovable loser Michael Scott’s — departure from “The Office,” Executive Producer Ben Silverman is confident that the show will continue to remain the hit comedy it has always been. Because Carell left the show to focus on his movie career, many have pondered the fate of other “Office” actors that have lately starred in hit movies.

Ed Helms, who plays dorky Andy Bernard on the show, recently starred in “The Hangover Part II,” a sequel to the raunchy frat comedy “The Hangover.” The sequel grossed $137 million in its first weekend, the best opening ever for a comedy. The actress behind “The Office’s” sweet, naïve secretary, Ellie Kemper, plays a supporting role in “Bridesmaids” as, you guessed it, one of the bridesmaids. The female-driven comedy is written by “Saturday Night Live’s” Kristen Wiig and produced by Judd Apatow of “Superbad” and “Knocked Up” fame. Phyllis Smith also nabbed a role in “Bad Teacher,” starring Cameron Diaz.

Although many “Office” stars have reached silver screen fame, Ben Silverman said that “The Office” is a place “where TV and film stars co-exist.” He pointed out that the “Office” actors’ roles in hit movies have helped the show, and vice versa.