The Big O

Katherine Heigl just did it, to much dramatic effect, but a bigger name already went there long ago.

When the Daytime Emmys unroll tomorrow, Queen of Meaningful Pre-Dinner-Time TV Oprah won't be among the contenders. Why? She took herself out of the running after continually cleaning up in the best talk show and best talk show host categories.

Since then, a new heavyweight has emerged and her name is Ellen.

So, did Oprah accomplish what she set out to do, which is give the little guy a chance at glory? Gold Derby's Tom O'Neil says no, and it's high time for her to weigh back in, mainly so she can publicly put Ellen in her place in what he's billing "The Ultimate Clash of the TV Titans!"

Shouldn't it be enough that Oprah sits comfortably on the richest Hollywood moguls list year after year and that she presides over a vast media empire that's capable of middle America mind control? She has 15 combined Daytime Emmys for her show and herself. Does she really need another?

We think not, but then again maybe we're overlooking the much-needed ratings bump she'd bring along with her. The Daytime Emmys, like nearly every televised awards show out there, desperately needs more fans. There's only so much the soap stars (even the "gay" ones who mack on each other) can do to get people to the tube.

Any way you look at it, the chicks at "The View" are screwed.