CSI: Crime Scene Investigation executive producer Anthony E. Zuiker today said it was the recognition of a Golden Globe nomination that first pushed the series into the limelight.

"The HFPA [Hollywood Foreign Press Association] has a way of spotting shows before even America does, and we were fortunate to have been anointed that way," Zuiker told the Hollywood Reporter's Ray Richmond. Since the Golden Globes are usually awarded early in the year, the awards can recognise television shows that may only be halfway through their first season, as CSI was when it was nominated for Best Drama Series in 2001.

CSI has received five Golden Globe nominations since then — an additional two for Best Drama (2002, 2004), two for star Marg Helgenberger (Catherine Willows) (2002, 2003) and one for leading man William Petersen (Gil Grissom) earlier this year. Despite being a perennial bridesmaid, Zuiker said there's still time to snag a Globe: "We also hope one day to bring one of those statuettes home."

The Hollywood Reporter said the 2005 Best Drama field includes "at least 10 legitimate nomination contenders". In addition to CSI, other possible nominees could be this year's Emmy champ The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, ABC's hit new drama, Lost, and CSI's Thursday night lead-out show Without a Trace. Trace's Anthony LaPaglia won the 2004 Best Actor in a TV Drama gong, edging out Petersen in his first nomination.

The Best Actress in a TV Drama category is another tough field, with Helgenberger likely to face strong competition from Allison Janney (The West Wing), Six Feet Under's Frances Conroy and Globe darling Edie Falco (The Sopranos) to score a nomination.

Nominations for the 2005 Golden Globes will be announced on December 13 with the trophies to be handed out on January 16. The original article can be found here at the Hollywood Reporter.

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