EXCLUSIVE: When Modern Family star Ed O’Neill submits himself this week for Emmy Awards consideration, he will do it in the Supporting Actor category, despite being the biggest name star on the hit ABC sitcom. Insiders said that O’Neill’s move will be emulated by all of the principal cast members. While this might cost the show some trophies, sources said O’Neill is making the surprising move because he felt that nobody is bigger than anybody else in a show that is evolving into a true ensemble hit. When shows start out anchored by stars like O’Neill and then evolve into ensembles, egos often get bruised—remember when Rob Lowe left The West Wing?

In a final note on Modern Family, I am also hearing that the entire principal cast will be brought to New York next month for ABC’s upfront presentation, the only cast making the trip for the network.