In a year marked by standout television, FX has emerged as a formidable contender at the Emmy Awards, with The Bear and Shogun leading the pack. The Bear, the audacious comedy series about a group of sandwich makers striving to establish a high-end restaurant, garnered a record 23 nominations for its second season. Among its accolades, it earned nods for Best Comedy Series and Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Jeremy Allen White, both of which it secured at January’s delayed ceremony. Ayo Edebiri, who clinched Best Supporting Actress previously, is now up for Best Actress, bolstered by a slew of guest acting nominations, including luminaries Jamie Lee Curtis and Olivia Colman.
Shogun, with its 25 nominations, reigns supreme in the drama categories. The adaptation of James Clavell’s epic novel, which navigates the intricate political landscape of early 17th century Japan, is vying for Best Drama Series. Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada, pivotal to the show’s success, are nominated for Best Actress and Best Actor in a Drama Series, respectively. The series’ creators, having announced in May their intent to extend beyond the novel’s original narrative, shifted the series from the limited category to drama, further intensifying competition.
HBO’s True Detective: Night Country emerges as a beacon for the network amidst the retirement of Succession and interim phases for The White Lotus and The Last of Us. The semi-spinoff leads limited or anthology series with 19 nominations, featuring Jodie Foster as a police chief delving into enigmatic deaths in the stark Alaskan winter. Kali Reis, portraying Foster’s investigative partner and rival, and Lily Gladstone of Under the Bridge have made history as the first Indigenous women nominated for Emmy acting awards. D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai of Reservation Dogs also breaks new ground with a nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy.
FX continues its robust presence with Fargo, another strong contender in the limited series category, boasting 15 nominations. If FX’s frontrunners clinch wins in drama and comedy, the network could achieve a coveted triple crown.
Netflix, maintaining its dominance with 107 nominations, fields significant contenders in the limited series category. Baby Reindeer and Ripley have both achieved critical acclaim, with Baby Reindeer securing 11 nominations, including Best Actor for Richard Gadd. Ripley, a monochrome retelling of Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley, earned 13 nods, including acting recognitions for Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning.
Acclaimed figures from the silver screen also shine at the Emmys. Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep (nominated for Only Murders in the Building), Robert Downey Jr. (The Sympathizer), and Gary Oldman (Slow Horses) illustrate the seamless crossover between film and television. Only Murders, a staple for Hulu, outdid itself with 21 nominations, including first-time nods for Selena Gomez as a performer.
Familiar faces return with new vigor. Jon Hamm, with a storied history of 16 nominations primarily for Mad Men, is recognized for Fargo and The Morning Show. Jennifer Aniston, another strong contender, vies for Best Drama Actress for her role in The Morning Show. Tony Shalhoub, eyeing his fifth Emmy, reprises his beloved role in Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie.
The comedy realm sees Saturday Night Live alumni Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph contending for Best Actress in a Comedy, for Palm Royale and Loot respectively. Both also received nominations for their guest hosting on SNL.
Returning to its customary schedule, the Emmy Awards will be held on September 15 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, airing on ABC. The Crown and Hacks make notable comebacks with 19 and 16 nominations respectively, after notable hiatuses. Elizabeth Debicki, portraying Princess Diana in The Crown’s poignant final season, is a strong favorite for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama. Jean Smart, with a compelling performance in Hacks, competes with Edebiri for Best Actress in a Comedy, promising an evening of fierce and celebratory competition.
