After a few decent years of Emmy nominations – ones that seemed to suggest a TV Academy that was willing to reward innovative programming – we’re back to a disappointing list this year. Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely plenty of good to hold onto:Sandra Ohhas become the first Asian woman to be nominated as a Lead Actress in a Drama, for BBC America’sKilling Eve. AuteursBill HaderandDonald Gloverhave a slew of nominations in a variety of categories for their great seriesBarry(on HBO) andAtlanta(on FX) respectively.The Americanshas been rewarded as one of TV’s best series (in its final year) with acting noms for both of its leads and as best drama series. And hey look,GLOW! (It’s not exactly myWish List, but it’s something).
When you really dig deep into this year’s nominees though (full listhere) – all the way down to the guest appearances and writing / directing nods – you see how uninspired the nominations truly are. And yet they still aren’t terrible! Let’s take it category by category:
This is a real mixed bag this year, but I wouldn’t call any of it surprising (except, maybe, thatModern Family’s streak has finally been broken). In fact, unsurprising might be the key word for this year’s nominations. That doesn’t meanbad, it’s just … well, what it is.Curb Your Enthusiasm? Ok. But what aboutBetter Things? I mean there areeightnominations for Best Comedy Series, and you miss out onBetter Things? (At leastPamela Adlonwas nominated for lead actress). TheGLOWinclusion is a little surprising, since it’s for Season 1 which didn’t really find its footing until late in the game, but I’ll take it. And it’s heartening to seeBarryrecognized in so many places and in so many ways, includingHenry Winklerin the supporting category. There you will find a fantastic collection of actors and performances, includingBrian Tyree Henry,Louie Anderson, andTituss Burgess, and yet, what aboutZach Woods?And all due respect toWilliam H. Macy, but it’s a tired nomination. (As forAtlantaI mean, it would be ridiculous if it wasn’t nominated for basically everything, which it has been, so I am appeased).
As for the actresses, I’m disappointed to not seeConstance Wufrom ABC’sFresh Off the Boatincluded, as she’s a consistent delight in that series. Still, we do getIssa Rae(Insecure) andTracee Ellis Ross(black-ish), both of whom have had great turns in their series this past year. Plus, in the supporting category, we haveBetty GilpinforGLOWas well asZazie BeetzforAtlanta. I’m even happy to seeWill & Grace’sMegan Mullallyback in the Emmy race — Karen Walker is iconic thanks to her.
There are a few interesting nods in the guest categories too, includingKatt WilliamsforAtlanta, which is an inspired choice. Plus,BarryandAtlantareceivedtonsof love overall, most especially in the directing and writing categories, as well they should.
In my heart, though, I’m still pouring one out forDownward Dog. That show was an indie movie full of humor and heart each week. It starred adog. We didn’t deserve it.
Limited Series
I have, by far, the most issues with this category. I meanThe Alienistwasfine. It had movie stars, and the TV academy always loves to shower them with awards. But the fact thatTwin Peaksisn’t nominated in a major category, especially for acting, is egregious. And nothing forThe Terror?Howards End? Both were spectacular showcases of the medium and acting tour de forces from exceptional casts. These are major, major snubs.David Lynchbeing nominated for directingTwin Peaksand “Part 8” receiving a cinematography nomination is not enough. I mean,Genius: Picasso? It wasn’t good. In fact, it wasactivelybad.
If you aren’t a fan ofAmerican Horror StoryorThe Assassination of Gianni Versace, or didn’t watchThe Looming Tower, there’s not much for you in these nominations (although word to the wise,Patrick Melroseis very good). And despite the fact that I like most of the actors and actresses nominated, there are just so many snubs it’s hard to feel great about it (although good job toAmerican Vandalfor getting a writing nomination — that’s something!) One of the weirdest picks isJohn Leguizamoas a guest actor forWaco, a series absolutely filled with outstanding performances, although I would not put Leguizamo among them.
I am going to be angry aboutThe Terror,Twin Peaks, andHowards Endfor a long time …
HoorayThe Americans! HoorayThe Crown! Uhhh butWestworld?Stranger Things?This Is Us? No. Not in a TV world where we haveCounterpart. Or even more specifically, where we are blessed withJ.K. SimmonsinCounterpart. The fact that that show was shut out makes me not even want to tune into the Emmys. What a joke!
As happy as I am to seeMatthew Rhysgetting a nod forThe Americans, there is nothing that is otherwise very interesting about the lead actor category. As for lead actresses, it’s a solid list and not very unexpected, except thatEvan Rachel Wood(Westworld) should have been swapped forMaggie Gyllenhaalin theThe Deucewithout question. If I had my druthers, I’d also find room forCaitriona BalfeforOutlander, andJodie ComerforKilling Eve. I mean, truly, Comer gave one of the most mesmerizingly weird performances I’ve ever witnessed.
No love in general forCounterpart,Outlander, The DeuceorMindhunterhas me pretty worked up, butMindunterdid snag a guest nomination forCameron Britton, which is a good choice. I’m pretty bored with the supporting actor category too, which is whereGame of Thronesstowed so many of their nominees (andJoseph FiennesforHandmaid’s Tale, really?), though I am pleasedMatt Smith’s wonderfully odious turn as Prince Philip has been rewarded. Speaking of stowing nominees, holy hellHandmaid’s Talehas three women nominated as supporting actresses, but yes, they are all terrific (maybe even most especiallyYvonne Strahovski).
As you could guess,Game of Throneshas a few nominations in the directing category, andJason Batemangrabs one for Netflix’sOzark, which is overall very heavily represented here. I am very happy to seeThe Americans’ finale andKilling Eve’s premiere getting writing noms though — very well deserved.
Reality, Animation, Documentary
Look, I don’t even know if PBS’s theGreat British Baking Showis in the Emmy eligibility window, but it should be nominated anyway. And win everything. It’s the show we need in these difficult times. There is such kindness and whimsy! But instead, the reality and variety series nominations are all so predictable it’s a complete snooze-fest. There’s also no nomination forLate Night with Seth Meyers, which is a true snub.
If you happen to take a gander at Kids Programming by the way, you’ll see some weird nominations.Star Wars Rebelsis a good one, butFuller House? Excuse me? An Emmy? Most of the programming nominated is geared towards older kids atbest, which seems to suggest that the people nominating these series don’t really understand the premise of this category. If you peek into Animated Series, you’ll also see a boring list of series all aimed at adults, mostly all on broadcast, and not taking into account anything innovative or interesting likeVoltronorFinal Space.
And while it’s not exactlysurprising, it’s good to see that both the exceptionalBlue Planet IIfrom BBC America andWild Wild Countryfrom Netflix were both nominated for Outstanding Documentary Series. There is some justice.
So how are you feeling about this year’s Emmy nominations? Let us know in the comments!
