While the 2023 Emmys occurred earlier this year (due to the SAG strikes), they have returned to their usual place in the calendar. A quick reminder that series like House of the Dragon and The Boys are not eligible for this year’s Emmys. The window for the competition ran from June of 2023 to May of 2024. Additionally, The Bear‘s nominations are in reference to Season 2, not the most recent season on Hulu. With some of that housekeeping done, we have plenty of great shows and news to check out. Below are a handful of notes about programs our audience loves and a further breakdown of big categories.
Shōgun Leads the Field
With 25 nominations, Shōgun fulfilled its promise on multiple levels. The choice to move the show into the Drama field proved fruitful, as it secured nominations in most major categories. It also provides a stark contrast to the surprising strength of The Morning Show. Comparing the two feels wrong, but the Emmys have clearly embraced the Apple TV+ behemoth. However, Shōgun is the odds-on favorite to win nearly every category where it picked up a nomination. FX and Disney must be thrilled with where they landed, especially given that Baby Reindeer‘s Emmys momentum would have eaten into their overall haul.
Fallout Shines with 16 Nominations and a Nod for Vault 33
The adaptation of the popular video game series played big with the Emmys. Not only did it score a Drama Series nomination, but it picked up Walton Goggins in Lead Actor and a writing nomination for “The End.” Even its spin-off, Fallout: Vault 33, took home a nomination for the Emerging Media Program. For a first-year show, this is a coup and may expand in future years. It also shows that Amazon can push a big-budget show over the top, something it failed to do with Rings of Power. Hopefully, their awards team will take note.
X-Men ’97 Gets Into Animated Series
The return of the beloved animated series did not guarantee the Emmys would go for it. Yet, here it is, fighting off substantial competition in the category. While animation as a whole does not have many categories to compete in, X-Men ‘97 should find plenty of support as the only Disney+ show in the category. Watch for it to potentially steal a win from The Simpsons.
Ahsoka fills in Craft Categories with 5 Nominations
The Star Wars spin-off continued where The Book of Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi left off. Those shows each had five nominations on the day, and Boba Fett won for Visual Effects. Time will tell if Ahsoka does the same, but it appears that Star Wars TV has found the floor at the Emmys.
Marvel Live-Action TV Underperforms
Loki and Echo combined for four nominations. That’s not what they hoped for, especially when Loki was considered a contender in Drama Series. Instead, the excellent second season highlights that WandaVision might have been the exception, not the rule regarding Marvel TV. Animation might be their best way forward as they figure out the future of the MCU on the small screen.
Welcome to Wrexham Adds 6 More Nominations to Its Impressive Totals
It’s somewhat surprising that Welcome to Wrexham has become a juggernaut on Emmys morning. It’s scoring nominations against perennial reality TV competition shows like Amazing Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race, but it’s easy to see why. The Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-led series is an excellent showcase of what investing in craft teams can do for a project as silly as this one sounded on paper. Yet Wrexham is here to stay and could bring home some Emmy gold again this year.
Netflix’s Big Bets on Avatar: The Last Airbender and 3 Body Problem Have Mixed Results
Neither of the big Netflix series lived up to their potential with awards bodies, which might explain the slow walk on Season 2 for each. Yes, they are going to return, but for how long? 3 Body Problem comes out looking better, especially with its Drama Series nomination. Still, there was hope it could be a Game of Thrones-level juggernaut. Meanwhile, Avatar pulled in a measly two nominations and was relegated to the crafts. It’s fair to say neither show caught the zeitgeist the way that Netflix had hoped, and as a result, we’re seeing the Emmys skip them as well.
Check out our quick breakdowns of other nominations below.
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
Baby Reindeer
Fargo
Lesson in Chemistry
Ripley
True Detective: Night Country
It might be unfair how far ahead Baby Reindeer is in this category. Ripley remains one of the achievements of the year but is likely too cold to overtake the phenomenon. Fargo‘s heralded return could surprise, but in the acting and writing categories, it does not seem ready to upset Baby Reindeer. Lessons in Chemistry and True Detective outlasted a surging Feud, which shows strength with the Emmys in their own right. However, they are happy to join the party.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Matt Bomer – Fellow Travelers
Richard Gadd – Baby Reindeer
Jon Hamm – Fargo
Tom Hollander – Feud: Capote vs. the Swans
Andrew Scott – Ripley
The sensation of the TV year begins and ends with Richard Gadd. It’s hard to imagine anyone but him winning it. However, Andrew Scott’s Ripley performance is incredible. Jon Hamm has a decade of love from the Emmys, Matt Bomer delivers one of the most nuanced performances of the year, and Tom Hollander transforms. It’s a brilliant category, and most years, Gadd would be an exciting up-and-comer at the Emmys. But Baby Reindeer took over television, and it would be shocking for him to go home empty-handed.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Jodie Foster – True Detective: Night Country
Brie Larson – Lessons in Chemistry
Juno Temple – Fargo
Sofia Vergara – Griselda
Naomi Watts – Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
Two surprises snuck in here, but the category is undeniably better for it. Naomi Watts gave the best performance in Capote vs. the Swans, and Sofia Vergara took over television during the week of Griselda‘s release. One of them could surprise, but Temple gets the benefit of consistently placing second on Ted Lasso, while Foster is an icon. Larson leads one of TV’s sensations, but it feels unlikely that she pulls through with a win here.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Dakota Fanning – Ripley
Lily Gladstone – Under the Bridge
Jessica Gunning – Baby Reindeer
Aja Naomi King – Lessons in Chemistry
Diane Lane – Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
Nava Mau – Baby Reindeer
Kali Reis – True Detective: Night Country
Jessica Gunning might be the surest bet of the night. Nava Mau’s nomination comes as a surprise, but it’s undeniably a worthy one. It appears that Lily Gladstone or Kali Reis is our runner-up, but for each, they make a strong case for future prizes. It’s a very tough field, but again, Baby Reindeer has so much momentum, it’s hard to imagine it going elsewhere.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Jonathan Bailey – Fellow Travelers
Robert Downey Jr. – The Sympathizer
Tom Goodman-Hill – Baby Reindeer
John Hawkes – True Detective: Night Country
Lamorne Morris – Fargo
Lewis Pullman – Lessons in Chemistry
Treat Williams – Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
Robert Downey Jr. should easily walk away with this. He plays the most absurd character in The Sympathizer, and ever since its premiere, has been the highlight. Jonathan Bailey will contend, but keep an eye on Tom Goodman-Hill. Despite limited screentime, his effect on Baby Reindeer is undeniable. It’s an unnerving performance, and as a newcomer, could steal the whole thing.
Drama Series
The Crown
Fallout
The Gilded Age
The Morning Show
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Shōgun
Slow Horses
3 Body Problem
For all the ups and downs of television in 2024, Shōgun has proved the type of generational show that overshadows the field. However, Fallout, The Gilded Age, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Slow Horses, and 3 Body Problem are all first-time nominees in the big leagues. That’s huge, when TV viewership has spread so far, it’s nice to see new shows getting recognized instead of the fifth season of a show we used to like.
Outstanding Lead Actress Drama
Jennifer Aniston – The Morning Show
Carrie Coon – The Gilded Age
Maya Erskine – Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Anna Sawai – Shōgun
Imelda Staunton – The Crown
Reese Witherspoon – The Morning Show
It’s wild that both Aniston and Witherspoon got in after struggling to make it for years. Erskine picks up another great nomination and is slowly proving herself a favorite of the Emmys. One also wonders how close Carrie Coon is to winning this Emmy, but it’s likely Staunton is drawing the votes she needs to seal the deal. Anna Sawai should be our favorite, but watch out for Aniston to make a big push.
Outstanding Lead Actor Drama
Idris Elba – Hijack
Donald Glover – Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Walton Goggins – Fallout
Gary Oldman – Slow Horses
Hiroyuki Sanada – Shōgun
Dominic West – The Crown
It’s incredible that Idris Elba and Walton Goggins broke into the race. Both got in from genre shows, and it feels like a great way to reward their extraordinary careers to this point. However, this is Sanada’s to lose, with Oldman potentially as a spoiler.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Christine Baranski – The Gilded Age
Nicole Beharie – The Morning Show
Elizabeth Debicki – The Crown
Greta Lee – The Morning Show
Lesley Manville – The Crown
Karen Pittman – The Morning Show
Holland Taylor – The Morning Show
I’m not sure why there’s a sudden takeover of The Morning Show, but it’s certainly resulted in one of the most surprising categories. No representation from Shōgun means we’re left with a very open race. One would assume that The Morning Show women will cancel each other out, but clearly, there’s some passion. If Christine Baranski returns to the mountaintop, it’s unclear how the internet will be able to contain itself. At the same time, this feels like Debicki’s to lose, even with the shortened appearance.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Tadanobu Asano – Shōgun
Billy Crudup – The Morning Show
Mark Duplass – The Morning Show
Jon Hamm – The Morning Show
Takehiro Hira – Shōgun
Jack Lowden – Slow Horses
Jonathan Pryce – The Crown
It’s fantastic that the Emmys went for both Asano and Hira for Shōgun. They should each contend for the win, and deservedly so. However, keep an eye on Jack Lowden. He’s a known commodity, and unlike The Morning Show, he does not pull votes. Hamm does have the double nomination, and he’s not winning for Fargo. Maybe they decide to throw caution to the wind and give him it anyway.
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Hacks
Only Murders in the Building
Palm Royale
Reservation Dogs
What We Do in the Shadows
This race is a lock, with The Bear getting so many nominations above the line in craft categories and earning plaudits for the “best show on television” for its stellar Season 2. Hacks should be the big contender, as it’s walking into the night as the heavy favorite in Lead Actress. Those are two to watch, and everyone else is happy to be here. Huge win for Reservation Dogs for finally getting the respect it deserves.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
Ayo Edebiri – The Bear
Selena Gomez – Only Murders in the Building
Maya Rudolph – Loot
Jean Smart – Hacks
Kristen Wiig – Palm Royale
One of the cooler lineups of nomination morning features Maya and Kristen together. It’s a pretty sick moment as Salena Gomez finally breaks into the pack. However, the top of the category creates a showdown between Jean Smart in a tour-de-force, Quinta Brunson in her best season yet, and Ayo Edebiri changes the entire dynamic of the show that’s likely to win Comedy Series. This might be the strongest top 3 the category has ever had, and that’s saying something. Still, the edge has to go to Smart, who received a standing ovation at SXSW for simply appearing in the audience.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Matt Berry – What We Do in the Shadows
Larry David – Curb Your Enthusiasm
Steve Martin – Only Murders in the Building
Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building
Jeremey Allen White – The Bear
D’Pharoh Woon-A-Tai – Reservation Dogs
Wow, a huge nomination for D’Pharoh Woon-A-Tai makes history. Matt Berry will be the internet’s favorite, with a dozen “NEW YORK CITY” chants hanging in the wind. Allen White has this, but man, what a murders row of all-time comedians with a splash of the new Hollywood on the rise. It’s maybe my favorite category of the year.
Outstanding Support Actress in a Comedy Series
Carol Burnett – Palm Royale
Liza Colón-Zayas – The Bear
Hannah Einbinder – Hacks
Janelle James – Abbott Elementary
Sheryl Lee Ralph – Abbott Elementary
Meryl Streep – Only Murders in the Building
This is going to be a bloodbath. We know Sheryl Lee Ralph is win competitive. We know Hannah Einbinder is riding a wave, and putting her here is category fraud that often gets rewarded. Liza Colón-Zayas helps The Bear land some of its best moments, and while Season 3 might hurt her castmates, it will not the push to reward her. Then there’s Meryl and Carol Burnett standing over the category like Kaijus ready to battle.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Lionel Boyce – The Bear
Paul W. Downs – Hacks
Ebon Moss-Bachrach – The Bear
Paul Rudd – Only Murders in the Building
Tyler James Williams – Abbott Elementary
Bowen Yang – Saturday Night Live
The Bear boys should have a lead, but this is one of the more star-studded casts. Moss-Bachrach became a sensation with “Forks,” which will be the obvious submission for him. Boyce has also become a fan-favorite, and “Honeydew” also received a directing nomination for Ramy Yusef. Rudd coming on Only Murders in the Building is the kind of thing the Emmys used to reward constantly. Tyler James Williams got his Globe, but it would be awesome to see him take home an Emmy as well.
Outstanding Animated Series
Blue Eye Samurai
Bob’s Burgers
Scavenger’s Reign
The Simpsons
X-Men ’97
It’s sad series like Invincible and Hazbin Hotel got left out. It especially stings with Stirling K. Brown nabbing a voice-acting nomination for Invincible. The big surprise here is Scavenger’s Reign, which crashes the party after a huge boost for being licensed out to Netflix. That’s a low-key win for the streamer and for Sci-Fi fans. The buzz around X-Men ’97 should help it compete for the win here, but watch out for Blue Eye Samurai. The anime picked up a nomination in sound, making it and The Simpsons as the only shows to get nominations outside the category.
Outstanding Talk Series
The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Late Night with Seth Meyers
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
It’s a very basic group here. They dropped a nominee, yet Jon Stewart still gets nominated as part of The Daily Show. Otherwise, expect the same results as last year.
Predicted Winner: The Daily Show
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Top Chef
The Traitors
The Voice
We’d love to see a win for The Traitors here, but RuPaul’s Drag Race likely has this on lock. It was a strong season, and The Traitors finale fell off just enough where it should be a coronation. The Emmys could go back to The Amazing Race or The Voice but that seems way out of left field.
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