But growing pressure on media to reflect American diversity, and Emmy voters’ response, will be a crucial part of the ceremony as well.
Advertisement
This year, a new category called Outstanding Variety Sketch Series was created to recognize the different kinds of shows out there on television – separating out series like Inside Amy Schumer and Key and Peele from late-night talk shows like The Colbert Report and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
On the men’s side, Kyle Chandler (“Bloodline“), Jeff Daniels (“The News Room”), Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”), Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”), Liev Schreiber (“Ray Donovan”) and Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards”) are all up for distinction in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.
Tonight is the 2015 Emmy Awards with comedian/actor Andy Samberg as the show host. All eyes will be on Jon Hamm, who despite earning consistent praise and nominations for his performance as troubled ad man Don Draper, has yet to actually win an Emmy.
“Game of Thrones” is already well on its way to shattering the record for most wins for a single show in one year. NBC’s “The Voice” and Bravo’s “Top Chef” are the only other shows to win in the category. “This could be one of the most popular Emmys ever because of fan favorites prevailing”, O’Neil said.
However with seven drama series nominated this year – none of them from the big five USA broadcasters – the competition is fierce, especially from HBO fantasy series “Game of Thrones” which had a leading 24 nominations. “I gotta win! I gotta win for history!” an exuberant Henson said when asked about the prospect last May.
That an African-American actress has yet to receive the award is offensive, said Gabourey Sidibe, who plays Becky on “Empire“.
“Certainly he is the sentimental favorite going into Emmy night”, she told AFP. All six actress have given great performances, and an argument can well be made that each of them deserve to win.
It’s been a far longer wait for women then it was for men.
The freshman Amazon series is a contender for best comedy honors, and a victory would make it the first online program to capture top series honors.
Cosby won again, in 1967 and ’68, with two other black actors following him after a barren stretch of more than two decades: James Earl Jones for “Gabriel’s Fire” in 1991 and Andre Braugher for “Homicide: Life on the Street” in 1996.
Bradley Whitford received a guest-actor trophy for his cross-dressing Transparent character at the creative arts Emmys last weekend.
“I know it’ll be a amusing show”, Samberg said before the 2015 Emmys. “We’re not there yet, but non-judgment day is coming!” As a result, this is the show’s last chance at making history. This year’s event has a rule change at the Television Academy that expanded voting from about 1,000 to some 18,000 member.
Advertisement
Who should win: Best actress is too crowded for Fresh Off the Boat’s Constance Wu – but FOB is an ensemble show, which could qualify her for this category.
