Academy voters will get the chance to show if they can keep pace with TV’s increasing diversity. And Outlander, one of the most popular shows on the planet and a genre-bending journey into all manner of historical romance, drama and personal torment, was shut out of the series and acting categories.
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But there were no major acting nods for the stars of “Fresh Off the Boat” or other Asian-American actors, or for Latinos, which has been a recurrent Emmy pattern.
Networks have reason for concern as well. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon have amply demonstrated that streaming networks can be power players in the TV landscape of 2016, but in pulling off this small-scale, off-the-grid passion project, C.K. made the Academy play by his rules.
The nominations for the 68th annual Emmy Awards were just announced, and Beyoncé’s Lemonade (which aired on April 23 via HBO) got a massive nod.
Also in the best comedy race are HBO’s “Silicon Valley”, five time victor “Modern Family”, and three streaming series: “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”, “Master Of None”, and “Transparent”. Also notable are the whopping 12 nominations for AMC’s The Night Manager, 11 for Silicon Valley, 10 for Downton Abbey, 8 for All the Way, and 7 for Better Call Saul. Nominations for shows like “Game of Thrones”, “Orange is the New Black“, “House of Cards” and “Homeland” seem likely.
Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Maura Tierney, “The Affair”; Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey”; Lena Headey, “Game of Thrones“; Emilia Clarke, “Game of Thrones“; Maisie Williams, “Game of Thrones“. Each of the top choices on Goldderby.com, a website where experts post odds on awards show nominations and wins, received nominations in the categories of best comedy and drama.
She and Ross will be competing with Ellie Kemper in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”, Laurie Metcalf in “Getting On”, Amy Schumer in “Inside Amy Schumer” and Lily Tomlin in “Grace and Frankie”. Next in line is Fargo (18), Veep (17), and Saturday Night Live (16). “O.J. Simpson” is a close second with a total of 22 nods.
Outstanding Animated Program: “Archer”, “Bob’s Burgers”, “Phineas and Ferb Last Day of Summer”, “The Simpsons-Halloween of Horror”, “South Park-You’re Not Yelping”.
After three seasons as a critical and cult darling, The Americans finally broke through the Emmy barrier with three nominations, for Best Drama Series, Best Actor for Matthew Rhys, and Best Actress for Keri Russell. The Americans finally got the recognition that the show and its stars have deserved for years.
David Schwimmer, who played Simpson’s lawyer and friend Robert Kardashian, John Travolta, who portrayed defence lawyer Robert Shapiro, and Sterling K Brown, who played prosecutor Christopher Darden, are also nominated for best supporting actor in a limited series.
Numerous people nominated this year for best actor or actress were also nominated last year. Mr. Robot broke into the drama and best actor (Rami Malek) races, with six nominations overall.
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“Game of Thrones” has received the most nominations for this year’s Emmys. Actors were honored by the Emmys for their work on the show, too – Cuba Gooding Jr. and Courtney B. Vance received nominations for best actor in a limited series or movie, while Sarah Paulson received a nomination for best actress in a limited series or movie. Throw in a writing nod for their pulse-quickening “Persona Non Grata” script, and the critically acclaimed, often neglected FX show starts to look like it may be this year’s breakout success story.
