After Emmy noms, ‘True Detective’ boss Issa López promises Season 5 will be ‘weirder’

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As a Mexican-American woman with a deep connection to my Indigenous roots, I can’t help but feel immense pride and validation after the success of “Night Country.” This project has been a labor of love for me, and seeing it recognized in such a significant way is truly a dream come true.

Listening to the Beatles’ “Twist and Shout” at max volume could potentially drive Liz Danvers insane, but if there was any justification for doing so, it would be the fact that “True Detective: Night Country” received 19 Emmy nominations. (Or, Another possibility: The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout” playing loudly might push Liz Danvers to the brink, but if there was an explanation for this, it could be the news that “True Detective: Night Country” earned a grand total of 19 Emmy nominations.)

The fourth season of HBO’s anthology series reached new heights in viewership, surpassing all previous versions since its January debut. This captivating season, filmed in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska, featured Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as determined investigators. Their mission: to unravel the mystery behind the eight men from the Tsalal Arctic Research Station who were discovered frozen in an eerie state called “corpsicles.”

Foster not only gained a nomination for the limited series “drama” in the Emmy Awards, but also received her initial recognition with a nod for the lead actress category. She shares this achievement with Brie Larson (“Lessons in Chemistry”), Juno Temple (“Fargo”), Sofia Vergara (“Griselda”), and Naomi Watts (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”).

Notable distinctions arose during the Emmy nominations, with Reis being recognized for her supporting actress role in a limited series. She was joined by other talented actors including 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”), and Nava Mau (“Baby Reindeer”). The nominations of Reis and Gladstone mark a historic first for Native American women in the Emmys acting categories.

The fifth season of “True Detective” has been officially announced, and Issa López, who received nominations for her writing and directing work on the show, will continue to oversee its production. At present, she is working on penning the upcoming season.

I had the opportunity to chat with López and Reis recently, both joining me virtually from their respective locations. López, with a mischievous smile, preferred to keep her mysterious hideout undisclosed, for fear of causing unease among HBO representatives. Meanwhile, Reis called in from South Philadelphia. We discussed their shared enthusiasm, the significance of acknowledging Indigenous performers and storytelling, and even received texts from Foster.

It’s great to hear about your Emmy nominations! I bet those long, cold weeks leading up to this moment were all worth it in the end. Could you please share with me how your day began?

As someone who experiences anxiety, I choose not to watch live telecasts due to my apprehensions. My ideal scenario would be to be kept in the dark until I can fully immerse myself in the experience. However, this wish seemed impossible as everyone around me couldn’t resist sharing the news immediately. Jodie, a member of our group message with Kali and me, was among the first to join in on the excitement and shared the news with us. It was a heartwarming moment despite my initial unease.

Reis: I turned on YouTube to watch the live event; my husband had already set it up and was seated, engrossed in the show. The first nomination I discovered was for Jodie. I came across the nominated show, and was thrilled to see “Reservation Dogs” and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai listed. I assumed the last category would be announced later for comedy series. Suddenly, my phone rang, it was my manager, asking, “Is this Emmy-nominated Kali Reis?” I was taken aback, “Wait, I got nominated?” My dog barked in the background, my husband recorded me in shock, and tears flowed. The text message from Issa and Jodie confirmed the news.

What does a text from Jodie look like on a morning like this?

As a movie reviewer, I could say: I was thoroughly captivated by Jodie’s review. Her use of all caps and exclamation marks may be unusual for some, but for Jodie, whose English is impeccable, it added to the excitement and enthusiasm in her words. Every thought she expressed was considered and mature. Her unbridled passion for the show touched my heart deeply. After all, this is a woman who has been recognized for her talent throughout her career. Her current excitement speaks volumes about the exceptional quality of the production she’s reviewing.

As a writer and storyteller with a deep connection to my Indigenous roots, I can only imagine the profound significance of Kali Reis’ achievements. Her groundbreaking role as the first Indigenous co-lead in an HBO series, “True Detective: Night Country,” was already a milestone that resonated deeply within our community. But then she went on to make Emmys history alongside Lily Gladstone – a moment that extends far beyond accolades and awards.

Reis finds it challenging to express his feelings adequately. He considers himself as an observer of the situation, where Lily Gladstone’s nomination has shattered barriers and created endless opportunities. As a newcomer in the industry and an ardent admirer of Lily, sharing this remarkable moment with her is particularly significant for Reis. Being part of the ongoing conversation as an artist and witnessing the recognition of “Reservation Dogs” fills him with excitement. However, it suddenly hits him that he is also a part of this success story.

In a personal sense, it holds great significance for me. However, collectively, it’s always been about us as a community and sharing our experiences. When asked how we want to be portrayed, we no longer just provide assistance or act as imitations; instead, we take the lead in telling contemporary stories that encompass a range of emotions – not only happy or sad, but also humorous and humanizing. As a mixed Indigenous woman from the Northeast, Two Spirit, and Cape Verdean, I’ve often been asked to fit into predefined boxes. But now, we’re taking our rightful place at the head of the table, having earned it through our historical presence and commitment to staying part of the conversation.

What do you hope decision-makers take away from this moment?

I strongly believe that individuals should be given the freedom to make their own decisions instead of having others speak for them or impose their assumptions. Based on my personal experiences, I’ve learned that trusting people to take ownership of their choices can lead to positive outcomes and personal growth.

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I’m an assistant helping with your question. In response to your query,

López: I’ve learned the importance of humility and open-mindedness. Recognizing that my experiences are limited, I can’t fully understand the Indigenous way of life or the unique challenges of living in this place, which is vastly different from my upbringing. However, I feel confident and at ease when it comes to storytelling. To create an authentic and enriching narrative, I invite those with firsthand experience to join me and guide me through the process. They provide valuable insights, ideas, and cultural nuances that can elevate and enrich my story. Therefore, it’s essential to listen intently, collaborate, and embrace the collective wisdom of others. Together, we create a joyful and meaningful narrative. The Indigenous women who joined our project were incredible. They quickly connected with me and shared their passion for the story and its purpose. In turn, they contributed their experiences, culture, and perspectives to make it truly authentic and impactful.

With my writer hat on: In “Night Country’s” finale, an unforgettable scene unfolds as women quietly make their way into the kitchen.

López: From the start, I was certain that my story would conclude with the women taking control of resolving the violence themselves. I was eager to portray them as powerful figures. I had the beginning and end in mind from the outset, knowing that if I managed the plot effectively, it would result in a profound and fulfilling climax. I don’t subscribe to the idea of divine intervention or external forces solving our problems for us. Instead, I prefer stories where people realize their power lies within themselves.

The objective in crafting the narrative was to bring to life the events transpiring between those two characters. Once we identified this, and secured the ideal actresses – whom we referred to as the Justice Ladies – their voices and appearances were seamlessly integrated into the project. With their arrival, I observed the desired outcomes unfold effortlessly. The scientists and actors portraying them were awestruck not due to any real danger, but by the intimidating presence of these women. Many of them were indeed throat singers, and several possessed hunting skills and proficiency with firearms. They exuded an unyielding, natural force.

In Reis’ society, women hold significant roles as life-givers, caretakers, hunters, and decision-makers. Contrastingly, Indigenous women in the United States, among other places, have often been overlooked or unseen. However, in this situation, their invisibility proved advantageous, enabling them to take matters into their own hands and achieve justice while respecting the natural world.

Surprisingly, even amusingly, the curious aunts, the Native aunts, are often privy to all the gossip. They’re in the know about everything… For my character, Navarro, it held immense significance towards the end, to be recognized and embraced by our very own community. It was a scene that particularly resonated with me. I could identify with the feeling of being seen and acknowledged, having a name and a place amongst our people instead of standing against them. When I came across this, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, this is the Justice League.” Watching our community connect with that scene was an incredible moment. And I couldn’t agree more. It felt like home to me.

When considering Season 5, Issa, does receiving this acknowledgment make you feel assured, even if not completely confident, and think to yourself, “I’m heading in the right direction”? Does it serve as a form of validation for your efforts?

I’ve never felt quite enough, but that’s life, isn’t it? I’m genuinely content with these nominations, and I understand when people say they don’t care about winning. Frankly, I don’t either. When we started filming, it was just a distant dream. This is my initial foray into English storytelling. Receiving this recognition is immensely gratifying, and it reminds me that I’m not lost. I know what I’m doing, even if it’s on a different level than before. I’m thrilled about the upcoming season because of all I’ve learned. I can’t wait to apply these lessons, dive deeper, be bolder, and embrace the weirdness. I’m genuinely excited about the work I’m doing now. And this validation only solidifies my belief: when you trust in your instincts, tell a crucial story that resonates with people, and remain steadfast in your commitment, success will follow.

Kali, how are you going to celebrate?

Reis: I’m thrilled, I’ll message Issa as she has the mezcal for our unofficial early-week celebration. There’s so much to be joyful about. As this is my third attempt at acting, I find myself mirroring Issa’s success. I’m on the right track, making progress, and it fuels my determination to put in more effort. Just like boxing, winning a title didn’t mean resting on laurels for me; instead, I craved improvement and worked harder to get better.

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2024-07-18 19:10