Movies

Commentary: Why the Emmys still matter in a time of turmoil

BBG News

This year’s Emmy Award nominations have been revealed, but with all that’s going on, it’s understandable if you find yourself not feeling particularly excited.

The president at present is significantly reducing the size of various federal departments and providing tax incentives to individuals who resemble the unruly characters depicted in “The White Lotus.” Meanwhile, there are fears of severe flooding, a possible measles outbreak, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that seem ominously reminiscent of the pre-disaster atmosphere portrayed in “Paradise.

Undercover immigration enforcement officers, resembling members of a federal disaster response unit as seen in “The Last of Us,” patrol the streets of Los Angeles. These agents apprehend individuals suspected of lacking proper documentation and transport them to detention centers that bear striking similarities to those depicted in “The Handmaid’s Tale.

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but notice the turbulent state of our beloved television industry. The ever-rising prices of streaming services contrast starkly with the dwindling number of new shows being produced, painting a picture of a freefall that’s hard to ignore. Despite “The Studio” attempting to portray Los Angeles as the epicenter of entertainment, the ghostly silence of once bustling soundstages and the growing ranks of unemployed production workers tell a different story – one of a city slowly losing its luster in the entertainment business.

Television

In the HBO drama series set in rural Kansas, Hiller was nominated for a supporting actor award in the drama category due to his moving portrayal of the character Joel.

It appears that numerous Americans could potentially accept employment at the ominous Lumon Industries depicted in “Severance”, provided it offered a good salary and health benefits. However, it’s hard to generate enthusiasm about the number of nominations garnered by HBO/Max, Netflix, Apple TV+, or any other major entertainment company this year, given their CEOs are excessively overcompensated.

With the exception of Jeff Hiller, who earned a long-overdue nomination for his heartfelt portrayal of Joel in “Somebody Somewhere,” and Jenny Slate, whose performance in “Dying for Sex” was a captivating blend of humor, empathy, and emotion, other actors like Colin Farrell left audiences spellbound. In “The Penguin,” he displayed his acting prowess even without his charm and accent, breathing new life into an otherwise tired genre and elevating it to unprecedented levels of narrative complexity.

The limited series “Adolescence” approached near-perfection in television, with its 15-year-old lead actor, daring one-take filming method, and hauntingly relevant themes. Actresses Jean Smart (“Hacks”), Kathy Bates (“Matlock”), and Catherine O’Hara (“The Studio”) once again challenge the stereotype of Hollywood underutilizing women beyond their 40s. Meanwhile, “Abbott Elementary” demonstrates the power of a well-executed traditional sitcom on broadcast television.

Television

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that after receiving an Emmy nod for my performance in ‘Matlock,’ I am now the most senior nominee vying for the lead actress title in a drama series. It’s a privilege to be part of this esteemed group and I can hardly wait to see what unfolds!

As a connoisseur, I find it intriguing yet baffling that artistic accolades, regardless of their form, often seem illogical – after all, how can a relatively compact collective of individuals determine what truly excels when there’s such an abundance and variety in the realm of television? To my mind, the Emmys stand out as more bewildering than most awards due to the sheer magnitude and diversity they attempt to encompass.

As a dedicated viewer myself, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity following this record-breaking year in voter turnout, as shared by Television Academy chairman Cris Abrego. The sheer dominance of one or two shows in certain categories leaves me pondering the immense amount of television that the voting members must have consumed to reach such a conclusion. If the assessment were solely based on the submitted episodes, there would be no need for costly “For Your Consideration” campaigns, wouldn’t there?

As a movie enthusiast, I wholeheartedly believe that television productions are more than mere entertainment; they’re artistic masterpieces deserving of recognition. The Emmy Awards serve as a platform for discussing this art form, allowing us to express what resonates with us, stirs our emotions, or even challenges our perspectives. It’s about acknowledging the stories that have moved us, made us laugh, or caused us to see things from a fresh angle, and understanding why they’ve had such an impact. The nominations provide a space for these conversations, even if we find ourselves questioning certain choices along the way.

The significance of it cannot be overstated, given the current times when everything seems to be in a perpetual flux, leaving people worldwide uncertain about the fate of democracy, civilization, and our planet. While television can serve as an escape from our daily struggles – something we could all use right now – its role and our perception of it are deeply intertwined with these real-life issues.

Television

Here are the nominations for the 2025 Emmy Awards.

Art reflects the sophistication of a civilization. It signifies our progression from mere survival instincts, demonstrating our need for narratives, visual representation, and melodies. We foster its production and value both the creations that resonate with us individually and those we may not deem as exceptional or even pleasant.

Despite the shift from Peak TV to contraction era, television continues to be one of the most widely shared art forms among us. At its core, it satisfies our natural curiosity – we tune in to shows like “Slow Horses,” “The Pitt,” or “The Traitors” – to catch a glimpse into other people’s lives, their emotions, conversations, and actions across diverse situations, wondering if we might react, express ourselves, or make decisions similarly.

Absolutely, it’s clear that events like ICE raids, flash floods, children dying of measles, and the erosion of our social safety net carry much more significance than award ceremonies such as the Emmys. When we’re grappling with the potential impacts of climate change on major sporting events like the World Cup, it can seem trivial to discuss why “Squid Game” or the final season of “The Handmaid’s Tale” didn’t receive significant nominations, or why academy members might have chosen Martin Short over Steve Martin for “Only Murders in the Building.” Such discussions may appear less crucial under these circumstances.

Until another option is considered, we’ll continue to celebrate and debate about art, as that’s when we’ll realize that those who suppress creativity have triumphed.

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2025-07-16 02:01

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