Emmy 2024: FX’s ‘Shogun,’ ‘The Bear’ dominate nominations as Indigenous artists break out

by

As a proud Latina woman, I’m thrilled to see the representation and recognition of Latinx talent at this year’s Emmy Awards. Sofía Vergara’s nomination for her lead role in “Griselda” is a testament to her undeniable acting skills and the growing influence of Latinx stories in media. I also applaud the recognition of Puerto Rican actor Liza Colón-Zayas and Mexican American actress Selena Gomez, as well as Mexican actor Nava Mau, who made history as the first trans performer nominated in an acting category for a limited series.

As a long-time television enthusiast and industry observer, I’m always excited to see who will be recognized for their exceptional work during award season. But this year’s Emmy nominations have left me particularly intrigued.

In the latest Emmy Awards nominations, FX saw significant success with “The Bear” in the comedy category, earning a record-breaking 23 nominations, while “Shōgun,” an historical epic, led the way with a total of 25 nominations, making it the most nominated program this year. The fourth season of “Fargo,” featuring Jon Hamm and Juno Temple, also brought in 15 nominations for FX. The surprise hit “Reservation Dogs,” a comedy series about teens on an Oklahoma reservation produced by FX and streaming on Hulu, marked a historic milestone with its first-ever comedy series nomination. This achievement was particularly noteworthy as it represents the groundbreaking work of Indigenous creator Sterlin Harjo and lead actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.

D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai and Dallas Goldtooth in a scene from the final season of FX’s “Reservation Dogs.”

(Shane Brown/FX)

As a movie critic, I’ve had the pleasure of watching some truly exceptional shows this year. HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country” really stood out with an impressive 19 nominations. The latest installment in the crime anthology series left me on the edge of my seat, eager to unravel the complex mysteries.

As a movie critic, I’ve been thrilled to see some groundbreaking performances this year that deserve a shout-out. For instance, “Shōgun” on the small screen has brought Asian talent to the forefront with its predominantly Japanese cast. Similarly, Hulu’s gripping true-crime drama, “Under the Bridge,” and the intriguing “True Detective: Night Country” crime anthology have both given Indigenous actors a platform to shine.

Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunn in Netflix’s breakout hit “Baby Reindeer.”
(Ed Miller / Netflix)

In Hollywood, the Emmy nomination process occurs during a time of instability and transformation. The 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes caused production hold-ups for several potential Emmy hopefuls, resulting in fewer shows being eligible for submission. Additionally, the decline of streaming services has forced significant budget reductions throughout the industry. This year’s pool of nominees mirrors the anxious uncertainty within TV production, but also highlights the resilient artistic potential of the medium.

Indigenous and other actors of color make inroads

At the 2023 Emmys in January, Ali Wong and Steven Yeun of “Beef” made history with their wins. This achievement was a significant step forward for Asian representation, further boosted by the success of the historical drama “Shōgun.” Set in feudal Japan, this series saw recognition for Japanese actors Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada for lead roles, as well as nominations for Tadanobu Asano and Takehiro Hira for supporting roles. The acclaimed series is based on James Clavell’s novel and has previously received Emmy awards (for the 1980 miniseries adaptation).

As someone who has had the privilege of leading a talented cast and crew through the creation of a compelling story, I cannot express enough gratitude for their dedication and hard work. Bringing our vision to life was an incredible opportunity, allowing us to share our unique culture with the world. I fervently hope that this project serves as a foundation for the next generation, inspiring them to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new creative heights. Sanada’s words resonate deeply with me, having experienced firsthand the transformative power of art and storytelling.

Asian American actress Maya Erskine received a nomination for her role as a chic hitwoman in the new Amazon Prime Video adaptation of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”

Kali Reis, left, and Jodie Foster in HBO’s crime anthology “True Detective: Night Country.”
(Michele K. Short / HBO)

I’m thrilled to witness the significant progress in Indigenous representation at this year’s Emmys. For the first time ever, two talented Indigenous women, Lily Gladstone and Kali Reis, have been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series. Gladstone earned her nomination for her compelling portrayal of a police officer in “Under the Bridge,” while Reis was recognized for her role as an Alaska state trooper in “True Detective: Night Country.” This recognition follows Gladstone’s groundbreaking Oscar nomination for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” making her the first Indigenous woman to receive this honor. Moreover, D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai, another history-making nominee, brings Oji-Cree, Chinese-Guyanese, and German heritage to the table. Their accomplishments represent a momentous step forward in acknowledging and celebrating the diverse voices and talents of Indigenous artists.

In a conversation with the Times, Reis shared, “It’s a privilege to join the discussion now. Previously, we were the assistants or the ones they looked up to, not the ones asking questions. But today, we take the lead. And it’s only fitting, as we have earned our place and intend to remain a significant presence.”

In the realm of film and TV, progress towards equitable Latino representation remains slow. However, this year saw significant strides with numerous acting nominations worth mentioning. Among these notable mentions are:

Black performers excelled in the comedy sector, with notable achievements. Ayo Edebiri, winning the supporting actress award for “The Bear’s” first season, was up for the lead actress category this year. Her co-star Lionel Boyce secured his initial nomination as supporting actor in a comedy. The “Abbott Elementary” cast gained recognition once more, with Quinta Brunson nominated for lead actress in a comedy (having won at the delayed ceremony), and her colleagues Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph being nominated for supporting actresses. Tyler James Williams was also recognized in the same category for his performance. In the drama genre, Idris Elba received a nomination for leading “Hijack” on Apple TV+, while Donald Glover was nominated for his work on “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”

Dual strikes’ effect on nominations

Critics frequently accuse Emmy voters of repeatedly honoring the same individuals, but that may change in 2024.

In 2023, delays caused by strikes and the conclusion of prominent TV shows opened up opportunities for lesser-known series to gain recognition, resulting in an unusually diverse group of Emmy nominees.

The Emmy Awards for drama series in 2023 presented an unusual scene. Among the nominees, only “The Crown” made a repeat appearance. Previous regulars such as “Succession” and “Better Call Saul,” which had both concluded their runs in the previous year, were absent. HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” with eight nods, joined too late to be considered. Production delays for shows like “Stranger Things,” “Yellowjackets,” and “The White Lotus” due to strikes created a vacant space where newcomers or overlooked series could take center stage.

As a long-time fan of thought-provoking television shows, I’m thrilled to see that Netflix’s “Shōgun,” the Chinese sci-fi series “3 Body Problem,” Amazon Prime Video’s “Fallout” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” have all received recognition in this year’s awards for their exceptional first seasons. These shows, with their unique storylines and captivating performances, have kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I’ve spent countless hours immersed in their worlds, losing myself in their intricate plots and complex characters. It’s a testament to the power of great storytelling and the limitless potential of modern media.

How the networks and streamers fared

Without the influence of dragons or the Roy family in Emmy awards, HBO saw a decrease in nominations this year, earning a total of 91 nods and ranking third behind Netflix and FX. However, HBO continued to shine with acknowledgments for “True Detective: Night Country,” the final installment of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and the miniseries “The Sympathizer.” The addition of “Hacks,” which is available on Max, contributed to the count.

As an avid film and TV enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that this past awards season, my go-to platform, Netflix, left the competition behind with a staggering 107 nominations in total. Between the darkly comic miniseries “Baby Reindeer” and the captivating limited series “Ripley,” as well as the critically acclaimed show “The Crown,” Netflix truly reigned supreme.

Five years after making its initial venture into original programming, Apple TV+ earned a grand total of 70 nominations for their series and documentaries. Notable mentions include “The Morning Show,” “Palm Royale,” “Lessons in Chemistry,” “Hijack,” “Loot,” and “Girls State.”

In all, Prime Video earned 37 nomination nods. A significant number of these recognitions were bestowed upon the debut dramas “Fallout” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”

In the primary award categories, most broadcast networks failed to secure a place in the competition, except for ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” which earned nine nominations.

Read More

2024-07-18 20:22