The 76th Emmy Awards nominations, announced recently, have not offered many surprises. Favorites like “Shogun,” “The Crown,” and “The Bear” received a significant number of nominations. Jon Hamm, the former “Mad Men” actor, received two Emmy nominations for his work in “Fargo” and “The Morning Show.” Other expected nominations include Andrew Scott for “Ripley” and Jean Smart for “Hacks.” However, there were a few twists in the nominations, like “Reservation Dogs” being nominated for best comedy, as well as recognition for Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer for their exceptional work in “Fellow Travelers.”
Some shows that overachieved expectations include Apple TV Plus’s “Lessons in Chemistry” and Donald Glover’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” Surprisingly, “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans” garnered nominations for Naomi Watts and Diane Lane, as well as a posthumous nod to Treat Williams. Notably, FX had a successful year, winning the most nominations in its history. Glaring omissions in the nominations include the lack of recognition for Robert Downey Jr.’s role in HBO’s “The Sympathizer.”
Traditionally, there is criticism around Emmy nominations, particularly around category placements. While some improvements have been made, like Ayo Edebiri being nominated in the lead category for “The Bear,” there are still questionable selections. For instance, “Fishes,” an episode of “The Bear,” landed three guest stars Emmy nominations, showcasing the ambiguity around categorizing shows as comedies. Despite the praise for “Fishes,” some feel that other actors, like Rhea Seehorn, deserve recognition for their performances.
In the comedy category, standout shows like “Hacks,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “Only Murders in the Building” performed well, providing a reprieve for those who feel that high-quality programs like “The Bear” do not belong in the comedy category. As for “The Gilded Age,” which received only six nominations, it may have fallen short of expectations. On the other end, “The Morning Show” collected a surprising 16 nominations, raising eyebrows among critics.
Overall, the 76th Emmy Awards nominations have followed some predictable patterns, with favorites like “Shogun” and “The Crown” receiving numerous nominations. While there were few twists in the nominations, such as for “Reservation Dogs” and “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans,” some omissions and category placements have left critics questioning the selections. Despite the mixed reactions, the Television Academy has recognized outstanding work across various shows, setting the stage for an exciting awards ceremony.
