The nominations for the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards are out. And the reactions from those deemed worthy are in. “Game of Thrones” has the most chances to win big on Emmy night with a staggering 23 nominations, a major reason that HBO leads the competition with 94 nominations. “The People v. O.J. Simpson” is a close second to “Game of Thrones” with a total of 22 nods, and drama series “Fargo” is in third with 18 noms. Together they helped FX set a record for an ad-supported basic cable network with 56 nominations, up from 38 last year, “Veep” continues to be a large presence at the Emmys with 17 nominations.
And proving that there is truly no limit to Beyoncé’s reach, her film “Lemonade” is up for four Emmy awards. Sadly, the new addition to the late-night talk show boys club, Samantha Bee, was snubbed. But other categories were more open, as some were saying, this year it’s #EmmysSoDiverse.
Take a detailed look at the nominees by the numbers, read first hand nominee reactions, and see how the internet is celebrating or cursing their favorites.
- Read the complete list of Emmy nominees here
- Read Stephen Battaglio on streaming’s inroads and who came out ahead
- Read Mary McNamara on how the Emmy nominations reflect this divided political moment
- Read Steven Zeitchik on how “O.J. Simpson” noms show we’re not done with the case
- Watch our Emmy Chats: From ‘Veep’s’ Tony Hale to Constance Zimmer from ‘UnREAL’
Emmy voters bid a fond farewell to ‘Downton Abbey’
Emmy voters bid a fond farewell to “Downton Abbey” on Thursday, honoring the final season of the costume drama with 10 nominations, including a fifth nod for drama series.
Though previous nominees from the cast, including Michelle Dockery and Jim Carter, were overlooked this time around, perennial favorite Maggie Smith was once again recognized in the supporting actress in a drama category.
“I’m thrilled and amazed and honoured that the show has been so generously recognized in its final year. It’s a wonderful goodbye for everyone involved,” writer and creator Julian Fellowes said in a statement.
Executive producer Gareth Neame also cheered the news, calling it “an incredible way to say goodbye” and thanking the members of the Television Academy for “embracing and honoring ‘Downton Abbey’ from the beginning.”
This year’s nods bring “Downton Abbey’s” total haul to 69 Primetime Emmy nominations over the course of six seasons.
HBO still leads the Emmys race but for how long?
The shifts in the TV landscape brought on by online video streaming are more apparent than ever in the nominations for the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards announced Thursday.
HBO dominated the competition with 94 nominations — the most of any network for the 16th consecutive year — for the awards presented by the Television Academy. But its total was down from the 126 it received in 2015, a sign of how streaming services — as well as other cable outlets — have upped their game in the scripted programming arena.
One significant indicator of the new TV world order: Three out of the seven nominees in the comedy series category — “Master of None” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” both on Netflix, and Amazon’s “Transparent” — are only available through online viewing. Broadcast networks had dominated the category as recently as 2011, but this year only ABC was represented with “black-ish” and “Modern Family.” The commercial broadcasters have not had a series nominated for drama series since that same year.
Analysis: What the Emmy nominations say about this moment in time
The real message of this year’s nominations is remarkably clear: The best television turns vague social notions and ill-defined personal feelings into vividly specific stories and increasingly, it does it in real time.
— TV critic Mary McNamara on the 2016 Emmy nominations
Emmy voters snub Samantha Bee and other deserving women
Shortly before Samantha Bee’s essential late-night talk show, “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee,” premiered this year on TBS, Vanity Fair published a story spotlighting “all the titans of late-night television.” The group of 10 talk show hosts was entirely male and made up of the usual suspects — Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Bill Maher, among them — and also included Trevor Noah, who hadn’t yet taken the reins at “The Daily Show.”
That tired boys club scenario was shockingly repeated Thursday as Emmy voters ignored Bee’s bold, electrifying series in favor of a show in which Jerry Seinfeld drives around with his celebrity pals in fancy cars to grab a cup of coffee.
Bee was not the only strong, interesting woman overlooked.
With O.J. Simpson nominations, Emmy voters hold up a period-piece mirror
It was the crime that rocked the country in the 1990s.
In 2016, it rocked television.
The killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, for which O.J. Simpson was acquitted of murder in 1995, solidified its status as the television event of the moment when a scripted dramatization of the case on Thursday walked away with a load of Emmy nominations.
FX’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” garnered 22 nominations from the Television Academy, the second-most of any series. Those nods included the top category of outstanding limited series and six acting nominations, for the likes of Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran, Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Simpson. In the supporting actor in a limited series category, performers from the show composed half the field.
The nominations bring the O.J. case to a kind of entertainment closure even as its underlying issues still dominate the headlines. Together with Ezra Edelman’s 7.5-hour docuseries “O.J.: Made in America,” which became a sensation when ESPN aired it last month, they suggest that the Los Angeles trial remains at the fore of national consciousness.
‘The Night Manager’ director Susanne Bier on her show earning 12 Emmy nominations
What are you doing to celebrate?
It’s the kind of thing you just walk around being happy and proud and honored. I don’t need to do anything specific. I might open a bottle of champagne. It’s more just really gratifying.
Would you direct another six-hour series? Or even something longer?
I think I might need a little break before I do it again, but I would love to. It’s so interesting because you get into details that, coming from feature films, you can’t allow yourself that level of detailing for minor characters. When you do six hours, there is space to be detailed about that.
You are in Cuba today. Were you watching the nominations online?
I was watching online. I was trying not to get too involved in it. There’s an element of self-preservation where you try to not be too anxious or excited, and then you can’t help yourself anyway.
Directors have traditionally played second fiddle to writers in TV. Does it feel like that’s changing?
I definitely think it’s changing. When you do something that’s six hours, there’s a definitely a directorial vision which you have to have. Otherwise you can’t do a job like that. I also think that the audiences are becoming way more aware of the visuals, the music, all those kinds of things which are also part of the direction.
There’s so much choice [in TV], it needs to be brilliant, it needs to be seductive. I think [the idea of] playing second fiddle to the writers, was more real or truthful at a time when television was more just people talking. At this point in time, I find television just as interesting and stimulating as anything else.
Tracee Ellis Ross, Emmy-nominee, on filming the ‘Good Times’ finale for ‘black-ish’
Tracee Ellis Ross of “black-ish” talks about her favorite line in the show’s “Good Times” tribute.
The only person who may have been more excited about Tracee Ellis Ross being nominated for lead actress in a comedy series was her “black-ish” co-star Anthony Anderson, who read the 2016 nominations with actress Lauren Graham and screamed her name.
Ross sat with critic Mary McNamara earlier this year to talk about the show’s finale and the important recently completed season.
Amy Schumer was nominated for an Emmy but she’s really pulling for Tatiana Maslany, like the rest of the Internet
In what has become a sort of Emmys tradition, lead actress in a comedy nominee Amy Schumer took to Twitter to express her enthusiasm that Tatiana Maslany is also up for an Emmy award.
Of course, just as enthusiastic were the “Orphan Black” fans that celebrated Maslany’s lead actress in a drama nomination in true Clone Club fashion.
Watch: The 10 biggest Emmy snubs
Here are 10 of the most shocking Emmy awards snubs from the 2015 - 2016 television season.
Constance Zimmer, nominated for her role in ‘UnREAL,’ sees similarities between her show and actual reality TV
Constance Zimmmer talks about the similarities between reality TV shows and her show, “UnREAL.”
Constance Zimmer must face three “Game of Thrones” actresses, Maggie Smith and Maura Tierney as a nominee for supporting actress in a drama series for her role in “UnREAL.”
Earlier this year, Zimmer came to The Times to talk about the show, her character (Quinn King) and the supportive community of Lifetime.
Emmy-nominated Anna Chlumsky on how ‘Veep’ helps thicken her skin
Nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy for the fourth consecutive year, “Veep” star Anna Chlumsky could be forgiven for taking Emmy season in stride. Below, she talks about her plans and how the cast absorbs all those insults on “Veep.”
How are you celebrating?
I haven’t even really thought about it. I’m really, really surprised. The nice thing is I already have a date night set up with my husband. I guess that’s how. I’m going to get a manicure. I think I’m allowed a manicure.
The writers on “Veep” keep finding new ways to humiliate Selina Meyer [Julia Louis-Dreyfus].
It does make you a little concerned for people’s psyches that they have this well of inspiration for the pathos of these characters. But we’re grateful for it.
Obviously you guys spend a lot of time insulting each other. Does it ever get under your skin?
I know that the ones that tend to physical are the hardest. There was a line in Season 2 where I think that Dan said that Amy was gaining weight. Things like that, poor Tim [Simons] had to deal with that a lot. None of us are safe. But that kind of gets us into a nice and open head-space because we just know that anyone is fair game. It really does help thicken the skin in your normal life having gone through the dialogue on the show.
This year it’s #EmmySoDiverse
The takeaway for the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards could very well be #EmmySoDiverse.
Nominations for the awards, announced Thursday, went to racially charged dramas such as “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” “Roots,” “American Crime” and the movies “Confirmation” and “All The Way.”“
Comedies with sharp-edged observations about race, such as ABC’s ‘black-ish” and Netflix’s “Master of None,” also received several key nominations, including best comedy, where they will compete against more mainstream favorites such as “Modern Family” and “Veep.”
In contrast with this year’s Oscars, which became embroiled in controversy over the lack of nominations for people of color, Emmy nominations provided a wealth of recognition for minorities, particularly African Americans.
‘So happy!’: Kirsten Dunst celebrates the multiple Emmy noms for ‘Fargo’
Nominated for lead actress in a limited series for her role on the second season of “Fargo,” Kirsten Dunst shares her excitement for the recognition received by the show (18 Emmy nominations this year) as well as what might have become of her character, Peggy Blumquist.
It’s a good day for “Fargo.”
Yes. We’re all texting each other: “So happy!” It’s a great group of people and I feel like what Noah [Hawley] does with “Fargo,” it’s so well-deserved and he’s such a genius. It’s just so nice to be recognized for something that you’re proud of, because that doesn’t always go hand-in-hand.
Are you celebrating?
I will later, I guess. I’m in Santa Fe. I’ll buy myself some turquoise, maybe. Go look at some art.
Peggy took an unexpected journey on the series.
That’s a tribute to Noah and his writing team. I knew from the beginning it was going to be special. The writing on that show is so great and the character was so unique. Things just don’t get written that often for women to play. It was just so fun and there was so much for me to do and play in that role.
Do you miss her wardrobe?
I do like high-waisted pants, but it’s a lot of polyester so, not a lot of breathing room.
We’re all happy she made it out OK.
My mother was very happy I didn’t die.
Do you think about where she might have ended up?
I’m sure she’s some powerhouse in the jail system, manipulating her way.
Tony Hale, nominated for ‘Veep,’ doesn’t want to get used to being a nominee
Tony Hale of ‘Veep’ dishes on ’Gary-oke’ with the Los Angeles Times’ Glenn Whipp.
Tony Hale, nominated as supporting actor in a comedy series for HBO’s “Veep,” stopped by the Los Angeles Times earlier this year to talk about the show, his character ( Gary Walsh) and winning in the category previously.
‘The People vs. O.J. Simpson’ Emmy nominee Sterling K. Brown on playing Chris Darden, and that glove scene
VIDEO: Watch Sterling K. Brown, who plays Christopher Darden, talk about converging with his character in the glove scene of “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
Sterling K. Brown, who starred as prosecutor Christopher Darden in the FX anthology series “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” sat down with reporter Yvonne Villareal earlier this year to chat about shooting the series and the possibility of a love story between lawyers.
The actor received a nomination for supporting actor in a limited series or movie for the role.
That time when Will Forte, lead actor nominee for ‘The Last Man on Earth,’ talked about karaoke
Will Forte talks about doing karaoke with Jason Sudeikis on the TV show ‘The Last Man on Earth.’
Comedian Will Forte, nominated as lead actor in a comedy series for his role in “The Last Man on Earth,” stopped by the office to chat about his role on the show, his relationship with Jason Sudeikis.
Emmy-nominated Constance Zimmer of ‘UnREAL’ on how Quinn would celebrate
Reached while vacationing in the south of France (amid unfortunately middling Wi-Fi reception), “UnREAL’s” Constance Zimmer reflects on the nominations earned by the Lifetime series, which includes her nod for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series for her role as Quinn King.
How do you think Quinn would be celebrating today? This would be like her dream.
I think Quinn definitely would have popped a bottle of champagne and drank the whole thing and then sent an email to every executive saying, “I told you so, period. Love, Quinn.”
The show also got a writing nomination, which is exciting.
I am very excited because obviously Quinn would not exist without the writers, so I’m very happy that Marti [Noxon] and Sarah [Gertrude Shapiro] got nominated. The whole writing team is writing such extraordinary characters for everybody to play who comes on this show. I’m just so glad we’re getting recognized with the nominations.
Emmy nominations: Tracee Elis Ross of ‘black-ish’ remembered to call her mother
I assume you were up to watch your co-star Anthony Anderson announce the nominations?
Yes, I was watching Anthony this morning. I did my best last night—I let a couple of girlfriends know the nominations were happening but I didn’t let my family know because depending on what happened, I wanted to feel like I could go about my day. I clapped like a crazy person when Anthony’s name was said and screamed like a crazy person. And the fact that he got to say my name was so special. I danced around my coffee table and opened my front door and walked outside. Then I realized I didn’t know where I was going, so I walked back inside. And I called my mom.
And? What did Ms. Ross say?
She was sleeping. Of course, she picked up the phone and was like, ‘Baby I’m sleeping. Can I call you back?” And I was like, “No, wake up!” And given that she has kids and grandkids, she went into, ‘What’s happening?” She was ready for anything. I was like, “I just got nominated!” She said, “I can’t go back to sleep!” We screamed for a little.
Then I realized I hadn’t listened to hear what other women were nominated so I went to play it back. The other women in this category are ridiculous. Julia Louis-Dreyfus defies all odds. She’s had three hit shows? Utterly insane. Amy Schumer is someone that I’m friendly with and absolutely love. Laurie Metcalf -- beyond and end all in life. Lily Tomlin -- why don’t you just shut every front door. Are you freaking kidding me, right now? Shut up. And then Ellie Kemper, I mean, stop it
But nothing had me as excited as the show being nominated. It is so deserved. And I’m grateful that there is new blood. I like seeing a reflection of what is happening on television.
There’s a lot of attention on well-liked shows once they enter their second season. It’s like—can you keep this going? You guys kept it going.
It’s like day-old chili. It gets better. There was a sense of confidence in who we were and an ease that happens when you’ve developed a flow. The subject matter we were able to tackle came with a sense of courage. And I know our show is called “black-ish” and race is one of the places we explore deeply, but, from my perspective, the way we talk about being a woman and a wife and all of that is equally extraordinary.
Thomas Middleditch on being caught off guard by his Emmy nomination this morning
“Silicon Valley” star Thomas Middleditch said he was walking his dogs during the announcement of this year’s Emmy nominations, which included himself for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his role as Richard on HBO’s “Silicon Valley.”
I actually forgot about it. I didn’t realize it was happening. I thought something terrible had happened with all the missed calls and everything. Maybe a family member had died. I was relieved.
Middleditch said it felt odd to be nominated for playing a guy who has trouble finding success. “I’m sure in between now and the actual awards I’ll say or do something very Richard-style that will take me out of contention,” he said.
Which shows and networks got the most nominations?
BY SHOW
“Game of Thrones” – 23
“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” – 22
“Fargo” – 18
“Veep” – 17
“Saturday Night Live” – 16
“House of Cards” – 13
“The Night Manager” – 12
“Silicon Valley”— 11
“Downton Abbey”— 10
“Grease: Live” – 10
“Transparent” – 10
“All the Way” – 8
“American Horror Story: Hotel” – 8
“Dancing With the Stars” – 8
“Better Call Saul” – 7
“The Big Bang Theory” – 7
“Key & Peele” – 7
“Roots” – 7
“Making a Murderer” – 6
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” – 6
“Mr. Robot”- 6
“Penny Dreadful” – 6
BY NETWORK
HBO – 94
FX Networks – 56
Netflix – 54
NBC – 41
ABC – 35
CBS – 35
FOX- 29
PBS – 26
AMC – 24
Showtime – 22
Comedy Central – 17
Amazon – 16
History – 13
A&E – 12
Emmy nominations: The diminished presence of ‘The Daily Show’ in the variety/talk series category
For 15 years, Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” has been a fixture on Emmy nominations day. That streak was broken this morning in a reflection of the still-bumpy transition that remains in progress since longtime host Jon Stewart retired and “The Daily Show” moved on with new host Trevor Noah.
While Noah’s difficulties with finding his footing have been well documented, what’s more surprising is the diminished profile among Emmy voters for the alumni of “The Daily Show” as well. Apart from John Oliver, whose HBO series “Last Week Tonight” earned multiple nominations, former “Daily Show” correspondents Samantha Bee, Larry Wilmore and Stephen Colbert failed to make the cut in the variety/talk series category. Instead newcomers James Corden and Jerry Seinfeld’s former short-form nominee “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” received honors, alongside usual suspects Jimmy Kimmel, Bill Maher and Jimmy Fallon.
The omission of Colbert, who earned multiple Emmys during his run with Comedy Central’s “Daily Show” spinoff, “The Colbert Report,” stands as more evidence of his troubles since taking over for David Letterman’s slot with “The Late Show” on CBS. Though Colbert’s new show frequently draws better numbers than the Emmy-nominated “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” it’s been handily beaten by late-night’s current ratings champion — the viral video-friendly “Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”
While “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” received an Emmy nomination in the writing category, the show’s omission in the series category stands as something of a snub given its success both in the ratings and among critics, particularly given its standing as a network show in contrast with “Comedians in Cars,” which is distributed online by Crackle.
Though Bee’s show, along with Wilmore’s “The Nightly Show,” have been built on offering fresh perspectives on late-night comedy, this year’s Emmy voters in a way opted to recognize viewpoints that amounted to more of the same.
Sarah Paulson, double Emmy nominee, still has not watched ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson’
“Who’s That Lady?” Since Sterling K. Brown sang that song to you on the show, please tell me everyone has been singing it to you since.
Once Sterling Brown sings that to you, everyone can just take a seat. For me personally, Sterling’s nomination had me so giddy. It’s so well-deserved. I always hate how people who are less well-known are overlooked even though they are doing the work of 100 men. I entirely credit my performance to him. He was absolutely my partner in crime and I couldn’t have done it without him. He left me slackjawed all the time. I screamed like a piglet when they called his name. I did the same when [“Game of Thrones’”] Maisie Williams’ name was read.
Who have you been texting?
I’ve been in contact with Amanda Peet, because of the Maisie nominations. Amanda’s husband is obviously [“Game of Thrones” Executive Producer] David Benioff. I’ve been texting with Sterling, been texting with Courtney [B. Vance].
Have you hear from Marcia?
I have not heard from Marcia [Clark] yet. Maybe she’s not awake? I’ve texted Sterling and I told him he has to take a screen shot of it because nothing is spelled properly and everything is in capital letters. It was like a child had gotten a hold of the phone. I was so excited for him.
It seems to be the year of O.J. What do you make of that?
I don’t know. I don’t understand. But sometimes there’s just weird zeitgeist-y things. I don’t know. There’s just something that happens. I don’t know why O.J., all O.J., all the time. I have not seen the documentary. I still have not watched the “People v. O.J.”
Still? I thought you would have watched by now! Which scene are you most excited to see how it played out?
There’s been so much talk about the haircut scene. I’m a little like “I wonder what all the fuss is about.” That episode in general. So much talk was directed at me from friends, family and strangers that I look forward to seeing what they saw.
There nothing in this world that Beyoncé cannot touch: ‘Lemonade’ up for four Emmys
Sorry, Adele, Beyoncé’s about to stop you from becoming an EGOT. The singer’s concept musical drama film “Lemonade” picked up four nominations Thursday for the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards.
The film, which premiered on HBO in April and preceded the release of the pop star’s latest album (also titled “Lemonade”), is up for variety special against Adele’s NBC concert, a one-off built around late-night host James Corden’s popular “Carpool Karaoke” segment, the Kennedy Center Honors and Amy Schumer’s stand-up show.
Beyoncé snagged a nod for directing the film along with Kahil Joseph — five other directors contributed to the project as well — and it is also nominated for production design and picture editing.
‘Game of Thrones’ throws a GIF party to celebrate its 23 Emmy nominations
Courtney B. Vance on his lead actor nomination: ‘A true blessing and honor’
Amy Schumer is ubiquitous at Emmy nominations
It’s fair to say that the Television Academy loves Amy Schumer. The comedian’s name was everywhere when the Emmy nominations were announced Thursday morning.
“Inside Amy Schumer,” her ribald sketch comedy series on Comedy Central, received four nominations, including nods for variety sketch series, as well as for Schumer as lead actress in a comedy series and as a writer on the show. Director Ryan McFaul also was nominated for directing the show’s “Madonna/Whore” episode.
Her HBO special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo” was nominated in the category of variety special. The actress received a separate nomination for writing the stand-up special in which she lampoons her career and sex life in front of a live audience at New York’s Apollo Theater.
The special also scored a nomination for comedian Chris Rock, who directed the show.
Schumer received yet another nomination in the category of guest actress in a comedy series for hosting NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
In all, the comedian could win six Emmys this year.
Schumer took home her first Emmy statuette last year when “Inside Amy Schumer” won in the category of variety sketch series.
The comedian juggles her TV commitments with a growing movie career. She wrote and starred in last year’s “Trainwreck” and is working on a new feature in which she co-stars alongside Goldie Hawn.
How to react when you get an Emmy nomination, as shown by ‘black-ish’s’ Anthony Anderson
Emmy nominee Bob Odenkirk on how ‘Better Call Saul’ changed him and going to Cinnabon
We caught up with “Mr. Show” co-creator Bob Odenkirk after he received his second Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his work as Jimmy McGill (a.k.a. Saul Goodman) in “Better Call Saul.” This is Odenkirk’s second nomination in as many years for the role.
How would you say the role of Saul has changed you?
I take myself so seriously now. I’ve started to interpret Shakespeare -- I hope he doesn’t mind I like to put swear words in there. I have a whole bunch of fans I never had.
But, really, I have the opportunity to play things non-ironically and that’s really neat and it’s a cool thing to be able to look at those roles and imagine those roles and what I can do in that area of performing. I’m learning every day from Michael McKean and Rhea Seehorn and Jonathan Banks. I’m just learning about certain levels of texture and quality. I had a great run in sketch comedy, but I get to glimpse another angle on everything and that’s thrilling. I get a free college education out of this. I can’t do all the numbers on how its changed me yet. It’s still changing me.
How will you celebrate? Please say you’re going to Cinnabon.
If I go eat a Cinnabon, how am I going to play Saul Goodman? I’m going to be a different shape. I can’t eat a whole one, but i I‘ll have a chunk of one.
Who is a better actor: Jimmy McGill or Bob Odenkirk?
I hope Bob Odenkirk. I think Jimmy gives things away. He’s pretty damn good, but he gives it away. He’s a little impetuous. He’s naively excited and energized … and hopefully a little clumsier than I am.
How would Jimmy/Saul react if they won an Emmy? Would he rent a decent tux?
He would rent a flashy lime green tux with paisley lapels -- and believe me, there is one out there. They exist in the world. Somebody is wearing those clothes. But he would respond with incredible ego if he won. Inflated ego.
Tracy Morgan dedicates Emmy nomination to late friend Jimmy Mack
The past couple of years have been tumultuous for Tracy Morgan following a horrible car accident that left him massively injured and his close friend dead. But an Emmy nomination for his stint hosting “Saturday Night Live” has him in good spirits. He released the following statement Thursday:
“Oh my God. I am just so happy and want to share this with so many people and am nominated with some extraordinary company. I love you guys. I just want to thank everyone who helped me and my family after that horrific night and the months after. Lorne and everyone at SNL for having me come home. The Doctors at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital who saved my life. The staff at JFK Medical Center who got me back on my feet. The first responders who helped me and my friends that fateful night. My AMAZING wife and kids. Lira, who helped my wife. My father, who is looking down on me right now. I feel like Cuba at the end of Jerry Maguire! But most importantly…this is for you Jimmy Mac. I love you. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”
Controversial campus rape documentary ‘The Hunting Ground’ gets Emmy recognition
The controversial campus rape documentary “The Hunting Ground,” which aired on CNN despite threats of legal action and questions about its reporting, received two Emmy Award nominations.
The movie was nominated in the category of “exceptional merit in documentary filmmaking“ and in the song category for the Oscar-nominated “’Til It Happens To You.”
“The Hunting Ground,” directed by Kirby Dirk and produced by Amy Ziering, generated heated public discussion before it was released in cinemas last year and aired on CNN. Questions surrounding the movie’s accuracy arose after lawyers representing Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston claimed that the documentary is defamatory.
The documentary delves into allegations that Winston raped a woman while he was a student and star football player at Florida State University. The athlete’s attorneys claimed that the documentary misstated facts of the case and presented him in a false and defamatory light.
The lawyers threatened legal action if CNN aired the documentary. The network proceeded to broadcast the film.
“The Hunting Ground” also received criticism from a group of Harvard Law School professors who claimed that filmmakers misrepresented facts about a specific case at the prestigious school in which a male student was accused of sexually assaulting a female student and her friend.
Despite the criticism, the documentary received generally positive reviews and was screened at the White House. The movie debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015.
“Til It Happens to You,” written by Diane Warren, received an Academy Award nomination for original song earlier this year. Lady Gaga performed the number at the Oscars ceremony, accompanied by sexual assault victims. The song was introduced by Vice President Joe Biden.
For ‘Silicon Valley’s’ Thomas Middleditch, missed phone calls were good news
Tituss Burgess thanks the academy for his Emmy nomination
‘Jane the Virgin’ cast congratulates show’s sole Emmy nominee
After much speculation that “Jane the Virgin” star Gina Rodriguez would nab an Emmy nomination this year, when they were announced Thursday morning, she was left out. But representing the show with a nod for best narrator was Anthony Mendez. He was also nominated last year.
Fellow cast members, including Rodriguez, expressed their praise online:
‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’ lead Emmy nominations
While HBO remained a dominant force in the 68th Emmy Awards nominations, the changing TV landscape brought on by online streaming services were reflected in the contenders announced Wednesday.
Led by its enduring hit series “Game of Thrones” — which received the most nominations of any program with 23 — HBO was the most recognized network overall with 94, but the figure was down from the 126 it received in 2015.
Streaming service Netflix received 54 nominations, a gain of 20 over last year. Its signature series “House of Cards” scored 13 nominations, tying its previous high in 2014.
FX, which had the most critically hailed and talked about program of the year in “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” had the most nominations of any ad-supported network at 56, up from 38 last year. “The People v. O.J. Simpson” received 22 nominations, the most for any limited series or miniseries.
NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” received 16 nominations, tying its previous record for a variety program, which the long-running series set in 2011.
Liev Schreiber celebrates his Emmy nomination, on a scooter
‘Difficult People’ star Billy Eichner playfully adds himself to the list of Emmy snubs
List of 2016 Emmy nominees
Here’s the full list of nominees for the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards. What surprises left fans shocked? Who got snubbed?
Emmy nominations: Lead actor in a comedy series
Thomas Middleditch “Silicon Valley” (HBO)
Will Forte “The Last Man On Earth” (Fox)
William H. Macy “Shameless” (Showtime)
Aziz Ansari, “Master of None” (Netflix)
Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent” (Amazon)
Anthony Anderson, “black-ish” (ABC)
Emmy nominations: Drama series
“The Americans” (FX)
“Game of Thrones” (HBO)
“House of Cards” (Netflix)
“Downton Abbey” (PBS)
“Better Call Saul” (AMC)
“Mr. Robot” (USA)
“Homeland” (Showtime)
Emmy nominations: Reality competition series
The nominees for reality competition series are:
“The Amazing Race,” CBS
“American Ninja Warrior,” NBC
“Dancing With the Stars,” ABC
“Project Runway,” Lifetime
“Top Chef,” Bravo
“The Voice,” NBC
Emmy nominations: Variety/talk series
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” (HBO)
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC)
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC)
“The Late Late Show with James Corden” (CBS)
“Real Time with Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” (Crackle)
Emmy nominations: Comedy Series
“black-ish” (ABC)
“Master of None” (Netflix)
“Modern Family” (ABC)
“Silicon Valley” (HBO)
“Transparent” (Amazon)
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix)
“Veep” (HBO)
Emmy nominations: Limited series and TV movie
The nominees for limited series are:
- “American Crime” (ABC)
- “Fargo” (FX)
- “The Night Manager” (AMC)
- “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (FX)
- “Roots” (History Channel)
The nominees for TV movie are:
- “A Very Murray Christmas” (Netflix)
- “All the Way” (HBO)
- “Confirmation” (HBO)
- “Luther” (BBC America)
- “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride” (PBS)
Emmy nominations: Lead actress in a comedy series
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep” (HBO)
Amy Schumer, “Inside Amy Schumer” (Comedy Central)
Ellie Kemper, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix)
Tracee Ellis Ross, “black-ish” (ABC)
Lily Tomlin, “Grace and Frankie” (Netflix)
Laurie Metcalf, “Getting On” (HBO)
Emmy nominations: Lead actor in a limited series/TV movie
Courtney B. Vance, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (FX)
Bryan Cranston, “All The Way” (HBO)
Idris Elba, “Luther” (BBC America)
Benedict Cumberbatch , “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride” (PBS)
Tom Hiddleston, “The Night Manager” (AMC)
Cuba Gooding, “The People V O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (FX)
Emmy nominations: Lead actress in a limited series/TV movie
These are the six women nominated for the Emmy for lead actress in a miniseries or movie.
Sarah Paulson, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (FX)
Kirsten Dunst, “Fargo” (FX)
Kerry Washington, “Confirmation” (HBO)
Felicity Huffman, “American Crime” (ABC)
Lili Taylor, “American Crime” (ABC)
Audra McDonald, “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” (HBO)
Emmy nominations: Lead actress in a drama series
Claire Danes, “Homeland” (Showtime)
Viola Davis, “How to Get Away With Murder” (ABC)
Tatiana Maslany, “Orphan Black” (BBC America)
Keri Russell, “The Americans” (FX)
Robin Wright, “House of Cards” (Netflix)
Taraji P. Henson, “Empire” (Fox)
Emmy nominations: Lead actor in a drama series
The nominees for lead actor in a drama series are:
Kyle Chandler , “Bloodline” (Netflix)
Rami Malek, “Mr. Robot” (USA)
Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul” (AMC)
Matthew Rhys, “The Americans” (FX)
Liev Schreiber, “Ray Donovan” (Showtime)
Kevin Spacey, “House of Cards” (Netflix)
Emmy tweaks short-form categories
Although I could not care less who does or doesn’t get an Emmy, I note with approval the academy’s remodeling and expansion of its “short-form” categories for works lasting less than 15 minutes an episode, including nods to outstanding actor and actress in a comedy or drama. Six episodes make a series, by their reckoning, though there seems to be no minimum duration for what makes an episode — and rightly so.
For a variety of practical reasons, television has mostly come in multiples of 30 minutes; we casually accept that an episode of drama lasts an hour, a comedy half an hour. (It’s an illusion, of course — a network comedy actually lasts about 22 minutes nowadays, a drama twice that.) But the Internet, where the short form lives almost exclusively, evolved differently; it doesn’t punch a clock.
There’s a lot of TV out there, but here are six shows and actors that had better be nominated for an Emmy
With around 8,000 Emmy submissions this year, the idea of being snubbed seems almost ridiculous. Voters must sift through dozens and dozens of worthy contenders and squeeze them into a category’s meager six nomination slots. Disappointment is a given. It simply isn’t possible to reward all the good work. Sorry, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys. I’m sure you’ve learned not to take these things personally.
That said, there are a handful of series and actors who have done exceptional work that has been celebrated to such an extent that, should they not be recognized when Emmy nominations are announced Thursday morning, we’d need to break out the torches and pitchforks.
Call these the must-pick six:
In the age of ‘Peak TV,’ an Emmy matters more than ever
The “for your consideration” ads began months ago, on billboards, buildings and buses; in newspapers and magazines; across the top of Hollywood-related websites and in digital pop-ups during any search containing the words “orange,” “thrones” or “catastrophe.” Lavish academy screenings have been held virtually every night of the week, while writers, actors and directors dutifully appear on every media platform available: print profiles, late-night TV, live and digital Q&As, a growing congress of roundtables. There were parties, there was swag and PR budgets bulged in increments of six digits.
Honestly, if it weren’t for the occasional furnace-blast of a heatwave, you would swear that it was January and that Harvey Weinstein had somehow managed to have 27 films in contention.
But this isn’t the Oscars, this is the Emmys, the nominations for which will be announced Thursday morning. Once the country cousin, she is now the belle of the ball: Never before has the winged woman with her atom been so ardently courted or symbolically on target.
‘The Good Wife’ star Julianna Margulies should return for a victory lap
Julianna Margulies won the lead actress Emmy in 2014, but wasn’t nominated last year. The 10-time nominee should return for a victory lap, even if “The Good Wife’s” farewell season was uneven at best. “Empire” quickly (and not surprisingly) went off the rails, but Taraji P. Henson probably makes it back in on the sheer force of her personality. For the final spot, I’m subbing one cult favorite (Caitriona Balfe) in for another (Tatiana Maslany, nominated last year for “Orphan Black”), though it could easily go the other way. Or, if voters really decide to nerd out, there’s Krysten Ritter from “Jessica Jones.”
Will FX be its own worst enemy in the limited series category?
There is no question FX has single-handedly ushered in the wave of anthology series on television. But its success in the genre might elicit a side-eye emoji when Emmy nominations are officially announced.
Many are predicting “American Horror Story,” a regular in the category with its previous four seasons, is likely to return. Then there’s “Fargo,” which had an equally impressive follow-up season after winning the miniseries category with its first season in 2014.
And then there’s the contender that has commandeered most of the awards chatter: Ryan Murphy’s “American Crime Story.” The anthology series’ first season, “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” chronicled the true story of the trial against football star turned murder suspect O.J. Simpson (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.). The 10-episode season, which also starred John Travolta (Robert Shapiro), Courtney B. Vance (Johnnie Cochran) and Sarah Paulson (Marcia Clark), reignited America’s fascination with the trial.
If they all make it into the limited series category, there will be plenty to celebrate at FX. But when TV’s big day finally rolls around, the network (should it be home to the winner) can have only one golden child.
Can ‘Mr. Robot’ hack its way into the drama category?
It’s the drama that has people looking at USA through anti-blue-sky glasses — and liking it.
“Mr. Robot” was part of the network’s rebranding strategy away from programming with optimism and humor into edgy, dark terrain to rival shows on competing networks. And it seems to be working. The series, which stars Rami Malek as a young computer programmer who moonlights as a vigilante hacker, has been a breakout hit for the network, drumming up acclaim and awards chatter. And while Malek has received plenty of attention for his internal-monologue-heavy character, the real question is whether the series, which took home a Golden Globe earlier this year, can break through. With “Mad Men” gone, there’s a guaranteed open slot in the drama series race.
USA certainly isn’t a novice when it comes to the Emmys — having racked up 18 nominations and eight wins with “Monk,” a nod for “Burn Notice’s Sharon Gless,” and some recognition and a win for miniseries “Political Animals” — but the network has yet to garner a series nod in either comedy or drama.
Rhea Seehorn should get nominated for ‘Better Call Saul’
‘Better Call Saul’s’ Rhea Seehorn talks about her character’s ability as a scammer and what moral judgments she makes.
I’m going to stump for Seehorn, who stole “Saul’s” second season as the smart, staunch, mostly incorruptible attorney trying to shepherd Odenkirk’s Jimmy McGill from turning into Saul Goodman. We know she’s not going to succeed, but Seehorn is so persuasive that we can almost believe otherwise.
‘Downton Abbey,’ ‘The Good Wife’ chase Emmy gold one last time
TV viewers bid adieu to two dramas with an impressive Emmy track record: “The Good Wife” ended its run after seven seasons, while “Downton Abbey” said farewell after its sixth.
Both series have racked up numerous nods (and some wins) in the acting categories, but can the shows earn nods in the series categories in their final lap?
“The Good Wife” has only received two nominations in the drama category--the last in 2011. And it’s rare for a series to make a return once it’s fallen out of the running.
“Downton Abbey,” meanwhile, has been a contender every season it’s been on the air--its first year it received a nod in the miniseries or movie category (which it won) before switching to the regular drama category in its second season.