The Emmy Awards. An exhilarating and yet sometimes disheartening event. The current year’s nominees for the finest in television were revealed today, generating a wealth of discussion. Predictable commendations, as expected, were bestowed on The Bear, coupled with a much belated acknowledgment for Better Call Saul. However, there were also several surprising snubs. In light of the current writers strike and the impending SAG strike, the artistry showcased by these creators was rightfully highlighted. Let’s dissect the biggest shocks and unfortunate omissions of 2023, with optimism for a grand comeback featuring a sweeping victory for Reservation Dogs next year.
Sydney Sweeney: The Missed Nomination for ‘Reality’
The nominations indeed brought joy, with recognition for Ali Wong in Beef, an enlightening show about the power of compassion and healing, and a deserving nomination for Dominique Fishback for her compelling role in Swarm. However, the initial disappointment of the day was the lack of acknowledgement for Sydney Sweeney’s poignant portrayal in Reality. While this was indeed a film, its eligibility for an Emmy nomination only accentuates the regrettable omission.
Renowned for her breakout role in HBO’s Euphoria, Sweeney continues to demonstrate her versatility as an actress. With Reality, a dialogue-driven film in which Sweeney dominates almost every frame, she delivered a performance that was understated yet evocative. The audience is drawn into the character’s struggle to do the right thing, only to watch her world become disrupted. The omission of this extraordinary performance was a notable oversight.
Sarah Goldberg Missed Again for ‘Barry’
In a replay of the previous year, Sarah Goldberg’s impressive work in Barry was overlooked once more. Her striking portrayal of the troubled Sally Reed was instrumental to the final season, underpinning the build-up to a dark, climactic punchline. The show, with its daring temporal leaps, was grounded by Goldberg’s consistently stellar performance. Her character portrayal, brimming with subtleties, deeply captured Sally’s insecurities and sadness, adding a piercing depth to the role. Whether eliciting unexpected laughter or conveying a somber resignation, Goldberg’s performance was a masterclass. She should have absolutely been included in the nominations, particularly given her exceptional work in this final season.
Damson Idris Left Out for ‘Snowfall’
For those yet to witness the final season of the extraordinary series Snowfall, Damson Idris’s remarkable performance is something not to be missed. Despite stiff competition from Succession’s lead actors and Bob Odenkirk’s exceptional performance in Better Call Saul, Idris’s inclusion was a necessity. His portrayal of Franklin Saint was both tragic and frightening, drawing us further into the expanding darkness consuming his character. Every moment he was on screen was captivating, from subdued conversations to explosive outbursts. Idris’s portrayal of this multifaceted character was simply praiseworthy, making his omission feel all the more incomplete.
Emma D’Arcy Overlooked for ‘House of the Dragon’
If you’ve seen the finale of House of the Dragon, you’ll undoubtedly be captivated by Emma D’Arcy’s breathtaking performance. D’Arcy, despite driving the show with her role as Rhaenrya Targaryen, was inexplicably overlooked by Emmy voters. With the series garnering recognition elsewhere, D’Arcy’s omission was baffling. D’Arcy was a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. Although future seasons may offer more opportunities for recognition, this snub was particularly glaring.
‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Scores Surprise Limited Series Nomination
Despite its merits, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s nomination was surprising, given it wasn’t even the best recent Star Wars release — a title still held by Andor. Obi-Wan Kenobi, though enjoyable, lacked a unique vision beyond banking on character nostalgia. While it wasn’t terrible, it rarely rose above mediocrity. Its nomination seemed largely due to its recent release rather than its intrinsic quality. The decision not to nominate Black Bird in favor of this show is puzzling. However, in Star Wars news…
‘Andor’ Snubbed for Acting Nominations
Despite receiving nods for best drama series and cinematography, the cast of Andor was completely overlooked. Even though beating out the other powerful contenders would have been challenging, the hope for at least one nomination remained. Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, and Fiona Shaw, with her remarkable final monologue, could have caused a well-deserved stir if nominated. While the snub was not devastating, with another season available for possible nominations, it was still notable.
‘Jury Duty’ Scores Surprise Nomination for Best Comedy Series (and James Marsden!)
Had you suggested a year ago that Amazon’s Emmy-nominated show would be Freevee’s Jury Duty rather than the big-budget, Lord of the Rings-adjacent Rings of Power, skepticism would have been understandable. Yet, Jury Duty has secured a nomination while Rings of Power has come up empty. Jury Duty’s nomination, though unpredicted, is a welcome surprise, solidifying James Marsden’s enduring appeal. The future of the show, however, remains uncertain.
Vampires Get Cold Shoulder
Our beloved vampire-centric shows, What We Do in the Shadows and Interview with the Vampire, received minimal recognition this year. While the former received a nod for costuming and production, elements integral to its appeal, the essence of what makes these shows fantastic was overlooked. The writing, performances, and unique vision of each show are elements that distinguish them. Their flawless execution and refreshing vibe set them apart from most other shows. Despite the lack of recognition, we eagerly anticipate the return of What We Do in the Shadows and the strong conclusion of Interview with the Vampire.
The Mysterious ‘Welcome to Chippendales’ Receives Multiple Acting Nominations
In a surprising twist, the questionable reality of Welcome to Chippendales did not prevent it from receiving multiple acting nominations. Kumail Nanjiani, Murray Bartlett, Annaleigh Ashford, and Juliette Lewis all received nods, suggesting that Emmy voters were amongst the rare viewership who appreciated the show.
