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The Emmy Awards 2024: A Year of Surprises and Stellar Performances
The television landscape is ever-evolving, and the 76th annual Emmy Awards nominations have proven that the era of Peak TV may be over, but the excitement is far from dwindling. This year’s nominations, unveiled on July 17, have brought forth an eclectic mix of contenders from a wide array of platforms, showcasing the diversity and creativity that television has to offer. From the grand spectacle of “Shōgun” to the intense drama of “Slow Horses” and the unexpected hit “Baby Reindeer,” the Emmy race is more unpredictable than ever.
A historic Emmy season
For the first time in Emmy history, two ceremonies will be held in the same calendar year. The awards for the 2022-23 cycle were delayed to January 15 due to last year’s writers and actors strikes, making the upcoming September 15 show a unique event. Notably, this year’s top drama series category includes only one returning contender from last year: Netflix’s “The Crown.”
Leading the pack
Netflix has emerged as the frontrunner with 107 nominations, thanks in part to its long-standing hit “The Crown,” which garnered 18 nods, and the late-debuting “Baby Reindeer,” which earned 11. FX follows closely with 93 nominations, largely due to the success of “Shōgun” and “The Bear.” HBO/Max, a dominant force for the past two decades, slipped to third place with 91 nominations, with “True Detective: Night Country” leading the charge.
Apple TV+ had its best year yet, securing 72 nominations, a significant increase from last year’s 54. The platform’s success can be attributed to shows like “Palm Royale,” “The Morning Show,” “Slow Horses,” and “Lessons in Chemistry.” Broadcast networks also made a strong comeback, with ABC and CBS each earning 38 nods, primarily due to “Abbott Elementary” and “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”
Key takeaways from the nominations
Upping the drama
The drama category is particularly intriguing this year. “The Crown” was the only predictable nominee, despite mixed reviews for its final episodes. FX’s “Shōgun,” initially billed as a limited series, switched categories after its renewal, becoming an immediate frontrunner. Amazon Prime Video’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” also transitioned from a limited series to a drama, while Netflix’s “3 Body Problem” secured its spot with a renewal for two additional seasons. Apple TV+’s “Slow Horses” and “The Morning Show” also made their mark in the drama category.
Has down-the-line voting changed?
Traditionally, Television Academy voters have shown a tendency to vote down the line, recognizing shows across multiple categories. However, this year saw some deviations. While “The Bear” and “Shōgun” received numerous acting nominations, the numbers were not as high as anticipated. Nonetheless, down-the-line voting is not entirely gone, as evidenced by “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” earning five guest actor nominations.
Double trouble
This year’s Emmy nominations featured several double nominees. Maya Rudolph stands out with four nominations, including lead comedy actress for “Loot” and guest actor for “Saturday Night Live.” Richard Gadd, Quinta Brunson, and Donald Glover were each nominated for performance and writing in their respective shows. Jodie Foster, Brie Larson, and Andrew Scott received acting and producing nominations for their roles in “True Detective,” “Lessons in Chemistry,” and “Ripley.”
The 76th Emmy Awards will be broadcast live from the LA Live Peacock Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, September 15, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET/5 p.m. to 8 p.m. PT on ABC. The broadcast will be available for streaming the next day on Hulu. A host has yet to be announced.
For more in-depth discussions and insights into the Emmy nominations, tune in to Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Riley, and Michael Schneider. The podcast features interviews with top film and TV talent, discussions about awards races, and much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.
As we look forward to the Emmy Awards, the anticipation and excitement continue to build. The diverse range of nominees and the unexpected twists in the nominations have set the stage for a memorable and thrilling awards season.
