Emmys 2024: A year of firsts and surprises

The second Emmys of 2024 promises to be a landmark event, with a diverse array of nominees, including many first-timers and groundbreaking recognition for Indigenous performers. This year’s nominations span a wide range of shows, reflecting the TV Academy’s broadening horizons. Let’s dive into the main categories and explore the contenders.

Drama series: A mix of the old and new

The drama category this year is particularly intriguing. The Crown is the only returning nominee from last year, while the rest are either new shows or those finally getting their due recognition. The Crown, which won in 2021, was a front-runner until FX’s Shōgun was reclassified from a limited series. Newcomers like Amazon Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Fallout, along with Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, showcase the TV Academy’s diverse taste in drama. Meanwhile, Max’s The Gilded Age, Apple TV+’s The Morning Show, and Slow Horses have finally earned their spots on the list after years of eligibility.

Lead actor in a drama: Genre series shine

This year’s lead actor in a drama category is dominated by genre series. Donald Glover (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), Walton Goggins (Fallout), and surprise nominee Idris Elba (Apple TV+’s Hijack) made the cut. Hiroyuki Sanada (Shōgun) is another first-season nominee, while Gary Oldman finally received a nod for Slow Horses. Dominic West, a first-time nominee, rounds out the category for his portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown.

Lead actress in a drama: A diverse lineup

Maya Erskine (Mr. & Mrs. Smith) and Anna Sawai (Shōgun) join the ranks of Asian women nominated in this category, following Sandra Oh’s nomination for Killing Eve. Imelda Staunton has one last chance to win for The Crown, while Carrie Coon vies for The Gilded Age. Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston both landed nominations for The Morning Show, marking a first for the duo.

Comedy series: Redefining humor

The comedy series category reflects a changing definition of comedy. FX’s The Bear, a serious comedy, took home the trophy last year. This year, it faces competition from Max’s Hacks, which has never won despite multiple nominations. Reservation Dogs and What We Do in the Shadows also earned nominations for their final seasons. Other contenders include Max’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Apple TV+’s Palm Royale, ABC’s Abbott Elementary, and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.

Lead actor in a comedy: Fresh faces and veterans

Jeremy Allen White returns with a nomination for The Bear. Steve Martin and Martin Short are both nominated for Only Murders in the Building, while Larry David is back for Curb Your Enthusiasm. The biggest surprises are Matt Berry for What We Do in the Shadows and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai for Reservation Dogs, the first Indigenous actor to be nominated in this category.

Lead actress in a comedy: A mix of veterans and newcomers

Selena Gomez finally received her first acting nomination for Only Murders in the Building. Last year’s winner, Quinta Brunson, is back for Abbott Elementary. Ayo Edebiri, who won for supporting actress last year, is now in the lead category for The Bear. Maya Rudolph (Loot), Kristen Wiig (Palm Royale), and Jean Smart (Hacks) round out the category.

Limited series: Unexpected contenders

Netflix’s Baby Reindeer emerged as a front-runner in the limited series category, despite behind-the-scenes controversies. Apple TV+’s Lessons in Chemistry and Netflix’s Ripley also earned nominations. Returning series like True Detective: Night Country and FX’s Fargo add to the competition.

TV movie: A diverse field

Predicting the winner in the TV movie category is challenging. Peacock’s Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie, Netflix’s Unfrosted and Scoop, Hulu’s Quiz Lady, and Prime Video’s Red, White & Royal Blue are all strong contenders.

Lead actor in a limited series: Real-life portrayals dominate

Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer performance is a standout. Tom Hollander’s portrayal of Truman Capote in FX’s Feud: Capote vs. the Swans and Jon Hamm’s role in Fargo are also noteworthy. Matt Bomer (Fellow Travelers) and Andrew Scott (Ripley) complete the category.

Lead actress in a limited series: Powerful performances

Naomi Watts (Feud: Capote vs. the Swans) and Sofia Vergara (Griselda) portray real women, while Brie Larson (Lessons in Chemistry), Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country), and Juno Temple (Fargo) deliver compelling performances.

Talk shows: A competitive field

The talk show categories remain unpredictable. Last Week Tonight With John Oliver and Saturday Night Live are strong contenders. In the talk series category, The Daily Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night With Seth Meyers, and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert are all in the running.

Reality competition: A battle of the best

The Amazing Race continues its streak of nominations, while RuPaul’s Drag Race remains a strong contender. The Traitors, Top Chef, and The Voice round out the category. Notably, Survivor‘s host Jeff Probst is back in the running for the first time since 2011.

The 2024 Emmys are shaping up to be a memorable event, with a diverse array of nominees and plenty of surprises. Whether you’re a fan of drama, comedy, or reality TV, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.