And the Emmy Nominations Should Go to…

by

COMEDY

Best Series 

Following Max’s surprising victory in the Emmys race with his series “Hacks“, there was some talk about FX potentially moving the restaurant drama to a higher category. However, that won’t be happening! So, prepare for another exciting match-up. Although viewers might lean towards “The Studio“, a more balanced field could feature comedies with emotional depth like “Shrinking“, “A Man on the Inside“, and “Somebody Somewhere“, alongside reliable broadcast hit “Abbott Elementary” and Nathan Fielder’s unique blend of genres, “The Rehearsal“. — R.G.

Best Actor

It’s unfortunate that HBO’s delightfully humorous and deeply compassionate series, “Somebody Somewhere,” hasn’t received any Emmy nominations so far; let’s change that by giving a nod to Jeff Hiller for his outstanding portrayal of Joel. Meanwhile, I appreciate Fielder’s unique quirkiness on HBO’s “The Rehearsal,” Ted Danson’s brilliant blend of humor and poignancy in “A Man on the Inside” on Netflix, Adam Brody’s romantic prowess in “Nobody Wants This” on Netflix, Seth Rogen’s continuous portrayal of anxiety on Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” and every actor’s performance on FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows.” — R.E.

Best Actress

Hannah Einbinder’s talent deserves to be on the same level as her “Hacks” co-star Jean Smart, but she’s being classified as a supporting actress. This allows for Uzo Aduba’s unique performance in “The Residence,” Stephanie Hsu’s quirky rom-com role in Peacock’s “Laid,” Kristen Bell’s charming portrayal in “Nobody Wants This,” and the returns of favorites like Quinta Brunson (“Abbott”), Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”), and Natasha Lyonne (Peacock’s “Poker Face”). — R.E.

Best Supporting Actor

Anticipate that multiple contenders will appear in this category, such as Ebon Moss-Bachrach from “The Bear”, Paul W. Downs from “Hacks”, Tyler James Williams from “Abbott Elementary”, and Bowen Yang from “Saturday Night Live”. I’d be thrilled for all of them. However, I’d also like to see a spot for Marcello Hernández, who made a splash on SNL, Tim Bagley, the charming star of “Somebody Somewhere”, Ted McGinley, who stole scenes in “Shrinking”, and especially Harrison Ford – have you not heard of him? – who was unfortunately overlooked for a nomination during season one. — A.H.

Best Supporting Actress 

If Einbinder needs to be present, she may as well take the win, given that Liza Colón-Zayas of “The Bear” earned the Emmy she deserved during this year’s Emmys in September. There are numerous strong contenders for this award, but I would advocate for Lukita Maxwell (alongside Jessica Williams and Christa Miller) from Apple TV+’s “Shrinking”, Zosia Mamet of Peacock’s “Laid”, Poorna Jagannathan of Hulu’s “Deli Boys”, Janelle James from “Abbott Elementary”, and the exceptional Lou de Laâge, who shines in Prime Video’s “Étoile”. — D.F.

DRAMA

Best Series

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm for the timely series, Andor, by Tony Gilroy. It’s an impactful anti-fascist narrative skillfully crafted under Disney+’s Star Wars umbrella. I’m equally captivated by Max’s The Pitt, the standout medical drama of this year. If wishes were horses, I’d gallop toward season three of HBO’s sharp and audacious Industry, and the entry of AMC’s eerily mesmerizing Interview With the Vampire into the competition. — Fan’s Perspective

Best Actor 

My list begins with Zahn McClarnon from AMC’s “Dark Winds,” who delivers a powerful performance that keeps the excellent series grounded. Noah Wyle’s stable yet intense acting drove “The Pitt,” and Adam Scott explored new, darker territories in the second season of “Severance.” In “Andor,” Diego Luna skillfully tied together the various plotlines. Other notable performances include Matthew Goode in Netflix’s “Dept. Q,” Sterling K. Brown in Hulu’s “Paradise,” and Gary Oldman on Apple TV+’s “Slow Horses.”

– D.F.

Best Actress

In a nutshell, I’d choose the word “intense” to describe my favorites. Bella Ramsey left me spellbound with her fiery passion and sensitive portrayal in HBO’s The Last of Us. Britt Lower’s captivating performance on Apple TV+’s Severance demanded multiple viewings. Marisa Abela plunged Yasmin into the icy abyss on Industry, while Melanie Lynskey and Sophie Nélisse ignited the screen with their shared anger on Showtime’s Yellowjackets. – R.T.

Best Supporting Actor 

An admirable selection might solely consist of “Severance” (remember Zach Cherry) and “The White Lotus” (don’t forget Patrick Schwarzenegger), but it would neglect contenders such as Gerran Howell from “The Pitt”, Kyle Soller from “Andor”, Ben Whishaw in Netflix’s “Black Doves”, and Michael Emerson from CBS’ “Evil”. – R.A.

Best Supporting Actress

The urge to populate this highly competitive category with performers from “The Pitt ” is powerful, and Katherine LaNasa and Taylor Dearden are particularly dear to me. However, it would be unfair not to acknowledge the equally impressive performances by “Aimee Lou Wood” and “Carrie Coon” from “The White Lotus“, “Denise Gough” and “Genevieve O’Reilly” from “Andor“, “The Last of Us“‘s Isabela Merced, and “Severance“‘s Dichen Lachman. – A.H.
Instead of using the phrase “fill this extremely competitive category with people”, I used “populate this highly competitive category with performers”. The meaning remains the same but sounds more natural and easier to read.

LIMITED/ANTHOLOGY

Best Series

It might be an oversimplification to compare the highly praised series “Adolescence” with a “Baby Reindeer,” both being popular Netflix originals from Britain. While it could be a fitting comparison in some aspects, it’s likely not wholly accurate given the exceptional acting, writing, and direction found in “Adolescence.” However, let us also recognize the merits of FX’s intense drama series “Say Nothing” and its daring cancer dramedy “Dying for Sex,” which are equally worthy of praise.

Best Actor

Stephen Graham’s tender moment with the teddy bear in “Adolescence” left a lasting impact on me; that man deserves a warm embrace, along with an award, or perhaps it could be given to Brian Tyree Henry, who excels in every role he plays on Apple TV+’s “Dope Thief”. The majority of my other picks display exceptional performances in shows that are just average: Cooper Koch in Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”, Josh Rivera in FX’s “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez”, and Jimmy O. Yang in Disney+’s “American Born Chinese”. — R.B.

Best Actress 

It’s high time Cristin Milioti breaks her run of Emmy nomination snubs. The Penguin simply wouldn’t be as captivating without her exceptional performance. To add some glamour to a rather underwhelming category, Michelle Williams (Dying for Sex) and Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer) are excellent additions. However, Kaitlyn Dever (Apple Cider Vinegar), Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing), and Tamara Lawrance (Get Millie Black) should also be recognized for their outstanding work in the same category. – D.F.

Best Supporting Actor

As a dedicated fan, I’m absolutely captivated by the debut screen appearance of Owen Cooper in Adolescence – his talent clearly sets him apart in this category. With Bill Camp delivering nearly 73 impressive performances here, it’s high time we consider him for an award… or perhaps something similar. However, let’s not overlook the exceptional performances by Don Cheadle in Fight Night on Peacock, Diego Luna in La Máquina on Hulu, Rob Delaney in Dying for Sex, Wagner Moura in Dope Thief, and Ramy Youssef in Mountainhead on HBO. Each of these actors has given a performance that deserves recognition.

Best Supporting Actress

I’d like to revisit the topic of acting performances and express my admiration for some recent standout roles. Erin Doherty delivered an extraordinary performance, displaying intensity yet nuance, layers, and dynamism in her portrayal.

Additionally, Jenny Slate demonstrated a touching vulnerability on “Dying for Sex,” while Ruth Negga conveyed both pain and determination in Apple TV+’s “Presumed Innocent.” Betty Gilpin’s emotional longing was raw and captivating in Starz’s “Three Women.”

Though I found Hulu’s “Good American Family” to be misguided, I must acknowledge Imogen Faith Reid’s remarkable handling of a challenging role.

You can find this story in the June 18th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Consider subscribing here.

Read More

2025-06-20 19:56