NEW YORK -- What do some frustrated chefs, passionate teachers, true crime-obsessed neighbors, and Truman Capote's so-called swans have in common? They are all part of the Emmy class of 2024. Celebrated for recognizing excellence within the industry, this year’s ceremony promises to be monumental, with significant milestones, fierce competition, and many firsts.
Leading the pack with a staggering 25 nominations is the historical drama Shōgun, acclaimed for its storytelling and depth. This series not only has the highest number of nominations but is also poised to dominate the awards, coming off its record-breaking 14-win haul at the Creative Arts Emmys. Fandango's Managing Director, Erik Davis, enthusiastically stated, "I'd say Shōgun should win and Shōgun will win. It's hard to not bet against the show with 25 nominations.”
Hot on the heels of Shōgun, the comedy The Bear is also making waves, with 23 nominations and calls for attention. The Academy has already recognized its impact, stating, "Yes, chef!" multiple times this season. Davis, reflecting on the competition, noted, "It’s really interesting. We have Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Only Murders in the Building -- all shows scoring high on Rotten Tomatoes competing. I personally think it's The Bear’s Emmy to lose. I love season 2; I think it’s gonna clean house.”
The upcoming Emmy ceremony is set to make history with Sofia Vergara becoming the first Latina to receive a nomination for Lead Actress in a Limited Series for her performance in Griselda. Meanwhile, Lily Gladstone and Kali Reis make headlines as the first Indigenous women to earn acting nominations, adding diversity to the exciting event. Also tapping the spotlight, Eugene and Dan Levy will be the first father-son duo to host the show, which adds another layer of intrigue.
This year’s lineup of presenters reads like the ultimate star-studded gathering. With celebrities such as Viola Davis, Selena Gomez, Jimmy Kimmel, and Dick Van Dyke stepping onto the stage, the ceremony promises not just accolades but entertainment value.
The 76th Emmy Awards will air live from L.A. Live on Sunday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with the arrival coverage commencing two hours prior. For those unable to catch it live, the event will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
Over at Rotten Tomatoes, the predictions for who will come out on top also highlight Shōgun’s dominance. The multifaceted storytelling has elevated it to be not just well-received but potentially one of the most-awarded shows ever. The excitement lies not just with the nominees but the potential for surprises, especially among the Limited Series category. With shows like True Detective: Night Country and Baby Reindeer, viewers are curious how the votes will sway. The competition is fierce; though True Detective was once seen as the favorite, the latest buzz centers on Baby Reindeer, especially praising Jessica Gunning's role.
With so much domination from series vying for both Comedy and Drama awards, the tension really escalates when considering the Limited Series category. Davis pointed out the resurgence of interest around Baby Reindeer, raising questions about potential upsets. Another buzz point includes Fallout, which might struggle against Shōgun but still seeks recognition.
Looking at the comedy categories, The Bear stands out, largely due to its rich storytelling and emotional depth. After its debut season swept the awards, it seems poised to do so again. Davis believes it’s The Bear’s year, focusing on the challenges faced when opening up a restaurant. It beautifully encapsulates themes of trauma, grief, and acceptance, coupled with strong performances from the cast.
For the drama categories, predictions vary, but Hiroyuki Sanada, playing Lord Yoshii Toranaga in Shōgun, has garnered attention for his captivating performance. Many deem him likely to snag the award for Outstanding Lead Actor, alongside Anna Sawai, who has earned acclaim as Toda Mariko, for Outstanding Lead Actress.
With all the buzz about who might win, predictions become more challenging when considering the Supporting categories. There’s high competition for Outstanding Supporting Actress, particularly with Elizabeth Debicki who is expected to win for her poignant portrayal of Princess Diana, especially since this is her final season on The Crown.
Continuing on the path of predictions, the comedy categories are equally exhilarating. For the Outstanding Comedy Series, the consensus points to The Bear again, as the show hits its groove focusing not just on humor but heart. Supporting performances are drawing attention too, with predictions favoring Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who plays Cousin Richie, for his powerful depiction of grief hidden within humor.
Meanwhile, the Limited Series contenders could see True Detective: Night Country initially marked as the favorite for nomination but also faces stiff competition from other offerings such as Fargo and Lessons in Chemistry. Johnson noted the significance of the performances within these series, highlighting Jon Hamm's potential win for Lead Actor.
Similarly, Juno Temple's gripping role has positioned her as potentially taking home the Lead Actress award within Limited Series, showcasing the strength of talent celebrated this year. This year's ceremony is filled not just with nominations but pivotal moments and milestones for representation.
Will the night see unexpected surprises, or will the predicted shows dominate? No matter the outcome, one thing is for sure: the 2024 Emmy Awards stand to celebrate not just the best but also the diversity and talent within the television industry.
