To the surprise of many, FX has announced that the limited series, “Shogun,” will return for an additional two seasons. The series has garnered critical acclaim and massive ratings for FX, as people clamored for each episode week after week, whether they were watching it on FX, Hulu or Disney+.
The first season of “Shogun,” adapted from James Clavell’s novel of the same name, follows its source material to the end. Series creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, as well as executive producer Michaela Clavell, are still on board for seasons two and three. Star Hiroyuki Sanada (who is also a producer) is returning.
This news means that the series is now shifting its Emmys campaign from Limited Series to Drama Series categories. This decision completely alters the outcome of this year’s Emmys – and possibly for the better.
The Outstanding Drama Series categories are now injected with some life (and quality) with the “Shogun” takeover. Comparing the Drama categories to the stacked selection in Limited Series, expect “Shogun” to overperform significantly. Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series can now have both Sanada and Cosmo Jarvis enter the mix. As for a win, Jarvis feels more plausible due to his character’s more over-the-top and expressive nature. Sanada’s flawlessly reserved and stoic-heavy performance doesn’t feel like what the Television Academy typically awards (but I hope I’m wrong). Still, compared to more prominent names like Donald Glover (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith“) and Gary Oldman (“Slow Horses”) in the mix, it’ll be more challenging for them to be in the winning conversation unless the adoration is truly there.
Anna Sawaii, now entering Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, is possibly the best thing to happen to her campaign. If Sawaii were still in Outstanding Actress in a Limited Series, she’d be third (at best), fighting against big names like Brie Larson (“Lessons in Chemistry“) and Jodi Foster (“True Detective: Night Country“). Now, Sawaii easily becomes the frontrunner as she has enough support to win Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. Before Sawaii entered the race, Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show“) was considered the frontrunner. Another potential nominee, Emma Stone (“The Curse”), delivers one of the year’s best performances. Still, it remains to be seen if the Television Academy will respond to the series with enthusiasm. A possible win in Outstanding Drama Series only aids Sawaii, so the odds are starting to lean her way.
“Shogun” can also easily add nominations for supporting actors, such as Tadanobu Asano and Moeka Hoshi, as well as multiple guest actors. It’s now very possible for “Shogun” to easily win all three drama acting categories, along with Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series and Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series.
Before “Shogun” moved its campaign, the default selection for our next Outstanding Drama Series winner was “The Crown.” This is mainly due to the series’ past history with the Emmys, even if the sixth and final season didn’t receive the best reception. The only other actual runner-up being considered at this point is “The Morning Show,” another series that didn’t have the most enthusiastic praise for its latest season. Now, “Shogun” has the perfect opportunity to max out on as many wins as possible.
“Shogun” leaving the Limited Series categories also lays the groundwork for “Baby Reindeer” to step up in a major way. Now, the acclaimed Netflix series can take the reins and step up to frontrunner status in a slew of categories. “Baby Reindeer,” most likely taking Outstanding Limited Series, gives Richard Gaad plenty of help to earn a correlating Outstanding Actor in a Limited Series win. Even with tough competition, such as Jon Hamm (“Fargo”) and Tom Hollander (“Feud: Capote vs. The Swans“), Gaad has clearly been singled out as a serious contender that people will be raving about all the way to voting time. This also opens up space in the race for outside contenders like Leo Woodall (“One Day”) or Hoa Xuande (“The Sympathizer”) to break into that final slot. Jessica Gunning has also jumped above the competition and feels close to a lock to win Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series.
“Shogun’s” move to drama really aids “Baby Reindeer” in the writing and directing categories. Initially, it seemed like the two series would split these categories (“Baby Reindeer” wins Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, while “Shogun” wins Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series).
After the most recent ceremony, many people hoped to avoid another year of three series dominating in their respective categories. With a lack of contenders in specific categories due to the recent strikes, some might hope it’ll lead the Television Academy to consider all that’s out there and deliver inspired nominations. In reality, this most likely won’t happen, as another three shows are seemingly poised to run the tables at this year’s Emmys: “Shogun,” “Baby Reindeer,“and “The Bear.”
Is “Shogun“ really about to sweep the Outstanding Drama Series categories? What other shows have a chance? Please let us know in the comments section below or on Next Best Picture’s Twitter account. Be sure to also check out our Next Best Series Podcast throughout the Emmy season and our current Emmy Award Nomination predictions here.
