Today marks the beginning of Emmy nomination voting for the Television Academy. Voting runs until June 23rd, and final nominations will be announced on July 15th. As always, there are so many shows to consider, both new and returning, but some members of NBP wanted to share which shows and performances we’re hoping voters will consider for their ballots this year.
The FYC mentions below are made by Matt Neglia, Giovanni Lago, Megan Lachinski, Nadia Dalimonte, Tom O’Brien, Daniel Howat and Ema Sasic.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series – Keira Knightley for “Black Doves”
Keira Knightley is one of those chameleon actresses who can fit into any world she’s placed in. You believe she’s the person author Jane Austen had in mind when she was writing Elizabeth in “Pride& Prejudice”; you believe she is as much of a swashbuckler as Jack Sparrow in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series; and in her latest Netflix series “Black Doves,” it’s not hard to convince yourself that Knightley very well could be a spy if she wanted to be. The cool energy she emits as Helen is exactly what you want from an underground agent-for-hire, and even when she’s not totally composed about something, it’s a joy to watch her wiggle her way out of a messy situation. Even more fascinating is seeing the way she hides her spy life from her husband and children, as she always has to be on her tip toes in order not to let something slip through the cracks. Her chemistry with costar Ben Whishaw only adds to the fun and binge-watch-inducing aspects of the show, especially as they start poking around to uncover the many secrets surrounding her lover’s murder. The competition for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series will be tough at this year’s Emmys, but the category would feel incomplete without recognizing Knightley’s engrossing work.
Outstanding Comedy Series – “Mid-Century Modern”
Alone in a contest filled with single-camera sitcoms, the approach of “Mid-Century Modern” is so retro that it almost looks revolutionary. Shot with a three-camera set-up live before a studio audience, the series follows the production approach taken by such greats as “I Love Lucy,” “Cheers,” and the show’s spiritual antecedent, “The Golden Girls.” Following a friend’s tragic death, three gay men of a certain age decide to move in together (as gay men do in Palm Springs, trust me on this) to give their lives new meaning. While the zingers fly, thanks to series creators Max Mutchnick & David Kohan (“Will & Grace”), the series is grounded emotionally with its testament to the power of friendship in the face of our own mortality. Emmy voters, “Mid-Century Modern” is worth considering, because sometimes the old ways truly are the best.
Outstanding Limited Series – “Say Nothing”
“Say Nothing” was one of the best limited series of this year because, oh, how well it combined gripping historical drama with intimate human storytelling, delivering a chilling yet compassionate portrayal of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s acclaimed nonfiction book, the series threads together the personal and political with striking nuance, anchored by powerful performances, meticulous direction, and a script that avoids easy answers in favor of emotional and ethical complexity. With its timely resonance and haunting relevance, “Say Nothing” stands out as both a bold piece of entertainment and a sobering meditation on the consequences of violence, silence, and memory, making it one of the year’s most vital and unforgettable limited series. Engaging from the first episode all the way to the very end, it may have commanded the same attention as some other contenders in this category, but in terms of quality, few others could match it.
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series – Janus Metz for “Who Are You?” from “Andor”
In a world where IP sludge has even made something as sacred as “Star Wars” stray from its core into churning out uninspired series, it’s only more noticeable when something of the caliber of “Andor” comes out. Not only is it uncommon, but it’s rare that a showrunner like Tony Gilroy would use “Andor” to take a franchise clouded by easter eggs and fan service to tap into the roots of what George Lucas has imagined for the franchise. There’s no better example than the brilliant work Janus Metz pulls off with the eighth episode of season two, “Who Are You?” It’s a breathtaking masterclass in tension and spectacle anchored by two heart-wrenching performances from Diego Luna and Kyle Soller. Metz pulls no punches, fully embracing the fears of the fascistic fear-mongering that sadly are ever more present every time we look outside. It’s without a doubt the most timely episode of television in recent memory that only leaves you stunned by the time the credits roll. It’s the best episode of television to come out this year and honestly could be considered one of the best things to ever happen to “Star Wars.”
Outstanding Writing In A Drama Series – Mickey Down and Konrad Kay for “Industry”
“When you get to the top of a ladder, you’re just at the bottom of another”
Honestly, no one in the industry (excuse the pun) is writing television like Konrad Kay and Mickey Down. The fact it’s taken almost five years for the show to break into the minds of mainstream audiences isn’t a shock, as the UK-based drama has worked tooth and nail to organically find its following. Each season, Down and Kay only take extremes to another level, which only fuels their confidence as storytellers. The third season of “Industry” is the series’s best so far, filled with more finance jargon, backstabbings, devastating evolutions in these character’s relationships, and, best of all, a career-best Kit Harrington as a failed descendant of old money with a piss kink. Tell me, what other show on television has that? Down and Kay are shattering the traditional structure of what narrative television is supposed to be. They’re willing to do what many build up to in a season finale by the time episode three hits. It’s free-flowing, only throwing in an unpredictability that makes audiences wonder what the hell can happen next episode. All audiences do need to know is that as long as Kay and Down’s writing stays in top form as it does with season three, they’ll be treated to the best show on television. “Mark my words.”
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series – Harrison Ford for “Shrinking”
Let’s face it: over the past ten years or so, as Harrison Ford almost exclusively performed in sequels, he hasn’t exactly been shy about doing it for the money. Perhaps that’s why his performance in “Shrinking” season two comes as such a surprise. As Dr. Paul Rhoades, a therapist diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Ford brings a surprising amount of sensitivity while seeming unafraid to get a little silly or to prop up other characters’ storylines. Ford’s commitment elevates the show at every turn, a perfect balance to the more absurd (though just as touching) performance from Jason Segel. This season, Paul’s Parkinson’s continues to worsen, forcing him to ask for help and to peel back the protective emotional layers he’s built up over the years. As a result, we, as the audience, almost feel as though Ford himself, not just the character, is taking down his guard, too. This culminates in the final episode of the season, as Paul delivers a Thanksgiving speech of gratitude. It’s his friends, his chosen family, who are helping him get through an impossibly tough challenge that he’s thankful for. It’s some of the best work of Ford’s career and certainly his most vulnerable. “Shrinking” is an unchallenging television show and a comfort, but it still packs an emotional punch. Ford has never been better and deserves recognition as the Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series – Katherine LaNasa for “The Pitt”
However stressful and chaotic “The Pitt” feels, it is also a comfort watch. Each episode of this sensational medical drama will balm your soul as much as it’ll break your heart, and each character will do the same. The layered writing and uniquely lived-in performances give us plenty of personalities to connect with, including charge nurse Dana Evans, played brilliantly by Katherine LaNasa. Dana quickly became a fan favorite for her no-nonsense demeanor and unwavering compassion in the most dire of circumstances. She holds the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Centre together, and, as Noah Wyle’s Dr. Robby echoes, she’s the most important person there. Dana can also be one of the most under-appreciated; when she is out of commission momentarily, you absolutely feel every minute of her absence because LaNasa brings such a heartening, commanding presence to the character. When Dana returns, you immediately sense a shaken soul, a crossing of boundaries at a place she never thought she would leave. Played with astonishing realism throughout the series, LaNasa emphasizes how integral Dana’s role is and how deeply she wants to be where people need her. Dana checks in on everybody around her, whether conveyed through an engaging line delivery or a single look from across the room. That level of care radiates through LaNasa’s tremendous work.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series – Luke Kirby for “Étoile”
Luke Kirby is a recognizable face for Emmy voters as he previously won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and was nominated another two times. This year, he re-teamed with Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino for “Étoile,” a new comedy series that, unfortunately, was recently announced as having been canceled after its first season despite a two-season order from Amazon Prime Video. Regardless of the cancellation, this should not stand in Kirby’s way of being considered for his performance as Jack McMillan, the artistic director of the New York Metropolitan Ballet, facing much pressure and expectation. He consistently displays a captivating sense of vulnerability, ably translating the show’s fast-paced, witty dialogue with moments of profound depth. With another remarkable turn in the Disney+ television movie “Out of My Mind,” Kirby has had a fantastic year showing his range, comedic timing, and star power, which will hopefully continue to dominate the screen for many years to come. “Étoile’s” time may have been tragically cut short, but any measure shouldn’t cut Kirby’s chances.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie – Aaron Pierre for “Rebel Ridge”
When you see Aaron Pierre in “Rebel Ridge,” you must question why anyone would want to mess with his character Terry Richmond. Pierre brings a raw physicality to this role, unlike anything we have seen from him. It’s never not entertaining seeing a man of Pierre’s stature with nothing but pure muscles that make heaving racist cops over his body look like tossing a laundry bag. When he’s not sticking it to those who’ve done him wrong, what Pierre can tap into internally with Terry is equally absorbing. Frustration and rage are constantly dueling within himself as he does nothing but keep his composer. Pierre takes the unfortunate experience of a person in his position and flips the cards to take the dignity and respect ripped away from him. Pierre’s charm never fades away once, making every moment he goes toe-to-toe with Don Johnson’s Police Chief Sandy Burnne nothing but grin-inducing. It’s an excellent performance that helps elevate a well-executed genre flick into something with a bit more heft.
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series – Bradley Cooper for “The Righteous Gemstones”
Bradley Cooper has recently become almost as lauded (or criticized, depending on who you ask) for his awards campaigns as he is for his performances. A man so dedicated to his craft that he reportedly spent six years training in the art of conducting for his role in “Maestro,” but also a man who has walked away empty-handed 12 times at the Academy Awards. While chasing awards can sometimes be fruitful, unexpected risks can ultimately be the most satisfying to recognize, such as Cooper’s appearance as Elijah Gemstone in the season four premiere of “The Righteous Gemstones.” In just one episode, Cooper intuitively embodies the greed, dysfunction, and bloviating nature of the modern-day Gemstones with unsettling charm. His captivating performance as the long-lost Gemstone ancestor, a slick grifter with moral ambiguity, will have any viewer locked in for the full 40 minutes. When Elijah is introduced in this self-contained period-piece origin story, we watch him murder a chaplain and steal his identity. Over the proceeding 30-something minutes, we’re treated to Elijah’s transformation from an unscrupulous sinner to God’s most devout, grateful follower, played so meticulously by Cooper that it’s hard to believe he’s never been in the Gemstone world before this. While Cooper has developed quite a reputation for Oscar-baity performances, I’d argue he’s most deserving of an Emmy.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series – Jon Hamm for “Your Friends & Neighbors”
Jon Hamm hasn’t had a multi-season lead performance in a television series since his Emmy Award-winning role in “Mad Men.” That has changed with the Apple TV+ series “Your Friends & Neighbors.” In the show’s first season, he delivers one of his most layered and compelling roles to date as Andrew (“Coop”) Cooper, a recently fired, divorced hedge fund manager whose carefully curated life unravels dramatically. Hamm walks a razor-thin line between charm and desperation, portraying a man spiraling from privilege into criminality with both calculated restraint and emotional volatility. His monotone narration adds an extra dimension to the performance, offering insight into a fractured psyche that is going through a lot of change while still trying to keep his life in some form of balance while guiding the audience through the series built on their appreciation for Hamm as a star while building their curiosity and admiration for Coop as a character. With a role that demands wit, pitifulness, menace, and vulnerability, often in the same scene, Hamm again proves why he remains one of television’s most magnetic dramatic actors.
Who/what are you hoping will be nominated at this year’s Emmy Awards? Please let us know in the comments section below or over on our X account and check out our latest Emmy nomination predictions here.
