‘Shogun’, an extravagant epic set in 17th-century Japan, is the favourite to take home the coveted Best Drama Series award. Having already secured 14 trophies at last weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys, the FX series has broken the record for the most Emmy wins by a series in a single season. The show shifted from the limited series category to drama earlier this year as more seasons were developed, putting it in contention for the night’s top prize. The original 1980 ‘Shogun’ miniseries, based on James Clavell’s novel, had also won multiple Emmys, making this new version Emmy royalty from the start.
If ‘Shogun’ faces any serious competition for Best Drama Series, it may come from ‘The Crown’, which is in the running for its final season. ‘The Crown’ is the only previous winner among the nominees, following the conclusion of ‘Succession’, which had dominated recent years.
In acting categories, ‘Shogun’ stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress, are in position to make history as the first Japanese actors to win Emmys.
On the comedy front, reigning Best Comedy champion ‘The Bear’ is expected to reclaim its title. FX’s critically acclaimed series about the high-stakes world of restaurant kitchens, which swept the comedy categories earlier in the year, is likely to dominate once again with nominations for Best Comedy Series, Best Actor (Jeremy Allen White), and Best Supporting Actor (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). Ayo Edebiri, who won Best Supporting Actress last season, is now up for Best Lead Actress in a crowded field that includes two-time winner Jean Smart for ‘Hacks’.
Among other notable nominees, Meryl Streep, who already boasts three Oscars, could win her fourth Emmy for her supporting role in ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Another Oscar winner, Jodie Foster, is vying for her first Emmy as Best Actress in a Limited Series for ‘True Detective: Night Country’, an HBO show in which she plays a police chief in a dark Alaskan winter. Her co-star Kali Reis could become the first Indigenous woman to win an Emmy in the Supporting Actress category.
In the Limited Series race, Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ has emerged as the favourite for Best Limited Series, as well as for Best Actor for creator and star Richard Gadd and Best Supporting Actress for Jessica Gunning. Gadd faces competition from Andrew Scott for ‘Ripley’ and Jon Hamm, who has two chances to win his second Emmy with nominations for ‘Fargo’ and ‘The Morning Show’.
This year’s ceremony will take place just eight months after the previous Emmys, which were delayed to January due to Hollywood labour strikes. Returning to its usual September slot, the event will air live from Los Angeles on ABC at 5 p.m. Pacific time on Sunday (5.30 a.m. IST on Monday, airing on Lionsgate Play in India).
Hosted by ‘Schitt’s Creek’ stars Eugene and Dan Levy, the ceremony will also feature cast reunions from iconic shows like ‘Happy Days’ and special moments celebrating television history.
Winners will be chosen by the nearly 22,000 members of Hollywood’s Television Academy, spanning actors, directors, producers, and more.
