This past Sunday, the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards were held in Los Angeles. Each year, a number of Emmys are awarded in various categories to notable works of television entertainment. The Primetime Emmy Awards specifically, however, receive some of the most recognition. They recognize primetime television shows (series that run during evening, the prime hours for television to run). The Primetime Emmy Awards are traditionally separated into three sections; the main awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards. The latter two recognize excellence in behind-the-scenes and technical support of the shows.
Now, let’s get into the awards!
Shogun by FX had a sensational night, winning four Awards and extending its own record for the most Emmy awards in one season after it received 14 Creative Arts Awards earlier this month. It also held the record for Emmy nominations with 25. Directed by Frederick E. O. Toye, who won Best Directing for a Drama Series for his work, this show, consisting of one season with ten episodes, discussed the power struggle leading to the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate and the adventures of an American sailor that shipwrecked on Japan. Aside from Shogun being the first ever show in Japanese to win Best Drama Series, lead actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai were the first Japanese talents to win Best Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series. The serives is based on the novel by James Clavell.
Hacks by Max, meanwhile, took the comedy world by storm. Originally premiering in 2021 with a recently released third season, it took Best Comedy Series. This show depicts the story of a stand-up comedian and young comedy writer working together to achieve their dreams in the professional world. Writers Lucia Aniello, Paul Downs, and Jen Statsky won Best Writing for a Comedy Series, and Jean Smart won Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
The Bear, also by FX, broke its personal record of ten awards, receiving 11 in total. The story premises the troubles of a young chef who must deal with running a restaurant after recently losing his brother. The first season was produced in 2022 with the third season being released this past June. Director Christopher Storer won Best Directing for a Comedy Series, while Jeremy Allen White took Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Ebon Moss-Bachrach also received Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, and Liza Colón-Zayas was awarded Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Despite its popularity, causing several to believe that The Bear would win, it suffered from controversy over whether it should truly have been in the Comedy category.
Baby Reindeer by Netflix also received substantial recognition at the Primetime Emmys. Consisting of seven episodes, the production portrays the life of a bartender-turned-prospective comedian who must deal with his traumatic past and a stalker. It won Best Limited or Anthology Series, and Richard Gadd received both Best Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series and Best Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series. Jessica Gunning was also presented with Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series.
Other notable achievements include Jodie Foster receiving her first Emmy, being recognized for her role in True Detective: Night Country as Best Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series. Billy Crudup from The Morning Show, Lamorne Morris from Fargo, and Elizabeth Debicki from The Crown were also recognized for their respective roles as supporting actors/actresses.
As always, this years’ Emmys were truly an exciting event with victories and upsets. Which show will you be watching next?
