This year’s Emmys were not exceptionally glamorous – but they ended with a huge surprise.
The literary adaptation “Shogun” broke a record at this year’s Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. The book adaptation won 18 awards – no other series has ever won more in a single year. Among other awards, “Shogun” received the award for best drama series and for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai as best actors in a drama series.
The historical film tells the story of a British navigator who comes to Japan in the 17th century and becomes a samurai.
The Emmys honor the best series, shows and television films on US television and streaming. In addition to the comedy and drama categories, there are also awards for miniseries, television films and shows.
Two underdogs win in the comedy series
The three-hour ceremony from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles seemed routine and rather long-winded for long stretches. But the end of the show in particular surprised the assembled Hollywood celebrities. The final award of the evening, the Emmy for best comedy series, went not to the top favorite “The Bear: King of the Kitchen,” but to the Vegas series “Hacks.”
The mix of drama and showbiz satire is about an ageing stand-up comedian (played by Jean Smart) whose long-running show is canceled and who fights for a comeback with a younger writer. Smart received the Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role, as she did at the two previous awards ceremonies. “I really appreciate this because I don’t usually get enough attention,” said Smart as she accepted her award to great laughter from the audience.
The restaurant series “The Bear: King of the Kitchen”, on the other hand, received awards in the categories of best actor for Jeremy Allen White and for best supporting roles for Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Liza Colón-Zayas. In total, “The Bear” won eleven awards, “Hacks” three.
Stalker thriller wins miniseries
In the miniseries category, “Baby Reindeer” was the big winner, winning five Emmys in addition to the main prize. The seven-part series, originally titled “Baby Reindeer,” developed by Scottish comedian Richard Gadd, tells the story of a man who is being followed by a stalker with black humor.
The story is said to be based on true events from Gadd’s life. He also plays the lead role and wrote the screenplay, for which he also received an Emmy. Gadds and actress Jessica Gunning also received awards for their acting performances.
Hardly any politics in laudatory speeches and acknowledgements
The fact that the USA is facing a presidential election in less than eight weeks was hardly noticeable during the ceremony. There were only a few vague calls to vote and reminders of the diversity of the United States. Even political show host John Oliver made no reference to Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in his acceptance speech for the award for best scripted entertainment program for “Last Week Tonight”.
When the nominations were announced, it was already clear that this year would be a rather apolitical one. After two nasty satires about the media industry and spoiled luxury holidaymakers, “Succession” and “White Lotus”, had won last year, this year’s nominations were more traditional.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
