Primetime Emmy’s will showcase diverse talent across categories

Another year has come and gone and television has served as an escape from the real world for many. The Primetime Emmys are set to premiere this Sunday, Sept. 19, with comedian Cedric the Entertainer as the host. The award show will take place at the The Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles where strict social distancing and mask policies will be in place.  

From shows such as “Ted Lasso,” a comedy about a top-flight football club in England being managed by a high school football coach from Kansas, to the historical fiction, “The Queen’s Gambit,” the story of a young female chess prodigy who works to become the best chess player in the world, the long list of nominees this year showcases the many talents of the television industry.

Here’s a look at some of the favorites for this year: the Netflix original series “The Crown” is tied with Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” for the most nominations of 24 each. The former is this year’s favorite  to win Outstanding Drama Series as well as both Best Actor and Actress in a Drama series.

There are countless actors and actresses to be on the lookout for, including Jurnee Smollett, nominated for her lead role in the drama series “Lovecraft Country,” which grew in popularity this year after the series of horror novels written by Matt Ruff was adapted to screen.

Alongside Smollett, fellow cast member Michael K. Williams was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Williams died this past month and was best known for his role in both “The Wire” and “Boardwalk Empire.” This was the first Emmy nomination Williams received. The cast has expressed their condolences and Williams will most likely be recognized during the ceremony.  

Conversely, other higher ranking nominations came as a shock to many. For example, “Ted Lasso,” the comedy series from Apple TV+, was able to snag 20 nominations, including major categories such as Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. The show grew in popularity due to the lightheartedness that came from Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, and the lovable personalities from the rest of the cast. Viewers say “Ted Lasso” is exactly what the world needs right now, and the show’s nomination count proves it.

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which holds a committee of Emmy voters who are deemed qualified to both nominate and vote for the winners, has faced harsh criticism in past years surrounding the lack of diversity in nominations. This year, however, it seems that they have made a small step in the right direction. The hit Netflix reality show, “Indian Matchmaking,” was nominated for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program. The creator and executive producer of the show, Smriti Mundhra, expressed her shock in a recent interview after the show had received some harsh criticism regarding classism and depiction of stereotypes. 

“I would like to think that the conversation the show brought up, and the way it crept into the zeitgeist, was a part of it,” Smitri said.

The surprise to many after this show was nominated highlights the problem within the Academy itself. Diverse shows, whether it be through casting, writing, producing or costume design, deserve the same spotlight that other programs receive every year. 

When watching the Emmys this Sunday, you can expect to see masks, social distancing and only a small number of attendees at the theater. Remember to be on the lookout for your favorite stars, while also paying attention to the newcomers. 

Illustration by Umi Caldwell