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Tag: emmy-nominations

  • TV Review: ‘Hacks’ Season 5

    Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Arriving on HBO Max on April 6 with the first episode (of 10) is the fifth and final season of ‘Hacks’, which returns us to the world of caustic, charismatic comedian Deborah Vance, as brought to award-winning life by Jean Smart.

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    The cast for the series also includes Hannah Einbinder (‘North Hollywood’), Paul W. Downs (‘Broad City’), Megan Stalter (‘Problemista’), Carl Clemons-Hopkins (‘Candyman’), Mark Indelicato (‘Ugly Betty’), Kaitlin Olson (‘High Potential’), Jane Adams (‘Happiness’) and Christopher McDonald (‘Happy Gilmore’).

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘Hacks’ Season 4

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels and Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    (L to R) Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels and Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Like coming up with the perfect punchline for a stand-up routine, ending a TV series is no easy task. For ‘Hacks’, which charts the unlikely mentorship between Deborah Vance, a long-established, wealthy comedian, and Ava Daniels, a struggling younger comedy writer.

    As the show has gone on, we’ve seen every shade of the professional relationship and personal friendship between the pair, from being in sync to very much not. But as the story comes to a close, there are certainly plenty of last laughs to be had.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Megan Stalter as Kayla, Hannah Einbinder as Ava, Mark Indelicato as Damien, Jean Smart as Deborah and Paul W. Downs as Jimmy in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    (L to R) Megan Stalter as Kayla, Hannah Einbinder as Ava, Mark Indelicato as Damien, Jean Smart as Deborah and Paul W. Downs as Jimmy in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Show creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky (with the trio also directing the majority of this season’s episodes) bring a particularly entertaining dynamic to the screen with the show –– Deborah and Ava’s partnership is always a weird one, and the stories work well.

    The team has also delivered on the wider world of ‘Hacks’, including Deborah’s employees and the various characters they interact with. As to whether the show wraps up in satisfying fashion, I’d have to say a qualified yes. One big plot point towards the end feels a little rushed, but on the whole, the season works.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Kaitlin Olson as DJ and Jean Smart as Deborah in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    (L to R) Kaitlin Olson as DJ and Jean Smart as Deborah in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Smart and Einbinder have been well awarded for their work, and the Deborah/Ava side of things has certainly entered a friendlier aspect as the story winds down. Which isn’t to say anything is complacent –– there is certainly rich comedy to be found here.

    Downs as Ava and Deborah’s endlessly stressed manager Jimmy goes on his own journey here, with Megan Stalter once again stealing scenes as sidekick Kayla. And among the recurring guest cast, special mention goes to Kaitlin Olson (as Deborah’s daughter DJ, who has her own hilarious episode with her mother) and Lauren Weedman, who is always memorable as the wacky Mayor of Vegas.

    Final Thoughts

    Lauren Weedman as Mayor Jo in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    Lauren Weedman as Mayor Jo in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    The idea of Deborah on a mission and how Ava helps/hinders her might feel a little familiar, but the creative team has found a welcome, warm way to wind down the series, featuring grace notes for recurring characters and keeping you invested in the main story.

    ‘Hacks’ Season 5 receives 78 out of 100.

    (L to R) Jean Smart as Deborah, Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus, Rose Abdoo as Josefina and Mark Indelicato as Damien in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    (L to R) Jean Smart as Deborah, Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus, Rose Abdoo as Josefina and Mark Indelicato as Damien in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    What’s the plot of ‘Hacks’ Season 5?

    In the aftermath of mistaken and unflattering news reports that she passed away, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) return to Las Vegas more determined than ever to secure Deborah’s legacy as a comedian.

    Who stars in ‘Hacks’ Season 5?

    • Jean Smart as Deborah Vance
    • Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels
    • Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus Vaughan
    • Megan Stalter as Kayla Schaefer
    • Paul W. Downs as Jimmy LuSaque Jr.
    • Mark Indelicato as Damien Asada Agosto
    • Kaitlin Olson as Deborah “DJ” Vance Jr.
    • Christopher McDonald as Marty Ghilain
    (L to R) Jean Smart as Deborah, Poppy Liu as Kiki and Hannah Einbinder as Ava in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    (L to R) Jean Smart as Deborah, Poppy Liu as Kiki and Hannah Einbinder as Ava in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Other TV Shows Similar to ‘Hacks’:

    Buy Jean Smart Movies On Amazon

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  • TV Review: ‘Hacks’ Season 4

    (L to R) Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in Season 4 of 'Hacks'. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in Season 4 of ‘Hacks’. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.

    ‘Hacks’ Season 4 receives 8 out of 10 stars.

    Arriving on Max with its first two episodes on April 10th (a further eight arrive weekly except for one other two-episode block for Emmy eligibility reasons), ‘Hacks’ returns with a fourth season on the back of considerable awards success.

    And there is good news for fans, who will find the show’s prickly, funny energy undimmed as the leads, played by Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, bicker and find ways to work together.

    Related Article: 10 Things We Learned at the ‘Hacks’ Season 4 Press Conference

    Will ‘Hacks’ Season 4 stand up to criticism?

    (L to R) Jean Smart and Helen Hunt in Season 4 of 'Hacks'. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Jean Smart and Helen Hunt in Season 4 of ‘Hacks’. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.

    ‘Hacks’ has become, on awards haul alone, one of the more successful comedies of recent years, all the more impressive when you consider that, outside of some network heavy hitters and the occasional surprise such as ‘Nobody Wants This,’ the genre has seemed to struggle.

    And with Season 4 now arriving on screens, the pressure is on further, since ‘Hacks’ not only has to keep flying the genre flag, but has to live up to three successful previous seasons. It’s a relief to note, then, that the laughs keep coming, and the heart also remains in the show.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in Season 4 of 'Hacks'. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in Season 4 of ‘Hacks’. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.

    Perhaps the biggest plus for the new season is the spine of the Deborah Vance character facing up to the challenges of actually creating and hosting a new show in the competitive late-night sphere. She’s landed the white whale… now she has to make it work for her.

    As usual, creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky have crafted an excellent throughline for the season, and are clearly comfortable with their two headstrong leads. The brash and veteran Vance facing off with the nervy, entitled Ava Daniels is one that keeps on delivering year after year.

    And turning them into more conventional workmates, with concerns including what coffee machine to stock in the offices of the new show and recruiting/managing a group of fresh new writers works wonders on both a tension and comedy level.

    (L to R) Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs in Season 4 of 'Hacks'. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs in Season 4 of ‘Hacks’. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.

    There is still the gently satirical look at life on different ends of the comedy writer spectrum, but the new dynamic also makes the traditional fall-out-make-up rhythm for Deborah and Ava work without feeling like it is treading over too familiar territory.

    Though the new characters have yet to make much of an impression in the early episodes initially provided to press (they are, to be honest, smaller supporting roles designed to drive the comedy between the main duo forwards), they’re still fun.

    And the team hasn’t forgotten about the carefully constructed world around Deborah and Ava, with the rest of the ensemble still enjoying solid storylines.

    While ‘Hacks’ has never been a show to fall back on visual tricks, the directing team, led by Aniello in particular, always find ways to make it interesting, with Deborah’s panic nightmares about the show brought to screens in convincing fashion.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in Season 4 of 'Hacks'. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in Season 4 of ‘Hacks’. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.

    There is a reason that Jean Smart has won so many trophies for playing Deborah Vance –– the role is such a good fit for her. And in Season 4, she continues to spit venom when needed, but still comes across as a rounded human being with her own hopes, ambitions and needs. A moment later in the season where she explodes in frustration about a big change in her staff and her business gives her such good material to chew on; and chew on it she does, that scene is going straight on the actor’s Emmy submission.

    As Ava, Hannah Einbinder continues to walk the tricky path of the character potentially coming across as annoying and whiny and seeing her point of view. Like most of the characters, Ava has evolved as she’s spent time in Deborah’s orbit and Season 4 offers some prime moments, especially where she’s trying to justify her own sneaky way of becoming head writer on the new show –– and trying to assert her own power still.

    Around the central pair, there is the delightful regular ensemble, especially co-creator Paul W. Downs as Jimmy, the endlessly frazzled and frustrated manager, who must wrangle both Deborah’s titanic ego and Ava’s many neuroses.

    (L to R) Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs in Season 4 of 'Hacks'. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs in Season 4 of ‘Hacks’. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.

    He, as ever is both helped and hindered by Megan Stalter’s Kayla, his former assistant and now his business partner in a new management company who he both cherishes and regrets ever dealing with. Stalter is a comedic sniper, channeling Kayla’s oddball energy and lighting up every scene she’s in.

    And Deborah’s staff, especially Mark Indelicato’s Damien and Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus, continue to impress in their smaller roles.

    The show also has the usual series of cameos, though those are something we won’t spoil –– they’re all entertaining, though, especially one returning character from an earlier season in a position of power where they really don’t belong, and who helps Deborah out of a tricky situation.

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in Season 4 of 'Hacks'. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in Season 4 of ‘Hacks’. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.

    Some will accuse ‘Hacks’ fourth season of going through some familiar motions, especially in regard to Deborah and Ava, but the storyline of the late-night show and some fresh moments for several characters means it still works.

    ‘Hacks’ is one of the most reliable comedies on TV, and the new season does nothing to change that.

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    What is the plot of ‘Hacks’ season 4?

    In season 4, tensions rise as Deborah (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) endeavor to get their late night show off the ground and make history doing it.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Hacks’ season 4?

    • Jean Smart as Deborah Vance
    • Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels
    • Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus
    • Megan Stalter as Kayla Schaefer
    • Paul W. Downs as Jimmy LuSaque Jr.
    • Rose Abdoo as Josefina
    • Mark Indelicato as Damien
    'Hacks' season 4 premieres April 10th on Max.
    ‘Hacks’ season 4 premieres April 10th on Max.

    Other TV Shows Similar to ‘Hacks’:

    Buy Jean Smart Movies On Amazon

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  • 2019 Emmy Nominations: ‘Game of Thrones’ Breaks Yet Another Record

    2019 Emmy Nominations: ‘Game of Thrones’ Breaks Yet Another Record

    HBO

    HBO’s recently-wrapped fantasy epic “Game of Thrones” was expected to clean up at this year’s Emmy nominations, and boy, did it ever, snagging a whopping 32 nods for its eighth and final season. And with that tally, the show has once again broken another Emmys record.

    This latest batch of nominations has officially certified “Thrones” as the drama series to earn the most nods for a single season. It bested an impressive 25-year record set by ABC’s “NYPD Blue,” which notched 27 nominations for a single season back in 1994.

    “Game of Thrones” had previously set the all-time total Emmy nominations record, with its cumulative 129 nods earned as of 2018 (a record that it’s now broken once again). And it had also become the winningest primetime series ever at the Emmys, taking home 47 statuettes as of last year (yet another record that we think will soon be topped).

    As Entertainment Weekly notes, one of the most impressive aspects of this year’s “Thrones” achievement is that every single actor that HBO submitted for awards consideration — and several who submitted themselves — all received nods, bringing the show’s total acting nominations tally this year to nine. That was no doubt welcome news for Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke, who switched their eligibility from the supporting categories to lead last year, and were shut out; this year, they both made the cut.

    Sophie Turner received her first-ever nomination this year, in the supporting category, helping “Thrones” to set yet another record. It’s now the only drama series to have four actresses represented in the supporting field in one year (Turner, Lena Headey, Maisie Williams, and Gwendoline Christie), beating the previous record of three.

    Expect even more Emmys history for “Thrones” when awards are handed out. The 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are slated for Sunday, September 22 on Fox.

    [h/t Entertainment Weekly]

  • Emmys 2018: ‘Game of Thrones’ Sets Nomination Record

    HBO

    When season seven of “Game of Thrones” pushed its premiere date to the summer of 2017, it wasn’t just messing with viewers’ schedules: It also missed that year’s Emmys cutoff, and thus was absent from the awards ceremony for the first year in its history. But voters didn’t forget about the hit HBO fantasy series, which received plenty of love — and made some history — when the 2018 Emmy Awards nominations were announced on Thursday.

    That one-year gap allowed for “Thrones” to come roaring back into the awards season conversation as not only the most-nominated series of the year (with 22 nods), but also another chart-topping accolade:  It now stands at 129 total Emmy nominations throughout its run, making it the most-nominated primetime series ever. (It’s already broken the record for most wins by a primetime series with 38.)

    “GoT” moved up from its previous post at third place, passing “Cheers” (whose 117 nods still make the beloved sitcom the most-nominated comedy series ever), and previous primetime Emmy nomination king “ER” (124 nods). As TheWrap notes, however, “Saturday Night Live” is still the most-nominated show in any category, sitting pretty with a seemingly untouchable 252 noms.

    What the show’s record-breaking achievement doesn’t include, however, is recognition for two of the show’s biggest stars: Neither Emilia Clarke nor Kit Harington could crack into their respective leading actress and actor categories. Guess their campaign to switch up their submission strategy (they’d previously competed in the supporting races) didn’t pan out.

    Don’t feel too bad for those two, though: With “Thrones” set for its final bow next year, we have a feeling the Emmys will want to send off the series with a flurry of additional nominations.

    [via: TheWrap]

  • Emmys 2018: Sandra Oh Makes History as First Asian Nominee for Lead Actress in a Drama

    BBC America

    The announcement of the 2018 Emmy Award nominations on Thursday morning included a history-making selection: “Killing Eve” star Sandra Oh became the first Asian woman to be nominated in the Lead Actress in a Drama Series category.

    Oh landed the nod for her breakout performance in the freshman drama series, which has been a hit with critics and fans alike. And while the actress has been nominated for multiple Emmys before in the supporting category (for her role as Dr. Cristina Yang on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy”), her latest nomination is not only personally significant, but significant to her fellow actors of Asian descent.

    The actress elaborated on that latter feeling in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

    “I’m struggling to find the right words for it,” Oh told THR of her reaction to her nomination. “I feel quite serious about it. What’s a blend of the words seriousness and joyous? I’m absolutely thrilled. I feel my community at all times; I am my community at all times. I have joy not only for the show and myself and family, but also for my community. Hopefully my community can feel like they have representation, as well.”

    The Emmys have been taking baby steps toward that representation in recent years, awarding Archie Panjabi in 2010 (the first Asian woman to win an acting Emmy, for Best Supporting Actress for “The Good Wife”) and Riz Ahmed in 2015 (the first Asian man to win an acting Emmy, for Best Lead Actor for “The Night Of”). Such recognition must continue, Oh told THR.

    “I wait for everyone else who will also have the opportunity,” the actress said. “It cannot rest. I don’t want to rest on the fact that a handful of us have had the opportunity and that it stops there. I want the movement to keep on going. I want the ripple to turn into a wave.”

    Watch to see if Oh can make some more history with a win when the Emmys air on NBC on September 17.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]

  • Emmy Nominations 2016: The Biggest Snubs and Surprises

    OK, TV fans, the Emmy nominations were announced this morning, which means it’s time for the annual ritual: set your outrage-meter up to 10, fire up your Twitter feed, and start venting about this year’s snubs and surprises. Ready… set…

    Actually, there’s not that much to gripe about this year. The nominations, after all, went pretty much as expected. Still, there will be eyebrows raised in response to the sudden prominence of “The Americans,” the Television Academy’s rare recognition of a quality genre show in “Mr. Robot,” and the unexpected fall from grace of past Emmy fave “Orange Is the New Black.” Here’s what happened in the top categories.

    Drama
    First it was a comedy, then it was a drama, but for Season 3, “Orange” is nowhere. Not only did it fail to make the Drama Series nominations, but two-time Supporting Actress winner Uzo Aduba didn’t even get nominated this year. Nor did anyone else from the show, even though it did earn one token nod for Best Casting.

    The drama series nominations were mostly what you’d expect: last year’s winner “Game of Thrones,” plus “Better Call Saul,” “Downton Abbey,” “Homeland,” and “House of Cards.” But the biggest surprise? “The Americans.”

    After four seasons, FX’s critically-acclaimed series finally got the Emmy love it has long deserved, earning top category nods for its much-praised fourth season, including one for Drama Series and first-time Emmy nominations for stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys.
    It was also a surprise to see “Mr. Robot” get a Best Drama nod, too, given the Academy’s usual disdain for genre-y fare; nonetheless, acclaim for the USA show has been too universal to ignore. Star Billions” that didn’t happen. It also didn’t score any in the acting categories.

    The Acting Categories
    Over in Best Lead Actress in a Drama, Orphan Black,” but that was the sci-fi drama’s only nomination.

    Anyone who expected honors for “The Good Wife” in its farewell season, or for its star Julianna Margulies — well, tough luck.
    One nice surprise: first-time nominations for “Game of Thrones” supporting players UnREAL,’ the best Lifetime drama you’re not watching.

    Comedy
    Not many surprises here, though it was good to see Master of None.” The streaming service’s “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” also did well, with nods for Best Series, Best Actress (first-time nominee Ellie Kemper), and Best Supporting Actor (returning nominee Tituss Burgess).

    HBO’s “Silicon Valley” cleaned up as expected, but it was nice to see star Veep,” last year’s winner for Comedy Series and Best Actress (Getting On,” nonetheless managed to land some surprising recognition for Lead Actress Laurie Metcalf and Supporting Actress Niecy Nash.

    ABC’s “Black-ish” did even better than last year, with a first-time nomination for Lead Actress Tracee Ellis Ross (as well as Best Series and Best Actor for Anthony Anderson). And it was great to see Louie Anderson earn his first-ever nomination (Supporting Actor) for his hilarious, grounded turn as Zach Galifianakis’ mother on “Baskets.”

    Amazon’s “Transparent” did well, as expected, but Amazon’s “Mozart in the Jungle,” despite much Golden Globes love earlier this year, didn’t get nominated in any major categories. (Sorry, fans of classical music and Gael Garcia Bernal’s piercing eyes.)

    Limited Series and TV Movie
    As expected, FX’s “The People vs. O.J. Simpson” dominated the field; with 22 nominations, it was the second-most nominated program of the year, behind only 23-time nominee “Game of Thrones.”

    It also wasn’t surprising to see nods for its actors Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance, Sterling K. Brown, and David Schwimmer. John Travolta was nominated, too; the surprise there is that it’s the first Emmy nomination of his celebrated four-decade career. (Vance, Gooding, and Brown are first-time nominees as well.)

    “American Crime” and Regina King (last year’s winner for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series) made the list as expected, but so did lead actresses Felicity Huffman and Lili Taylor, nominations that are a bit of a surprise. The “Roots” reboot made the list, but its cast was snubbed.

    HBO usually mops the floor with these categories, but despite multiple nominations for “Show Me a Hero” (sorry, Oscar Isaac fans) and “The Dresser” (despite Emmy-bait stars Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen). The biggest surprise in the Movie category, though, is the inclusion of Bill Murray’s trifle of a Netflix holiday special “A Very Murray Christmas.”

    Reality — Competition
    This category is a gantlet that’s hard for newcomers to muscle into, but “American Ninja Warrior” managed to complete the obstacle course this year for the first time in its three years of eligibility. The venerable “Survivor,” on the other hand, got voted off the island.

    Variety Talk Series
    Along with the expected late-night network and cable talk shows, there’s the surprising addition of Jerry Seinfeld’s web show “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” It took the slot that might have gone to the one living-room late-night show that’s not there: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

    Notably, it’s also the one potential title in this category that doesn’t routinely generate viral videos. (Carpool karaoke master James Corden, who’s much more lowbrow show follows Colbert’s on CBS, did make the cut.) If the low-rated Colbert doesn’t want to go the way of Dick Cavett, he’d better figure out a way to generate some attention-grabbing clips.

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  • Emmy Awards 2016: Full List of Nominations

    US-ENTERTAINMENT-TELEVISION-EMMYS

    Here we go! Nominations for the 68th Emmy Awards were just revealed by TV stars Anthony Anderson (who was verrrrry excited for his own nomination, and the nomination of his friends) and Lauren Graham. The major primetime nominees were just announced, anyway; there are actually a lot more (like for supporting actors, costume design, choreography, directing, etc.) and you can head here on the official Emmys site for the complete rundown.

    (For example, no idea why they didn’t announce it on air, but Kit Harington and Maisie Williams just got their first Emmy nominations. It’s like the presenters knew nothing!)

    The 2016 Emmys will be handed out live Sunday, September 18 on ABC, with Jimmy Kimmel returning as host.68th Emmy Awards Nominations AnnouncementHere are the announced Emmy nominations:

    Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

    • Kyle Chandler, “Bloodline”
    • Rami Malek, “Mr. Robot”
    • Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul”
    • Matthew Rhys, “The Americans”
    • Liev Schreiber, “Ray Donovan”
    • Kevin Spacey, “House of Cards”

    Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

    • Claire Danes, “Homeland”
    • Viola Davis, “How to Get Away With Murder”
    • Taraji P. Henson, “Empire”
    • Tatiana Maslany, “Orphan Black”
    • Keri Russell, “The Americans”
    • Robin Wright, “House of Cards”

    Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

    • Bryan Cranston, “All the Way”
    • Benedict Cumberbatch, “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride”
    • Idris Elba, “Luther”
    • Cuba Gooding Jr., “The People vs O.J. Simpson”
    • Tom Hiddleston, “The Night Manager”
    • Courtney B. Vance, “The People vs. O.J. Simpson”

    Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

    • Kirsten Dunst, “Fargo”
    • Felicity Huffman, “American Crime”
    • Audra McDonald, “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill”
    • Sarah Paulson, “The People vs. O.J. Simpson”
    • Lili Taylor, “American Crime”
    • Kerry Washington, “Confirmation”

    Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

    • Anthony Anderson, “Blackish”
    • Aziz Ansari, “Master of None”
    • Will Forte, “The Last Man on Earth”
    • William H. Macy, “Shameless”
    • Thomas Middleditch, “Silicon Valley”
    • Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”

    Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

    • Ellie Kemper, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
    • Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep”
    • Laurie Metcalf, “Getting On”
    • Tracee Ellis Ross, “Blackish”
    • Amy Schumer, “Inside Amy Schumer”
    • Lily Tomlin, “Grace and Frankie”

    Outstanding Reality Competition Program

    • “The Amazing Race”
    • “American Ninja Warrior”
    • “Dancing With the Stars”
    • “Project Runway”
    • “Top Chef”
    • “The Voice”

    Outstanding Variety Talk Series

    • “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee”
    • “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
    • “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”
    • “The Late Late Show With James Corden”
    • “Real Time With Bill Maher”
    • “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”

    Outstanding Television Movie

    • “A Very Murray Christmas”
    • “All The Way”
    • “Confirmation”
    • “Luther”
    • “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride”

    Outstanding Limited Series

    • “American Crime”
    • “Fargo”
    • “The Night Manager”
    • “The People vs O.J. Simpson”
    • “Roots”

    Outstanding Comedy Series

    • “Blackish”
    • “Master of None”
    • “Modern Family”
    • “Silicon Valley”
    • “Transparent”
    • “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
    • “Veep”

    Outstanding Drama Series

    • “The Americans”
    • “Better Call Saul”
    • “Downton Abbey”
    • “Game of Thrones”
    • “Homeland”
    • “House of Cards”
    • “Mr. Robot”

    Outstanding Animated Program

    • “Archer”
    • “Bob’s Burgers”
    • “Phineas and Ferb Last Day of Summer”
    • “The Simpsons”
    • “South Park”

    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

    • Louie Anderson, “Baskets”
    • Andre Braugher, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
    • Keegan-Michael Key, “Key & Peele”
    • Ty Burrell, “Modern Family”
    • Tituss Burgess, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
    • Tony Hale, “Veep”
    • Matt Walsh, “Veep”

    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

    • Jonathan Banks, “Better Call Saul”
    • Ben Mendelsohn, “Bloodline”
    • Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones”
    • Kit Harington, “Game of Thrones”
    • Michael Kelly, “House of Cards”
    • Jon Voight, “Ray Donovan”

    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

    • Jesse Plemons, “Fargo”
    • Bokeem Woodbine, “Fargo”
    • Hugh Laurie, “The Night Manager”
    • Sterling K. Brown, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”
    • David Schwimmer, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”
    • John Travolta, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”

    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

    • Niecy Nash, “Getting On”
    • Allison Janney, “Mom”
    • Kate McKinnon, “Saturday Night Live”
    • Judith Light, “Transparent”
    • Gaby Hoffmann, “Transparent”
    • Anna Chlumsky, “Veep”

    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

    • Maura Tierney, “The Affair”
    • Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey”
    • Lena Headey, “Game of Thrones”
    • Emilia Clarke, “Game of Thrones”
    • Maisie Williams, “Game of Thrones”
    • Constance Zimmer, “UnREAL”

    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

    • Melissa Leo, “All The Way”
    • Regina King, “American Crime”
    • Sarah Paulson, “American Horror Story: Hotel”
    • Kathy Bates, “American Horror Story: Hotel”
    • Jean Smart, “Fargo”
    • Olivia Colman, “The Night Manager”

    Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

    • Bob Newhart, “The Big Bang Theory”
    • Tracy Morgan, “Saturday Night Live”
    • Larry David, “Saturday Night Live”
    • Bradley Whitford, “Transparent”
    • Martin Mull, “Veep”
    • Peter MacNicol, “Veep”

    Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series

    • Max von Sydow, “Game of Thrones”
    • Michael J. Fox, “The Good Wife”
    • Reg E. Cathey, “House of Cards”
    • Mahershala Ali, “House of Cards”
    • Paul Sparks, “House of Cards”
    • Hank Azaria, “Ray Donovan”

    Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

    • Laurie Metcalf, “The Big Bang Theory”
    • Christine Baranski, “The Big Bang Theory”
    • Tina Fey & Amy Poehler, “Saturday Night Live”
    • Melissa McCarthy, “Saturday Night Live”
    • Amy Schumer, “Saturday Night Live”
    • Melora Hardin, “Transparent”

    Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series

    • Margo Martindale, “The Americans”
    • Carrie Preston, “The Good Wife”
    • Laurie Metcalf, “Horace and Pete”
    • Ellen Burstyn, “House of Cards”
    • Molly Parker, “House of Cards”
    • Allison Janney, “Masters of Sex”

    Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program

    • Ryan Seacrest, “American Idol”
    • Tom Bergeron, “Dancing With the Stars”
    • Jane Lynch, “Hollywood Game Night”
    • Steve Harvey, “Little Big Shots”
    • Heidi Klum & Tim Gunn, “Project Runway”
    • RuPaul Charles, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”

    What do you think? What snubs and surprises stand out to you (sorry, “The Good Wife”), or are you happy with the 2016 lineup? Here are last year’s nominees and winners, if you’re interested in comparisons. (There’s no “Mad Men” this year, but we do have “Mr. Robot” now.)

    Who are you rooting for this year?

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  • 10 Stars (Shockingly) Never Nominated for an Emmy

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    Even if a show is critically acclaimed, adored by fans, and a massive ratings hit, Emmy nominations aren’t always a guarantee. Such is the case for a handful of beloved TV stars… Not only have these actors and actresses not won an Emmy over their fantastic careers — they haven’t even been given the chance. Not cool, Emmys. Not cool.


    So, who’s been super duper snubbed in the past? Check out 10 TV stars who have never been nominated for an Emmy (but totally should have been).

  • Emmys 2015: ‘Empire’ Creator Lee Daniels Slams Series Snub

    Premiere Of Fox's "Empire" - Red Carpet“Empire” star Taraji P. Henson may have made some Emmy history with her nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series, but the show’s creator isn’t too happy about its lack of other nods.

    In an expletive-accentuated Instagram video post, “Empire” co-creator Lee Daniels expressed his disappointment over the show failing to score a Best Drama nomination, or any other major nominations outside of Henson’s. “Empire” received just three nods overall, including two for costume design.

    The video features Daniels and star Jussie Smollett, who appear to just be joking around, as Daniels explains, “Jussie’s saying I have to be politically correct on Instagram.” Smollett chuckles uncomfortably, and urges Daniels to “be nice” before Daniels suddenly shouts “F–k these motherf–kers!” and breaks into a huge laugh. He captioned the post with the hashtags, “#canfinallypostthis #timetoberealagain #emmyniceguyoverwith.”

    #canfinallypostthis #timetoberealagain #emmyniceguyoverwith @jussiesmollett ????

    A video posted by Lee Daniels (@theoriginalbigdaddy) on


    It’s understandable that Daniels is upset, considering that “Empire” was the biggest hit of the television season and a ratings and cultural juggernaut. As Variety reports, Fox spent a lot of time and money campaigning for Emmys for the series; for it to wind up with only one high-profile nomination to show for its efforts is probably a pretty big disappointment for everyone involved. (The fact that it didn’t score any music nominations is also a head-scratcher.)

    Still, it’s encouraging that Henson snatched a coveted nod, and Daniels and co. should at least find some comfort in that. As Cookie says, “I’m here to get what’s mine.” We’ll see if she walks away with a statuette on Emmy Sunday.

    [via: Lee Daniels, h/t Variety]

    Photo credit: Getty Images

  • Emmys 2015: Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson Could Make History

    2nd Annual Women In Film Pre-Oscar Cocktail PartyThere was lots to cheer about and lots to jeer about with the announcement of the 2015 Emmy nominations Thursday, and tucked in among the usual snubs and surprises was a bit of history surrounding the nods for Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson.

    The actresses, who are both up for the Best Leading Actress award in the drama category for “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Empire,” respectively, are now the first two African-Americans to be nominated in that category in the same year. That bit of trivia aside, both Davis and Henson could make even more history during the ceremony should one of them snag the statuette.

    Fame,” becoming the first-ever African-American woman to earn a Best Dramatic Actress nod.

    Before Davis and Henson, “Scandal” star Sweet Justice.”

    So while it seems that Davis and Henson have history against them, the very fact that they both earned nominations this year — and already shattered one Emmy barrier — seems to indicate that the tides are turning. Here’s hoping that one of them can continue to break new ground when the Emmys air on September 20 on Fox.

    [via: TheWrap]

    Photo credit: Getty Images

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