Awards season is in the winter, but two of the big four (Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, Tonys) hand out their trophies in the summer. We’re most concerned with Emmy nominations (for obvious reasons), and as always, the 2023 round of nods came with some surprises.
Succession and The White Lotus Ran the Supporting Actor Categories for Drama Series
Eight series were nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, but of those eight shows, actors from only two were recognized in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category and actors from only four were recognized in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category. The Crown and Better Call Saul managed to sneak into the latter thanks to Elizabeth Debicki and Rhea Seehorn, respectively, while the remaining spots were occupied by Succession and The White Lotus.
Yes, the actors from The White Lotus and Succession deserve their nominations (we’re especially excited for Aubrey Plaza, Meghann Fahy, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Simona Tabasco), and on an individual level we’re not the least bit surprised they achieved recognition, but those weren’t the only actors who gave outstanding performances this year.
The Lead Actor categories showed a little more diversity of programming, as did the comedy categories (though there were some snubs, namely Harrison Ford and Elizabeth Olsen), but it can’t be ignored that the same series were nominated over and over and over again whether for acting, writing, or otherwise. Awards shows are often criticized for being nothing more than a popularity contest, and the top four most-nominated shows racking up over 20 nods each isn’t helping the Emmy Awards’ case, no matter how well-deserved the shows may be.
Jury Duty is Up for Multiple Emmys
Let us be the millionth people to say: we love Jury Duty. It’s unique and hysterical, and how can you not love Ronald Gladden? But it’s one of those shows that’s so unique and hysterical it’s hard to believe the Academy actually gave it the credit it’s due.
We were happily surprised to see Jury Duty picked up four nominations including Outstanding Comedy Series, and to see that James Marsden was recognized in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category for his work on the show, a first for his career.
Both the Obamas are Nominated
Learning that either of the Obamas is nominated for an Emmy would not be a shock, especially the former president as he’s already won. But the fact that both were nominated in the same year, President Obama for Outstanding Narrator and the former first lady for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series Or Special, is objectively incredible information as it’s the first time in American history that a former president and former first lady were both nominated for Emmy Awards in the same year.
Their daughter Malia Obama is on the writing staff for Donald Glover’s Swarm, which garnered three nods of its own, so perhaps the Emmys will be a family outing for the Obamas.
Vanderpump Rules was Nominated for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program
A veritable icon in the reality TV world, Bravo’s programming has been recognized by the Television Academy in the past (think hits like Top Chef and Project Runway), but as far as its most buzzworthy shows, this is a first. Vanderpump Rules hit its stride in Season 10 and broke national news thanks to the cheating scandal of all reality TV cheating scandals, wittily dubbed “Scandoval” thanks to one of its main perpetrators, OG castmember Tom Sandoval.
The content of Season 10 was certainly Emmy-worthy to fans, but we’re shocked the members of the Academy actually agreed. We’re of the opinion of Andy Cohen, though – it’s even more shocking that none of The Real Housewives editions have ever been nominated.
