As our screens light up with fresh seasons and brand-new delights, it’s also the perfect moment to cast our gaze back at the incredible year of television that was. This Sunday, the brightest stars of the small screen will gather for the 77th Emmy Awards, celebrating the shows and performances that captivated us.
While the race for television’s top prizes will undoubtedly capture most headlines, there are some fascinating subplots brewing beneath the surface. Beyond who takes home the gold, these storylines add an extra layer of intrigue to television’s biggest night. Let’s dive into the compelling narratives we’ll be watching for.
Friendly, But Fierce, Co-Star Competition
One of the most thrilling dynamics to watch this year unfolds within the supporting actor and actress categories in drama. These races are absolutely stacked, largely thanks to a few powerhouse shows creating friendly (but undoubtedly fierce) internal rivalries.
In the supporting actor in a drama series race, prepare for an epic showdown between two fan-favorite series. We have three nominees from the dystopian hit “Severance” – Trammell Tillman, Zach Cherry, and John Turturro – competing directly against three from the critically acclaimed “The White Lotus,” namely Sam Rockwell, Walton Goggins, and Jason Isaacs. The lone wolf in this pack is the ever-charming James Marsden, nominated for “Paradise.” Imagine the tension (and camaraderie!) backstage!
The best supporting actress in a drama category sees “The White Lotus” truly dominating, with four of its stars – Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Aimee Lou Wood, and Natasha Rothwell – all in contention. Rothwell, speaking to CNN last month, perfectly encapsulated the sentiment: “It couldn’t be more friendly. I mean, I’m rooting for them always, even before I knew them through the show. I am just a fan of their work. And so it’s just a joy to be able to go to Hollywood prom with them and celebrate!”
We got a taste of this dynamic last weekend at the Creative Emmy Awards. The guest actor in a comedy series race featured no less than five actors from “The Studio” – including Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Anthony Mackie, and Dave Franco, all playing themselves – who ultimately lost out to their co-star Bryan Cranston, also from “The Studio,” for his uproarious turn as a top media exec. Similarly, the guest actress in a drama series saw three nominees from “Severance,” with Merritt Wever ultimately taking home the trophy.
Wordy Speeches Won’t Come Cheap
First-time Emmys host, comedian Nate Bargatze, has cooked up an inspired plan to ensure the show – and those often-lengthy acceptance speeches – run on time. He revealed to CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister that he’ll donate a generous $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of America at the top of the show, but there’s a rather brilliant catch.
“As always, everyone gets 45 seconds to make their speech,” Bargatze explained. “For every second they go over, the kids will get $1,000 less. And the kids will be there. And see it. And feel it. So is thanking your second manager worth taking food from a child? I don’t think so, but we’ll see what Hollywood thinks.”
Bargatze’s rationale is simple: “It’s a show, you gotta get moving.” He even suggested winners thank lesser-known individuals on social media rather than on stage. The genius of his plan is that it goes both ways: winners who manage to finish under the allotted 45 seconds will actually cause money to be added back to the pot. “It is very serious. The amount of money I give to the Boys and Girls Club is totally up to all of Hollywood,” he said, letting the stars know they hold the charity’s ultimate total in their hands. Expect some remarkably concise thank-yous this year!
A Potentially Historic Win
While she’s already a two-time Emmy winner – once for a guest role on “Two and a Half Men” (2012) and again for her unforgettable performance in “American Horror Story: Coven” (2014) – the legendary Kathy Bates is up for a potentially historic win this Sunday.
At 77 years old, Bates is nominated for best actress in a drama for her work in “Matlock.” Should she win, she would become the eldest performer to take home the Emmy in that prestigious category. She was previously nominated in the same category in 2011 and 2012 for her role in “Harry’s Law.” Her enduring talent and the possibility of her making Emmy history certainly add a heartwarming layer to this year’s ceremony.
From nail-biting internal rivalries to a host’s audacious plan to keep things lively, and a legendary performer eyeing a new record, the 77th Emmys promise more than just golden statues. So, as you settle in this Sunday, keep an eye not just on who wins, but on these compelling stories unfolding live. It’s set to be a night of celebration, suspense, and perhaps, a little good-natured drama off-screen too!
