“Shogun” is expected to be the first non-English-language show to win the Emmy for best drama at a glamorous event on Sunday, marking a historic achievement in the world of television.
The epic series delving into the power struggles of 17th-century Japan’s royal courts is anticipated to make history with accolades for its cast, including esteemed actor Hiroyuki Sanada, at the gala in downtown Los Angeles. “Shogun” secured an impressive 14 wins at the Creative Arts Emmys, setting a record in technical and smaller categories, which are presented prior to the main event.
Other notable winners at the upcoming ceremony may include “The Bear,” a dark comedy set in the Chicago restaurant scene that returned for an experimental second season, and Netflix’s controversial limited series “Baby Reindeer.” The hosting duties for the event will be undertaken by the father-and-son acting duo Eugene and Daniel Levy, scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm (0000 GMT Monday).
– ‘Shogun’ to make history? –
Based on James Clavell’s historical fiction novel, “Shogun” received the most nominations with 25 overall. Despite being produced by Disney-owned FX and filmed in Canada, it features Japanese cast and subtitled dialogue, making it the second non-English-language show to earn a best drama nomination, following South Korea’s “Squid Game” two years prior.
In addition to the prestigious best drama series award, it is anticipated that “Shogun” will secure wins for stars Sanada and Anna Sawai. Furthermore, supporting actor Tadanobu Asano is likely to emerge victorious for his portrayal of the villainous Kashigi Yabushige. With its triumphs in the minor categories, “Shogun” has already surpassed the previous record of 12 Emmys for a drama in a single season held by “Game of Thrones.” It is highly probable that the show will garner additional accolades on Sunday. Its primary competitor this year is the former drama winner “The Crown.” Although the final season of Netflix’s British royal saga received mixed reviews, Elizabeth Debicki is expected to win the best supporting actress award for her role as Princess Diana.
– Comedy? Yes, chef –
In the comedy categories, “The Bear” and its culinary maestros portrayed by Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach appear poised for further Emmy success.
The intense first season of the show dominated the previous Emmys, and its even more celebrated and ambitious second season is eligible for consideration this time around. It secured seven awards in minor categories, including a best guest actress accolade for Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis.
If there’s any element of uncertainty, it might revolve around whether the show should indeed be classified as a comedy. Jokes are scarce in a series addressing weighty themes such as death, grief, betrayal, and emotional abuse. HBO’s “Hacks” is likely to curtail “The Bear’s” dominance, with Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder emerging as frontrunners for their respective roles as a diva comedienne and her dysfunctional millennial assistant.
– ‘True narrative’? –
Adapted from a relatively unknown Scottish comedian’s disturbing one-man show about sexual abuse, “Baby Reindeer” became a widely talked-about success for Netflix this year.
The show garnered attention due to its claim to be “a true story,” a declaration that led to a $170 million lawsuit against the streaming platform by a British woman who asserts she was the inspiration for its obsessive and violent stalker character. Nevertheless, pundits anticipate that Emmy voters will select “Baby Reindeer” as the best limited series, and its creator Richard Gadd will contend with Andrew Scott (“Ripley”) and Jon Hamm (“Fargo”) for the best actor award.
The limited series category, featuring shows that conclude within a single season, invariably attracts A-list Hollywood stars, and this year is no exception. Jodie Foster is a prime contender for the best actress award for her portrayal of an Alaskan cop in “True Detective: Night Country,” competing against fellow Oscar winner Brie Larson, who portrays a pioneering female chemist in “Lessons in Chemistry.”
– Silver lining amidst adversity? –
Unusually, the 76th Emmy Awards will be the second gala held this year, following the rescheduling of the previous edition to January due to Hollywood strikes last summer.
The prolonged walkout by actors and writers also restricted the availability of new shows for this edition, leading to a one-third reduction in submissions compared to the previous year. With several major series skipping this year, and others like “Succession” concluding their runs, could this be an opportunity for newcomers such as “Fallout” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” to shine?
Possibly. However, even “Shogun” is somewhat of a remake. An earlier miniseries based on the same novel, which aired in 1980, won three Emmys.
