Emmy Category Analysis: Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

By Abe Friedtanzer

Andrew Garfield in Under the Banner of Heaven

I had fully expected Ben Foster to be here on behalf of the TV movie part of this category for The Survivor, but he’s not, and this race is actually dominated by men from series that didn’t earn a spot in the top race. Only Michael Keaton and Sebastian Stan saw their shows score overall, and both Andrew Garfield and Oscar Isaac represent their series’ only bids. Those statistics make it seem like Keaton wins this in a walk, but these are seriously good performances that are worth considering alongside his. Here are the nominees… 

Click to read more ...

Emmy Category Analysis: Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

By Abe Friedtanzer

Lily James in Pam and Tommy

This is quite a lineup, though just one of its six nominees is from an anthology series and none are from TV movies (Jenna Ortega would have made a phenomenal choice for HBO Max’s The Fallout). Every character portrayed is based on a real person, with only Margaret Qualley’s Alex Russell adapted from author Stephanie Land into someone slightly fictionalized. Exactly half of these women star in projects nominated for Best Limited or Anthology Series, but there’s still support for the other three even if their projects underperformed. Only Lily James and Amanda Seyfried are brand-new to the Emmys, and, of the rest, all but Qualley have actually won before. I think it’s likely a race between the newbies, but let’s examine the lineup...

Click to read more ...

Emmy Category Analysis: Lead Actress in a Drama Series

By Abe Friedtanzer

Previous winner Zendaya in her standout episode of Euphoria

Though none of last year’s Lead Drama Actress nominees were eligible this year, the shortlist for 2022 is actually pretty close to what this category was like two years ago albeit with a different actress from The Morning Show in contention. Two Emmy seasons ago, Zendaya was the big winner for her buzzy freshman show, and now her fiercest competition is also in a buzzy freshman show. Melanie Lynskey is hot off a win from the Hollywood Critics Association. While it’s possible that the other four will factor into the race, it feels like a race between those two.

But let’s dig deeper. Brief descriptions of the nominees below - click on the episode titles for spoiler-filled reviews…

Click to read more ...

Remembering Anne Heche (1969-2022)

by Cláudio Alves

One week ago, on August 5th, Anne Heche crashed her car into a house in Mar Vista, Los Angeles, near her home. The collision was dramatic, causing a fire that took an hour to control, and, though the occupants of the house didn't suffer injuries, Heche was taken to the hospital with severe injuries. At first, it was announced the actress was in critical condition, then a coma, severe brain damage, and today we got the news that Heche is legally dead. She was 53.

This is a horrifying end to what has been a biography marked by polemic and controversy, mental illness, and other difficult situations blown out of their private dimensions into tabloid fodder. Anne Heche had a complicated life - that's undeniable. Yet, to let scandal shine brighter than artistry feels wrong, an ultimate betrayal. In other words, as we mourn this fallen star, let's remember she deserved better than the callousness with which she was often discussed. Beyond personal trials, she was a fascinating screen presence...

Click to read more ...

2022 Emmys: Comedy Supporting Actress

By: Christopher James

Hannah Waddingham hopes to win a second consecutive Emmy for her work in "Ted Lasso."What happens when winners collide? The Comedy Supporting Actress race is loaded with three past winners this year. Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham looks to repeat last year’s win for season two of the hit Apple TV+ program. Meanwhile, both Alex Borstein (Marvelous Mrs Maisel) and Kate McKinnon (SNL) could add a third Emmy trophy to their mantle. McKinnon took home the prize in both 2016 and 2017, with Borstein following in 2018 and 2019. 

As powerful as these three are, it would be unwise to count out the newcomers. Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph contend for the first season of Abbott Elementary, while Sarah Niles enters the race for her first appearance on Ted Lasso. Both Hannah Einbender and Juno Temple also earned their second consecutive nomination for their roles in Hacks and Ted Lasso, respectively. Who will take home the gold? Let’s break down the race...

Click to read more ...