Three is the magic number for limited series. For the past three Emmy ceremonies, the eventual Best Limited Series winner also won three acting trophies and that trend could continue in September with “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.”
“Versace” is the odds-on favorite to win Best Limited Series and our odds are forecasting three acting victories for it as well: Darren Criss in lead actor, and Penelope Cruz and Edgar Ramirez in the supporting races. All of these wins are definitely possible, as voters have shown that if they really like your limited series, they’re more than happy to shower you with multiple statuettes.
That was the case last year with “Big Little Lies,” which ruled the ceremony with five wins, including acting trophies for Nicole Kidman, Alexander Skarsgard and Laura Dern. In 2016, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” cleaned up with five wins as well, with triumphs for Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vanceand Sterling K. Brown. And in 2015, “Olive Kitteridge” earned Emmys for Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins and Bill Murrayas part of its six-trophy haul.
“Olive Kitteridge” was the only one that even had a chance to sweep the four acting categories, but Zoe Kazan lost to Regina King(“American Crime”). “O.J.” did not have a supporting actress contender and “Big Little Lies” didn’t have a leading man. “Versace,” meanwhile, isn’t fielding a lead actress hopeful.
“Versace” is most similar to “Olive Kitteridge” — well-made series that didn’t quite capture the zeitgeist the way “O.J.” and “Big Little Lies” did. Like the HBO mini, “Versace” is also competing in a comparably weaker year unlike “O.J.” and “Big Little Lies,” That could be a good or bad thing: easier for one show to dominate or it could lead to spreading the wealth.
Will ‘Versace’ be the fourth straight limited series to win three acting Emmys?
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