Emmys Finally See a Repeat Reset With Leading Men Nominees (Column)

What may be most interesting, though, is the limited series/movie actor race. The lone vet is “Genius: Picasso’s” Antonio Banderas, with one prior nom. The category not only boasts some first-time nominees in the category — hi, Darren Criss, Jeff Daniels and Jesse Plemons! — but also an overall rookie acting nominee in John Legend (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”). What a story it would make if a truly brand-new actor broke through. Nothing else would put performers on notice that they can’t get too comfortable.

Strides have clearly been taken to ensure the Emmys stay relevant and topical, but the real test will come in September, when we will see who takes home the trophies. For the past three years, the limited series/movie actor winner was a first-time nominee (Richard Jenkins in 2015, Courtney B. Vance in 2016 and Riz Ahmed in 2017), while the same was true in drama actor for the past two years (Rami Malek in 2016 and Brown reigning last year), and in comedy in 2017 newcomer Glover dethroned two-time champ Tambor.

Here’s hoping that continues, to become an official streak, and so no one, even those performers churning out consistent performances year over year, rest on their laurels. Because in the end, everyone wins when TV and its talent are at the top of their game.

Emmy Awards: Why Rules Were Made to Be Broken (Column)

Ensembles matter — until they don’t.

Voters went deep on shows they loved — showering series like “The Handmaid’s Tale” with 20 noms overall and eight for its actors, including the surprise recognition of Kelly Jenrette, who played Luke’s ex-wife. Ditto “Westworld,” whose 21 nominations folded in 5 acting nods and “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” which scored 18 overall and 6 for its cast. Those casting sweeps mean that co-stars will be vying against each other in many of those races.

Yet inexplicably that love didn’t extend as deeply to the other series that Emmy fawned over: Somehow among “Game of Thrones” 22 nominations only three actors made the cut — snubbing series leads (and audience favorites) Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington (perhaps it was their jump from supporting to lead?). And while four of “This Is Us’” nods came from the acting categories, somehow the women of the cast escaped the notice of voters — notably Mandy Moore and Chrissy Metz, key members of the show’s ensemble. “GLOW” is competing for best comedy series without its lead actress in contention (Alison Brie), as is “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Ellie Kemper).

Emmy Awards: Why Rules Were Made to Be Broken (Column)

A Fil-Am actor’s life: Carlin James

LOS ANGELES—For Carlin James, playing Christopher, the brother of Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss), in “American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” is one of the highlights of his acting career so far.

The Long Beach, California native considers it an honor to get cast in the recent installment of Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology series, which garnered praise from critics who cited the entire cast’s performances and collected 18 nominations in the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.

James talked about the challenge of “being part of a mixed, Filipino-American TV family that contradicts the model-minority stereotype (understatement).”

He added, “Not to mention, working with Jon Jon Briones and Joanna Adler (who played Modesto and Mary Ann Cunanan, Andrew’s parents). Are you kidding me? Those two are A-plus talents and gracious, amazing people. Just watching them work made me a better actor.”

The Fil-Am’s other credits include numerous TV shows and commercials, including ABC’s “The Middle,” Netflix’s “Dear White People” and the CBS shows, “NCIS” and “Criminal Minds.” Among his recent projects are “Brampton’s Own,” “Broken,” “Turner Risk” and “Indivisible.”

How would you describe your journey as an actor so far? It’s been a rough journey, but one I’m so happy to be on. I’ve struggled, failed and been terrible so much throughout the past few years. But I’m at a point in my life where I can look back and be grateful for all those life-lessons. In my mind, I’m always behind, so I feel like I have a lot more to do to get where I need to go.

How do you prepare for an audition? Any good luck rituals, etc.? When I know I have an audition coming up, it hangs over my head like a cloud. Not in a bad way, but even if it’s a few days away, it’s something I can feel. I start working pretty late at night, and realize I get the most done between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. I do have a terrible sleep schedule, but it’s something that works for me. I have this weird thing about running my scenes in the shower, too. I swear by it. Every job I’ve ever booked was due to an awesome solo shower-rehearsal.

What is the most frustrating part of trying to land roles in Hollywood? When I was starting out, it was frustrating not even getting the opportunity to read for certain roles. But now, the most frustrating part of trying to land roles is getting out of my own way. Life and bills happen, and sometimes, I can’t help but think about how booking the job can help with that. I forget that if I just relax, trust myself and enjoy the process, then all else will fall into place.

How do you handle rejection? Much better than I used to! I always say the hardest part wasn’t hearing “No” because that at least leads to closure. The hardest part is working so hard and investing so much time, energy and emotion, and hearing back nothing at all. And that’s usually how it goes. Over time, you accept it and realize there’s only so much within your control. So we do our best in the room, leave it there, and then move on to the next one… like Jay-Z.

Have there been times when you almost gave up? I never gave serious thought to giving up. Announcing to my family and friends that I was going to pursue a career in acting was big for me. There was never a Plan B, and I couldn’t face them and say, “I give up.” I’m competitive and being told that it would only happen in my dreams may or may not have also played a part in it.

Seriously though, I’ve cried, bled and broken a bone. And I’m pretty sure I’ve gone halfway crazy because of this career-choice. Except Pop-A-Shot (electronic basketball game). I’m really good at Pop-A-Shot.

Do you, as an actor of color, feel that opportunities for minority actors are improving or getting worse? And do you think that the inclusion rider (mentioned by Frances McDormand in her best actress acceptance speech in this year’s Oscars, which is added to an A-list actor’s contract to ensure that the casting and production meet certain levels of diversity) is helping? Absolutely. I feel that opportunities for minority actors are getting better. If you watch a ’90s TV show and then watch a TV show from today, you can’t truthfully tell me it’s not. As a Fil-Am actor myself, I won’t say we’re where we want to be, but I think we’re making good progress. There’s a lot of diverse talent out there building up their resumes and, eventually, they will get the recognition they deserve.

As for the inclusion rider, I can’t say I know for certain its effect just yet. But it can only help. Story is king, and as long as it’s told accurately, I’ll be happy. It’s when you show a group of friends in the ’90s set in New York City and there’s not one POC (people of color), that’s kind of unbelievable.

What’s your stand on whitewashing in Hollywood? I won’t lie. It doesn’t bug my friends and family so much. But for me, it hurts to see it. So much of what we do as actors is dependent on us being comfortable with who we are as people, as real-life, vulnerable human beings. So when I see it happen, it sometimes feels like my self-worth is being slapped in the face. Dramatic, I know. I’m an actor.

This is not a new thing though, and Hollywood is starting to take notice, so that’s good for everyone. We can focus on the problem, but that’d be too easy. I’m just glad that things are getting better, and solutions (such as the inclusion rider) are being talked about.

A Fil-Am actor’s life: Carlin James

Emmy Predictions 2018: Outstanding Limited Series

Last Year’s Winner: “Big Little Lies”
Still Eligible: No.
Hot Streak: Over the past five years, HBO and FX have alternated wins in this category. Since HBO’s “Big Little Lies” won in 2017, it’s FX’s “turn” in 2018.
Fun Fact: The “American Horror Story” franchise has been nominated five times in this category, one short of the record held by “Prime Suspect” — except the PBS series had won three times by this point, and “American Horror Story” has never won.

“Twin Peaks” and “The Looming Tower” are out, “The Alienist” and “Genius: Picasso” are in; that was the surprising revelation on Emmy nominations’ morning, as two of the presumed limited series frontrunners couldn’t even make the initial cut. How does that change the race to the finish line? Quite a bit.

Two series in particular should be breathing a bit more easily right now. “The Assassination of Gianni Versace” has the “American Crime Story” brand backing it, not to mention the full power of Ryan Murphy, so FX must be liking its chances now that the critics’ darling and historical Hulu threat are out of the running. Netflix, though, is likely itching even more for its first win in the category, and “Godless” could get them there. Jeff Daniels and Michelle Dockery’s western sports a cast of TV Academy favorites, earned solid reviews, and appears to be widely seen.

Then there’s the dark horse: While Showtime thought it had a good shot at two slots here, “Patrick Melrose” is now a sneaky pick to win. Benedict Cumberbatch has never been better, he’s beloved by Emmy voters, and the relatively short limited series (five episodes) should be an easy binge for anyone who hasn’t caught up yet. Moreover, it’s got weighty subject matter, confidant style, and is less divisive than the hit-or-miss “Versace” and “Godless.” (“Versace” earned less raves than its “ACS” predecessor, while westerns in general can be a turn-off to some viewers.)

So what about those surprise nominees? “The Alienist” scored six nominations overall, but none in the acting categories; it looks like it’ll need another shocking turn of events to walk away with the gold. As for “Genius: Picasso,” it nabbed a critical nod for Antonio Banderas, but has less total nominations than the “Einstein” edition, which won zero in 2017. It, too, looks like a longshot.

Below are IndieWire TV Critic Ben Travers’ predictions for Outstanding Limited Series (listed in alphabetical order), which will be updated throughout the season. Make sure to keep checking IndieWire for all the latest buzz and highlights from the 2018 race, and read predictions for the rest of the categories, as well.

The Nominees:

“The Alienist”

“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”

“Genius: Picasso”

“Godless”

“Patrick Melrose”

Will Win: “Godless”
Could Win: “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Should Win: “Twin Peaks” (How was this left out?)

Emmy Predictions 2018: Outstanding Limited Series

Which of Ryan Murphy’s Emmy-nominated actors is most likely to win? [POLL]

Since 2012, no one has dominated the limited series/TV movie acting categories at the Emmys like Ryan Murphy — not Murphy himself, but his actors. Thanks to his various anthology series “American Horror Story,” “American Crime Story,” Feud: Bette and Joan” and the HBO film “The Normal Heart,” Murphy has netted 47 nominations for his stars, producing seven victories. This year he has eight actors nominated — his highest tally since 2014, when he got nominations for 11 stars — but who is the most likely of them to win?

Murphy’s actors’ nominations are spread between two shows: “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” and “American Horror Story: Cult,” with the former getting four and the latter scoring two. “Versace” leading man Darren Criss has been sitting atop our predictions since the nomination phase for his chilling turn as serial killer Andrew Cunanan and currently holds an 8/15-odd edge over his next closest rival, “Patrick Melrose” star Benedict Cumberbatch, who won in 2014 for “Sherlock: His Last Vow.” At 31, Criss would have to overcome age bias to become the second youngest winner in the category.

After getting boxed out last year thanks to the “Big Little Lies” and “Feud” ladies, Sarah Paulson is back in the lead actress race for “American Horror Story: Cult.” This is her fifth nomination for an “AHS” season, but the 2016 champ, for “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” will likely have to wait for her first “AHS” win: She’s in fifth place in our predictions, which have Laura Dern (“The Tale”) at No. 1.

Murphy reaped three slots in supporting actor, just one shy of the four he nabbed in 2014 for his stars from “The Normal Heart” and the same amount “O.J.” got in 2016. Sterling K. Brown defeated his “O.J.” co-stars David Schwimmer and John Travolta that year, but our odds are forecasting triple losses for “Versace” players Ricky Martin, Edgar Ramirez and Finn Wittrock to Jeff Daniels(“Godless”), who is also nominated in lead for “The Looming Tower.” Of the three, Ramirez has the advantage of playing the title character, even if the show was ultimately not about the slain fashion designer, and the most screen time. But unlike Brown, who was an undeniable breakout on “O.J.,” the praise for Ramirez — and “Versace” in general — is comparably muted.

Supporting actress is the only category in which both of Murphy’s shows collide; “Versace” stars Penelope Cruz and Judith Light, and “AHS” star Adina Porter are up. Porter, who’s in seventh place in our odds, feels like one of those “happy to be here” bids, while our pundits are split between Cruz and Light. Cruz, who nailed Donatella Versace’s accent, has the benefit of being an Oscar-winning movie star, but Light has the more acclaimed performance, breaking our hearts as the Marilyn Miglin, the widow of one of Cunanan’s victims, Lee Miglin. She’s also more “due” when it comes to the Emmys, having lost her previous three nominations; Cruz is on her first nomination.

Which of Ryan Murphy’s Emmy-nominated actors is most likely to win? [POLL]

Television Academy Announces Lineup for Creative Arts Emmy Awards

The Television Academy has announced the categories to be included at the 70th Emmy Awards and the 2018 Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremonies.

Co-hosted by “Saturday Night Live” Weekend Update duo Colin Jost and Michael Che, the primetime Emmy Awards will include major categories such as drama and comedy, as well as the lead actors and actresses in each genre. Rounding out the brackets are supporting actor and actress candidates, as well as more series races like variety talk and reality-competition program.

Casting, cinematography, guest acting and short form acting make up a sampling of the creative arts Emmys to be announced Sept. 8, while editing, sound-mixing, and special effects, are among those scheduled for night two.

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be held over two days on Sept. 8 and 9, while the primetime Emmy Awards will air on NBC Sept. 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. PT. A telecast of the Creative Arts Emmys will air Sept. 15 on FXX. All of the ceremonies will be held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Primetime Emmys

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, MOVIE OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
OUTSTANDING LIMITED SERIES
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, MOVIE OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL

Creative Arts Emmys (Saturday, Sept. 8)

OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, MOVIE OR SPECIAL
OUTSTANDING CONTEMPORARY COSTUMES
OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING FOR A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
OUTSTANDING MAKEUP FOR A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE (NON-PROSTHETIC)
OUTSTANDING PROSTHETIC MAKEUP FOR A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES, MOVIE OR SPECIAL
OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA PICTURE EDITING FOR A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
OUTSTANDING SOUND MIXING FOR A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE

Television Academy Announces Lineup for Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Big Gay Binge | Darren Criss is a fashion killer in ACS: Versace

The cold blooded murder of fashion demigod, Gianni Versace was a scandal that rocked a decade. When rent boy/serial killer Andrew Cunanan gunned down Versace on the front steps of his Miami mansion he not only took a life, he nearly toppled an empire.

Season one of American Crime Story tackled another equally salacious scandal about the trial of OJ Simpson and season two retains the gritty tone but it’s presented in a much glossier package. The sets, cinematography and costumes are all stunning to look at; anything less would have been a disservice to Versace’s memory.

This season is less about the man who learned his craft at his seamstress mother’s side to become a fashion icon that it is an exploration of the twisted psyche of a sexually aggressive pathological liar. Cunanan is played by Glee’s Darren Criss who knocks it out of the park with a portrayal of a young man so steeped in denial and self-loathing that is surely set to garner him many accolades come awards season.

Much internet chatter has surrounded the level of truth in this series. The Versace family has denounced it as a work of pure fiction. What is for certain is that Cunanan was a deeply disturbed individual who had an at best casual relationship with the truth teamed with an unslakable thirst to be loved. His slide into addiction details his back story of an implied abusive relationship with his father that explains his serious next level daddy issues.

It wouldn’t be a fashion based story without a few heavy hitting celebrity names riding the casting couch; in a case of incredibly kind casting, the beautiful Penelope Cruz takes up the role of the once pretty but now tragic victim of bad plastic surgery Donatella Versace. The “openly Latino” pop star Ricky Martin plays Versace’s long-time companion who displays a not before seen emotional range proving he’s not just a pretty package with a microphone. Judith Light (Ugly Betty, Transparent) lends some gravitas playing the elegant wife of one of Cunanan’s wealthy married suitors.

Whether or not this instalment of the American Crime Story stays faithful to the facts it nevertheless provides a fascinating voyeuristic look into the depths of the superficial world of fashion and the notions of truth, beauty and desire that propel that world. The performances are uniformly excellent and the story of internalised homophobia gone viral makes for an excellent binge worthy candidate to while away a lost rainy weekend.

Big Gay Binge | Darren Criss is a fashion killer in ACS: Versace

Emmy Episode Analysis: What Writing Shockers Can We Expect This Year? • AwardsCircuit

“Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” – “House by the Lake” – Written by Tom Rob Smith

Plot: Minneapolis architect David Madson is forced to go on the run with Andrew Cunanan.

Ryan Murphy’s “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” is a misnomer. The show was more about assassin Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss). It starts with the titular murder and works backwards to the impetus of Cunanan’s disturbances. The submitted episode works best as an engrossing two hander. David Madson (Cody Fern) conveys fear as his kindness places him in the hands of a murderer. It’s harrowing and engrossing. It walks into this category as the frontrunner. The first “American Crime Story” won this award two years ago. However, no other Ryan Murphy miniseries has won the category. Even “American Horror Story” wasn’t nominated until season three. Even if “Gianni Versace” runs away with the Emmys, it could stumble here, as frontrunners often do. If so, what is the buzzy crowd-pleaser that will take its place?

Predicted Ranking

“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” – “House by the Lake”

“USS Callister (Black Mirror)”

“American Vandal” – “Clean Up”

“Godless”

“Patrick Melrose”

“Twin Peaks”

Emmy Episode Analysis: What Writing Shockers Can We Expect This Year? • AwardsCircuit

All 7 Emmy episodes revealed for Best Movie/Limited Series Supporting Actor (Exclusive)

Gold Derby can exclusively reveal all of the Emmy episode submissions for the 2018 contenders as Best Movie/Limited Series Supporting Actor. While lead actors and actresses must enter their entire projects, supporting players are allowed to submit just one installment of their limited series. Let’s take a look at the choices made by these seven men: Jeff Daniels (“Godless”), Brandon Victor Dixon (“Jesus Christ Superstar”), John Leguizamo (“Waco”), Michael Stuhlbarg (“The Looming Tower”) and Ricky Martin, Edgar Ramirez and Finn Wittrock (all of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace”).

Martin is submitting the debut episode, “The Man Who Would Be Vogue,” which aired January 17 on FX. Official description: “The murder of Gianni Versace turns the eyes of the world onto Miami Beach.” Among those mourning is Antonio D’Amico (Martin). This is his first career nomination. Watch our recent video chat with Martin.

Ramirez is submitting the seventh episode, “Ascent,” which aired March 7 on FX. Official description: “Andrew Cunanan leaves behind a troubled family life, while Donatella struggles to find her role within the Gianni Versace (Ramirez) empire.” This is his second career nomination following one for “Carlos” (2011).

Wittrock is submitting the fifth episode, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which aired February 14 on FX. Official description: “Naval officer Jeffrey Trail (Wittrock) meets Andrew Cunanan for the first time, while Gianni reveals his sexuality to the world.” This is his second career nomination following one for “American Horror Story” (2015).

All 7 Emmy episodes revealed for Best Movie/Limited Series Supporting Actor (Exclusive)

2018 Emmy Winner Predictions: Drama, Comedy, Limited Series and TV Movie

With a field-best 18 nominations in its section, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is the clear frontrunner. It has directing and writing noms and six acting nods. Godless is its closest competitor but it doesn’t really feel like a competition at all.

LIMITED SERIES
1. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (FX)
2. Godless (Netflix)
3. Patrick Melrose (Showtime)
4. Genius: Picasso (National Geographic)
5. The Alienist (TNT)

2018 Emmy Winner Predictions: Drama, Comedy, Limited Series and TV Movie