Judith Light makes only two appearances in FX’s “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.” But boy, does she make an impact, especially in the season’s third episode, giving what Joe Reid (Decider) called “one of the all-time best single-episode performances in a Ryan Murphy series.” It’s a performance that deserves to be recognized at this year’s Emmys, and could bring the veteran Tony and Daytime Emmy-winning actress an overdue first win at the Primetime ceremony.
In the season’s third episode, “A Random Killing,” Light plays Marilyn Miglin, a high-profile cosmetics mogul whose husband Lee (Mike Farrell), a prominent developer and philanthropist, was brutally murdered by Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss) in the months leading up to Cunanan murdering famed designer Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramirez). The Miglins were well-known Chicago socialites, and their marriage is portrayed as one of deep love and mutual respect. However, Lee is also a closeted gay man who regularly hires Cunanan as an escort when Marilyn is out of town.
Though Lee’s brutal murder is the key plot point of the episode, it is Light who resonates, giving a richly layered performance that alternates between stoic anger and deep pain. While it is never clear whether or not Marilyn was aware of Lee’s sexual proclivities, she refuses to allow her husband’s name to be tainted by scandal, and she uses her connections in the police department to squash the embarrassing details of Lee’s death, insisting that Cunanan was nothing more than a common thief and murderer.
Sewell Chan (The New York Times) called the episode “a tour de force [for] Judith Light, whose portrayal of a wife in denial is simply magnificent.” And he’s right. “A Random Killing” gives Light one Emmy-worthy moment after another, beginning with the episode’s cold open, which shows Marilyn’s chilling reaction to the discovery of Lee’s body, a simple mouthing of the words, “I knew it.” Later, when explaining her decision to keep the details of Lee’s death under wraps, she proclaims with equal parts heartbreak and venom, “Dollars, jewelry, socks, suits — that’s all I’ll allow that man to steal from me. He won’t steal my good name. Our good name.” What is Marilyn is trying to protect more: her family’s reputation or the now-shattered illusion of her fairy-tale marriage?
But Light also gets to show Marilyn’s grief in a devastating monologue in which she describes her relationship with Lee — their adventures and their accomplishments, the respect they felt for each other. When she finally breaks down in sobs after being questioned about her lack of public grief, she cries, “Am I a real wife now?” The episode ends with Marilyn selling her cosmetics on The Home Shopping Network and addresses her husband’s murder on air. As the camera slowly zooms in on her, Light delivers a devastating monologue about love and loss, listing all of the things that her husband was to her, that they were a team. “How many husbands believe in their wives’ dreams?” she asks. The episode ends in a close up of Light’s face as she closes her eyes, a moment of stunning emotional impact.
Although Light is no stranger to awards — having won Featured Actress Tony Awards for “Other Desert Cities” (2012) and “The Assembled Parties” (2013), and two Daytime Emmys for her iconic role as Karen Wolek on “One Life to Live” (1980, 1981) — she has gone zero for three at the Primetime Emmys, earning a Comedy Guest Actress nomination in 2007 for “Ugly Betty” and nominations in 2016 and 2017 for Comedy Supporting Actress for “Transparent.” Light’s status as a respected veteran can only help her in the Movie/Mini Supporting Actress category at the Emmys, which counts among its winners such respected actresses as Mary Tyler Moore (1993), Vanessa Redgrave (2000), and Eileen Atkins (2008), as well as Jessica Lange (2012) and Kathy Bates (2014), both whom won for their performances in separate seasons of “American Horror Story,” also created by Ryan Murphy.
Tag: awards talk
Emmys 2018: ‘American Crime Story’ could become the first show since ‘Prime Suspect’ to repeat as Best Limited Series
This spring FX’s “American Crime Story” returned for its second season, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” which explores the murder of the famous fashion designer (played by Edgar Ramirez) by serial killer Andrew Cunanan (played by Darren Criss). It’s the early front-runner to win Best Limited Series based on the combined predictions of hundreds of Gold Derby users who have entered their picks in our predictions center thus far. The first season of “ACS,” “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” also won top honors in 2016, so a victory for “Versace” would make this the first series since “Prime Suspect” to repeat as Best Limited Series.
Anthologies have had a TV revival in recent years. Ryan Murphy helped re-popularize the form with “American Horror Story,” which debuted in 2011. Since then we’ve seen other anthologies like “Fargo,” “American Crime” and “Black Mirror” earn acclaim and awards. But since that revival of the genre no show has won Best Limited Series multiple times. “Horror Story” lost all four of its bids in the top category: for “Murder House” (2012), “Asylum” (2013), “Coven” (2014) and “Freak Show” (2015). “Fargo” won on its first nomination in 2014, but then lost its subsequent bids in 2016 and 2017. And ABC’s “American Crime” lost twice in 2015 and 2016.
In fact, only two shows have ever won multiple times, and they predate the current anthology craze. The ratings blockbuster “Roots,” about the history of American slavery, won in 1977, and then its sequel “Roots: The Next Generations” prevailed in 1979. But “Prime Suspect” did even better than that, winning Best Limited Series three times out of five nominations. The British mystery series starring Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison won for “Prime Suspect 2” (1993), “Prime Suspect 3” (1994) and “Prime Suspect 5: Errors of Judgment” (1997). Tennison returned to the Emmys twice more, with nominations for “Prime Suspect 6: The Last Witness” (2004) and “Prime Suspect: The Final Act” (2007).
“American Crime Story” is unlike “Prime Suspect” in that it follows an entirely different storyline every season and doesn’t overlap its characters. So it’s hard to know for sure if television academy voters will respond to the “Versace” series as strongly as they responded to “O.J.,” but we know voters love Ryan Murphy, who has won 4 Emmys out of 26 nominations, including Best TV Movie for “The Normal Heart” (2014) and Best Limited Series for “O.J.” So do you think “Versace” will follow in the footsteps of “Roots” and “Prime Suspect” by repeating for Best Limited Series?
*Chris Beachum is a Gold Derby editor who has contacts with industry insiders, but take with a grain of salt nonetheless
Emmy Predictions 2018: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Last Year’s Winner: Riz Ahmed, “The Night Of”
Still Eligible
: No.
Hot Streak: Since 1992, at least one actor from an HBO film has been nominated in this category — films, not limited series.
Fun Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch is one nomination away from tying Laurence Olivier for the second-most nominations in the history of this category. Olivier, however, won four out of his six nominations, whereas the best Cumberbatch could hope for is half that.
Can Darren Criss follow in the footsteps of Courtney B. Vance and Cuba Gooding Jr. in “American Crime Story”? Can Benedict Cumberbatch get back in the race without “Sherlock”? Can Kyle MacLachlan earn his first Emmy nomination since “Twin Peaks” first went off the air in 1992?
There are a lot of questions surrounding the category for Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie, but one thing already seems certain: HBO has at least one nomination locked up. Barring an unforeseeable catastrophe onscreen and off, Al Pacino is all but assured his fourth Emmy nomination for the film “Paterno.” From the trailer alone, he looks the part, acts the part, and hell, he almost shares a name with the part. (Paterno and Pacino do share a beginning and an end.) Even now, this nomination seems like a sure thing.
It’s also not HBO’s only strong contender. Michael B. Jordan is riding a (never-ending) wave of strong buzz, most recently for his dynamic turn as the villain in “Black Panther.” That love could spillover to his lead role in “Fahrenheit 451”: Jordan is a consistently powerful performer, and people are taking note now more than ever.
These names are just the tip of the iceberg: Antonio Banderas looks to make waves as Pablo Picasso in the second season of “Genius.” Matthew Macfadyen will get a push for the Starz adaptation of “Howard’s End,” as will James Norton in AMC’s “McMafia.” AMC also has Jared Harris in Ridley Scott’s “The Terror,” while Netflix will be backing Jesse Plemons in “Black Mirror” and Peter Sarsgaard in “Wormwood.” Finally, of all the choices available from “Room 104,” here’s hoping HBO gets Philip Baker Hall front and center for “My Love.” His incredible display deserves recognition.
Below are IndieWire TV Critic Ben Travers’ predictions for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie (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.
Predicted Nominees:
1. Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
2. Benedict Cumberbatch, “Patrick Melrose”
3. Michael B. Jordan, “Fahrenheit 451”
4. Antonio Banderas, “Genius: Picasso”
5. Kyle MacLachlan, “Twin Peaks”
6. Al Pacino, “Paterno”
Spoilers: Jeff Daniels, “The Looming Tower”; Matthew Macfadyen, “Howard’s End”; James Norton, “McMafia” Jesse Plemons, “Black Mirror: U.S.S. Callister”
In a Perfect World: Jared Harris, “The Terror”; Philip Baker Hall, “Room 104: My Love”
Emmy Predictions 2018: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
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.Five networks (at least) have two legitimate contenders in this category, and no limited series has yet to emerge as a sure thing. FX, which consistently makes a strong showing here, will have “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” and “American Horror Story: Cult.” Both projects are produced by Ryan Murphy, and both franchises have stellar track records with the TV Academy (with “American Crime Story” the more dominant of late). But “Versace” has slipped a bit in terms of critical adoration and cultural impact, while “Cult” faced some particularly scathing reviews.
Perhaps two Netflix offerings can take one (or both) of their slots. “Godless” was a low-key hit for the streaming giant, and it’s also got the critics’ pick, “Alias Grace.” The latter could ride a wave of Margaret Atwood adoration, especially after the author’s adaptation of “The Handmaid’s Tale” did so well in 2017.
But let’s not forget the premium networks: Starz has a couple of notable miniseries in “The Girlfriend Experience” Season 2, the acclaimed anthology series, and Kenneth Lonnergan’s adaptation of “Howard’s End.” Meanwhile, Showtime is hoping the “Twin Peaks” love from last summer can last into this one, and, if not, Benedict Cumberbatch’s “Patrick Melrose” will catch fire in the here and now. And AMC is offering up “McMafia” as its next glossy, globe-trotting miniseries (a la “The Night Manager”), as well as Ridley Scott’s “The Terror.”
Finally, following the success of “Mr. Robot” at the Emmys, USA Network is pushing two limited series for gold: “The Sinner” and “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.” The former was Jessica Biel’s buzzy summer hit, and the latter is a not-so-subtle attempt to capitalize off all the “American Crime Story” love with USA’s own true crime show.
But that’s not all: In the peak TV age, there’s always more contenders, and Hulu has a big one of its own. “The Looming Tower” stars an Emmy winner (Jeff Daniels, repping his second show in the category) and comes from an Oscar winner (Alex Gibney), two-time nominee (Dan Futterman), and a Pulitzer Prize-winner (Lawrence Wright). Toss in a stellar cast, strong reviews, and a significant premise, and Hulu could have another original program competing for the top slot (you know, besides that little Elisabeth Moss show).
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.
Predicted Nominees:
- “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
- “Genius: Picasso”
- “Godless”
- “Howard’s End”
- “The Looming Tower”
- “Twin Peaks”
Spoilers: “Alias Grace,” “American Horror Story: Cult,” “McMafia,” “Patrick Melrose,” “The Sinner,” “The Terror,” “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.”
In a Perfect World: “The Girlfriend Experience”
Can Judith Light Pull Off a ‘Versace’ Nomination? – Awards Daily
Tonight’s episode of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story features some of the best work in Judith Light’s storied career. A Daytime Emmy award winner, Light surprisingly has yet to win a Primetime Emmy Award. Last year’s supporting nomination for Transparent, her second for the series, felt like a winner. Her cruise-ship performance of “Hand In My Pocket” elevated the often depressing series into a moment of light (pun intended). Yet, in a highly political year, it was hard to stop the Kate McKinnon Saturday Night Live train. McKinnon went home victorious for her second consecutive win.
But Versace may change that next fall.
Tonight’s episode, “A Random Killing,” documents the high profile murder of Chicago real estate tycoon Lee Miglin. Judith Light plays his wife, Marilyn Miglin, a cosmetics maven popularly featured on home shopping television. Light digs into Marilyn Miglin with a performance you’ve really not seen from her. Light radiates warmth and compassion in her best performances. That’s certainly true of her Emmy-nominated work as Shelly Pfefferman in Transparent, even if it is slightly suffocating at times. She’s the uber-mom, something she hasn’t quite shaken since Who’s The Boss.
Versace shakes that up. Significantly.
Light bottles up Marilyn Miglin with an icy performance. Granted, she’s just discovered that her husband was murdered, potentially in a gay sex scandal. The circumstances don’t exactly scream “warmth and compassion.” Instead, she gives us quite grief, stoic dignity, and two scenes of eventual release. Along with Darren Criss’s Andrew Cunanan, she anchors the episode, arguably dominating it against the more extravagant Criss performance. We haven’t seen a Judith Light like this in a very long time. She’s absolutely fantastic in the role, easily deserving of Emmy attention.
Will It Happen?
But there are two significant obstacles in her way.
First, she’ll undoubtedly compete against Penelope Cruz in the Supporting Actress in a Limited Series category. That is unless, for some strange reason, FX decides to campaign Cruz in the Lead Actress category. It would be a mistake to do that. She doesn’t have the screen time. This isn’t a Versace story. It’s all about Andrew Cunanan and the lives he ruined. So, Cruz will directly compete against Judith Light for one of six slots. Cruz has the meatier role and that intriguing accent, and she’s also quite good, particularly later in the season.
Which gives us Judith Light’s second major obstacle – she’s only in the single episode. Versace runs nine episodes, and Marilyn Miglin (based on the eight I’ve seen) only features in tonight’s outing. It would be difficult to see Light emerging from a bevy of supporting actresses with roughly 30 minutes of work. No matter how expert that work is, mind you. You could argue that she equates a supporting performance in a TV movie. Something like Michelle Pfeiffer in Wizard of Lies or, even better, Melissa Leo in All the Way. Leo, in particular, didn’t have as meaty of a role as Light in Versace despite the 2-hour running time. So, based on that logic, it’s entirely possible Judith Light gets in.
But What I Really Want…
The Television Academy actually needs to add two more categories. I never thought I’d say that, but it’s true. They need to add Outstanding Guest Actor/Actress in a Limited Series or the equivalent thereof. There are dozens of great little performances in Limited Series that simply don’t stand a chance when competing against the Sarah Paulson’s or Kathy Bates’s of the Ryan Murphy world. Remember that great Ian McShane performance as a murderous Santa Claus in Asylum? Or even Franka Potente as “Anne Frank” in the same season? Looking at the Ryan Murphy oeuvre alone, there are dozens of actors who would fit perfectly into the category.
This year, Lena Dunham’s heavily buzzed performance as Valerie Solanas would be a shoe-in in such a category. In Versace, the Matt Bomer-directed “Creator/Destroyer” introduces us to Andrew Cunanan’s father, expertly rendered by Miss Saigon‘s Jon Jon Briones. He’d fit perfectly as a “Guest” performer. So would Judith Light.
I suppose there’s something weird about calling actors “Guests” in a Limited Series. Aren’t they really all “Guests” anyway? But there’s something to be said about a memorable performance given in a single episode or smaller arc. The Academy already tracks screen time percentages for Drama and Comedy guest performances, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to do the same for a Limited Series. There are lots of great actors giving great performances in very small packages. They need their own place to play.
Judith Light’s episode of Versace airs tonight at 10pm ET on FX.
Can Judith Light Pull Off a ‘Versace’ Nomination? – Awards Daily
Emmy spotlight: Darren Criss gives the performance of his career in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’
Darren Criss spent five seasons charming viewers and critics with his performance as Blaine, the charming and clean-cut crooner on Ryan Murphy‘s hit musical-comedy “Glee.” Now, Criss is turning the tables on audiences by playing a character who is anything but charming: serial killer Andrew Cunananin Murphy’s new FX anthology series, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” and industry observers are taking notice. In her review of the series, USA Today’s Kelly Lawler wrote that Cunanan is “brought to life with disturbing energy and commitment by Criss, who has decidedly left his wholesome ‘Glee’ character in the dust.” Will Emmy voters take notice of Criss’s killer performance?
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace” follows Cunanan’s destructive path which led him to murder famed designer Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramirez) on the footsteps of his Miami home. Throughout the series, we see Cunanan’s path to Versace, a path that also involved Cunanan killing at least four other men. Cunanan is portrayed as a deeply disturbed, emotionally distant young man whose charisma is matched only by his mental instability.
We see both of those qualities on display in the show’s premiere episode. First, Cunanan is able to use his charm to endear himself to a wary Versace, ultimately leading to the designer asking Cunanan on a date to the opera. Later, the episode flashes forward to the moments after Cunanan killed Versace, and we see Cunanan alone in a parking garage, laughing maniacally and practically unable to contain his euphoria.
Criss’s performance has earned raves from television critics. Writing in The New York Post, Robert Rorke says, “Special mention must be made of Criss, who beautifully captures Cunanan’s ability to tell the biggest lies anyone has ever heard and literally charm the pants off anyone he sets his sights on.” The San Francisco Chronicle‘s David Wiegand calls Criss’s performance “exquisite” and says, “We may have read the papers and watched new accounts of the killing spree and wondered how anyone could have been taken in by such a malevolent poseur. The answer is in Criss’ Emmy-worthy performance.” Reviews like these instantly put Criss in the conversation for this year’s Emmy Awards.
Criss also has a distinct advantage in terms of screen time. As noted by our writer Riley Chow, Criss appears in every episode of the series — far more than many of the show’s big-name stars, including Ramirez, Ricky Martin as Versace’s partner Antonio D’Amico, and Oscar winner Penelope Cruz as Versace’s sister Donatella. Having that amount of screen time gives Criss the opportunity to show off all facets of Cunanan, from moments of charm and geneality, to outbursts of murderous rage and violence. With Criss as the standout among such a superstar cast AND having such a showy role, it seems almost impossible that the Emmys will ignore him.
Also in Criss’s favor is the fact that the Movie/Mini Actor category at the Emmys is full of winning villains: Armand Assante (“Gotti”), Al Pacino (“Angels in America”), Gary Sinise (“George Wallace”), and Kenneth Branagh(“Conspiracy’) are just a few. And despite the fact that this category tends to favor veteran actors, last year Emmy voters proved their willingness to reward younger talent when they gave the prize to Riz Ahmed for “The Night Of.”
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‘Versace,’ the PGA, and SAG’s Impact on the Awards Race
We’re in the midst of the big awards season push with Tuesday marking the announcement of the 2018 Oscar nominations. We start with a conversation about the recent Producers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild award winners in both film and television categories. How will these winners impact the Oscar nominations and, eventually, the Emmys? Then, we run through a quick preview of our Oscar predictions.
But first, we talk about the premiere of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Now that we’ve all seen it, what’s the general consensus around the Water Cooler? Is this a major Emmy player or does it pale in comparison to last year’s O.J. Simpson entry? Or is it both?
Will Emmy Luxuriate in the Riches of ‘Versace?’ – Awards Daily
The Television Academy generally responds well to Ryan Murphy. That, I think, we can all agree on. Now, their response tends to vary for sure. They broadly embrace some of his properties, showering them with multiple trophies (see: The People v. O.J. Simpson, taking home 9 wins out of 22 nominations). Or they politely smile, recognize the material but don’t take their love all the way (see: Feud: Bette and Joan, taking home 2 wins out of 19 nominations). Ironically, Murphy himself has only a single Emmy win directly recognizing his contributions. He received a comedy series direction win for Glee. Naturally, anything bearing his name merits serious attention during awards season. Something akin to a TV-version of Steven Spielberg. That brings us to The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.
Versace comes to us with lofty intentions. The title alone tells us that. Yet, having seen 8 out of 9 episodes, it’s also slightly misleading. The series isn’t necessarily so much about Gianni Versace as it is Andrew Cunanan, the lost soul whose killing spree across America ended with the public slaying of the fashion icon. Go into the series not expecting great depth on Versace as a character. Rather, the assassination event becomes the catalyst for a study of not only the deeply troubled Cunanan but also 90s-era homosexuality.
Murphy likes to make grand statements with his material. O.J. Simpson rehabilitated Marcia Cross, offered up a celebration of working women, and studied race in America. Feud looked at Hollywood’s cruelty in dealing with aging actresses. Even American Horror Story looks at a wide array of social tragedies, perhaps never so blatantly so as with Cult‘s socio-political horror. Twenty years from now, our children will study Ryan Murphy’s vast playbook in college. Versace will, I suspect, become prime source material for a term paper or three.
But with the Television Academy and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, I’m forecasting at least 12 Emmy nominations. It won’t top O.J. Simpson, but that’s partially because it doesn’t have that mind blowing, star-filled cast of world-class actors. Don’t cry for Versace, though. It’ll do just fine.
Greatest Emmy Chances
Honestly, I’ll be stunned if Versace isn’t nominated broadly. It’s a delicate, intense portrayal of a man without an identity. I’m stealing from my friend Joey Moser when I say it’s Murphy’s exploration of the Tom Ripley character through the real-life persona of Andrew Cunanan. Early reviews for the series have been mixed to good with few outwardly raving. I suspect that’s largely because the series doesn’t deliver what you’d expect. It’s not a lurid exploration of the fame and fortune of Gianni Versace. Rather, it’s a lurid exploration of the impact of Versace’s fame and fortune on highly impressionable minds. The series winds the two characters in and out of the narrative, Cunanan nearly constantly referring to his obsession with Versace and his place of influence.
Darren Criss emerges as the real revelation here. His performance as Cunanan is one of those performances frequently called “brave,” a term that makes me cringe every time I hear it. It means that an actor who is not openly gay plays a gay character in intense, frequently erotic, situations. Still, his performance is “brave” in that Cunanan opens himself to Murphy’s challenges. He’s exposed both physically and emotionally. He digs deeply into the material and emerges with a shocking portrayal of an exceedingly damaged individual. He’s never been this good. Ever. He immediately shoots to the top of the Best Actor in a Limited Series list. He may even win.
Versace is really all about Andrew Cunanan. As such, the supporting players don’t factor in quite as strongly as I thought they would. Penelope Cruz, for one, really doesn’t have that many scenes in the 8 episodes I’ve seen as Donatella. I think she’s great given the material, and I’m kind of obsessed with the accent she manages to deliver. Will she merit a nomination? It depends on how deeply the Academy embraces the material. Right now, I don’t see how she misses. She has a great episode toward the end where Gianni encourages Donatella to overcome her insecurities. Cruz manages to find a heart within the glamorous exterior. Given Cruz’s Oscar-winning status as an actress, I suspect she finds her way into the supporting races.
Unfortunately, attention on Cruz will likely push aside a very deserved nomination for Judith Light, playing Marilyn Miglin. Miglin’s husband was one of Cunanan’s victims, and Light’s composure and eerily stoic demeanor through much of the material are really a wonder.
The men, of course, will compete against each other for a handful of spots. I don’t know if this goes all the way to O.J. Simpson level with three actors receiving attention. Of the notable ensemble, my personal favorites are Finn Wittrock as Jeff Trail, another Cunanan victim and closeted Naval officer, and Jon Jon Briones (Broadway’s Miss Saigon) as Cunanan’s father. Murphy gifts both very talented actors a wealth of great material. Briones, in particular, gives a stunningly complicated performance of a man who is both monster and adoring father. His episode is the most difficult to watch (saying a lot given much of the subject matter), but it would be a shame to ignore his contributions to the legend of Andrew Cunanan.
That leaves the title figure himself: Gianni Versace as realized by Edgar Ramirez. For me, Ramirez looks a lot like the real deal and gives a very good performance. Yet, there’s something absent here when exploring Versace as a character. Ramirez gives it his all, but his is the least impressive aspect of the series. The significant focus on Cunanan and 90s-era homosexuality has to leave a victim in its wake.
Unfortunately, it’s kind of Gianni Versace all over again.
Guaranteed Nominations
Limited Series
Darren Criss – Lead Actor
Penelope Cruz – Supporting Actress
Direction
Writing
Casting
Cinematography
Costumes
Hairstyling
Makeup
Editing
Sound Mixing
MusicPossible Nominations
Edgar Ramirez – Supporting Actor
Jon Jon Briones – Supporting Actor
Finn Wittrock – Supporting Actor
Judith Light – Supporting Actress
Production Design
Will Emmy Luxuriate in the Riches of ‘Versace?’ – Awards Daily
ACS news 