Sandra Oh and Darren Criss’ Historic Emmy Noms Show the Two Ways to Diversify Casting

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On Thursday, Sandra Oh became the first actress of Asian descent to garner an Emmy nomination for best lead actress in a drama while Darren Criss became the second actor of Asian descent to earn an Emmy nod for best lead actor in a limited series or TV movie. Best known for her decade on Grey’s Anatomy, Oh was honored for her critically acclaimed performance as disgraced MI5 detective Eve Polastri in BBC America’s Killing Eve. A supporting player on Glee, Criss delivered a star turn as spree killer Andrew Cunanan in FX’s American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace.

Should these actors take home the award on Sept. 17—Criss is widelyconsidered one of the front-runners in his category, whereas Oh will have to build on her momentum to prevail against five returning nominees, including 2017 winner Elisabeth Moss—they would become only the third and fourth acting Emmy winners of Asian descent, after Riz Ahmed for The Night Of in 2017 and Archie Panjabi for The Good Wife in 2010.

The serendipitous pairing of Oh’s and Criss’ roles also suggests that initiatives toward inclusiveness in Hollywood should be two-pronged: through colorblind casting when it comes to characters whose stories aren’t about their race (as was the case with Oh’s Polastri), as well as through stories specific to the Asian American experience (such as that of the half-Filipino Cunanan, who suffered racial discrimination within the gay community).

These record-breaking achievements are all the more poignant for arriving one day after news broke that a movie studio intends to make a fictionalized version of the Thai cave rescue as “a major Hollywood film with A-list stars”—a phrase that has previously served as a justification for whitewashing stories. Criss’ and Oh’s performances illustrate that acting talent among performers of Asian descent is out there—but won’t be given a chance to reveal itself without the opportunities necessary to create new A-listers.

Queer Performances We Think Deserve Emmy Nominations This Year

Nominations for the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced today, Thursday, July 12, and in this era of peak TV there are far too many great shows for all of them to get a nod.

But, below is a list of queer series and actors we would love to see get some love from the Television Academy on Thursday morning.

1. The actors of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

Sarah Paulson won an Emmy for her work as Marcia Clark in The People vs. O.J. Simpson, the first season of Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story, and hopefully voters will give some love to the cast of The Assassination of Gianni Versace, who gave some of the best performances of the year. Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin, Judith Light, and Cody Fern stood out in the cast, but it was Darren Criss who delivered every single episode as Versace’s killer, Andrew Cunanan.

Queer Performances We Think Deserve Emmy Nominations This Year

Will ‘Versace’ be the fourth straight limited series to win three acting Emmys?

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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?

From ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Patrick Melrose,’ predictions for shows that will get Emmys 2018 nominations

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

The second season that focuses on the murder of the designer Gianni Versace is the latest offering in the crime anthology television series. Already a strong contender in Emmyhistory, it is set to come back again in the form a nomination in the limited series category. It might bag various acting nominations, with Darren Criss being nominated for ‘lead actor in a limited series’. Edgar Ramirez as the famous Designer might also be in the running for the best supporting actor nomination.

From ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Patrick Melrose,’ predictions for shows that will get Emmys 2018 nominations

Television Critics nominations offer a guide for the Emmys and what to watch this summer

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA
Jodie Comer, “Killing Eve” – BBC America
Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” – FX
Elisabeth Moss, “The Handmaid’s Tale” – Hulu
Sandra Oh, “Killing Eve” – BBC America
Matthew Rhys, “The Americans” – FX
Keri Russell, “The Americans” – FX

My prediction: Moss. But they all deserve to win.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MOVIE OR MINISERIES
“Alias Grace” – Netflix
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” – FX
“Howards End” – Starz
“Patrick Melrose” – Showtime
“The Tale” – HBO
“Twin Peaks: The Return” – Showtime

My prediction: “Versace” didn’t get the audience it deserved.

Television Critics nominations offer a guide for the Emmys and what to watch this summer

Emmys 2018: Predictions and Proclamations, Nominations Edition

Limited Series

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (FX)
Godless (Netflix)
Howards End (Starz)
The Looming Tower (Hulu)
Twin Peaks: The Return (Showtime)

The first four slots more or less in hand, the wild card here, to my mind, is Godless—a star-studded Western that would seem to scratch the TV Academy’s every itch, yet premiered last fall to relatively little fanfare and hasn’t had a major “For Your Consideration” push from the streaming giant, that I can tell. I’m going to stick with it here, but onyl by a nose: It could easily be leapfrogged by Showtime’s Patrick Melrose, with Emmy golden boy Benedict Cumberbatch, or even Genius: Picasso, with Antonio Banderas as the famed artist.

Lead Actor (Limited Series/TV Movie)

Benedict Cumberbatch, Patrick Melrose (Showtime)
Darren Criss, The Assassination of Gianni Versace (FX)
Jeff Daniels, The Looming Tower (Hulu)
Michael B. Jordan, Fahrenheit 451 (HBO)
Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks: The Return (Showtime)
Al Pacino, Paterno (HBO)

Whew! This category has some big names! Which is how I arrived at a list that doesn’t include Antonio Banderas as Pablo Picasso in Genius (for which Geoffrey Rush nabbed a nomination last year). The only non-supernova on here is Criss, and his frightening, magnetic performance as spree killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace might be the cream of the crop. (MacLachlan’s multi-character turn in Twin Peaks is sure to give him a run for his money.) I suppose it’s theoretically possible for Daniels’ supporting campaign for Godless to knock him out and allow Banderas to slip in, but I’m not gonna bet the house on it.

Supporting Actor (Limited Series/TV Movie)

Jeff Daniels, Godless (Netflix)
Ricky Martin, The Assassination of Gianni Versace (FX)
Edgar Ramirez, The Assassination of Gianni Versace (FX)
Michael Shannon, Fahrenheit 451 (HBO)
Michael Stuhlbarg, The Looming Tower (Hulu)
Peter Sarsgaard, The Looming Tower (Hulu)

Along with Lead Actor (Drama), this is the list that reflects the biggest shift from my own preferences: Only Ramirez, as a very convincing Gianni Versace, appears on both. I suppose I can’t complain if Michael Shannon or Michael Stuhlbarg(the stalwart character actors of the decade, for my money) win an Emmy, but this category is the ultimate consequence of Emmy voters’ traditional inability to reach deep. Tahar Rahim (The Looming Tower), Alex Lawther (Howards End), Cody Fern and Finn Wittrock (The Assassination of Gianni Versace) are the lesser-known names that immediately come to mind as more deserving than most of the mailed-in performances listed above, but I’m just one lowly, increasingly-despondent-as-this-story-goes-on TV critic.

Outstanding Supporting Actress (Limited Series/TV Movie)

Penelope Cruz, The Assassination Of Gianni Versace (FX)
Laura Dern, Twin Peaks: The Return (Showtime)
Nicole Kidman, Top of the Lake: China Girl (Sundance TV)
Angela Lansbury, Little Women (PBS)
Judith Light, The Assassination Of Gianni Versace (FX)
Merritt Wever, Godless (Netflix)

If my predictions hold, I’ll be thoroughly sad not to see Anna Paquin’s terrifying performance in Alias Grace, or Tracey Ullmann’s devilishly funny one in Howards End, go unacknowledged. But the list above is basically the gay TV critic’s dream field, so: I know when to hold my tongue.

Emmys 2018: Predictions and Proclamations, Nominations Edition

Final Emmy Nomination Predictions: Which Shows Will Be Up for Awards?

Limited Series
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX)
“Godless” (Netflix)
“Howards End” (Starz)
“The Looming Tower” (Hulu)
“Twin Peaks” (Showtime)

This feels like the likely quintet but programs such as “Genius: Picasso” (NatGeo), “Patrick Melrose” (Showtime) and “Top of the Lake: China Girl” (Sundance) are in the mix as well. The story here will be Hulu expanding its Emmy game with “The Looming Tower,” a new potential for awards success after scoring with “The Handmaid’s Tale” last year. And if “Twin Peaks” misses the cut (it could), expect rioting from David Lynch’s obsessed fanbase.

Lead Actor – Limited Series/TV Movie
Antonio Banderas, “Genius: Picasso”
Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Benedict Cumberbatch, “Patrick Melrose”
Jeff Daniels, “The Looming Tower”
John Legend, “Jesus Christ Superstar”
Al Pacino, “Paterno”

Virtuoso performances from Criss and Cumberbatch lead the way here. Banderas and Pacino are safe bets, along with Daniels (a likely double nominee this year with his supporting “Godless” performance in play as well). Meanwhile, Legend or Kyle MacLachlan (“Twin Peaks”) could really liven things up. We’ll lean to the former.

Supporting Actor – Limited Series/TV Movie
Bill Camp, “The Looming Tower”
Jeff Daniels, “Godless”
Brandon Victor Dixon, “Jesus Christ Superstar”
Edgar Ramirez, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Peter Sarsgaard, “The Looming Tower”
Michael Stuhlbarg, “The Looming Tower”

Multiple players from “Gianni Versace” and “The Looming Tower” are taking aim here. In fact, nearly the whole slate could be filled out with stars from the latter. The only contender that could really shake things up is Brandon Victor Dixon from “Jesus Christ Superstar,” but Michael Shannon is often an awards favorite even when the project isn’t, so he’s a possibility with “Fahrenheit 451.” And if voters can get past the ick factor, Jason Ritter could even find a spot for his unsettling turn in “The Tale.”

Supporting Actress – Limited Series/TV Movie
Penelope Cruz, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Nicole Kidman, “Top of the Lake: China Girl”
Angela Lansbury, “Little Women”
Jennifer Jason Leigh, “Patrick Melrose”
Judith Light, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Merritt Wever, “Godless”

Laura Dern will be angling for a double nomination to go along with her sure-fire bid for “The Tale,” but how much will voters really embrace “Twin Peaks”? Sharon Stone is an outside possibility for HBO’s “Mosaic.” If anyone is a weak link in the lineup it might be Leigh, overshadowed by Cumberbatch’s tour-de-force work.

Final Emmy Nomination Predictions: Which Shows Will Be Up for Awards?

No Guts No Glory – 2018 Emmy Nominations Predictions

After an endless season of Emmy campaigns the 2018 nominations are almost here and everyone is excited to see what surprises they’ll bring. In fact some of the most exciting predictions are ones that fall far out of consensus – hence No Guts No Glory. In anticipation of this year’s nominees the ADTV team compiled some of our most wild predictions and the one thing all five of us agree on is that Killing Eve will break through one way or another.

Clarence

Jon Jon Briones stands out among the large American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace and earns a supporting actor nomination.

No Guts No Glory – 2018 Emmy Nominations Predictions

2018 Emmy Nominations We’d Like to See: Sandra Oh, Mandy Moore, Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell and More

Outstanding Limited Series
American Vandal
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Howards End
The Sinner
Twin Peaks: The Return

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Antonio Banderas, Genius: Picasso
Darren Criss, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Benedict Cumberbatch, Patrick Melrose
Michael B. Jordan, Fahrenheit 451
Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks: The Return
Al Pacino, Paterno

2018 Emmy Nominations We’d Like to See: Sandra Oh, Mandy Moore, Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell and More

Final 2018 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Are Any Real Upsets Possible?

Outstanding Limited Series

“American Vandal”
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
“Godless”
“Howard’s End”
“The Looming Tower”
“Twin Peaks”

Lowdown: Five of these nominees are locks. The big question is whether “American Vandal” will find enough support with mainstream Television Academy members or does “Top of the Lake: China Girl,” “Patrick Melrose” or, cough, “Genius: Picasso” fill out the category.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Darren Criss, “Assassination of Gianni Versace”
Benedict Cumberbatch, “Patrick Melrose”
Jeff Daniels, “The Looming Tower”
Michael B. Jordan, “Fahrenheit 451”
Kyle MacLachlan, “Twin Peaks”
Al Pacino, “Paterno”

Lowdown: “Genius’“ Antonio Banderas has an outside chance, but this is a weak, weak category this year. Anyone besides the seven mentioned would be a major surprise.

Final 2018 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Are Any Real Upsets Possible?