Tag: darren criss
The Versace: ACS moments that scored Darren Criss an Emmy nomination
Darren Criss took on the role of spree killer Andrew Cunanan in Ryan Murphy’s FX series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. The actor’s portrayal scored him a nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series category. Other actors in the race for the big prize include Antonio Banderas in Genius: Picasso, John Legend in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Jesse Plemons in Black Mirror. All worthy talent, but we’re betting Criss will take home the honor.
Below, we take a look back Criss’ best moments as Cunanan.
Cunanan is no “Easy Lover”
Episode two “Manhunt”
This episode features the first time we see Andrew Cunanan’s devilish tricks. He and Ronnie (Max Greenfield) find an older businessman who is down for some discreet fun with Cunanan. Unfortunately for him, Cunanan had a different idea of a good time. In a scene that looks right out of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, Cunanan covers the married man’s face in duct tape and turns up the volume to Phillip Bailey and Phil Collins’ “Easy Lover.” The man panics as he begins to suffocate, but Cunanan is busy dancing his heart out! He jumps on top of the man gasping for air and tells him to submit before cutting an air hole just in time.
A heartless Cunanan- Episode three “A Random Killing”
This entire episode showcases brilliant performances, but Darren Criss’ ruthless portrayal of Cunanan stands out. Out of all the episodes in the series, “A Random Killing,” is by far the most violent and difficult to watch. But to the cruel Cunanan, it’s just another day on his way to get to Gianni Versace.
Cunanan pumps it up – Episode four “House By The Lake”
After beating Jeff (Finn Wittrock) to death, Andrew takes off with David (Cody Fern). And instead of being afraid or feeling regret for his actions, Cunanan opens the car window and jams to Technotronic’s “Pump Up The Jam.”
Cunanan’s dad – Episode eight “Creator/Destroyer”
The moment Andrew Cunanan and Lizzie (Annaleigh Ashford) first meet is pretty fabulous! But the scene that steals the show in episode eight, “Creator/Destroyer,” is when Cunanan is forced to face the harsh reality of who his father, Modesto (Jon Jon Brinoes), really is. Angry, Cunanan tells his father he will never be like him, but he already was.
The finale – Episode nine, “Alone”
Cunanan, believing his father is coming to the rescue, sits tight with the television on. He somehow still imagines he’ll walk out of this with no consequences, but that hope quickly vanishes when his best friend Lizzie appears on television pleading Andrew to turn himself in. This is followed by an interview with David Madson’s father. Finally, the one person Cunanan still had love for, Modesto Cunanan, is on TV announcing a television program about his son, already cashing in on this tragedy. All of this breaks Cunanan as he realizes how alone he is.
Who are you rooting for? Are you hoping Darren Criss takes home the Emmy? The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards air Monday, September 17, on NBC.
The Versace: ACS moments that scored Darren Criss an Emmy nomination
Facts and surprises about this year’s Emmy nominees
Darren Criss, Assassination of Gianni Versace, Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Criss earned his first-ever acting nomination for his work as the chilling serial killer Andrew Cunanan on the FX crime drama. However, he has actually been nominated for an Emmy before — for helping to pen an original song on the final season of Glee in 2015. Criss is only the second actor of Asian descent to earn a nomination in this category. The first was Riz Ahmed who made history when he won for The Night Of last year.

robertascroft: Congratulations to Darren Criss on his Emmy Nomination for Lead Actor in Limited Drama series. He was truly remarkable in American Crime Story-The Assassination of Gianni Versace. Looking forward to seeing more of this Glee Alumni in the future. #emmy #acsversace #darrencriss #themaninblack
Darren Criss nominated for Emmy for role in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace”
Fil-Am actor Darren Criss earns an Emmy nomination for his role in the TV drama “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.”
In his new show, Criss plays Andrew Cunanan, the half-Filipino murderer notorious for killing five men, including famous fashion Gianni Versace, in 1997.
Here are our predictions for the 2018 Emmy Awards
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)
- Jeff Daniels (The Looming Tower)
- John Legend (Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert)
- Jesse Plemons (USS Callister: Black Mirror)
Prediction: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is about the murder of famous designer Gianni Versace, but Darren Criss was the breakout star. We think his performance as deeply troubled shooter Andrew Cunanan might just get him a win. That said, while it’s a long shot, it would be a wonderful upset to see Jesse Plemons get recognized for his role in the Star Trek-inspired episode of Black Mirror that had everyone talking.
Outstanding Limited Series or Movie
- The Alienist (TNT)
- The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (FX)
- Genius: Picasso (National Geographic)
- Godless (Netflix)
- Patrick Melrose (Showtime)
Prediction: As a follow-up to the previous installment of American Crime Story, The People v. O.J. Simpson, which swept the awards back in 2016, we expect the Assassination of Gianni Versace to claim back the category for the anthology series this year. Its time-jumping look at what might have happened in the days leading up to, and after, the death of the famous fashion designer was a chilling look into the life and mindset of a serial killer.
A few other notable nominations:
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Jeff Daniels(Godless); Brandon Victor Dixon (Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert); John Leguizamo (Waco); Finn Wittrock (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story); Ricky Martin (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story); Edgar Ramirez (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story); Michael Stuhlbarg (The Looming Tower)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Sara Bareilles (Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert); Penelope Cruz (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story); Judith Light (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story); Adina Porter (American Horror Story: Cult); Merritt Wever (Godless); Letitia Wright (Black Mirror: Black Museum)
Emmys 2018: Predicting the Lead Actor in a Limited Series winner
The television Super Bowl is upon us once again, as the nominees for the 2018 Emmy Awards have finally been announced. Of course, with the announcement of the nominees come the heart-crushing snubs (no Mandy Moore again?!), the jaw-dropping surprises (Ted Danson for The Good Place… fork yes!), and the months of predictions leading up to TV’s biggest night in September. It’s time to predict who will be winning those coveted Emmys.
When it comes to the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series race, there’s a six-way embarrassment of riches. As limited series become more and more trendy, television has been drawing bigger names and better talents to lead the shows that have us binge-watching into the wee hours. This year, there’s an obvious frontrunner in The Assassination of Gianni Versace standout Darren Criss, but can he fend off the other leading men? Let’s take a closer look at the Lead Actor in a Limited Series category and place our bets on a winner.
The Contenders
Antonio Banderas in Genius: Picasso
Darren Criss in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Benedict Cumberbatch in Patrick Melrose
Jeff Daniels in The Looming Tower
John Legend in Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesse Plemons in Black MirrorThe Consensus
Who should take home the award, and who will win the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series? All signs point to Darren Criss being the answer to both of those questions. Out of the six nominees, all of which are formidable talents of seasoned actors delivering impressive performances, none have been as talked about as that of Criss. His fearless and revelatory turn as spree killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story earned the Glee veteran new respect from the mainstream. As a killer rather than a happy-go-lucky high school dreamer, Criss was haunting, and the role couldn’t have been tackled by any other actor.
Emmys 2018: Predicting the Lead Actor in a Limited Series winner
CityBeat TV critic Jac Kern Gives Her Emmy Nomination Breakdown
LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE
First off, I realize the Emmys are already packed with categories. I mean, if you’ve made it this far down, dear reader, bless your soul, because this is long AF. I’m not even including reality series or technical nominees! But this category is in need of a revamp. With the increase in quality miniseries (especially “limited series” that actually get unlimited seasons — lookin’ at you, Ryan Murphy), it feels like there is too much to pack in here. And how does Black Mirror qualify as a movie yet again? I’d suggest separating comedies and dramas, but there’s not much funny fare this year. Just something for the Emmy gods to mull over!
Outstanding Limited Series
Genius: Picasso
The Alienist
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Godless
Patrick Melrose
I admittedly talk a lot of smack on Ryan Murphy because he dominates TV and, despite being pretty brilliant, can deliver some real shit shows (American Horror Story: Cult) and everyone still kisses his ass for it. But Versace was divine. Arguably better than the O.J. season of ACS.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or 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 Live In Concert
Jesse Plemons, USS Callister (Black Mirror)
Criss gave a performance of a lifetime. I haven’t seen Patrick Melrose yet but Cumberbatch is supposed to be amazing in it. Gotta go with Plemons, though! He played a character that you felt for, then despised, and then liked again.
CityBeat TV critic Jac Kern Gives Her Emmy Nomination Breakdown
Explaining the 2018 Emmy Nominations
The Little Gold Men team gathers to dissect the surprises, snubs, and thrilling inclusions. | 13 July 2018



