Outstanding Limited Series
The Alienist
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Genius: Picasso
Godless
Patrick Melrose
BG: Shouts to The Alienist for getting nominated for an Emmy. I didn’t watch it and I don’t think I heard a single person mention it once in real life or online, but still, an accomplishment all the same. I have no strong opinions about any of these shows so let’s say… oh, I don’t know… American Crime Story. Although Godless would definitely win if there was a category for Best Mustaches. Which there should be.
PV: American Crime Story is, without a doubt, my top choice (and not just because I refuse to look up Patrick Melrose’s deal). ACS lost a lot of people this season, but I don’t think it was trying to measure up to its first installment. It was trying to do something much different, quieter, more introspective — and it accomplished all of that. It was gripping even without the theatrics; it was practically a nine-episode long Emmy reel for its cast, and the more I sat with it afterward, the more I appreciated its existence.
Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Television 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)
Jesse Plemons (USS Callister)
PV: As much as I love the idea of us throwing Emmys at John Legend for playing Singing Jesus, I have a feeling that won’t happen. Jesse Plemons has a good shot to take this home, but Darren Criss is definitely the standout. The Assassination Of Gianni Versace was a tough watch — especially if you were expecting another People v. O.J. Simpson — but it was more an intimate character study than anything else and Criss effortlessly pulled off playing the real-life killer with depth, intensity, and care.
BG: Here for “throwing Emmys at John Legend for playing singing Jesus.”
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Jeff Daniel, Godless
Ricky Martin, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Brandon Victor Dixon, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert
Edgar Ramirez, The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Finn Wittrock, The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Michael Stuhlbarg, The Looming Tower
John Leguizamo, Waco
BG: Jeff Daniels was good in Godless and the Emmys sure does like to give awards to people who already have them but I really like the idea of Ricky Martin winning an Emmy so let’s go with that.
PV: All three men from Assassination Of Gianni Versace deserved this nomination and I’d be happy if any of them won, but especially Finn Wittrock who had a memorable, devastating performance as one of Andrew Cunanan’s victims. His central episode was, hands down, the best of the season. But I also agree with Brian about Ricky Martin — let’s get him halfway to an EGOT.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Adina Porter, American Horror Story: Cult
Letitia Wright, Black Museum (Black Mirror)
Merritt Weaver, Godless
Penelope Cruz, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Judith Light, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Sara Bareilles, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert
PV: I’m pleasantly surprised that Letitia Wright got recognized! And ditto Judith Light, who was my absolute favorite part of Assassination of Gianni Versace (I don’t think I’ll ever be emotionally ready to rewatch the series but I have rewatched some of her scenes). But, even though I haven’t seen Godless, wouldn’t it be great if Merritt Weaver won just based on her last Emmy acceptance speech?
BG: This is Judith Light’s award. I was not super into the second season of ACS, in general, but her performance was so good. Merritt Weaver was great, too, but I don’t know if Godless ever really penetrated enough to bump her over what Light did in a big splashy show from a big splashy showrunner. Also, if I mention Judith Light I get to post the GIF of her doing cocaine at the rodeo from the TNT version of Dallas. Quite frankly, I’m not strong enough to pass up that opportunity.
ACS news 