Television’s biggest night arrives on Monday with the Emmy Awards set to recognise the year’s best shows, and two series are stealing the spotlight.
Horror-comedy “Widow’s Bay” and medical drama “The Pitt” are the favourites to dominate the ceremony, with both shows racking up impressive nomination tallies and early wins.
‘Widow’s Bay’ chases comedy record
Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay” has captured audiences with its story of a New England island community haunted by mysterious forces. Matthew Rhys leads the cast as the island’s enigmatic leader.
“People just love that show,” Christopher Rosen, deputy editor of Hollywood news outlet The Ankler, told AFP.
The series has already collected eight awards in pre-gala ceremonies and could break the record for most wins by a comedy in a single year. Seth Rogen’s “The Studio” currently holds that title with 13 trophies from last year.
Rhys, who won best drama actor for “The Americans” in 2018, is tipped to claim his first comedy Emmy.
Smart poised for historic eighth win
The success of “Widow’s Bay” spells trouble for “Hacks”, the comedy about a struggling stand-up comedian and her millennial assistant. The show’s best chance now rests with Jean Smart, who could win best actress.
“That’s a great way to honour the final season,” Rosen told AFP. “She’s never lost from playing this part. I don’t see why she would lose for the final season.”
Smart, who turned 75 on Sunday, has won four Emmys for “Hacks”. A win on Monday would give her eight acting Emmys, matching Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most ever. Allison Janney could also reach eight wins for her work in “The Diplomat”.
‘The Pitt’ eyes repeat victory
Last year’s best drama winner “The Pitt” follows emergency room workers in Pittsburgh, with each episode playing out in real time. The show tackles hot-button issues including abortion rights, immigration and mass shootings.
“If ‘The Pitt’ doesn’t win, it would be a tremendous shock,” Rosen said.
The series led all shows with 25 nominations and has already won four early awards, including best casting for a drama. Star Noah Wyle, fresh off an Emmy win, is expected to triumph again. Seven of his co-stars are competing in supporting acting categories.
For best drama actress, Rosen predicts a close race between Rhea Seehorn from “Pluribus” and Keri Russell for “The Diplomat”.
HBO Max’s limited series “DTF St Louis”, about a middle-aged love triangle, has collected six prizes so far, including wins for David Harbour and Linda Cardellini.
Dolly Parton tribute planned
Mariska Hargitay from “Law and Order: SVU” will host the 78th Emmy Awards. The actress won two Emmys for her documentary “My Mom Jayne”.
The ceremony will include a tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton, who died earlier this year. Noah Kahan will perform “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during the In Memoriam segment.
Television nostalgia will feature throughout the night, with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz presenting alongside “Charlie’s Angels” trio Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith.
Zendaya, nominated for best drama actress for “Euphoria”, will also present, ensuring a memorable red carpet appearance.
The ceremony begins tonight, 14 September.
