2020 Emmys Overview: Salutes, Snubs and Surprises
Despite the global pandemic still waging its way through the United States, the 72nd annual Emmy Awards shall go on as planned – with a few changes.
The nominees were revealed Tuesday morning in an unparalleled virtual announcement ceremony. Award show veteran Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the ceremony, stating in a June interview with People Magazine, "I don't know where we will do this or how we will do this or even why we are doing this but we are doing it and I am hosting it."
Streaming services received a lot of love from the Emmys this year. Netflix earned a number of nominations from popular shows like “The Crown” and “Ozark.” The streaming service broke Emmy records with a whopping 160 total nominations, far surpassing HBO’s previous record of 107. Disney+ and Apple+ made their debut into award show culture with their first nominees from Disney’s “The Mandalorian” and Apple’s “The Morning Show.”
The cast of “Schitt’s Creek” dominated the comedy categories with 15 nominations across the board. The show’s core four, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Dan Levy and Annie Murphy, all received nominations in the best comedic actors’ categories. Pop TV’s hit show just aired its final season, which ended this April, receiving raving reviews and accolades from critics and viewers alike.
“For once I am speechless,” Levy tweeted after the show’s Twitter announced its 15-Emmy nomination.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama was undoubtedly the most stacked category this season. Jennifer Anniston, Laura Linney, Olivia Colman and Zendaya are just a few of the names up for an award. Competition will be more fierce than normal for this category, as “Killing Eve” stars Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh will vie for the same award. The pool may be at an all-time high for these leading ladies, but it definitely comes with no surprise.
A pleasant shock did, however, come from Brad Pitt’s nomination for his portrayal of physician and immunologist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, on SNL. Upon Fauci’s request, Pitt played him in a three-minute comedy sketch that aired this past April.
Whether virtual or in-person, the Emmys are set to air Sept. 20 on ABC. Stay tuned for more details on how the ceremony will be performed.