As winter awards season kicks into high gear with next Monday’s Golden Globes nominations, Variety’s TV team is keeping an eye on the races — and what it might mean for the Emmys later in the year.
For the first edition of the winter Awards Circuit video series, presented by HBO, TV editor Michael Schneider and senior TV features editor Emily Longeretta broke down the front runners for the drama series races at the Globes, SAG Awards and other guild kudos.
That includes Netflix’s “The Crown” and cast members Dominic West, Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Elizabeth Debicki, Olivia Williams and Jonny Lee Miller.
“Clearly this year with the death of the actual Queen Elizabeth a lot more attention was placed on how this show was going to resonate with audiences and fans of the Royal family,” Schneider said.
Apple TV+’s breakout hit “Severance” didn’t get a ton of Emmy love, but Schneider and Longeretta are still keeping an eye on awards for that show and stars including Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken and Trammel Tillman.
“It was so different from anything else we’d seen,” Longeretta said. “And it kind of came out of nowhere. We haven’t seen really any of the cast do this kind of work before. And, of course, Ben Stiller was behind the camera, which I think could really help in the writing directing categories as well… I think maybe now it’s time to shine.”
HBO’s “Euphoria” has been an Emmy winner for star Zendaya, but the show itself is getting more attention now, as are stars like Sydney Sweeney, Eric Dane, Angus Cloud and Maude Apatow.
For AMC’s “Better Call Saul,” which still has a shot at the Emmys later in 2023, this is its last chance at the winter awards. That means one final opportunity to honor stars including Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Giancarlo Esposito and Jonathan Banks.
“It’s crazy to me that Bob hasn’t gotten [an Emmy],” Longeretta said.
Also looking to capitalize on its high ratings and pop culture buzz is Paramount Network’s “Yellowstone,” which was nominated for a SAG drama ensemble award last year but has otherwise not broken into the awards mix just yet.
But with stars like Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, Luke Grimes and Wes Bentley, that could change.
“’Yellowstone’ is a show that I think now has sort of hit critical mass in terms of not only viewership, which it’s been a major hit for a while, but now it’s really gotten the attention on the coasts as well,” Schneider said.
The duo are also curious about whether fantasy series like HBO’s “House of the Dragon” and Prime Video’s “Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power” will make it in. And then there’s the interesting case of “The White Lotus,” which will compete as a drama in some awards, including SAG.
As for dark horse favorites, Schneider chose Apple TV+’s “For All Mankind,” and Longeretta wants to see more awards love for Showtime’s “Yellowjackets.”
