After months of eager anticipation and speculation galore the 2014 Primetime Emmy Award nominees were revealed to the public on Thursday by Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project) and Carson Daly (The Voice). Reactions were, as we have come to expect, mixed: fans and critics alike took to the internet to voice their opinions on the success stories and the sob stories of the 66th annual awards show.
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To save time, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the big name nominees, as well as the most controversial competitors. [For the full list of nominees visit http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners ]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Michelle Dockery-Downton Abbey
Claire Danes-Homeland
Robin Wright-House of Cards
Lizzy Caplan-Masters of Sex
Kerry Washington-Scandal
Julianna Margulies-The Good Wife
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston-Breaking Bad
Kevin Spacey-House of Cards
Jon Hamm-Mad Men
Jeff Daniels-The Newsroom
Woody Harrelson-True Detective
Matthew McConaughey-True Detective
Outstanding Drama Series
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
House of Cards
Mad Men
True Detective
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Lena Dunham-Girls
Melissa McCarthy-Mike & Molly
Edie Falco-Nurse Jackie
Taylor Schilling-Orange is the New Black
Amy Poehler-Parks and Recreation
Julia Louis-Dreyfus-Veep
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Ricky Gervais-Derek
Matt LeBlanc-Episodes
Don Cheadle-House of Lies
Louis C.K.-Louie
William H. Macy-Shameless
Jim Parsons-The Big Bang Theory
Outstanding Comedy Series
Louie
Modern Family
Orange is the New Black
Silicon Valley
The Big Bang Theory
Veep
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Jessica Lange-American Horror Story: Coven
Sarah Paulson-American Horror Story: Coven
Helena Bonham Carter-Burton and Taylor
Minnie Driver-Return to Zero
Kristen Wiig-The Spoils of Babylon
Cicely Tyson-The Trip to Bountiful
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
Chiwetel Ejiofor-Dancing on the Edge
Billy Bob Thornton-Fargo
Martin Freeman-Fargo
Idris Elba-Luther
Benedict Cumberbatch-Sherlock: His Last Vow
Mark Ruffalo-The Normal Heart
With a total of 19 nominations, Game of Thrones blasts through this year’s celebrations, battling off competition from other possible contenders and paving the way for the fantasy genre. Unlike previous years, the reputable awards ceremony is finally branching out with its apparent acceptance and appreciation of more modern genres, perhaps reflecting the younger demographic increasingly associated with the new wave of mainstream television.
Trailblazer Laverne Cox created history when she became the first openly PoC transgender actress to be nominated for the prestigious award. Her role in the Netflix original Orange is the New Black struck a chord amongst fans, in particular those within the LGBTQ community. Following the string of success stories revolving around cishet actors portraying trans* characters in the media, Cox’s iconic performance as Sophia Burset will go down in history as the moment when a shamefully under-represented community were finally given the voice they spent so long fighting for the right to express. With a talent that knows no bounds, the opportunities are limitless – we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this truly inspirational lady.
Despite the string of successes within this year’s nominations, it is impossible to ignore the backlash against those who were ruthlessly snubbed by the highly creditable institution. With a barrage of new shows being submitted for consideration, the resultant disappointment from fans and critics is hardly surprising. Brooklyn Nine-Nine was usurped despite its win at the Golden Globe awards for best comedy, reinforcing the common notion that innovative new shows stand a minute chance of being recognised against their hotshot counterparts. Fans of the hit show Orphan Black took to social media to voice their opinions about being snubbed by the prestigious academy, in particular the disappointment of Tatiana Maslany’s lack of recognition for her diverse performance. Hannibal supporters were also outraged by the lack of appreciation for the writing talent of the show’s exec producers, as well as the neglect for the stylish subtlety of the cinematography.
With all of this taken into consideration, it’s perhaps unsurprising that many hardcore television fans are losing faith in the once reputable awards show, and their lack of capability when it comes to the consideration of new and undeniably exciting projects. We can only hope that the future holds a promise of well deserved recognition for those struggling to find a place in the competitive television market.
Winners will be announced on Monday 25th August.
Words by Sophie.