I knew the Emmy nominations were coming, but I didn’t realize it was this week. It’s a big night for HBO MAX (yep, it’s back to its old name again, haha) as it outshines its main competitor, Netflix, with 142 Emmy nominations versus 121 for Netflix. This lead comes from the super popular shows The Penguin, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us. I haven’t checked out the first two series, and I only watched the first season of The Last of Us last year.
AppleTV isn’t doing too bad either, since their hit series, Severance and The Studio, topped the nominations in drama and comedy categories, respectively. Severance got 27 nominations, while The Studio earned 23. Y’know, I agree with this Yahoo article, while I’m glad to see a bunch of my favorite shows getting nominated, I really wish the Emmy voters would spread the love and recognize more shows, particularly in the acting categories.
Today, I’m collaborating with my dear friend Resa McConaghy, costume design extraordinaire and a voting member of the Television Academy.
We got to chatting via email yesterday when the nominations dropped, and here’s her comments:
Why/how is The Bear a comedy? I might have chuckled a couple of times during season 1, but it’s a grinding drama.
Yay! Kathy Bates got a nom. Matlock might not be the edgiest series, but it tackles important topics in a pedestrian light. This has a needed place. Whatever one thinks, or doesn’t, about the show, Bates was terrific. She carried the show.
Plenty of celebrities in this year’s nominees. 5 out of 6 noms for best guest actor in a comedy are all from The Studio, and they are all top-notch celebs! That’s got to be a first.
Totally excited about Wolf Hall getting a Costume nom. Really… Monsters got a nom?
Fingers crossed for Owen Cooper – Supporting Actor in Adolescence. (and for it to win in all its categories, especially cinematography).
OMG… I have so many shows to watch in the next few weeks. Seems I watch a lot of losers. Rats! I have to watch ANDOR!
Check out Resa’s fabulous blogs: Graffiti Lux Art & More and Art Gowns
Musings on the Nominees…
Firstly, I’m happy for Kathy Bates, at 77 years old, she made history as the oldest Emmy nominee for lead actress in a drama series. I only managed to watch a couple of episodes, and I felt like the rest of the cast simply couldn’t match Bates’ talent. She is the only reason to watch the show, so perhaps I’ll try to pick it up again at some point.
I still haven’t caught up with season two of Severance, but the first season was excellent, and it garnered 14 noms, but only won two for Main Title Design and musical score. I wonder if they’d make up for it with the second season.
I have to say I stopped watching The Studio after 4 episodes. Initially, it was intriguing, especially with such famous guest stars as Scorsese and Ron Howard. But I find the satire way too obvious, most of the characters are unlikable, and many are downright disgusting. I’ve never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, and he doesn’t change my mind here. He’s meant to portray a guy who’s in over his head as the head of the Studio, but he’s so clumsy and inept, it’s incredulous that someone like that could keep any job in such a ruthless industry. It’s not the clever satire it claims to be, or that I really hoped it would be. But self-loving Hollywood loves stories about itself, so naturally it’s got plenty of noms.
I’m thrilled for ANDOR, which is so deserving, but no love for DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN 😦 Not a single nomination, not even in stunt or technical categories, come on! I’m torn between ANDOR and SLOW HORSES, another outstanding show that’s well-written and well-acted. I’d give ANDOR the edge simply because SLOW HORSES has been renewed for a 7th season, so plenty more opportunities to compete.
I’m with Resa, The Bear is nominated in the wrong category, it’s definitely more of a drama. I don’t really care for the latest season of Only Murders in the Building, but happy for Nobody Wants This! It’s such a pleasant surprise, romantic and hilarious. Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s chemistry is off the charts!
Somehow, I missed the fact that the ‘Outstanding Drama or Comedy Special’ category was renamed ‘Best Television Movie’. I’m laughing that The Gorge is nominated, it was entertaining but not that great. Anyways, I’m rooting for Rebel Ridge all the way!!
As for SNL, let me just say I’m not as fond of the last couple of seasons. My favorite SNLs are the 90s (Phil Hartman, Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, Chris Farley, etc.) and the mid-2000s (Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, Maya Rudolph, Darrell Hammond, etc.). I just think the skits aren’t as funny anymore overall. To add insult to injury, they nominate Bowen Yang??! He makes me cringe instead of laugh most of the time, as he’s basically just playing a stereotypical queer character every time. The phenomenal Kate McKinnon is openly gay, but she doesn’t always resort to the same types of roles in every sketch. I’d nominate Heidi Gardner, Mickey Day, or Kenan Thompson, who are actually FUNNY.
10 Biggest Snubs in the Acting Category
Wish Ted Danson, also 77, got in for The Man on the Inside, love that show, my review will go up after this post.
Diego Luna is left out of ANDOR, the heart + soul of such a stellar series!
Genevive O’Reilly and Denise Gough are both outstanding in ANDOR. There are three actresses from White Lotus nominated in the Supporting Drama category. I wish they’d limit just two from the same show for each category to make room for other performers in other shows.
Now, in the Drama Supporting Actor category, where is Stellan Skarsgård?? His character Luthen Rael is integral to the series, and the veteran Swedish thespian gave a quietly devastating performance. Perhaps the entire ANDOR cast can have a big Snub Party the night of the Emmy award!
Black Doves is such an outstanding series, both Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw killed it as spies-for-hire. I hope they don’t get ignored in season 2.
I’m currently watching The Day of the Jackal on Peacock. Both Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch are incredibly good here; they each ought to be nominated. Glad the show’s nominated for 2nd season, so here’s hoping they have another chance.
Last but not least, Aaron Pierre gave a fantastic, star-making performance in Rebel Ridge. Glad the movie is nominated, but Pierre was criminally snubbed.
2025 Emmy nominees in top categories (per THR):
Best Drama Series
Andor
The Diplomat
The Last of Us
Paradise
The Pitt
Severance
Slow Horses
The White Lotus
Best Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Hacks
Nobody Wants This
Only Murders in the Building
Shrinking
The Studio
What We Do in the Shadows
Best Limited or Anthology Series
Adolescence
Black Mirror
Dying for Sex
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
The Penguin
Best Television Movie
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
The Gorge
Mountainhead
Nonnas
Rebel Ridge
Best Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K. Brown, Paradise
Gary Oldman, Slow Horses
Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us
Adam Scott, Severance
Noah Wyle, The Pitt
Best Actress in a Drama Series
Kathy Bates, Matlock
Sharon Horgan, Bad Sisters
Britt Lower, Severance
Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us
Keri Russell, The Diplomat
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Zach Cherry, Severance
Walton Goggins, The White Lotus
Jason Isaacs, The White Lotus
James Marsden, Paradise
Sam Rockwell, The White Lotus
Tramell Tillman, Severance
John Turturro, Severance
Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Colin Farrell, The Penguin
Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Jake Gyllenhaal, Presumed Innocent
Brian Tyree Henry, Dope Thief
Cooper Koch, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Patricia Arquette, Severance
Carrie Coon, The White Lotus
Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt
Julianne Nicholson, Paradise
Parker Posey, The White Lotus
Natasha Rothwell, The White Lotus
Aimee Lou Wood, The White Lotus
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Giancarlo Esposito, The Boys
Scott Glenn, The White Lotus
Shawn Hatosy, The Pitt
Joe Pantoliano, The Last of Us
Forest Whitaker, Andor
Jeffrey Wright, The Last of Us
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Jane Alexander, Severance
Gwendoline Christie, Severance
Kaitlyn Dever, The Last of Us
Cherry Jones, The Handmaid’s Tale
Catherine O’Hara, The Last of Us
Merritt Wever, Severance
Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Uzo Aduba, The Residence
Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants This
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Jean Smart, Hacks
Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This
Seth Rogen, The Studio
Jason Segel, Shrinking
Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
Jeremy Allen White, The Bear
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ike Barinholtz, The Studio
Colman Domingo, The Four Seasons
Harrison Ford, Shrinking
Jeff Hiller, Somebody Somewhere
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear
Michael Urie, Shrinking
Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear
Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Kathryn Hahn, The Studio
Janelle James, Abbott Elementary
Catherine O’Hara, The Studio
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary
Jessica Williams, Shrinking
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Jon Bernthal, The Bear
Bryan Cranston, The Studio
Dave Franco, The Studio
Ron Howard, The Studio
Anthony Mackie, The Studio
Martin Scorsese, The Studio
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Olivia Colman, The Bear
Jamie Lee Curtis, The Bear
Cynthia Erivo, Poker Face
Robby Hoffman, Hacks
Zoë Kravitz, The Studio
Julianne Nicholson, Hacks
Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Cate Blanchett, Disclaimer
Meghann Fahy, Sirens
Rashida Jones, Black Mirror
Cristin Milioti, The Penguin
Michelle Williams, Dying for Sex
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Bill Camp, Presumed Innocent
Owen Cooper, Adolescence
Rob Delaney, Dying for Sex
Peter Sarsgaard, Presumed Innocent
Ashley Walters, Adolescence
Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Erin Doherty, Adolescence
Ruth Negga, Presumed Innocent
Deirdre O’Connell, The Penguin
Chloë Sevigny, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Jenny Slate, Dying for Sex
Christine Tremarco, Adolescence
Best Writing for a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, Hacks
Nathan Fielder, Carrie Kemper, Adam Locke-Norton, Eric Notarnicola, The Rehearsal
Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen, Bridget Everett, Somebody Somewhere
Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez, The Studio
Sam Johnson, Sarah Naftalis, Paul Simms, What We Do in the Shadows
Best Writing for a Drama Series
Dan Gilroy, Andor
Joe Sachs, The Pitt
R. Scott Gemmill, The Pitt
Dan Erickson, Severance
Will Smith, Slow Horses
Mike White, The White Lotus
Best Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Charlie Brooker, Bisha K. Ali, Black Mirror
Kim Rosenstock, Elizabeth Meriwether, Dying for Sex
Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin
Joshua Zetumer, Say Nothing
Best Directing for a Comedy Series
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Lucia Aniello, Hacks
James Burrows, Mid-Century Modern
Nathan Fielder, The Rehearsal
Seth Rogen, The Studio
Best Directing for a Drama Series
Janus Metz, Andor
Amanda Marsalis, The Pitt
John Wells, The Pitt
Jessica Lee Gagné, Severance
Ben Stiller, Severance
Adam Randall, Slow Horses
Mike White, The White Lotus
Best Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Philip Barantini, Adolescence
Shannon Murphy, Dying for Sex
Helen Shaver, The Penguin
Jennifer Getzinger, The Penguin
Nicole Kassell, Sirens
Lesli Linka Glatter, Zero Day
Best Reality Competition Program
The Amazing Race
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Survivor
Top Chef
The Traitors
Best Talk Series
The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
Best Scripted Variety Series
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Saturday Night Live
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
Thanks for guesting me in this Emmy post, Ruth!
I love the Emmys. I’m honoured to be in my 23rd year as a member now.
I will watch Andor. It’s up for costumes in Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes. I take this seriously, and honestly watch everything that’s nommed, in the categories I can vote in. (Best show in all categories, and Costumes in all categories)
That’s how it works. We all get to vote for Best show in all categories, and best of our “Peer Group” in all categories.
Well, gotta run, I got a LOT of TV watching to do in the next few weeks. Voting begins August 18 and ends on the 27th!
Maybe I’ll start with Rebel Ridge!
Hello hello!! THANK YOU for taking the time to let me know your thoughts, I am honored to even know an Emmy voter, so cool!!
Oh I think you’ll absotely adore the costume design for ANDOR. I’m obsessed with everything this character Mon Mothma wears in the show, she is a politician in a Galactic Senate and her outfits are all amazing. I’m glad costume designer Michael Wilkinson is nominated, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2Va95Tb9j-s It’s my all-time fave dress on the show!
Happy watching and yes, do watch Rebel Ridge, love that one, though nothing to speak of about the costume design LOL!
Thanks again, my dear friend!!
Ruth,
I watched “Rebel Ridge”Last night. It’s up for best movie. It’s terrific! Loved it.
It’s up against Nonnas, which I also loved.
I’m really in the mood for happy these days.
3 more movies to watch.
Maybe I’ll watch “Monsters” tonight, and get it out of the way!
What do you think about the fact Emmys now have a Best Commercial category?
My pleasure, and once I get things all watched, I’m hoping we will do a predictions post.
It doesn’t have to be just costumes, but could be.
We could add best Comedy, best Drama, Best Movie.
Just throwing it out there!
Ww, thanks for the link! Love that dress. Maybe I’ll watch “Andor” tonight!
Okay, gotta go get busy watching TV!
Thanks for the link, Ruth. That dress is stunning. Maybe I’ll watch Andor tonight, but maybe Monsters. (I want to get it out of the way)
Watched Rebel Ridge. Loved it. 3 more movies to watch. They’re up for best movie. I get to vote on that. The Gorge sounds cool.
So much to watch!
Hey, what do you think about the Emmys adding Best Commercial?
Sorry that your comment got in Spam, thanks for letting me know. WP gets weird sometimes :
I don’t think I’ll be watching Monsters, just way too dark and depressing. I’m not fond of Ryan Murphy stuff, overly provocative IMHO.
ANDOR is just amazing, best Star Wars series by a loooong shot, and one of the best TV series ever, period. In terms of writing, acting, production values, etc. it’s just top notch. I’d even go so far as saying it’s better written than some of the SW movies, esp. those prequels. George Lucas should’ve hired Tony Gilroy, mwahaha!
Glad you loved Rebel Ridge, I’m REALLY hoping Aaron Pierre gets more roles (those green eyes, OH MY!)
As for Best Commercials, I totally missed that! I don’t know if that belongs in a TV award to be honest… I’ve only seen ‘Batman Vs. Bateman’ which is pretty funny, but not sure how to actually judge a commercial. I thought there is already an award for advertising?
Monsters sucks. I watched the 1 episode we have to, to vote.
There is no way it could, or should win Best Period costumes.
“Bridgerton” costumes never impressed me other than eye candy, but you can’t compare “Monsters” to “Bridgerton”. Plus “Wolf Hall”, “American Primeval” and “1923 Yellowjackets” are up.
Fantasy/Sci-Fi
The costumes in Andor” are FAB. Love!
Watched “Agatha All Along”… no way. 3 more to watch!
There are many awards for Advertising. The main one is “The Clios” https://clios.com/
Thank you for de-spamming me!!!!!!
I’m really upset at how little love Andor got as I was hoping for several actors in the show to be nominated. Not just Diego Luna but really for Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Stellan Skarsgard, Elizabeth Dulau, and Anton Lesser.
Oh man!! Now that you mentioned those names, I think they ought to create a best ensemble award like in SAG because the supporting cast of ANDOR is simply outstanding!! It’s nuts that Diego was overlooked though, what a travesty! I’d swap all the nominations for The Studio for ANDOR!
Genevieve O’Reilly not being nominated and with that speech she gave is just proof that the Emmys SUCK. And it looks like it will suck more as Stephen Colbert’s show is coming to an end and Jimmy Kimmel revealed he might not have much time left. Yeah, thanks a lot Human Septic Tank.
Yeah, deplorable orange man keeps creating havoc. Gone is free speech in this country, VERY sad indeed. I LOVE Colbert 😦
I think the days of the late-night talk shows are coming to an end as all we’ll be left is fucking Bill Maher or worse… the return of Jay Leno.
I can’t stand Maher and yeah, no to Leno!! It’s really too bad about the state of late night shows. I also enjoy Seth Meyers, bummed he didn’t get an Emmy nod.
A strong bunch of contenders for Best Drama Series but I’m disappointed that The Day of the Jackal missed out, likewise Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch.
As for The Bear, they’re just perpetuating category fraud and the series has become self-conscious and self-congratulatory.
Hey, glad you are a fan of The Day of the Jackal as well, Patrick. I got into it late, I still have 3 more eps to go, but wow, what a thrilling series and it looks so cinematic! Yeah, I’m not sure I’m gonna continue watching The Bear, first season was good but it’s really not THAT spectacular.
Since I don’t pay attention to award shows, I always get The Emmys and Golden Globe confuse. Lol!
But I’m glad two of my favorite shows right now, Slow Horses and The Studio got lots of love from the voters. It’s funny what you said about Seth Rogen’s character in The Studio, unfortunately those are the type of people who are in power in Hollywood and they get to decide which movies get made every day. I don’t know if you know who Jon Peter is, but during the 80s and early parts of the 90s, he was one of the most power executives in Hollywood. When Sony purchased Columbia Pictures, they hired him and his partner, Peter Guber, to run the studio. But because of their clumsiness and ineptitude, Sony fired them in the mid 90s after several flops, including Arnold’s Last Action Hero. Peter is still producing movies, I think the last movie he produced was the remake of A Star is Born with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
Then there was the late Don Simpson, who was known to party with porn stars and hookers and he was one of the most power executives in Hollywood. So, I think Rogen just combined those type of people he knew and worked with when he created The Studio. It’s one of the reasons why I stopped pursuing my filmmaking career in that town. I met some producers back in the days and I thought there were on crack or coke, and they probably were because this was back in the late 90s and early 2000s. I can’t deal with those type of people. Ha ha!
Hey Ted, thanks for those tidbits. Yeah I’m familiar with both Jon Peter and Don Simpson, though probably not as extensively as you do. I’m sure there are plenty of dumbass producers like Rogen’s characters and all those ambitious and extremely greedy people working under him, so I’m not questioning its accuracy. I just find it off-putting and not funny, so I just quit watching. Plus Ike Barinholtz, the actor playing Sal, Remick’s sidekick, gets on my nerves. He’s funny in The Afterparty, but I can’t stand him here. I am enjoying The Day of the Jackal now, you’ve seen that too, right? The cinematography is amazing, very cinematic!
In any case, LA is no longer the filmmaking capital now, as filmmakers have been going elsewhere, like Atlanta, New Mexico, even Vancouver.
Back in when I was in film school, I read up on all of those producers and executives in Hollywood because I was naive and thought I could be working for them soon. Lol! Then reality hits me when I went out West and experienced the real Hollywood. Too many fake people and many of them are annoying just like the characters in The Studio. Also, one of high school friends was an upcoming actor and he would take me to parties in LA hoping I can meet some famous executives and producers to pitch my scripts. Those parties were too crazy for me. Hollywood life isn’t for me.
I don’t have Peacock, so I have not seen the remake of The Day of the Jackal. Also, the original film is dear to my heart so I get turned off when there’s a remake. The terrible film remake The Jackal with Bruce Willis still pisses me off. Lol!
You’re right, the only reason to watch Matlock is for Kathy Bates, she is a gem! And I would LOVE to see another season of A Man on the Inside, Ted Danson is right up there with Kathy, what a great show that was. Refreshing to see these two still working and going strong.
Hey Becky!! Thanks for your tip about A Man on the Inside, I really enjoyed that show and I’ll be posting my review of it shortly. Glad that these veteran actors are still at the top of their game!
Forgot to say I’m glad to see The Diplomat getting a nod. Rufus Sewell is a perfect hoot as the First Husband! However, Keri Russell needs to brush her hair! (You gotta watch to know what I’m talking about, LOL!) Looking forward to Season 2.
I still haven’t got around to seeing The Diplomat but hopefully one day! Rufus is such a talented actor, he ought to have won a bunch of awards. Mwahaha, I think I know what you mean about Kerri’s hair just looking at some of the clips 😀
I’m with you on being bummed that NONE of Andor’s actors (save Whitaker in Guest) were nominated. There were some excellent performances there. Black Doves is something I’ve had in my Netflix queue for a while. I need to start that. And Slow Horse. And Day of the Jackal. I did manage to start The Studio last night. We’ll see if I last longer than you lol. I’ve got two episodes down.
It’s truly a travesty indeed, I was convinced that Diego, Stellan or Genevieve would get nominated. SO many of them are deserving, I wish there were an award for ensemble cast like in SAG, they should win in a landslide!
Black Doves is excellent, it’s dark and violent at times but also very funny! Slow Horses and The Day of the Jackal are all top-notch. I’m glad those shows have been renewed, yay! The Studio was fun for a couple of episodes, then it goes sour for me real fast.
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