Emmy Nominations 2019: What to Watch For


Emmy Nominations 2019: What to Watch For

HBO’s “Game of Thrones” has won more Emmys — 47 — than any other prime-time series in TV history. A three-time best drama winner, the epic show based on the work of George R.R. Martin is the favorite to win the prize once more.

Or is it?

The eighth and final season of “Game of Thrones,” which had its finale on May 19, proved too much for some fans and critics. Some were dissatisfied with how it wrapped up. Some were uncomfortable with what they perceived as hairpin narrative turns and sudden character flip-flops. Through it all, however, the popularity of the series has been stunning. When digital viewing is factored in, an average of 45.8 million people watched the final season’s episodes, HBO claimed.

If “Game of Thrones” is going to be on the receiving end of an Emmy voter backlash, a newcomer could play the role of spoiler. Of last year’s seven nominees, only “Game of Thrones” and “This is Us” have a crack at the big prize again this year. Other series nominated in 2018 — including “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Stranger Things” and “The Crown” — are not eligible this time around.

BBC America’s “Killing Eve,” HBO’s “Succession” and Ryan Murphy’s drama “Pose” could land their first best drama nominations.

Emmy night is usually a win for Julia Louis-Dreyfus. As Selina Meyer on HBO’s “Veep,” she has won outstanding lead actress in a comedy series six times, beating out Candice Bergen and Don Knotts for most Emmys won by a performer in a single role.

Ms. Louis-Dreyfus has taken home eight Emmy statuettes overall, tying Cloris Leachman for the most ever won by an actor. She will have many Emmy voters rooting for her following her return after she revealed she had breast cancer.

She faces formidable competition from Rachel Brosnahan, who won her first Emmy for best actress in a comedy for her role as a housewife-turned-comedian in Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Ms. Brosnahan is a shoo-in to be nominated again.

In the category of best comedy series, expect a three-way showdown among “Veep,” a three-time winner, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which won the award last year, and HBO’s “Barry,” the blood-spattered series that earned acting Emmys for Bill Hader and Henry Winkler last fall.

Several recent nominees, including “Atlanta,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Silicon Valley,” are not eligible this year. The Television Academy, the governing body behind the awards, considers programs released from June 1, 2018, through May 31, 2019.


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