The feudal Japan drama “Shogun” is the clear favorite with 25 nominations at the Emmy Awards, the Oscars of television, where it could become the first non-English-language soap opera to win best drama series on Sunday.
Just a few months after the 75th edition, postponed due to the strikes that blocked Hollywood last year, the 76th ceremony, presented by actor Eugene Levy and his son Daniel, will begin late this afternoon in Los Angeles (00:00 GMT Monday).
This temporary paralysis of the sector caused production to fall, which reduced the number of submissions by a third compared to usual.
The adaptation of James Clavell’s novel, a bestseller from the 1970s that explores feudal power struggles in the Land of the Rising Sun, was a hit in the United States despite its many subtitled dialogues.
Produced by Disney-owned FX, “Shogun” is the second non-English-language soap opera nominated in the best drama series category, following the South Korean series “Squid Game” two years ago.
Beyond the top prize, actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai should also be awarded. Tadanobu Asano, who plays a bloodthirsty lord, could also win the prize for best supporting actor.
– Succeed to “Succession” –
The 14 awards won in secondary categories before the ceremony already make “Shogun” the most awarded drama series for a single season.
Its main rival is the final season of the Netflix series “The Crown”.
The conclusion to the British royal family saga has received mixed critical reception, but Elizabeth Debicki is up for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Princess Diana.
After the recent end of the “Succession” saga, which outrageously dominated the Emmy Awards every year, new series like “Fallout” or “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” could benefit.
In the best mini-series or anthology category, it is the Netflix series “My Little Reindeer” which dominates the predictions.
Presented as a “true story” by its creator, Scottish comedian Richard Gadd, it has sparked controversy: a British woman who is said to have inspired the character of the stalker was stalked on social media and filed a defamation suit against Netflix. She is demanding $170 million in compensation.
The Scottish actor is up against two heavyweights for the best actor award: Andrew Scott for “Ripley,” a black-and-white adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s (“The Talented Mr. Ripley”) novel, and “Mad Men” star Jon Hamm for “Fargo.”
– Dark comedy –
As for actresses, the 2024 selection was no exception to the rule, with top Hollywood stars such as Jodie Foster (“True Detective: Night Country”), Brie Larson (“True Detective: Night Country”) and Naomi Watts (“Feud: Capote vs the Swans”).
Finally, for the second year in a row, “The Bear: Eat In or Go Out” tops the comedy nominations, despite its dark themes, with a record 23 categories.
This grueling dive into the back kitchen of a Chicago restaurant won over viewers with a second season in which the early sandwich shop transformed into an establishment in pursuit of a Michelin star.
Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who play two childhood friends turned chefs, are also expected to receive awards.
The series has already won seven Emmy Awards in supporting categories, including best guest star for actress Jamie Lee Curtis.
Among the competition, HBO’s “Hacks” should allow Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder to scoop acting awards, for their unlikely duo between an aging American stand-up star and a young comedian tasked with renewing his jokes.
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