Episodic Discussion: The 2023 Emmy Nominations (w/ David Chen from Decoding TV)
A new level of tunnel vision for the Television Academy
I was mulling the idea of a newsletter on this year’s Emmy nominations when friend of the newsletter David Chen of Decoding TV reached out and asked if I’d be interested in discussing live on YouTube. And while the free-flowing nature of the conversation meant there were some details I didn’t get to—like pointing to the weirdness of Harrison Ford not earning a nomination while both Jason Segel and Jessica Williams earned nods for Shrinking—but we covered a lot of ground and I end on the short version of the “State of the Emmys” rant that I’ll work myself to by the time the labor unrest resolves enough for the broadcast to actually happen.
You can also listen to our conversation on the Decoding TV podcast feed, which you can subscribe to on Apple Podcasts. There was already some initial conversations over in the subscriber chat space, but interested in how others are feelings about these nominations.
I wouldn't hate a rule that acting categories be subject to a two-nomination-per-show limit of some kind. That would help avoid these monocultures where only two shows swept the supporting actor category. It wouldn't completely disrupt the awards--for this year, it would have knocked out 1/3 lead actor noms for Succession, 2/4 supporting actor noms each for Succession and White Lotus, and 2/4 supporting actress noms for White Lotus. I liked the second season of White Lotus; I think it deserved some nominations. I don't think the entire bloody cast should have gotten nominated. I haven't seen Succession (I know, I'll hand in my Episodic Medium badge and gun right after this rant) but I'd be willing to bet it's the same story.
The issue of snubs aside, just really happy that Rhea Seehorn is finally getting some recognition for Better Call Saul! Reading great BCS reviews (here at EM I mean) as the show ended was like 1/2 of the wishlist, the other was that the show would get some Emmy love - I'm sure Succession will steamroll BCS but eh, will take what I can get.
Have no idea what to think of Seehorn's chances - do the White Lotus' domination in noms (nom-dom?) in her category mean better chances for one of the White Lotus actresses, or does it mean potential split votes?