Once the red carpet was rolled out for the 70th Emmy Awards, people around the world stopped and turned the TV on. The faces of television would have their chance of winning that golden statue. Throughout the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards, there were no-brainers, un-deserved winners and surprises that kept the viewers on edge. I was one of those viewers, and I have a lot to say.
Comedy Awards
The Outstanding Lead and Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series awards genuinely surprised me. For their work in the new dark comedy series Barry, Bill Hader and Henry Winkler brought home the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series awards, respectively. In Barry, Hader, who is also the show’s co-creator, has plenty of room to show off his dramatic talent as a conflicted hitman. Winkler gave a hilarious portrayal of a run-down acting teacher. Both of these actors give surprisingly human performances.
These wins were surprising given the other actors who were nominated. Winkler beat out Louie Anderson of Baskets, and he was an Emmy favorite. Hader also beat out Donald Glover (Atlanta), who has been an award magnet for his performance. Barry is one of the most underrated and funny shows of 2018, and I’m glad it got the recognition it deserved.
On the other hand, Atlanta was unjustly overlooked at the awards. Atlanta was nominated for Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, but it didn’t win either. Although it was interesting to see The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel take the writing and directing awards, Atlanta is just too important to be pushed to the side. With its smart dialogue and incredible visual filmmaking, it should have won the writing and directing awards for comedy.
Limited Series or TV Movie Awards
As the comedic awards concluded, the more dramatic side of television began to shine. American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace nearly swept the awards for best limited series or movie. Darren Criss (Glee) gave a haunting-yet-beautiful performance as serial killer Andrew Cunanan. He won the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie award, which was rightfully deserved. The show itself would end up winning the Outstanding Limited Series or Movie award because of its overall genius.
Drama Awards
The drama category was a little upsetting for me. Despite the fact that it’s an overly complicated and messy show due to a never-ending list of characters and several storylines happening at once, Game of Thrones won the Outstanding Drama Series award. I will admit, the show did have some highlights (Peter Dinklage’s performance/the Viserion reveal), but it’s too bloated to hold my interest.
Stranger Things and Ozark are far superior to Game of Thrones. Stranger Things has an amazing set of characters that viewers feel attached to, and Ozark has a clear storyline with incredibly realistic characters. Game of Thrones lacks both of these traits. Audiences relate more to a man trying to protect his family from criminals (Ozark) than a fantasy show where one of the main characters rides dragons. While Stranger Things does has a fantasy element, all of the characters hold relatable traits, which makes the audience more emotionally involved. All in all, Stranger Things and Ozark were more deserving of the Outstanding Drama Series award.
This year’s Emmys were very questionable. Some shows were rightfully recognized, but other shows were wrongfully ignored. Let’s just hope that Better Call Saul gets some nominations next year. It has some of the best filmmaking, writing and acting in television history. If it gets no nominations, I will lose all hope.
This is my first year working with 42Fifty, and I hope to make it a great one. I have strongly enjoyed writing ever since I was in elementary school. Throughout my school years, I would get so excited to write whenever I had the chance. I am now a junior in high school, and I have found a great outlet for my writing with 42Fifty. I really enjoy watching movies and playing music in my free time. I play the drums in a rock band, as well as take part in Oswego High School’s drama productions. With interests like these, I have the knowledge to be a strong Entertainment Co-Editor. I hope I can bring a lot to 42Fifty’s table during my first year.
