IN THE SPOTLIGHT
in diversity. In 2019, less than a quarter of the acting bids went to people of color, down from more than a third of the nominations in 2018. Last year’s ceremony proved groundbreaking in one regard, as “Pose” star Billy Porter became the first openly gay winner of the top drama acting trophy.
The 72nd annual Emmy nominations, if not ultimately the awards, could make progress because of the racial reckoning that’s underway, said Eric Deggans, TV critic for National Public Radio and author of “Race Baiter: How the Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation.”
Other likely comedy nominees include past winner “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” from Amazon and Pop’s singularly quirky “Schitt’s Creek,” which drew increasing buzz in its final season. The farewells of “The Good Place,” “Silicon Valley” and one-time Emmy favorite “Modern Family” also are contenders.
Top drama series contenders include newcomer Apple TV’s drama series “The Morning Show” and its lead actresses Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. Likely to face them: past winners “The Crown” (Netflix) and “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu), and their respective stars Olivia Colman and Elisabeth Moss, who is seeking to repeat her 2017 bestactress win.
The academy’s decision to tie the number of nominees to submissions has increased the slots in some categories, which could mean newcomers like Zendaya, star of HBO’s teenage drama “Euphoria,” are brought into the Emmy fold.