Bumper year for Aussie Emmy contenders
Six Australians have garnered nominations for the 2020 Emmy Awards in a contest that will go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Local stars are having a bumper year at the 2020 Emmy Awards, with six Australians including Hugh Jackman, Toni Collette and Cate Blanchett garnering nominations in a contest that will go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The nominees for television’s version of the Oscars were announced by Saturday Night Live alumna Leslie Jones in a streamed virtual ceremony, and include Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby (for her Netflix show Douglas); actress Sarah Snook (for her role in HBO’s Succession) and screenwriter Tony McNamara, who was shortlisted for his comic script for The Great, a Hulu show about the life of Catherine the Great.
The Victorian screenwriter and playwright is on a roll, with his 2018 film, The Favourite, having been nominated for an Oscar and winning a BAFTA award.
Collette was nominated for best supporting actress in the limited series category for her role as a world-weary detective in the Netflix crime drama Unbelievable. This is her fourth Emmy nomination and potential second win: she won in 2009 for her role in the United States of Tara.
Jackman is chasing his second Emmy for his performance as a corrupt school superintendent in the film Bad Education, vying with fellow Hollywood A-listers Jeremy Irons and Mark Ruffalo in the best actor in a limited series category.
Two-time Oscar winner Blanchett has a nomination for her portrayal of conservative campaigner Phyllis Schlafly in Mrs America, while Snook is a first-time PrimeTime Emmy shortlistee.
Blanchett said: “In a year filled with groundbreaking television storytelling and performances, it is humbling to be recognised.’’
Jackman said his nomination was “gratifying’’ and “humbling’’.
Streaming behemoth Netflix secured a record 160 nominations, eclipsing HBO’s previous record of 137 nominations, set in 2019.
This year, HBO netted the second-highest number of nominations, with 107 nods.
The network’s Watchmen, a timely drama adapted from a superhero graphic novel that explored racism in the US, took out the coveted top spot for most program nominations with 26, followed by The Marvelous Mrs Maisel (20), Ozark (18), Succession (18) and The Mandalorian (15).
Television Academy chairman and chief executive Frank Scherma said of this year’s high-quality field that “despite the unprecedented challenges facing the entertainment industry, it has been an extraordinary year for television.
“We are honoured to be recognising so many of the talented programs, producers, directors and craftspeople behind the remarkable storytelling that has brought us together while we remain apart,” he said.
Oscar winner Olivia Colman is tipped to win an Emmy for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in The Crown. She faces stiff competition in the outstanding lead actress in a drama series category from fellow nominees Jennifer Aniston, Jodie Comer, Laura Linney, Sandra Oh and Zendaya.
Main category winners will be announced on September 20 (September 21 AEST). The event will be hosted by US talk show presenter Jimmy Kimmel in a format that has yet to be determined.
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