For television lovers, this morning was the preamble to the most wonderful time of year. The 2015 Emmy nominations were announced, and with them came the agony and the ecstasy of seeing our favorite actors, actresses, and series alternately celebrated or completely snubbed. Without further ado, let's dive into the biggest upset.
Jane the Virgin wasn't nominated for Outstanding Comedy, nor did Gina Rodriguez receive a nomination for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. After her Golden Globe win for the role, an Emmy nomination seemed like a lock. The critically acclaimed series was a bit more of a long shot to receive an Outstanding Comedy nod. Its network, The CW, has never received an Emmy nomination in a major category. Still, in a year that celebrated unique shows (JTV's telenovela format is cleverly and wonderfully executed, and its narrator did pick up an Emmy nom) and diversity, it's surprising that Gina Rodriguez didn't make it into the mix of Lead Actress nominees.
The surprise appearance on the Lead Actress in a Comedy list came from Amy Schumer. It's rare that a variety series star appears in this category; SNL cast members are frequently nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category. Inside Amy Schumer is one of this year's standout Emmy success stories. Schumer herself is also nominated for co-directing the "12 Angry Men" episode, and the show's clever "Girl You Don't Need Makeup" song is nominated for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.
The Lead Actress in a Drama Series category heralded some pleasant surprises. Taraji P. Henson received a nod for her role as Cookie Lyon on Empire, although the series failed to receive a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series — a major snub for the breakout ratings and critical hit of the year. Viola Davis is nominated for How to Get Away With Murder. Tatiana Maslany finally received an Emmy nomination in a long-awaited and much overdue tribute to her work as multiple clones on Orphan Black.
Over in the men's categories, Kyle Chandler managed to sneak into the Lead Actor in a Drama race for his work on Netflix's Bloodline. The excellent Ben Mendelsohn also received a Supporting Actor nod for his role on the show. Jon Hamm is nominated for his work on Mad Men (no surprise there), but he also received a nomination for his guest starring role on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Here's a scary thought: What if Jon Hamm never wins an Emmy for playing Don Draper, but he does score one for his work as a charismatic doomsday cult leader? Perish the thought, but at least Jon Hamm would have an acting Emmy.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt made several appearances on the Emmy ballot. The hilarious Tituss Burgess is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (although how "Peeno Noir" didn't receive an Outstanding Music and Lyrics nomination will go down in history as one of life's greatest mysteries). Jane Krakowski is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and the show also snuck into the running for Outstanding Comedy Series. While many of the lead acting categories (save for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series) were still mostly dominated by white actors, a lot of the supporting acting races do reflect the changing face of television. Keegan-Michael Key is nominated for his work on Key & Peele. Anthony Anderson received a nod for his role on Black-ish. Considering that it took until now for the Emmys to recognize Tatiana Maslany for her work on Orphan Black, it seems the Emmys are operating a year or two behind the rest of the world. Perhaps they'll finally look outside the Homeland-Modern Family-Downton Abbey-Game of Thrones boxes in 2016 or 2017. Transparent is a favorite to win Outstanding Comedy Series this year, which would end Modern Family's streak, and Orange Is the New Black finally made it over into the Outstanding Drama race. Baby steps.
Click here for the complete list of Emmy nominations. We'll be celebrating Taraji, Viola, Amy, and Tatiana (and trying to figure out a write-in campaign for Gina) until the Emmys air on September 20.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt made several appearances on the Emmy ballot. The hilarious Tituss Burgess is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (although how "Peeno Noir" didn't receive an Outstanding Music and Lyrics nomination will go down in history as one of life's greatest mysteries). Jane Krakowski is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and the show also snuck into the running for Outstanding Comedy Series. While many of the lead acting categories (save for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series) were still mostly dominated by white actors, a lot of the supporting acting races do reflect the changing face of television. Keegan-Michael Key is nominated for his work on Key & Peele. Anthony Anderson received a nod for his role on Black-ish. Considering that it took until now for the Emmys to recognize Tatiana Maslany for her work on Orphan Black, it seems the Emmys are operating a year or two behind the rest of the world. Perhaps they'll finally look outside the Homeland-Modern Family-Downton Abbey-Game of Thrones boxes in 2016 or 2017. Transparent is a favorite to win Outstanding Comedy Series this year, which would end Modern Family's streak, and Orange Is the New Black finally made it over into the Outstanding Drama race. Baby steps.
Click here for the complete list of Emmy nominations. We'll be celebrating Taraji, Viola, Amy, and Tatiana (and trying to figure out a write-in campaign for Gina) until the Emmys air on September 20.