LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards are finally here, arriving four months after their original date. The prestigious event is set to take place on Monday night at the Peacock Theater, marking a significant moment in the entertainment industry after a year of historic turbulence.
From strikes by actors and writers to seismic shifts toward streaming platforms, the television landscape has undergone immense changes. Additionally, the dismantling of the traditional TV calendar has resulted in winners being chosen months ago for shows that were completed years ago. Furthermore, the audience for these shows has diminished compared to the past.
Yet, for those involved in the ceremony, the norms of the industry have been shattered. Actor Nick Offerman, who won an early Emmy for 'The Last of Us,' described the experience of working in the pandemic era as strange. With delays between shooting and release and even longer waits for events like the Emmys, the usual timelines have been disrupted.
The Emmys come as a respite and a chance for celebration after the strike and the challenges it brought about. Nonetheless, the 75th edition aims to honor the past and the history of television. Cast reunions and scene recreations from beloved shows like 'Cheers,' 'Game of Thrones,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' and 'Martin' will be included in the ceremony.
In looking at the nominations, the dominance of HBO is evident, as it boasts the three most nominated shows this year: 'Succession,' 'The White Lotus,' and 'The Last of Us.' HBO's long-standing influence on the Emmys continues to be recognized.
Hosting the event falls on Anthony Anderson, who takes on the role with a sense of relaxation and relief. Not being a nominee this year allows him to be himself without the pressure of wondering if he will win. After 11 nominations for 'black-ish,' Anderson is no stranger to the Emmys but has yet to secure a win.
For those interested in watching the ceremony, it will be live on Fox starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time, with streaming available on Hulu starting the next day. The event will also be broadcasted in numerous countries, with the Television Academy website providing a list of broadcasters and their respective air times.
Before the ceremony begins, a red carpet show will be available for viewers. E! will be airing their coverage starting at 5 p.m., while People and Entertainment Weekly will host a red carpet show that can be streamed on their websites and YouTube pages.
In terms of the nominations, 'Succession' leads the pack with 27 nominations. It is highly anticipated to win its third consecutive best drama series Emmy. However, with 'The Last of Us' receiving 24 nominations and already securing eight wins at the Creative Arts Emmys, it could challenge 'Succession' for the most wins. 'The Last of Us' also boasts strong lead actors like Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, who have the potential to make history with their wins.
In the comedy category, 'Ted Lasso,' the soccer-themed series, is expected to dominate the night. The show's third and final season could potentially be a victory lap, having won the best comedy award for its previous two seasons. Its main competitor is 'The Bear,' a series about a chef grappling with his family legacy. The lead actor from 'The Bear,' Jeremy Strong, may give Jason Sudeikis of 'Ted Lasso' a run for his money in the best actor in a comedy category.
This year's Emmys have been an eagerly awaited event, primarily due to the rescheduling caused by strikes in the previous year. With the awards now taking place in January, the winners were determined in late August. This delay, combined with other unique aspects of the calendar, has resulted in some peculiar award circumstances. For instance, 'The Bear' is up for Emmys for its first season despite already winning major accolades at the Golden Globes for its second season.
While the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards are certainly unconventional, they mark a significant moment in television history. As the industry adapts to new challenges and streaming services continue to change viewing habits, the Emmys provide a platform to honor outstanding talent and celebrate the best in television.
