During an oppressive pandemic in which
housebound Americans relied more than ever
on television for distraction, TV academy voters
recognized a varied mix of storytelling and a
diverse group of actors and creators.
One example: Mj Rodriguez of “Pose” is the first
trans woman to be nominated in a lead acting
category. The show also earned a best drama
series nod.
Netflix’s “The Crown” received its fourth
nomination for best series, and is likely the
streaming service’s best chance to win its first-
ever top series trophy. The British royal drama
moved closer to contemporary events with its
version of the courtship and rocky marriage of
Prince Charles and Diana Spencer, played by
Josh O’Connor and Emma Corrin.
O’Connor and Corrin received lead drama
acting nods, as did the series’ Olivia Colman
for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II, with a
supporting bid to Gillian Anderson for her role
as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Oprah Winfrey’s headline-making interview with
the late Diana’s son Harry and his wife Meghan
earned a nomination for best hosted nonfiction
series or special.
The showings by “The Mandalorian,” an
extension of the “Star Wars” franchise, and
the inventive “WandaVision” featuring the
Marvel characters Wanda and Vision, put
the series in the ranks of past sci-fi and
fantasy Emmy favorites “Game of Thrones”
and “Lost.”
“The Boys,” Amazon’s comedy-tinged take on
superheroes, earned a best drama nod.