The Emmy voters’ acclaim stands in sharp
contrast to fan reaction to the show’s last
hurrah, which included howls of laughter for
a to-go coffee cup inadvertently included in
one scene and a finale that detractors called
unsatisfying. But the show’s ratings never
faltered for the series based on George R.R.
Martin’s novels, setting new highs for HBO.
A wealth of recognition for the cast and
guest stars , including the show’s only
previous winner, Peter Dinklage with three
awards, helped “Game of Thrones” add to its
already record haul of nominations, now at
161 total.
Series star Emilia Clarke’s decision to seek a
best actress nomination after a series of
supporting actress bids paid off. She’s
competing in a category that’s notable for
its diversity, including past winner Viola Davis
for “How to Get Away with Murder” and
repeat nominee Sandra Oh for “Killing Eve,”
who has another chance to become the first
actress of Asian descent to win the trophy.
She lost last year to Claire Foy for Netflix’s
“The Crown.”
Two actors of color, Billy Porter for “Pose” and
previous winner Sterling K. Brown for “This Is
Us,” earned drama series nods.
The rest of the drama series field includes
“Better Call Saul,” “Bodyguard,” “Killing Eve,”
“Ozark,” “Pose,” “Succession” and, as the only
network entry, “This is Us.” Mandy Moore,
who plays the NBC drama’s matriarch, earned
her first best actress nod, with fellow cast
member Chris Sullivan earning his first nod, for
supporting actor.