Although ‘webisodes’ have previously been recognised in the ‘short form’ category, the 2013 Emmy nominations mark the first time streaming only shows have made an appearance in the most prestigious categories.
Political thriller House of Cards has enjoyed a particularly strong showing with nine nominations. Both Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright - who play the scheming husband-and-wife ‘team’ Frank & Claire Underwood - have been nominated in the lead acting drama categories, while director David Fincher has also been recognised for his distinctive work on the opening episodes of the season. House of Cards also earned a nod for Outstanding Drama Series, so we’re going to assume the nominators skipped over the rougher patches towards the end of the show’s intriguing but uneven first run.
The much heralded return of cult comedy Arrested Development was snubbed in the best comedy category - perhaps not surprising given the fourth season’s mixed reception. Nominations were instead awarded to critical darlings Veep, Modern Family, Louie, 30 Rock and Girls - although we must admit The Big Bang Theory is a funny way of spelling Parks and Recreations. However, Arrested Development did enjoy one major nomination in the form of Jason Bateman for best actor in a comedy series.
Leading the pack
Strangely enough, American Horror Story: Asylum leads the nominations list with 17 nods altogether. Although it doesn’t figure in a majority of the higher profile categories, the show has a strong showing in the technical categories.
The ever-popular Game of Thrones is just one nomination behind - and, yes, Peter Dinklage has been nominated for best supporting actor - while Emmy favourites like Breaking Bad and Mad Men also feature prominently. Both shows are due to air their final seasons over the next year (Breaking Bad is starting its final run in August).
Steven Soderbergh’s Behind the Candelabra managed 15 nominations and is likely to sweep up in the mini-series / movie categories. Both Michael Douglas and Matt Damon have been nominated for best lead actor. Although the acclaimed Liberace biopic was released in cinemas here in Ireland, it was shown on HBO in the US. This means it is eligible for the Emmys but not the Oscars.
You can read the full list of nominees here.
