2020 Emmy Awards Recap

The 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards aired Sunday, September 20th and it was…unusual.  Due to being in the midst of Covid-19 there was no audience at the award ceremony and instead all the nominees were sent a steaming kit (ring light, camera, etc.).  It was basically the most exciting Zoom meeting we’ve had all year.

There were some highs and some lows, some wins and some misses.  But it was entertaining, and I know that I could really use some entertainment right about now.

The 2020 Emmy’s

Wins

The highlight was seeing all the people in their home, getting dressed up (or down) and with their families.  While I’m sure it was disappointing for first time nominees to not be able to attend the live show, how cool is it that they could experience it with some of their loved ones?

Another element, which I wouldn’t mind seeing in the future, were the additional celebrity recordings scattered throughout.  And I loved how they had essential workers presenting some of the awards.

Misses

Some of the jokes didn’t land, and when there was literally NO ONE laughing at the joke it made it even more awkward.  Jimmy Kimmel lighting the awards envelope on fire?  Him joking about calling ICE on John Oliver (who is a US Citizen by the way)?

But what seemed the most glaring miss, perhaps because of who won, was the grouping of all categories together.  All comedy awards were announced, then limited series, then drama.  It was a little anticlimactic to have all comedy go first, like that category was out of the way and then on to the next.  I think it would have kept the viewers, and the nominees, more engaged if they had done all supporting actors for all categories, then all writing, etc. etc.

Schitt’s Creek | Netflix

Awards

• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Catherine O’Hara)
• Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Eugene Levy)
• Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Daniel Levy)
• Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Andrew Cividino & Daniel Levy)
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Daniel Levy)
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Annie Murphy)
• Outstanding Comedy Series

You might be thinking the above list is everything that Schitt’s Creek got nominated for, and you would be right.  But it’s also everything they won.  That’s right, Schitt’s Creek made Emmy history by sweeping the comedy category.

I got my prediction on this very wrong.  I picked The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which won for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2018.  In my opinion, 2020 was the best season so I thought they had a fair chance.  Where I went wrong is that I hadn’t seen Schitt’s Creek.  I tried to watch it last year but after two episodes just didn’t get it.  After talking to some people sounds like the first season isn’t the best but then it gets much better. 

With the season that just won being the final I’m now looking forward to binging a whole “new to me” series culminating with the best comedy on TV.

Watchmen | HBO

Awards

• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Regina King)
• Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series or Movie (Damon Lindelof & Cord Jefferson)
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II)
• Outstanding Limited Series or Movie

Watchmen and HBO were the big winners in the Limited Series category and rightfully so.  I chose Watchmen as my pick for Outstanding Limited Series.  If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out.  It’s unlike anything else on TV right now.  The only unfortunate thing is that it’s a Limited Series and when I was watching it I thought it was a regular series expecting there to be a season 2.

Aside from the truly unique plot, the topics are hyper relevant, with tension between the police and the public.  I’m embarrassed to say that I hadn’t learned about the Tulsa Massacre until watching Watchmen.

Succession | HBO

Awards

• Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Jeremy Strong)
• Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Jesse Armstrong)
• Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Andrij Parekh)
• Outstanding Drama Series

HBO won big again in the Drama category with Succession.  I had picked The Crown to win Outstanding Drama but I’m not disappointed that Succession did.  I mentioned it as potential for one of the top HBO Drama’s of all time, but the true test is going to be if they can keep up the momentum. 

I Know This Much Is True | HBO

Awards

• Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Mark Ruffalo)

So I hadn’t necessarily heard of this Limited Series on HBO, but sometimes those tend to fly under the radar.  But I like Mark Ruffalo, and it’s clearly an outstanding performance, so it’s on my list.  Playing two characters is something we’ve seen done this year, but I’m excited to see it done well (looking at you An American Pickle).

Euphoria | HBO

Awards

• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Zendaya)

Zendaya made history as the youngest actress to ever win the Lead Actress in a Drama Series award, and it was well deserved!  She is also only the second Black women to win this award as well, which on a pretty white night, is something to recognize.

Her role in Euphoria is literally outstanding, the acting is so honest and raw.  And terrifies me for our youth today.

Unorthodox | Netflix

Awards

• Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Movie (Maria Schrader)

Directing is the perfect award for Unorthodox because every detail was thought of.  A rare glimpse inside the world of Hasidic Judaism, would have loved to see a second season on this Limited Series.  

Mrs. America | Hulu

Awards

• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Uzo Aduba)

I was interested in Mrs. America because I’m highly invested in the topic, women’s liberation and equal rights.  When it came out and there was no buzz it kind of fell to the wayside.  But with the compelling story and strong cast, I’ll probably give it a go

The Morning Show | Apple TV+

Awards

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Billy Crudup)

The Morning Show is the first series I watched on Apple TV+ and has so many good things going for it.  A different(ish) role for Reese, getting to see Jen back on the small screen, and a very relevant topic with workplace harassment and the fallout.  Billy’s character brings a welcome energy to the show.

Ozark | Netflix

Awards

• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Julia Garner)

I’m surprised that Ozark didn’t win more awards, it really is that good.  I guess some seasons there are shows that take most of the awards and this year it was Succession.  This is Julia Garners second nomination and win for the role of Ruth Langmore in Ozark and she does a lot for the character.  Next season is the last season so if you haven’t watched it yet, there’s time to get caught up,

I’m not going to say it’s dead, but network television didn’t get any major awards.  Streaming is where the groundbreaking content is at.  Which streaming services are a must for you?