It’s fitting that in that in the midst of a pandemic that one of Hollywood’s biggest award shows would be dominated by a streaming service. When the Television Academy announced nominees for the 72nd Academy Awards it was Netflix looking golden.
Netflix ended up breaking the recordfor most nominations in a single year with 160 in total. HBO also came out a winner today withWatchmenhauling in 26 overall nominations while the Disney+ seriesThe Mandalorianranked with a respectable 18.
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The backdrop forthese nominations and the upcoming Academy Awardsare the unusual times we are living in with COVID-19 impacting nearly every industry. Hollywood in particular has had to adjust with a host of production delays coming to both television shows and movies.Even these Emmy announcements, which are normally a production in of themselves had to be done virtually, with Leslie Jones emceeing the entire thing from a virtual stage.
The Emmy Awards this yearwill be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel on September 20 on ABC. Final round voting for the Emmys begins August 21 - 31st. The Creative Arts Emmys which would have normally taken place over two nights on September 12-13 will be handed out over virtual ceremonies with those dates to be determined. In a rather grim first, the Governors Ball that normally precedes the award show will not take place due to pandemic concerns.
There will be several intriguing categories to watch this year.Particularly Best Drama,which hasThe Mandalorianduking it with Netflix’sStranger Things,among others. Mando won’t have to challenge Sister Night, however;Watchmenresides in the Best Limited Series category, not Best Drama.
Despite the the nomination ceremony being wonky and the broadcast itself having to contend with pandemic concerns, the depth and breadth of shows nominated this year is an encouraging sign.
