LOS ANGELES — Without a clear follow-up to “Succession,” the field of drama could be wide open when the Emmy Awards nominations are announced Wednesday morning.
“The Bear,” meanwhile, could have a familiar celebration on the comedy side.
None of last year’s top three nominees — “Succession,” “The White Lotus” and “The Last of Us” — all from HBO, are in the competition. ‘Succession’, the three dominant winners of the last four years, have ended and the other two are between-season series.
Taking advantage of the opening could be FX upstart “Shogun” and Netflix Emmy perennial “The Crown.”
‘Shogun’ shook up the drama race when its creators said in May that despite ending the story of James Clavell’s historical novel about political machinations in early 17th century Japan, they would consider making more than one season . That upended the critical darling from the limited series category to the more elite drama category, where it became an instant favorite.
If “Shogun” dominates, FX could be this year’s HBO, with “The Bear” making its comeback in comedy and “Fargo” likely to get plenty of nominations in the limited categories or anthology series.
“The Bear” is in its second season, as chef and lead actor Carmen “Carmie” Berzatto, played by Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White, attempts to transform a sleazy sandwich shop into an elite restaurant. The series created by Christopher Storer could easily surpass last time’s thirteen nominations and six wins.
The announcement of the nominations by Emmy winners Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tony Hale comes just six months after the last Emmy Awards, which were postponed by last year’s writers and actors strikes.
Returning to its traditional schedule, the show will be held on September 15 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and air on ABC.
“The Crown,” a seasonal Emmy favorite that many felt had a sub-par fifth season, had a bounce-back year in its sixth and final season. Elizabeth Debicki might come closest to a certainty in the best supporting actress in a drama category for playing Princess Diana in episodes that depicted her final days and death in 1997.
Apple TV+’s “The Morning Show” could also shine in the nominations if not for “Succession.” Many consider Jennifer Aniston the favorite to win an Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama, matching the comedy actress trophy she won for “Friends.”
On the comedy side, “The Bear” regularly competes with nominees “Hacks” — one of the few significant competitors this year from HBO and Max — and ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” which still remains the sole standout for broadcast networks at the Emmys . .
New and notable nominations may abound. Many Oscar winners are likely to take home the awards, including the reigning Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor winners, Emma Stone for “The Curse” and Robert Downey Jr. for ‘The Sympathizer’.
Meryl Streep could get a nomination for “Only Murders in the Building,” and her fellow multiple Oscar winner Jodie Foster could get one for “True Detective: Night Country.”
