Hit series Shōgun, The Bear and Baby Reindeer are expected to rack up nominations for this year's Emmys as the contenders for television's version of the Oscars are unveiled on Wednesday.
Nominees will be announced by Tony Hale (Veep) and Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary) during a live-streamed ceremony starting at 3.30pm in Ireland (8:30am PT), after which final-round voting begins for the 76th Emmy Awards, set for 15 September.
Here are five things to look out for:
1. Irish interest
Irish actor Andrew Scott is hotly tipped for a nomination for his leading role in the acclaimed Netflix thriller Ripley, a miniseries based on Patricia Highsmith's 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Colin Farrell could pick up a nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his leading role as private detective John Sugar in Apple's mystery drama Sugar.
The prolific actress and writer Sharon Horgan is tipped for a nomination for Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Amazon's Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
Meanwhile, Dubliner Barry Keoghan and Belfast star Anthony Boyle could be in with a shot of Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or a TV Movie nominations for their roles in Apple's World War II drama Masters of the Air, while Pierce Brosnan could get a nod in the same category for The Great Lillian Hall.
2. Shōgun brings the drama
Shōgun - adapted from James Clavell's historical fiction novel - transported viewers to early 17th-century Japan.
Starting from the perspective of a marooned English sailor, its scope widens over 10 acclaimed episodes to span the intricate and deadly court politics of the era, fleshing out a remarkable cast of Japanese heroes and villains.
With another two seasons already in the works, it is a hot favourite in this year's drama categories.
"Because it's got everything going for it in terms of acting, writing, directing" and many technical categories, "Shōgun is probably going to be the top one," Deadline awards columnist Pete Hammond told AFP.
Shōgun faces competition from the final season of Netflix's British royal saga The Crown, and Apple's The Morning Show, starring Jennifer Aniston.
3. Bear continues rampage?
Set in a chaotic Chicago restaurant run by a group of close-knit but abrasive and occasionally abusive chefs, The Bear was a big winner for its debut season at last year's Emmys.
It returned with an even more ambitious and experimental second run.
Sumptuous montages of Michelin star-level dishes were paired with extraordinary episodes like Fishes - an hour-long portrait of a dysfunctional family tearing itself apart over one excruciating dinner.
Bizarrely entered in the Emmys' comedy categories, despite dealing with hard-hitting issues like grief and addiction, The Bear is expected to contend again.
It is up against shows including Hacks, Abbott Elementary, Only Murders in the Building and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
4. Baby Reindeer controversy
Limited series, for shows that end after a single season, is a category always packed with water-cooler hits. But this year, one made far more noise than the rest.
Netflix's Baby Reindeer, adapted from Scottish comedian Richard Gadd's pitch-black one-man show about his encounters with a female stalker, was a global phenomenon.
It was billed as a "true story" - a claim that helped lure audiences, but sparked a lawsuit from a British woman who says she was the inspiration for the stalker and is demanding $170 million (€156 million) in damages.
"I don't think the controversy is going to hurt it in terms of nominations," said Hammond.
Baby Reindeer is in contention against the likes of Fargo, True Detective, Ripley and Lessons in Chemistry.
5. Deja vu
It often feels that award shows like the Emmys come round faster with each passing year. But this time, it really is true.
The 76th Emmy Awards, scheduled for 15 September, will be the second to take place in 2024, after last year's ceremony was postponed to January due to Hollywood strikes.
Complicating matters further, some shows like The Bear have recently released new seasons that will not become eligible for awards until the 2025 Emmys.
Confused? The upcoming edition of the Emmys will honour television series that were broadcast between June 2023 and May 2024.
Source: AFP
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