It's rare that an award show turns out exactly how you hoped. So, it's not as if we were totally surprised by the 2021 Emmy nominations, which included some notable snubs and stunners.
Announced by father-daughter acting duo Ron Cephas Jones and Jasmine Cephas Jones on July 13, this year's batch of Emmy nominees featured some obvious frontrunners in the big categories—Olivia Colman from The Crown, Billy Porter from Pose and Kate Winslet from Mare of Easttown, to name a few.
However, the announcement did have some big surprises. For example, we did not expect Aidy Bryant to land a nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category, but we are so thrilled that she did.
Unfortunately, the day wasn't a celebration for everyone in Hollywood as some predicted contenders were left off the nominees list. Case in point: Bridgerton's Phoebe Dynevor received no love from the Emmys, even though her frequent scene partner Regé-Jean Page did. And how was Pedro Pascal left out of the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category when The Mandalorian, where he plays the titular role, was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series?
Make it make sense!
For all of the snubs and surprises, scroll through the images below.
Aidy Bryant in Shrill, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
For its third and final season, Hulu's Shrill finally got some Emmys love through Aidy Bryant's nomination in the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category. Aidy also received a nomination in the Supporting Actress category for her work on Saturday Night Live.
Phoebe Dynevor in Bridgerton, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Although Regé-Jean Page received a nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama category, his other half on Bridgerton didn't receive an Emmy nod. While we may've loved Phoebe Dynevor's neck acting in the period drama, it didn't land her the nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Mj Rodriguez in Pose, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
While there were murmurings that Mj Rodriguez would receive a nomination for her work as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in Pose, she wasn't necessarily a shoo-in. Thankfully, Mj found herself in the Lead Actress in a Drama series category, making history along the way. The Pose star is the first trans woman to be honored in a lead acting category.
Girls5eva, Outstanding Comedy Series and more
Unfortunately for the Peacock comedy, it received no nods from the Emmys. Girsl5eva was snubbed in the Outstanding Comedy Series category and the shows stars, including Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell and Renée Elise Goldsberry, were MIA from the announcement too.
Renée did receive a nod for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her work in Hamilton.
Ewan McGregor in Halston, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Or Anthology Series or Movie
Listen, Ewan McGregor was absolutely delightful in Ryan Murphy's Netflix drama, Halston. However, the series wasn't necessarily a smash success as it received mixed reviews following its debut. So, you can understand why we're a little surprised by this nod.
Pedro Pascal in The Mandalorian, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
We're kind of baffled by this one! The Mandalorian found itself nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, but the show's star Pedro Pascal wasn't nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor. He's the titular role...
The Cast of Hamilton, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Or Anthology Series or Movie and more
Hamilton continues to prove that it's a cultural phenomenon! And, while we're thrilled for Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Daveed Diggs, Jonathan Groff and Anthony Ramos, we're still surprised that a filmed production of a Broadway musical is up for an Emmy.
Jane Levy in Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Justice for Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist! We're still not over Zoey's cancelation from June, especially after the stunning performance Jane Levy gave in both seasons one and two. Alas, the actress was snubbed for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
Just another disappointing day for fans of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist.
CONAN, Outstanding Variety Talk Series
What a way to go out! Back in June, after 11 years at TBS, Conan O'Brien hosted his last episode of CONAN. And, on July 13, the chat show was honored with a major nod during the 2021 Emmy nominations.
Mr. Mayor, Outstanding Comedy Series and more
Despite receiving a second season by NBC, it appears Mr. Mayor didn't have the votes when it came to the Emmys. Not only did the comedy series get snubbed, but TV legend Ted Danson didn't receive a nod for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Emily in Paris, Outstanding Comedy Series
There's no denying that Netflix's Emily in Paris was a smash hit for the streaming service, but it didn't come without some controversy. Namely, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association received backlash after it named the deliciously sweet series a nominee for Best Television Series — Musical or Comedy over more critically acclaimed shows. Yet, it seems the Emmy voters agree that Emily in Paris was one of the best comedies of the year.
Master of None, Outstanding Comedy Series and more
Despite the show's long-awaited return, Master of None received no love from Emmys voters. Not only was the dramedy shut out of the Outstanding Comedy Series category, but Lena Waithe, who took on the leading role for season three, didn't receive a nod for her acting work.
Claire Foy in The Crown, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
While we are obsessed with Claire Foy's portrayal of young Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix's The Crown, we were very surprised when the actress landed an Emmy nomination for season four. Why? Well, she really only appeared in one brief, flashback scene.
Made for Love, Outstanding Comedy Series and more
It seems HBO Max's dark comedy was not made for Emmy voters as Made for Love received no nods this year. This was particularly surprising as the cast, which includes Cristin Milioti, Billy Magnussen and Ray Romano, is pretty incredible.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Or Anthology Series or Movie and more
Marvel and Disney+ have a reason to celebrate as WandaVision nabbed several nominations for the 2021 Emmys. However, the streaming service's other hit Marvel show, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, fared less well as it was shut out of major categories, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Or Anthology Series or Movie, Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, etc.
Don Cheadle received the only acting nod as he was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. The series also received several technical nominations.
Nicole Kidman in The Undoing, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Or Anthology Series or Movie
Nicole Kidman's coats in The Undoing may've made headlines, but it seems her performance wasn't a noteworthy one. On Tuesday, July 13, the A-list actress was surprisingly left out of the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Or Anthology Series or Movie category for the 2021 Emmys. Fingers crossed that Nine Perfect Strangers does the trick for next award season!
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