Creative Arts Emmys: Big Wins for “The Studio,” “The Penguin,” and a Milestone for Julie Andrews
The Creative Arts Emmy Awards took place, setting the stage for the highly anticipated Primetime Emmy Awards. Several shows emerged as frontrunners, while a beloved actress celebrated a career milestone.
Julie Andrews Secures Her Third Emmy
At the age of 89, Julie Andrews added another accolade to her illustrious career, winning her third Emmy Award. She was recognized for her outstanding character voice-over performance in the Netflix series “Bridgerton.” This marks her first Emmy win since 2005. Andrews previously won for “The Julie Andrews Hour” in 1973 and “Broadway: The American Musical” in 2005. Although she boasts an Oscar and a Grammy for her iconic role in “Mary Poppins,” she notably lacks a Tony Award, despite her significant contributions to Broadway productions like “My Fair Lady.”
“The Studio” Dominates Comedy Categories
Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” a satirical take on Hollywood, emerged as a major winner, securing nine trophies. The series, which entered the competition as the most-nominated comedy, took home awards in various craft categories, including cinematography, production design, and casting.
A recurring joke among the winners became a memorable highlight of the evening. Almost every member of “The Studio” team thanked “Sal Saperstein” from the stage. This running gag references a character played by Ike Barinholtz who receives unexpected acknowledgments within the show.
Adam Newport-Berra, who won for cinematography, highlighted the meta nature of his work on “The Oner” episode. This episode showcased an on-screen crew attempting to capture a long, single shot, mirroring the episode’s own single-shot execution. Newport-Berra described “The Oner” as the “pinnacle” of their creative aspirations.
“The Penguin” Soars in Limited Series Categories
HBO’s “The Penguin” made a significant impact in the limited series categories, amassing eight awards. The show’s success spanned various technical areas, including prosthetic makeup and visual effects.
Other Notable Wins
- “Andor,” the Disney+ “Star Wars” series, earned four awards in the drama categories.
- “Adolescence,” another acclaimed Netflix show known for its single-shot episodes, won for best cinematography in a limited series.
Guest Acting Honors
Julianne Nicholson and Bryan Cranston were recognized for their outstanding guest performances.
Nicholson won her first Emmy for best guest actress in a comedy for her portrayal of Dance Mom on HBO Max’s “Hacks.” She beat out Oscar winners Jamie Lee Curtis and Olivia Colman. Nicholson, usually known for serious roles, expressed her enjoyment in exploring a new comedic direction. “It was so fun to just go balls to the wall in a way that I don’t usually get the opportunity to do,” she said.
Shawn Hatosy won best guest actor in a drama for his role as the supervising doctor on “The Pitt.” He dedicated a significant portion of his speech to praising Noah Wyle, the star of the show.
Bryan Cranston secured his seventh Emmy, winning best guest actor in a comedy for “The Studio.”
Merritt Wever won best guest actress in a drama for “Severance.”
Absence of Winners
Notably, neither Julie Andrews, Bryan Cranston, nor Merritt Wever were present at the Creative Arts Awards ceremony.
A Glimpse into the Primetime Emmys
The Creative Arts Emmys, which distribute nearly 100 awards over two nights, serve as an indicator for the main Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony. Maya Rudolph humorously described the event as “the real Emmys,” emphasizing its crucial role in the production process.
The limited wins for shows like “The White Lotus” suggest that the major drama categories at the Primetime Emmys could be highly competitive. “The White Lotus” only won for its opening title music, and Hatosy was the sole winner for “The Pitt.”
Looking Ahead: Reality and Variety TV
The upcoming day will focus on reality and variety television, with nominations for Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé for their football halftime shows. Barack Obama is also nominated for his narration work, competing against Tom Hanks and Idris Elba.
