This past Sunday, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences held the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards. Held live with reduced attendance at The Event Deck of L.A. Live, with broadcasting done by CBS and Paramount+ live-stream, the ceremony seemed to indicate a turnaround in audience stats for the Emmys, with 11% more viewers watching on CBS than the awards last year. That is not much to say however, considering the 72nd Primetime Emmys was the least-watched in the awards’ history. In any case, there were some notable highlights for this ceremony, which honored the best TV and streaming content from June 2020 to May 2021.

The Associated Press tells us that in line with the prevailing trends from the year before, streaming series again ruled the roost during the Primetime Emmy Awards last September 19. As before, Netflix seemed to take the lion’s share of nominations and awards. This time, their award cow “The Crown” is joined by another 1950s-60s period-set limited series, “The Queen’s Gambit,” in netting awards for the streaming giant. Apple TV+ was not far behind, their sports comedy “Ted Lasso” being the most-nominated individual show. One disappointment of the evening was Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” with 21 nominations, and won none.

For individual awards, Netflix cornered Outstanding Drama Series (“The Crown”) and Limited Series (“Queen’s Gambit”) while Apple TV+ secured Outstanding Comedy (“Ted Lasso”). For acting, both Outstanding Actor and Actress for Drama went to stars of “The Crown,” namely Josh O’Connor (Prince Charles) and Olivia Colman (Queen Elizabeth II). Obviously, Jason Sudeikis’ role as the titular Ted Lasso got the Outstanding Actor for Comedy nod. “The Crown” continues to prove its Emmy-bait potential even as the real-life British Royal Family distances itself from the biographical drama. “The Queen’s Gambit” on the other hand has reportedly reinvigorated audience interest in chess following its October 2020 premiere.

Another notable event during the Emmys was an instance of posthumous nomination. Michael K. Williams of HBO’s “Lovecraft County” was one of several hopefuls for Outstanding Supporting Actor in Drama, but passed away last September 6. Relatively new streaming platform Disney+ had some choice nominations during the evening as well, but only managed a major win in Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-recorded) courtesy of their recorded-film release of now-legendary musical “Hamilton.” All in all, Netflix is top of the heap for both nomination quantity and realized victories in this year’s Emmys.

Image from USA Today