The 2024 Emmy Awards are just around the corner, and the episode submissions for this year’s nominees have been revealed. As the excitement builds, the choices made by actors and series for their submissions can significantly impact their chances of winning. The process of selecting the right episode is crucial, as it showcases the best of what each series has to offer.
According to Emmy rules, after nominations are announced, each drama and comedy series must submit six episodes that exemplify the highlights of their respective seasons. This differs from the process for directors and writers, who submit their choices before the initial voting phase. The stakes are high, and the decisions made can be a double-edged sword.
This year, one of the most talked-about submissions comes from HBO’s acclaimed series “Succession.” The episode titled “Connor’s Wedding,” which has been hailed as one of the best episodes in the series and even in television history, was notably absent from the submissions made by the show’s actors. Despite 14 nominations across main and guest categories, not a single actor chose this landmark episode, including Alan Ruck, whose character’s name is in the title.
In the main acting categories, nominees are tasked with selecting one episode that best highlights their performance. This selection process has long been debated among awards pundits, raising questions about whether voters focus on the impact of a single episode or consider the entire season or series as a whole. With so many deserving contenders, the episode submissions can create a level playing field, but they can also explain why certain frontrunners fail to secure a win.
Take, for instance, Robin Wright’s experience with “House of Cards.” Despite receiving six nominations for her portrayal of Claire Underwood, her choice to submit the season finale, which features an emotional scene on a staircase, puzzled many. Many expected her to submit the impactful “Chapter 17,” where her character discusses being sexually assaulted. This miscalculation likely contributed to Julianna Margulies’ victory for “The Good Wife.”
Similarly, during “Modern Family’s” historic five-season winning streak, Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s choice to submit the episode “Leap Day” baffled critics, as it primarily showcased his co-star Eric Stonestreet. This decision ultimately led to Stonestreet’s second Emmy win.
As the Emmy nominations approach, Variety has analyzed the submissions from this year’s acting nominees, categorizing them into three groups: great submissions, interesting picks, and those that might cost the nominees their chances.
Among the standout submissions, Phil Dunster from “Ted Lasso” chose the episode “Mom City,” which tackles parental issues and features a powerful performance from Becky Ann Baker as Ted’s mother. This episode could be a game-changer for Dunster, especially since it comes from the latter half of the season, which has been acknowledged for its stronger storytelling.
Melanie Lynskey’s choice for “Yellowjackets” was the episode “Burial,” which follows the aftermath of a pivotal moment in the series. This selection showcases her character’s emotional turmoil and could resonate well with voters.
Sheryl Lee Ralph’s submission for “Abbott Elementary” was the episode “Fire,” where her character experiences mild PTSD after a candle incident. This choice could lead to another win for Ralph, who took home her first Emmy last year.
Bella Ramsey’s submission for “The Last of Us” was the episode “When We Are in Need,” which highlights her character’s harrowing journey and showcases some of the best acting moments of the season.
Jeremy Strong’s choice for “Succession” was the finale episode “With Open Eyes,” a surprising move since many leading candidates typically submit their season finales. This could be a strategic decision that pays off for Strong, who is the only former winner in the running.
Jason Sudeikis submitted the season finale of “Ted Lasso,” titled “So Long, Farewell,” which packed an emotional punch and could give him an edge over competitors like Jeremy Allen White from “The Bear.”
On the other hand, some submissions raised eyebrows. Jeremy Allen White’s choice of the season finale “Braciole” from “The Bear” was unexpected, as many believed he would opt for an earlier episode that showcased his character’s growth more effectively.
Kieran Culkin’s submission for “Succession,” “Church and State,” featured a powerful moment during his father’s funeral. However, some felt he could have chosen a more impactful episode, such as “Kill List,” which showcased his character’s explosive moments.
Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyen both submitted “Tailgate Party,” an episode filled with tension between their characters. While it was a strong choice, many felt Snook had more obvious options that could have highlighted her range better.
Brian Cox and Alan Ruck both submitted “The Rehearsal,” the episode preceding Logan’s death. While it made sense for Cox, who had limited options, Ruck’s choice was seen as a missed opportunity to showcase his character’s depth.
Natasha Lyonne’s submission for “Poker Face” was the episode “Dead Man’s Hand,” which, while solid, did not highlight her character’s best moments compared to other episodes in the series.
James Marsden’s choice for “Jury Duty” was “Ineffective Assistance,” a later-season episode that some felt did not capture his character’s full potential, raising concerns about his chances.
In the “wrong answer” category, Pedro Pascal’s submission for “The Last of Us,” titled “Kin,” was seen as a lesser choice. Many believed he should have submitted the pilot episode or the emotional finale, which would have showcased his character’s journey more effectively.
Bill Hader’s choice for “Barry,” “You’re Charming,” was puzzling, as many expected him to submit the series finale, which was nominated for writing and directing. This decision mirrored a previous misstep during his final season on “Saturday Night Live.”
Jenna Ortega’s submission for “Wednesday,” “Friend or Woe,” was also questioned, as many felt she should have chosen the episode that featured her viral dance moment, which would have resonated more with voters.
As the Emmy Awards approach, the choices made by nominees will undoubtedly shape the outcome of this year’s ceremony. The episode submissions reveal not only the strengths of the performances but also the strategies behind each selection. With so much talent in the running, it will be fascinating to see how these choices play out on the big night.
Source: Variety
