Nominations for the 70th annual Primetime Emmy Awards are out. The contenders were announced by “The Handmaid’s Tale” actress Samira Wiley and actor Ryan Eggold. And with everyone from “Westworld’s” Ed Harris to “The Voice’s” Mark Burnett in the running, the Malibu entertainment community will be in suspense.
The Emmys focus exclusively on television, with the major awards divided into separate categories for comedy and drama.
Several nods went to 2017’s big winner, “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Last year the grim, dystopian adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel walked away with several awards, including outstanding writing in a drama series and the outstanding drama series.
The outstanding lead actress in a drama series prize went to Elisabeth Moss, who won an Emmy for the first time after seven prior nominations. “Handmaid’s” team faces tough competition from binge-worthy favorites like “The Crown,” “Westworld” and “Game of Thrones,” as well as “The Americans,” “Stranger Things” and “This is Us.”
In addition to outstanding drama for “Westworld,” longtime resident Ed Harris received the nom hon for best actor in a drama. Other guys on the roster include fellow “Westworld” actor Jeffrey Wright, as well as Sterling K. Brown and Milo Ventimiglia, both of “This is Us.” Rounding out the category are Jason Bateman (“Ozark”) and Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”).
In the comedy category, “Atlanta,” “Barry,” “Black-ish,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Glow,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Silicon Valley” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” made the cut.
It should be an Oscar-worthy crowd with Evan Rachel Wood (“Westworld”), Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), Claire Foy (“The Crown”), Keri Russell (“The Americans”), Tatiana Masalany (“Orphan Black”) and Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”) battling it out for best actress in a drama series.
For outstanding reality competition series, The “Amazing Race” could zoom out the door with a whole lotta loot to fill its suitcases again. But there is also “American Ninja Warrior,” and Mark Burnett and his runaway hit “The Voice.”
As for variety, it’s all late night, including karaoke king James Cordon and my personal fave, Dr. Stephen T. Colbert. If we can’t make America great again, at least we can make it funny.
It’s set to be an Oscar-worthy red carpet as well, with so many superstars nominated for lead actor and actress in limited series, including John Legend (“Jesus Christ Superstar”), Jesse Plemons (“Black Mirror: USS Callister”), Jessica Biel (“The Sinner”), Laura Dern (“The Tale”), Michelle Dockery (“Godless”), Edie Falco (“Law and Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders”), Regina King (“Seven Seconds”) and Sarah Paulson (“American Horror Story”).
NBC will broadcast the 2018 Emmy Awards show live on Monday, Sept. 17. “Saturday Night Live’s” Colin Jost and Michael Che will serve as the hosts. So, get your fantasy ballots out and see if your favorites win, lose or it’s all bets off.