The Emmys are often slow to recognize newer shows and performances and tend to reward old favorites long after they've jumped the shark. Nonetheless, at Sunday night's 68th Annual Primetime Emmys, there were still some unexpected winners and some odds-on favorites who were passed over.
Master of None." Again, the expected winner was "Veep" (for the dramatic "Mother" episode). That "Veep" episode was also the favorite for Comedy Directing, but it went instead to Transparent."
"Saturday Night Live" MVP Mom."
American Crime" was a mild surprise, since crime boss Fargo" was favored to win. "Sherlock: The Abominable Bride" was a longshot winner for Best Movie, since an HBO movie ("All the Way") was up for the prize. Of course, "O.J.," the most nominated project in the category, won the Best Limited Series prize, but it was too bad "Fargo" got shut out.
Not a surprise that "Grease: Live" won Best Directing for a Variety Special, but as Kimmel joked, who's going to tell Kanye West that Beyoncé's "Lemonade" lost?
Of course, Maslany's win meant snubs for Keri Russell (finally nominated for "The Americans") and Viola Davis, who'd been expected to repeat for "How To Get Away With Murder."
Nearly as big a shocker was Australian actor Bloodline." He certainly deserved the trophy (sorry, Jon Snow); alas, he wasn't there to pick it up.
Downton Abbey") and Game of Thrones") were the two likeliest Best Supporting Actress winners, so Smith's victory meant a snub for Headey. (As Kimmel predicted, Smith won again without bothering to show up, so he grabbed the trophy and said he'd put it in "lost-and-found.")
Another Emmys, another awards show that ends with you feeling like you have to add so many new shows to your watch list.
