Emmy 2021 Nominees: Breaking Down the Award Categories

The 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in television, recognizes outstanding programming across various categories. This year, we saw a lineup of incredible shows and performances shaping the landscape of television. Below, we detail the nominees in various categories, providing an overview of the standout contenders for each prestigious award.

Best Drama Series

The Best Drama Series category is one of the most anticipated, featuring a diverse lineup of critically acclaimed shows. Here are the nominees:

The Boys (Amazon Prime Video) Bridgerton (Netflix) The Crown (Netflix) The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu) Lovecraft Country (HBO) The Mandalorian (Disney ) Pose (FX) This Is Us (NBC)

Each of these shows pushes the boundaries of storytelling and visual style, with standout performances from talented actors and significant contributions from the creative teams behind the scenes.

Best Comedy Series

The Best Comedy Series category is marked by some top-notch shows that make audiences laugh and think. Here is the complete list of nominees:

Black-ish (ABC) Cobra Kai (Netflix) Emily in Paris (Netflix) Hacks (HBO Max) The Flight Attendant (HBO Max) The Kominsky Method (Netflix) Pen15 (Hulu) Ted Lasso (Apple TV )

These shows not only entertain but also provide a mirror to contemporary society, addressing complex issues with humor and nuance.

Best Limited Series

The Best Limited Series category highlights shows that deliver intense, gripping storytelling within a confined timeframe. Here are the nominees:

I May Destroy You (HBO) Mare of Easttown (HBO) The Queen's Gambit (Netflix) The Underground Railroad (Amazon Prime Video) WandaVision (Disney )

These shows are a testament to the power of television to explore deep and multifaceted themes, often with startling revelations and complex characters.

Best Television Movie

The Best Television Movie category celebrates remarkable made-for-TV productions that capture the imagination and emotional resonance of their audiences. Here are the nominees:

Uncle Frank Sylvie's Love Oslo Rosie Roberts - Presents: Mahalia Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square

These movies use the unique formats of television to explore both contemporary and historical issues through engaging narratives and compelling performances.

Top Performances

In addition to the most innovative shows, the 2021 Emmy Awards also honored the exceptional performances that brought these stories to life. Key categories include:

Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Best Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

These categories showcase the depth and range of talent in the television industry, with many of the nominees delivering outstanding performances that resonate with viewers.

Other Categories

In addition to the above categories, the Emmy Awards also recognized excellence in various other areas of television. Notable categories include:

Best Competition Program Best Variety Sketch Series Best Variety Special Live and Pre-Recorded

These categories cover a wide array of television content, ranging from reality competitions to stand-up comedy specials, ensuring that the Emmy Awards celebrate the full spectrum of television programming.