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Emmy Watch: Your Limited Series Nominees

Wrapping up our final category of this year’s Emmy Nominees, we’re taking a look at the diverse Limited Series group. Crime dramas seem to be the top draw this year and will likely walk away big winners. 

The premiere year of American Crime Story is expected to be the runaway winner of the limited series category. The show had all the ingredients of a smash hit – executive producers Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy, the anthology style of American Horror Story, and a premise based on of one of the most sensational murder cases in American history, the O.J. Simpson trial. Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance and Cuba Gooding Jr. led the stand out performances. All three pulled down acting nominations. Each episode revisited an iconic moment from the case from the Bronco chase to the glove that didn’t fit to the (spoiler!) acquittal without being heavy handed or cheesy. Already sweeping up four Creative Arts wins, we expect The People v. O.J. Simpson to dominate. Hair Department Head Chris Clark took home a Creative Arts Emmy for recreating some of the most famous hairdos of the 1990s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovhjjk8Gs4k

The quirky and memorably gory Coen brothers’ classic Fargo launched the series of the same name that has become a darling among critics. Although not a retelling of the film plot, the first season did make connections to the big screen original and the second season followed yet another new storyline with small tie ins to the first. All three share plenty of blood and those thick Minnesota accents. Production designer Warren Alan Young spoke with us earlier this year about how he captured the prairie noir look of the show

American Crime (not to be confused with American Crime Story) from Executive Producer John Ridley is the only show in the Outstanding Limited Series category to be a return nominee from last year. Both seasons have fearlessly tackled some of the ugliest issues in America. With a finger on the pulse of current events, the show explored sexual assault in schools this year. Felicity Huffman returned for season 2 in a new role earning her a second consecutive nomination, although Sarah Paulson will be a tough contender to take down. 

Surprisingly, Roots was shut out of the performance categories despite boasting titans of stage and screen like Laurence Fishburne, Forest Whitaker, and Anika Noni Rose. The show aired over four nights (the original 1977 miniseries spanning 8) and while it didn’t break viewing records like it’s predecessor, it was a top-notch production. Unlikely to edge out The People v. O.J. Simpson, the nomination for Roots was still well deserved. 

The Night Manager pops up in every Limited Series category except Supporting Actress. The six-hour British spy drama was well executed and Hugh Laurie could nab a surprise performance Emmy’s, but the category is again likely to go to a People v. O.J. Simpson cast member. Olivia Colman delivered a notable performance during her real life pregnancy that was little mentioned in the series, making her the favorite to win Supporting Actress. 

 

Outstanding Limited Series

The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (FX)

Fargo (FX)

American Crime (ABC)

Roots (History)

The Night Manager (AMC)

 

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie

Bryan Cranston, All the Way (HBO)

Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: The Abominable Bride(Masterpiece) (PBS)

Courtney B. Vance, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (FX)

Cuba Gooding, Jr., The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (FX)

Idris Elba, Luther (BBC America)

Tom Hiddleston, The Night Manager (AMC)

 

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie

Sarah Paulson, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story(FX)

Kirsten Dunst, Fargo (FX)

Kerry Washington, Confirmation (HBO)

Felicity Huffman, American Crime (ABC)

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (HBO)

Lili Taylor, American Crime (ABC)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie

Sterling K. Brown, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (FX)

Hugh Laurie, The Night Manager (AMC)

John Travolta, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story(FX)

Jesse Plemons, Fargo (FX)

Bokeem Woodbine, Fargo (FX)

David Schwimmer, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (FX)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie

Jean Smart, Fargo (FX)

Regina King, American Crime (ABC)

Melissa Leo, All the Way (HBO)

Olivia Colman, The Night Manager (AMC)

Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Hotel (FX)

Kathy Bates, American Horror Story: Hotel (FX)

 

Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special

Jay Roach, All the Way (HBO)

Noah Hawley, Fargo, "Before the Law" (FX)

Susanne Bier, The Night Manager (AMC)

Anthony Hemingway, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, "Manna From Heaven" (FX)

Ryan Murphy, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, "From the Ashes of Tragedy" (FX)

John Singleton, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, "The Race Card" (FX)

 

Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special

Noah Hawley, Fargo, "Palindrome" (FX)

Bob DeLaurentis, Fargo, "Loplop" (FX)

David Farr, The Night Manager (AMC)

D.V. DeVincentis, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" (FX)

Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, "From the Ashes of Tragedy" (FX)

Joe Robert Cole, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, "The Race Card" (FX)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelle Long

Kelle has written about film and TV for The Credits since 2016. Follow her on Twitter @molaitdc for interviews with really cool film and TV artists and only occasional outbursts about Broadway, tennis, and country music. Please no talking or texting during the movie. Unless it is a musical, then sing along loudly.

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