Even with the Emmys expanding the drama and comedy series categories to eight nominees and boosting the supporting acting races to number eight as well, there are omissions. Surprises too. But also crushing, demoralizing exclusions that leave a bitter taste in the mouth and a black cloud over the psyche.
We’ll call them, for the sake of alliteration, “snubs,” but they’re mostly just a sign that there remains too much good television for voters to parse, even during these isolated times when we’re stuck inside for too much of the day, wondering if anyone else is enjoying “Never Have I Ever” as much as we are.
So here we present the snubs (sob) and surprises (hurray!) of the 2020 Emmy nominations.
SURPRISE: Zendaya (lead actress, drama)
Making it in ahead of Emmy winners Nicole Kidman, Viola Davis and Elizabeth Moss, the star of HBO’s dark drama “Euphoria” pulled off the morning’s biggest surprise, but voters were spot-on in recognizing her haunting, unsettling work in the show. The former Disney star carried this uneven series with style and sensitivity to spare.
SNUB: “Ramy” (comedy series)
Ramy Youssef picked up an acting nomination, with “Ramy” making history as the first Muslim American sitcom to earn Emmy recognition. Castmate Mahershala Ali joined him. But voters didn’t recognize the show itself, a shocking omission for one of the best-reviewed comedies of the season.