Queer TV Shines at the 76th Annual Primetime Emmy Nominations
The 76th annual Primetime Emmy nominations dropped this morning, and while a few snubs had us screaming in frustration, overall, it’s been a fab year for queer television. The noms were announced live from Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre by Emmy winners Tony Hale and Sheryl Lee Ralph, alongside Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego.
This year is unique since it’s the first time the ceremony is happening twice in a year due to last year’s actor and writer strikes. We had the award ceremony in January for the 2023 Emmys edition, but this time, they’re celebrating the 2024 edition.
But enough chit-chat, let’s dive into some of the LGBTQ+ highlights from this year’s nominations!
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
As expected, Netflix’s breakout hit Baby Reindeer was nominated, and Nava Mau made history as the first trans-Latina nominated in her category. Mau follows in the footsteps of trailblazers like Laverne Cox and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. Her Baby Reindeer co-star Richard Gadd also snagged a nod for Lead Actor and Writing for the series. Jessica Gunning, who plays Gadd’s stalker Martha, is up for her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program and Outstanding Reality Host
These categories are for the gays tbh. RuPaul dominated again, earning 10 nominations, including Outstanding Reality-Competition Program and Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program. In her first year as host of Top Chef, Kristen Kish got nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality Program. Top Chef is also up for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. Alan Cumming is also nominated for Outstanding Reality Host this year for his role in The Traitors, which is also up for Outstanding Reality-Competition. So like we said, these two categories are for the gays.
Outstanding Acting Nominations
Even though Fellow Travelers missed a nom for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series (hence the screaming), it scored acting noms for our beloved Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey. Feud: Capote vs. the Swans saw Tom Hollander earn his first Emmy nomination for playing Truman Capote. He’s up for Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Another fave of ours, Andrew Scott is nominated in the same category for his role in Netflix’s Ripley, which is also up for Best Limited or Anthology Series.
An old fave here at Q+, Jodie Foster, has her first Emmy nom in a decade for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series for True Detective: Night Country. The series is also up for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and Outstanding Writing. Foster’s co-star Kali Reis earned her first nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category.
Comedian Bowen Yang got his third Emmy nom for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Saturday Night Live. While Bicon Hannah Einbinder earned her third nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks, which is also up for Outstanding Comedy.
Seven-time Emmy nominee and 1999 winner Holland Taylor is up this year for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role in The Morning Show. Taylor’s wife, Sarah Paulson, is up for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
And Oscar-nominee Lily Gladstone earned their first Emmy nom for Under the Bridge, they’re up for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series.
Outstanding Series/Movies Nominations
In the top-line categories, LGBTQ+-friendly shows like Hacks, Palm Royale, and What We Do in the Shadows were nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series alongside The Bear, with an acting nom for Ayo Edebiri, who won last year for the same role. For Outstanding Animated Program, the queer-coded X-Men ’97 earned a nomination, while Netflix’s gender-bending Blue Eye Samurai scored a nod as well.
And last but definitely not least, Amazon Prime Video’s rom-com Red, White & Royal Blue —aka the movie we play almost daily in our offices— is up for Outstanding Television Movie. We’re so happy for all the team behind it. History, huh? Bet they can make some.
Congratulations to all the nominees! We’re rooting for each and every one of you, and we’re thrilled to see so many queer folks and LGBTQ+ projects getting the recognition they deserve.
The gay gods did well with these nominations, don’t y’all think?
Anygays, the 76th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on ABC on September 15, 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. You can check out the full 76th Annual Primetime Emmy Nominations list here. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured Image: Courtesy of the Television Academy. Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP Images
