The 73rd Emmy Awards: What to Watch For

Lovecraft Country Leads The Charge with 18 nominations

Jonathan Majors and Jurnee Smollet made history as the first two Black leads to be nominated from the same drama series. Michael. K Williams, who passed away suddenly this month, earned his first Emmy nomination for Lovecraft Country. Widely considered the category’s frontrunner, Williams would become the seventh posthumous performance winner in Emmy history – and we are rooting for him.

Pose trails behind with 9 nominations

Pose joins the ranks with Lovecraft Country, with Billy Porter and M.J. Rodriguez securing nominations from the drama series. It will be a tight category! Let’s not forget that it was just two years ago, in 2019, that Porter became the first openly gay man to win for Best Actor in a Drama Series. If he wins Sunday night for Pose, it will be a beautiful, fitting end to a groundbreaking role and historic series.

“You have to shine so bright out there that they can’t deny you.” – Blanca

And let’s not forget! M.J. Rodriguez makes history as the first trans woman nominated in a lead acting category for her role as Blanca in FX’s hit drama series Pose.

Here’s what our PopViewers had to say about this season:

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Si se puede!

Rodriguez would also become just the second Latina to be nominated for this category in 46 years. Rosie Perez (HBO Max’s Flight Attendant) follows this trend by becoming the third Latina actress to receive a nomination for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series. Rodriguez and Perez join Hamilton duo Lin-Manuel Miranda and Anthony Ramos as the four Latino actors nominated for Emmys this year. While we celebrate diversity this awards season, it is also a serious reminder of how far we still have yet to go towards equal representation, and recognition, on-screen.

Alexander Hamilton!

From stage to screen, Hamilton now has the second most nominations in the Limited Series/TV movie acting categories with seven noms. Miranda is not throwing away his shot at becoming the second Latino winner in the category of the lead actor in a limited series. Phillipa Soo empowers AAPL representation with her first nomination for supporting actress in a limited series.

If Michaela doesn’t destroy you, I will

Michaela Coel was snubbed by the Golden Globes, but has earned 3 Emmy noms this year! If she wins, she will break the internet for sure! After her chic MET Gala look, we also can’t wait to see her on the red carpet! We’re rooting for Michaela, she really deserves it.

Check out what our PopViewers had to say about Coel’s incredible series:

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Saturday Night Live newcomer impresses

The SNL freshman Bowen Yang became the first Chinese-American to be nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a Comedy Series. This is huge for Saturday Night Live as Yang is the first featured cast member to be nominated for an Emmy. We’re here for it!

“I know!” -Monica Geller

After 17 years, Courtney Cox has been able to secure a nomination for Friends… The Reunion Special. It’s about damn time Monica! We love this!

“May the best woman win.” -RuPaul

RuPaul is making history with Drag Race as he ties the record for the most-awarded Black artist in Emmy history. Ru is positioned to win & break the record with 11 Emmys. This is legendary behavior, fit only for the legend himself! Here’s to making HERstory!!

Emmy Award or not- one this is for sure, our PopViewers were GAGGED over this past season!

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From Connie to VP, Maya Rudolph stands out

“Connie” the Hormone Monstress has been invited back to the Emmys with Maya Rudolph’s masterful voice acting. Bubble Bath anyone!? Rudolph is killing the game becoming the third black woman to win back-to-back Emmys. A round of applause is necessary for the Big Mouth & SNL star. Maya Rudolph, you have our vote for VP!

So who will go home with an Emmy tonight? What will be the biggest upset? Who will give the most meme-worthy speech!? At Popviewers, we are hopeful for some history-making wins recognizing diversity, inclusion, and powerful storytelling.

Have your own thoughts on who should take home an award this year? Download PopViewers and leave reactions to all of this year’s nominated shows!