Columbia Filmmakers Break Records in 76th Emmy Nominations
The 76th Emmy Award Nominations have been announced, and a number of projects worked on by Columbia filmmakers are among the honorees. The annual Emmy Awards celebrate extraordinary programming, performances, and a diverse range of exceptional storytelling across the television industry.
Ron Nyswaner '81 received a nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, while Lucia Aniello (CC '04) earned nominations for both Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.
The Bear, in which Ebon Moss-Bachrach (CC '99) has a starring role, broke the record for the most nominations in a single year in the Comedy category, receiving 23 nominations. Shōgun, co-executive produced and directed by Jonathan Van Tulleken '10, topped the Drama category this year with 25 nominations.
“Television delivers stories that connect us, uplift us, challenge us, and always entertain us," said Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego. "Today, I am honored to celebrate the outstanding work of our extraordinarily talented and hardworking creative community. This morning’s Emmy nominations are a testament to their contributions and highlight the incredible programming that has risen to the top of an exceptional year in TV.”
Learn more about each alumni-affiliated series below:
Shōgun
Co-executive producer and director: Jonathan Van Tulleken '10
When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) discovers secrets that could tip the scales of power and devastate his enemies.
Shōgun has been a standout in this year’s Emmy nominations, leading the drama category with an impressive 25 nominations. These nominations include Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. The show's cast members have also been recognized, with Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai receiving nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, respectively. Tadanobu Asano and Takehiro Hira were nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, and Néstor Carbonell received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. Additionally, writers Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks received nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for the episodes Anjin and Crimson Sky.
Only Murders in The Building
Director of Photography and Director: Chris Teague ’06
Director: Cherien Dabis ’04
Director: Jamie Babbit (BC’93)
Writer: Ben Philippe (CC’11)
Three strangers—who live in the same New York City apartment building and share an obsession with true crime—suddenly find themselves embroiled in a murder. The fourth season stars Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez.
Only Murders in the Building garnered several Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. Additionally, the show received acting nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Steve Martin and Martin Short, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Nathan Lane, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Jane Lynch.
Fellow Travelers
Creator and Showrunner: Ron Nyswaner '81
Fellow Travelers follows the lives and volatile romance of two different men, through purges, wars, protests, and plagues, overcoming obstacles in the world.
The series received nominations in several categories, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Nyswaner earned a nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
Palm Royale
Actress/Series Regular: Amber Chardae Robinson ’15
Palm Royale follows an ambitious woman (Kristen Wiig) as she plots to become the Queen of America’s most exclusive table: Palm Beach high society circa 1969. The series is based on the novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie (Inkshares, 2018) by Juliet McDaniel.
Palm Royale was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series.
The Bear
Actor: Ebon Moss-Bachrach (CC '99)
Carmy, a young fine-dining chef, comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop. As he fights to transform the shop and himself, he works alongside a rough-around-the-edges crew that ultimately reveal themselves as his chosen family. Moss-Bachrach stars in this series alongside Jermey Allen White (Shameless).
The Bear has become the most-nominated comedy series in Emmys history with a record-breaking 23 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing for a comedy series, and several acting award nominations for members of the cast, including a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Moss-Bachrach.
Hacks
Created by Lucia Aniello (CC '04)
Hacks explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.
Hacks received nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series, and Aniello earned nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, as well as Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.
What We Do in the Shadows
Director and Executive Producer: Yana Gorskaya (CC '96)
What We Do in the Shadows is a look into the nightly lives of four vampires who have lived together on Staten Island for over a century.
The series secured nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Senior Writer: Joanna Rothkopf (JRN’ 14)
Writer: Tim Carvell (CC’95)
Former Daily Show host and correspondent John Oliver brings his persona to this weekly news satire program.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver earned nominations for Outstanding Variety Talk Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.