'The Pitt,' 'Hacks' lead Emmy nominations

Medical drama “The Pitt” and intergenerational comedy “Hacks” dominated this year’s Emmy nominations, television’s equivalent of the Oscars.
“The Pitt” earned 25 nominations, including best drama, while the fifth and final season of “Hacks” received 24 nominations, including best comedy. The success marked a major boost for HBO Max, which led all platforms with 122 nominations. Netflix followed with 111 nods, led by limited series contender “Beef,” which received 16 nominations.

“The Pitt,” which won last year’s best drama award, follows the intense lives of emergency room workers in Pittsburgh, with each episode unfolding in real time. The series tackles issues including abortion rights, immigration and mass shootings, gradually becoming a word-of-mouth hit. Its star Noah Wyle, who rose to fame through ER, is once again nominated for best drama actor after winning an Emmy for the role.

Another major drama contender is Pluribus, created by Vince Gilligan, which earned 18 nominations. The post-apocalyptic series follows a world transformed by an alien virus that creates a peaceful collective consciousness, leaving only a small number of immune survivors. Its star Rhea Seehorn is considered a strong contender for best drama actress. Other best drama nominees include The Diplomat, Slow Horses and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

On the comedy side, “Hacks” leads the race with 24 nominations. The series follows veteran comedian Deborah Vance and her complicated relationship with her younger assistant. Its star Jean Smart, who has already won four Emmys for the role, is nominated again alongside co-star Hannah Einbinder.
Newcomer Widow’s Bay also made an impact with 19 nominations. The series stars Matthew Rhys as a quirky New England mayor attempting to attract tourists to an island believed by residents to be haunted.

Other comedy contenders include Shrinking and the final season of The Bear, which has previously won 21 Emmys.
Among limited series nominees, “Beef” competes alongside “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette,” which drew attention for revisiting the famous couple’s relationship, and “DTF St. Louis,” starring Jason Bateman, David Harbour and Linda Cardellini.
The Emmy Awards ceremony will take place on September 14 in Los Angeles, hosted by Mariska Hargitay. -AFP