I have heard that the Emmys use a paradigm of submitting one episode to showcase a bid for an award, and from that perspective I can sort of see it. I think too that it was also a strong year for the acting categories, and an insane one for the names in the acting categories. I also have to remember that while I thank fucking Christ that Gilroy made "a good Star Wars," and which really is one of the best shows of the year, I probably inflate how meaningful it is because it's part of a franchise I've loved since I was 4 years old, and it's trafficking in big themes.

Trying to be a little more objective, while I liked Andor more than The Diplomat, I don't know that it was significantly more sophisticated storytelling. The StarWarsiness of Andor will be a neutral or even negative factor for some viewers. Now, if Andor doesn't hoover up Sci-Fi/Fantasy awards this year, I will set the building on fire.

2025 Emmys:

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Sterling K. Brown, Paradise
Gary Oldman, Slow Horses
Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us
Adam Scott, Severance
Noah Wyle, The Pitt

Best Actress in a Drama Series

Kathy Bates, Matlock
Sharon Horgan, Bad Sisters
Britt Lower, Severance
Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us
Keri Russell, The Diplomat

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Zach Cherry, Severance
Walton Goggins, The White Lotus
Jason Isaacs, The White Lotus
James Marsden, Paradise
Sam Rockwell, The White Lotus
Tramell Tillman, Severance
John Turturro, Severance