Commentary: Emmy Nominations

Commentary: Emmy Nominations

Nominations for the 78^th Annual Emmy Awards were recently announced and — once again — Taylor Sheridan’s name is not on the list.

One of TV’s most prolific creators, Sheridan’s credits include the “Yellowstone” series and its spinoffs “1883” and “1923,” along with “Dutton Ranch” and “Marshals,” plus ”Mayor of Kingstown,” “Lawman: Bass Reeves,” “Lioness,” “Tulsa King,” “Landman” and, most recently, “The Madison.”

While Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, Sam Elliott and Billy Bob Thornton have been recognized for their roles in these series by Critics Choice, Golden Globes and Actor nominations and awards over the years, Sheridan’s shows have collected none — zero — in above-the-line categories — despite remaining among the most popular on Paramount+ and Peacock.

So the obvious question is: why? I can only guess, but here’s what I’ve deduced.

Taylor Sheridan doesn’t indulge in interviews or offer insights into his myth-making. In addition, his shows are set in somewhat conservative Middle America and the dialogue often mocks the liberal ‘woke’ views often held on both coasts.

Take “Landman,” for example. It revolves around industrial corruption within the big 21^st century oil boom in West Texas. Sheridan is outspoken in his assertions about renewable energy, climate change technology, fracking and wind turbines.

Sheridan has also been chastised for his misogynist views on women. Certainly on “Landman,” the female characters are often skimpily clad and openly seductive.

But this year’s elegiac “The Madison” is a superb showcase for Michelle Pfeiffer as a pampered., middle-aged Manhattan matriarch and self-described “city mouse,” forced to face family tragedy when her husband (Kurt Russell) dies fly-fishing on Montana’s Madison River. There’s lots of urban vs. rural conflict but, thematically, it’s all about relationships.

Aside from Taylor Sheridan, other regrettable snubs this year include Kathy Bates — who shares a surname and basic premise with Andy Griffith’s “Matlock” — and Carrie Preston’s eccentric Chicago attorney-turned-New York police consultant “Elsbeth.”

On the other hand, the Emmys showered Noah Wylie’s medical drama “The Pitt” with 25 nominations — 12 in major categories — during its second season on HBO Max. The fifth and final season of the dark comedic drama “Hacks” received 24 Emmy nods.

Two Apple newcomers also scored: the comedic horror “Widow’s Bay” received 19 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, followed by the sci-fi “Pluribus” with 18 nods, including Outstanding Drama Series.