In a possible precursor to the Emmys, FX’s American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson snagged three Television Critics Awards on Saturday, Aug. 6. The limited series was awarded program of the year; outstanding achievement in movies, mini-series and specials; and individual achievement in drama for Sarah Paulson, who played District Attorney Marcia Clark.

The People v. O.J. Simpson is nominated for 16 Emmys, behind HBO’s Emmy nomination leader Game of Thrones with 23. Game of Thrones, the favorite to win best drama for the second year in a row, took home no awards from the Television Critics Association.

FX also scored another big win with its drama The Americans awarded outstanding achievement in drama for the second consecutive year. The Americans, which concluded its fourth season in June, just received its first Emmy nominations, with the series and its two leads, Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell both nominated in the lead actor and actress categories.

ABC’s black-ish won outstanding achievement in comedy. That show, which stars Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, also is nominated for an Emmy as best comedy.

USA’s Mr. Robot, now in the middle of season two, was named outstanding new program. Mr. Robot also is nominated for a primetime Emmy as outstanding drama. Netflix’s Making a Murderer, which made such a big splash over the 2015 holiday season, was named outstanding achievement in reality programming.

Golden Globe winner Rachel Bloom, star of The CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, won for individual achievement in comedy. TBS’ Full Frontal with Samantha Bee was awarded outstanding achievement in news and information. PBS’ Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood won for outstanding achievement in youth programming.

Last but not least, CBS’ The Mary Tyler Moore Show was awarded TCA’s Heritage Award. The association also presented Lily Tomlin with an achievement award for a career that spans Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in, Murphy Brown, The West Wing and Netflix’s Grace and Frankie, for which she has twice been nominated for an Emmy.

“This was truly a landmark season—not just for television, but for women in television,” said Amber Dowling, TCA President, in a statement. “We had an unprecedented amount of female winners this year, which is a testament to both the talented actresses who were honored tonight, as well as to the growing number of high-quality roles being created for and by women. It’s extremely encouraging to see this growing trend being embraced, accepted, and expanded upon, and I look forward to seeing even more of it in the future.”

The TCA represents more than 200 professional journalists who cover television for publications across the United States and Canada. The organization’s member reach tens of millions of consumers each week.

Tags:


  Save as PDF