Columbia TV Expert Predicts This Year’s Emmy Winners

Campus Communications Staff / Sep 04, 2024

Associate Professor Sharon Marie Ross, PhD, teaches courses in TV at Columbia College Chicago.

Dr. Sharon Marie Ross, an associate professor in Film and TV, shares her best bets for this year’s Emmy winners, from the epic revival of “Shogun” to the controversial comedy nominee “The Bear.”

As the 2024 Emmy Awards loom on the horizon, TV expert Sharon Marie Ross, PhD, an associate professor at Columbia College Chicago’s School of Film and Television, offers a unique perspective on this year's frontrunners and potential dark horses. With her extensive background in television studies, TV criticism, and fan research, Ross provides insight into the shows that could dominate the awards season.

Here’s a breakdown of her Emmy predictions and the reasons behind them.

Drama Series: ‘Shogun's’ Fresh Take

When it comes to Best Drama Series, Ross is putting her money on “Shogun.” The show’s breathtaking visuals and innovative storytelling, which reimagines the 1980s classic with a fresh perspective on Japanese culture, have garnered widespread acclaim. According to Ross, the show’s entry into the Best Drama category, despite originally being intended as a limited series, is a testament to its quality. “’Shogun’ is stunningly shot and beautifully acted,” she says. “It modernizes a beloved story while staying true to its historical roots, making it a strong contender.”

Comedy Series: ‘The Bear’s’ Mixed Bag

The Best Comedy Series category presents a more contentious debate. Ross feels that “The Bear” — despite its critical acclaim — is misclassified, and she is not alone in that opinion. “‘The Bear’ is, in my opinion, not a comedy. It’s a dramatic exploration of the high-stress kitchen environment,” she argues. However, the show’s momentum from last year’s win might still propel it to victory. Yet, Ross believes “Hacks,” with its recent stellar season, could be a surprise winner. “If ‘Hacks’ wins, it will be a deserved recognition of its superior comedy,” she adds.

Directing: 'Shogun’s' Visual Triumph

For Best Directing in a Drama Series, Ross is confident that “Shogun” will take home the award. She praises the nominated episode for its stunning visual direction, which she describes as “phenomenal” and “re-watchable.” However, she acknowledges that “The Crown” and its long-standing director, Stephen Daldry, could also claim the prize due to their respected history and previous accolades.

Comedy Directing: “The Bear’s” Strong Suit

In the realm of comedy directing, Ross anticipates that “The Bear” will shine. She highlights that “The Fishes” episode stands out for its direction, suggesting it has a good chance of winning despite the show’s genre controversy. “The episode directed by Christopher Storer is particularly strong and could be enough to secure the award,” she notes.

Reality Competition Series: ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Reigns Supreme

Turning to reality television, Ross predicts that “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will continue its winning streak in the Reality Competition Series category. Its consistent ability to entertain and uplift makes it a favorite among voters. “‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ brings joy and excitement, making it a perennial favorite in this category,” she says.

‘The Crown’ and ‘Hacks’: Potential Upsets

Ross also identifies “The Crown” and “Hacks” as potential dark horses. The final season of “The Crown” could benefit from a “last hurrah” sentiment, while “Hacks” could leverage its impressive recent season for a surprise victory. Additionally, Ross mentions that Carol Burnett, nominated for her role in a supporting category for “Palm Royale,” might grab a prize for her work. And Billy Crudup's strong work in "The Morning Show" could also earn his second nod in the Supporting Actor category in drama.

Overall Impressions: A Rich Year for Television

Reflecting on this year’s nominations, Ross is impressed by the breadth and depth of quality content in the nominated shows. Despite some surprises — such as the omission of “Shogun's” lead actor from nominations — Ross praises the overall quality of television. “The abundance of exceptional shows this year is a testament to the ongoing evolution and richness of TV as a medium,” she says.

To see if Ross’s Emmy predictions hit the mark and which contenders take home top honors, watch the 76th Emmy Awards on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. CST.

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