We are not only in the golden age of television, we are in the gay age of television.
Never before has there be so much representation of gay perspectives on the small screen, and nowhere is that more apparent than this year’s Emmy nominations which were announced today.
We’ve compiled a breakdown of all the nominated shows and movies that feature gay story lines, as well as actors and actresses nominated for portraying LGBT characters.
Clearly, Orange is the New Black and The Normal Heart help stack the deck, but it’s also interesting to note that four out of the six nominated drama series feature LGBT representation in some form or another.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Also an important first this year: Laverne Cox makes history by being the first trans actress up to win a statue. Get it, girl.
Among the snubs: nothing for HBO’s queer dramedy Looking. Still, all in all, it’s an impressive array.
Outstanding comedy series:
Orange is the New Black
Modern Family
Supporting actor in a comedy series:
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family
Guest actor in a comedy series
Nathan Lane, “Pepper” on Modern Family
Guest actress in a comedy series
Uzo Aduba, Orange is the New Black
Laverne Cox, Orange is the New Black
Natasha Lyonne, Orange is the New Black
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Drama series
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
House of Cards
Mad Men
Lead actor in a drama series
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards (you know, that scene)
Television Movie
The Normal Heart
Lead actor in a miniseries/movie
Mark Ruffalo, The Normal Heart
Supporting actor in a miniseries/movie
Jim Parsons, The Normal Heart
Joe Mantello, The Normal Heart
Matt Bomer, The Normal Heart
Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
Larry Kramer, The Normal Heart
justSomeGuyFromNJ
Yeah, but they snubbed Tatiana Maslany AGAIN, damn it!
(LGBT-related because one of the clones is bisexual [Cosima] and another is trans [Tony]).
Lefty
I thought all the acting in The Normal Heart was brilliant, but Joe Mantello’s sort-of-breakdown scene made me cry the most and I thought Jim Parsons was the best and kind of the heart of the piece.
I haven’t seen Orange is the New Black yet…
tricky ricky
is that scene the one where kevin spacey shoves the girl in front of the train? (had to google it to figure out what was meant)
NG22
@Lefty: I so agree that The Normal Heart was brilliant, and perhaps the saddest thing I ever saw. And while I love the performances of Jim and Joe, I feel strongly that Matt Bomer should get the award — and not just because he’s gorgeous beyond belief. This performance was a breakthrough for him as an actor, and it was devastating to watch. I was moved by the scene of Joe Mantello’s breakdown, but I’m a young guy. I didn’t live through the sexual revolution or Stonewall or the era before HIV. But I felt a deep connection with Bomer’s character as a young, ambitious, vibrant man whose life was ripped away from him. It’s absolutely unimaginable to me. And it broke my heart.
Either way, it’s important that someone from the film wins.
jordyboynyc
You forgot to include Kate McKinnon’s nomination in the supporting actress in a comedy category.
tfree33
I’m nominated for writing for comedy variety show so add another to that list!
NG22
@tfree33: Who are you and where do you work?
Cam
Yeah, amazing how Hollywood is so quick to embrace LGBT actors and situations….after the rest of the country has. 😉
nemesis9
I hate this trend where the title of an article tells me how I’m going to feel. I’m actually not very impressed.