Kerry Washington (Richard Cartwright/ABC)
Emmy nomination buffs, time to add to your repertoire: Why is Kerry Washington’s accomplishment notable? Which two much-recognized actors were put on ice this year? And who’s the most nominated of the “Friends”? Here are seven fun facts from this year’s crop of nominations in the 65th annual primetime Emmy Awards.
- Kerry Washington is the fifth African American woman to be nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and the buzz has her odds solid for a win. Past nominees in this category have included Debbie Allen (“Fame”), Alfre Woodard (“St. Elsewhere”), Regina Taylor (“I’ll Fly Away”), and Cicely Tyson (“Sweet Justice”).
THE JEFFERSONS, from left: Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, 1975-85.
Isabel Sanford (“The Jeffersons”) did win in the category for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. That category has had only five nominated black actresses as well: Sanford, Diahann Carroll (“Julia”), Nell Carter (“Give Me a Break”), and Phylicia Rashad (“The Cosby Show”).
[Related: Kerry Washington caps an amazing year with Emmy nominations]
- Streaming service Netflix has definitely cemented its reputation as a power producer with the nominations of Jason Bateman for “Arrested Development” and Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright from “House of Cards” in the actor categories, and “House of Cards” for Outstanding Drama Series.
- The lead actress category has seven nominees, while the lead actor has the traditional six. The Emmys struggles to narrow down its women: In 2011, there were seven nominees for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. The Oscars has opened the door to stuffing a category, what with nine best-picture nominations.
- Connie Britton continues her streak with her nomination for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for “Nashville.” She received nods in 2010 and 2011 for “Friday Night Lights” and in 2012 for “American Horror Story.”
- Jon Cryer (“Two and a Half Men”) and Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”) both won in 2012 in their comedy categories, respectively for lead actor and supporting actor. Both, though, were left out in the cold — especially a shocker for the much-nominated Cryer.
[Related: Emmy 2013 nominations: Biggest snubs and surprises]
Matt LeBlanc as himself in “Episodes”
- Matt LeBlanc scores a nice nomination playing himself — or at least a comic version of himself in “Episodes.” This brings his total Emmy nods to five and makes him the male pack leader among “Friends.” The award, though, goes to Lisa Kudrow, who trounces her pals with eight. Here’s a running count for the others: Jennifer Aniston (6), Matthew Perry (4), David Schwimmer (1), Courteney Cox (0)
7. It’s a good thing Neil Patrick Harris was on hand as the surprise guest: He ended up being a surprise co-host instead when Kate Mara couldn’t make her Emmy announcement duties due to her flight’s mechanical problems. This is a repeat of 2012, when weather delayed Nick Offerman’s flight and late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel subbed in. Note to Emmys: Pay for two nights’ lodging.