Emmys 2021: Which Streaming Service Dominated at the Ceremony?
The Emmy nominations in 2021 saw HBO Max, Netflix, and Disney+ compete for some of the year’s top prizes. With a combined total of over 300 nominations, the streaming giants dominated the Emmy Awards’ categories. Though there will likely never be a definitive winner in the drawn-out streaming wars, this year’s Emmy’s saw one service pull ahead of the rest.
HBO led the 2021 Emmy nominations
The margin was narrow, but HBO led the 2021 Emmy nominations by one nod, just edging out Netflix. Though Netflix led the 2020 Emmy nominations, it received 129 this year. Trailing further behind is Disney+, which pulled in 71 nominations.
Per the LA Times, HBO’s impressive nominations were bolstered by The Mare of Easttown and the now-canceled Lovecraft County. Each series pulled 18 Emmy nods. The Jean Smart-led Hacks also performed impressively, receiving 15 nominations. The Flight Attendant and Michaela Coel’s critically acclaimed series I May Destroy You brought in 9 nominations apiece.
Though Netflix’s nominations are down from the 160 it received in 2020, it still had an impressive showing. Leading its nominations with 24 nods was The Crown, an early frontrunner Outstanding Drama Series. Fall 2020’s breakout series The Queens Gambit brought the service an impressive 18 nominations. The buzzy Bridgerton also pulled 12 nods.
The newer Disney+ also had a strong showing at this year’s Emmy Awards. Wandavision and The Mandalorian brought the service its most nominations, with 23 and 24, respectively. Disney+ also released a taping of Hamilton, which nabbed 12 nominations.
Which streaming service came out on top?
Like the nominations, the night’s winner was determined by a margin of 1. Though it started from behind, Netflix was ultimately the winningest streaming service this year. At the 2021 Emmy Awards, Netflix’s The Crown was the biggest winner with 7 trophies. The Emmy in 2021 for Outstanding Drama Series went to The Crown, making it one of the night’s most notable series.
The Queen’s Gambit, which won for Outstanding Limited Series, grabbed 2 awards, and Ewan McGregor earned Netflix’s Halston a prize. All in all, Netflix ended the night with 10 Emmy trophies.
HBO was a close second, scoring a total of 9 nominations. The Mare of Easttown and Hacks followed with 3, Last Week Tonight with 2, and I May Destroy You nabbed 1.
Coupled with its 34 wins at the Creative Arts Emmys, Netflix took a whopping 44 awards. This ties the 1974 CBS record for most wins for a network or service in a year. In total, HBO took 19 awards and Disney+ received 14.
A newer streaming service also impressed at the 2021 Emmy Awards
While the streaming giants expectedly performed well at the 2021 Emmy Awards, some of the newer services also excelled. In particular, Apple TV+ had an impressive night. The streaming service entered the night on top with 20 nominations for Ted Lasso. Though it didn’t have a Schitt’s Creek level sweep, it took home a respectable 4 awards. It also scored some of the night’s top prizes, nabbing three acting awards and Outstanding Comedy Series.
