‘Ahsoka’ will finally get Rosario Dawson to the Emmys
Disney’s “Star Wars” shows have delivered plenty of Emmy nominations so far, with the likes of “The Mandalorian,” “Andor,” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi” all garnering bids at their respective Emmy ceremonies.
“Ahsoka” is looking to join these shows by securing Emmy bids of its own and lead star Rosario Dawson looks to be the show’s best chance at a nomination. “Ahsoka” is a continuation of the animated series “Rebels,” and follows Dawson as former Jedi padawan-turned-rebel Ahsoka, who is trying to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi). The role of Ahsoka was originated by Ashley Eckstein, who voiced her in both “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels.” Dawson then took over the role in live-action form when she appeared in one episode of season two of “The Mandalorian” as well as an episode of “The Book of Boba Fett.”
Now, Dawson takes center stage with her own show and it’s a joy to watch her in the lead role. Dawson captures the thoughtfulness and spirituality of Ahsoka while also embuing her with a steely resolve, resulting in a complex, captivating figure to lead the way in this “Star Wars” show. Critics have praised Dawson’s performance, too.
Aramide Tinubu (Variety) observed: “Dawson brings a commanding but haunted presence to the meticulous and contemplative humanoid. Fans of the Togrutan fighter will undoubtedly rejoice in the actor’s careful work in bringing Ashoka to life, from the phrasing and pacing of her words to her precise movements during battle. This series divulges the intricacies of her rich and complex history, including connections to Anakin and her old apprentice Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo).”
Zaki Hasan (The Wrap) explained: “In the lead, Dawson ably carries forward what was introduced about Ahsoka in previous live-action cameos while still feeling like a natural continuation of the version voiced by Ashley Eckstein. Serene and powerful, this is an Ahsoka carrying the wisdom accrued by all the struggles endured during some of the most eventful decades in ‘Star Wars’ history.”
Dan Jolin (Empire) stated: “Age and tragedy have hardened her, but the once-quippy Snips has matured into an almost serene warrior. She’s portrayed by Dawson with a preternatural coolness in heated situations, whether she’s cornered by a quartet of deadly HK assassin droids or standing in a room with a bomb that’s counting down to boom-time. We’ve been primed for Dawson’s take on Tano, thanks to her guest appearances in ‘The Mandalorian’ and that Boba Fett thing that happened, but it’s a treat to finally spend more time with her.”
Currently, our predicted nominees for Best Drama Actress are Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show”), Imelda Staunton (“The Crown”), Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”), Emma Stone (“The Curse”), Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”), and Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”). However, Dawson could sneak into this lineup, particularly because, as we said at the top of this article, “Star Wars” shows have actually performed well at the Emmys so far.
“The Mandalorian” was nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards along with 42 Creative Arts Emmy nominations (14 of which were victories). It was nominated for Best Drama Series twice while Giancarlo Esposito was cited for Best Drama Supporting Actor and Best Drama Guest Actor, and Timothy Olyphant and Carl Weathers earned a bid in the latter category, too.
“Andor” was nominated for Best Drama Series, picking up eight Emmy bids (Primetime and Creative Arts combined) in total. And “Obi-Wan Kenobi” was nominated for five Emmys in total (again, Primetime and Creative Arts combined), including for Best Limited Series.
The fact that “The Mandalorian” snagged four acting nominations gives Dawson a huge boost. If that show can land those bids, “Ahsoka” can land one bid for lead star Dawson, who is on the hunt for her first Emmy nomination. Dawson is an actress who has worked across both film and TV for decades and has always been reliably good, yet she has never received the plaudits herself. It’s time now for her to finally receive the attention and be rewarded for an Emmy nomination after sterling work in plenty of other projects, including “Seven Pounds,” “Luke Cage,” “Jane the Virgin,” and “Dopesick.”
This is a good category for her to land that first nomination, too, as plenty of other actresses have received their inaugural bids here, such as Zendaya (“Euphoria”), Keri Russell (“The Americans”), Bella Ramsey (“The Last of Us”), Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”), and Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”).
Genre shows are also becoming more popular with Emmy voters, too. Of course, the category is drama but within that, there is now a diversity in drama shows — some are fantasy, some are horror, some are sci-fi. Lots of different types of shows are now being nominated in Best Drama Actress, such as Ramsey and “The Last of Us,” Lynskey and “Yellowjackets,” Emilia Clarke and “Game of Thrones,” Evan Rachel Wood and “Westworld,” and Tatiana Maslany and “Orphan Black.” Dawson and “Ahsoka” fits right into this eclectic collection.
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