2024 Emmy Predictions: Best Drama Directing
Following the December release of its series finale, “The Crown” is seeking 16 awards at the 2024 Emmys, including its third for Best Drama Directing. If Stephen Daldry is again honored for the Netflix series, it will join just five other programs that achieved as many wins in the category, the most recent of which was “The West Wing” over two decades ago.
In addition to being involved in a rematch with fellow 2020 contender “The Morning Show,” “The Crown” faces four directing category newcomers, two of which just aired their debut seasons. Even with a heavy-hitter like Daldry in the race, the perceived frontrunner is Frederick E.O. Toye of the massively popular “Shōgun.”
In order to determine the likeliest outcome of this contest, let’s take a closer look at each nominee. Be sure to make your predictions in this and 24 other Primetime Emmy categories by September 15.
“The Crown” – Stephen Daldry
Episode: “Sleep, Dearie Sleep”
Daldry’s third directing notice for this show about the life of Queen Elizabeth II follows his respective 2018 and 2021 wins in this and the Best Drama Series categories. His 70-minute submission would be only the second series finale to merit this honor, after “ER’s” “And in the End…” in 2009.
“The Morning Show” – Mimi Leder
Episode: “The Overview Effect”
As was the case in 2020, Leder is nominated for the final episode of her show’s new season, in which UBA anchor Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) reaches a decision regarding her future at the failing network. Earlier in her career, she garnered directing bids for “China Beach” and “The West Wing” as well as a win for “ER.”
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” – Hiro Murai
Episode: “First Date”
Murai’s first mention in this category coincides with drama and comedy producing bids for “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “The Bear.” The former “Atlanta” director is recognized for reuniting with multihyphenate Donald Glover to kick off this new series about two inexperienced spies posing as a married couple.
“Shōgun” – Frederick E.O. Toye
Episode: “Crimson Sky”
Former “Westworld” producer Toye’s first directing bid comes for his third of four “Shōgun” credits. Set in 16th century feudal Japan, “Crimson Sky” previews an exciting first season finale by having lead characters John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) profess their mutual love before tragedy strikes.
“Slow Horses” – Saul Metzstein
Episode: “Strange Games”
Like Murai, Metzstein is a category first-timer recognized for helming his show’s latest season opener. Following in the footsteps of James Hawes and Jeremy Lovering, he guides viewers through all six parts of season three, the first of which finds the Slough House team investigating a colleague’s mysterious disappearance.
“Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” – Salli Richardson-Whitfield
Episode: “Beat L.A.”
Thirteen years into her directing career, Richardson-Whitfield has made history as this category’s first Black female nominee. The concurrent Best Drama Series contender for “The Gilded Age” is recognized for the penultimate “Winning Time” episode in which the titular 1980s NBA team regroup after a series of losses.
So, what will win the 2024 Emmy for Best Drama Directing? Just as they recently refrained from honoring the series finales of past winners “Game of Thrones” and “Ozark,” voters will almost surely not be swayed by the prospect of paying such tribute to “The Crown.” Over 88% of the Gold Derby users predicting this race agree that “Shōgun” is indeed the one to beat.
While it is worth noting that the 1980 “Shōgun” miniseries lost on its directing nomination as well as its one writing and five acting bids, it was also only up for 12 total awards whereas the new version can potentially win 22. Given the TV academy’s apparent affection for it and our readers’ confidence in it, it’s tough to bet against it in any category, especially a major one such as this.
PREDICT the 2024 Emmy winners through September 15
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