By Susan Granger
Nominations for the 78th Annual Emmy Awards were recently announced and – once again – Taylor Sheridan’s name is not on the list.
One of TV’s most prolific creators, Sheridan’s credits include the “Yellowstone” series and its spinoffs “1883” and “1923,” along with “Dutton Ranch” and “Marshals,” plus “Mayor of Kingstown,” “Lawman: Bass Reeves,” “Lioness,” “Tulsa King,” “Landman” and, most recently, “The Madison.”
While Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, Sam Elliott and Billy Bob Thornton have been recognized for their roles in these series by Critics Choice, Golden Globes and Actor nominations/awards over the years, Sheridan’s shows have collected none – zero – in above-the-line categories – despite remaining among the most popular on Paramount+ and Peacock.
So the obvious question is: Why? I can only guess, but here’s what I’ve deduced.
Taylor Sheridan doesn’t indulge in interviews or offer insights into his myth-making. In addition, his shows are set in somewhat conservative Middle America and the dialogue often mocks the liberal ‘woke’ views often held on both coasts.
Take “Landman,” for example. It revolves around industrial corruption within the big 21st century oil boom in West Texas. Sheridan is outspoken in his assertions about renewable energy, climate change technology, fracking and wind turbines.
Sheridan has also been chastised for his misogynist views on women. Certainly on “Landman,” the female characters are often skimpily clad and openly seductive.
But this year’s elegiac “The Madison” is a superb showcase for Michelle Pfeiffer as a pampered., middle-aged Manhattan matriarch/self-described “city mouse,” forced to face family tragedy when her husband (Kurt Russell) dies fly-fishing on Montana’s Madison River. There’s lots of urban vs. rural conflict but, thematically, it’s all about relationships.
Aside from Taylor Sheridan, other regrettable ‘snubs’ this year include Kathy Bates – who shares a surname and the basic premise with Andy Griffith’s “Matlock” – and Carrie Preston’s eccentric Chicago attorney-turned-New York police consultant “Elsbeth”.
On the other hand, the Emmys showered Noah Wylie’s medical drama “The Pitt” with 25 nominations – 12 in major categories – during its second season on HBO Max. The fifth and final season of the dark comedic drama “Hacks” received 24 Emmy nods.
Two Apple newcomers also scored: the comedic horror “Widow’s Bay” received 19 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, followed by the sci-fi “Pluribus” with 18 nods, including Outstanding Drama Series.
Mariska Hargitay will host the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, broadcast from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, on NBC on Sept. 14.
Catch up on Susan’s recent reviews:
Susan Granger
Westport resident Susan Granger grew up in Hollywood, studied journalism with Pierre Salinger at Mills College and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with highest honors in Journalism. In addition to writing for newspapers and magazines, she has appeared on radio and television as an anchorwoman and movie critic for many years. Read all her reviews at susangranger.com.
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