I’m definitely a TV watcher, not just British TV. I like a lot of American shows as well. That being said, I don’t pay any attention to the Emmy Awards. I didn’t realize who was on the list of nominees until after last Sunday’s broadcast.
So, I was quite surprised to find so many British actors on the list of nominees, and even more surprised to find two winners, Damian Lewis for Homeland and Maggie Smith for Downton Abbey. I was not surprised that they won, because they’re both brilliant actors, but with so many British nominees, I thought I was reading the list of BAFTA nominees! (British Academy of Film and Television Arts)
Here’s a list of British nominees and winners in the acting and show categories:
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Hugh Bonneville-Downton Abbey, Damian Lewis-Homeland-WINNER
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie: Benedict Cumberbatch-Sherlock, Idris Elba-Luther, Clive Owen-Hemingway & Gellhorn (Winner: Kevin Costner-Hatfields & McCoys)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Michelle Dockery-Downton Abbey (Winner: Claire Danes-Homeland)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie: Emma Thompson-The Song of Lunch (Winner: Julianne Moore-Game Change)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Jim Carter-Downton Abbey, Brendan Coyle-Downton 
Abbey (Winner: Aaron Paul-Breaking Bad*)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie: Martin Freeman-Sherlock (Winner: Tom Berenger-Hatfields & McCoys)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Joanne Froggatt-Downton Abbey, Maggie Smith-Downton Abbey-WINNER
Outstanding Drama Series: Downton Abbey (Winner: Homeland)
Outstanding Miniseries or Made for TV Movie: Luther, Sherlock (Winner: Game Change)
Congrats to Damian Lewis. He’s fabulous and I love all his work. Many Americans may not even realize he is British because he’s been in so many American productions like Band of Brothers and Life. (Viewers probably thought the same about Hugh Laurie in House.) I haven’t seen Homeland yet, but I have it on my Netflix list. I’m looking forward to seeing Damian Lewis’s Emmy-winning performance.
And congrats to the wonderfully lovely and entertaining Maggie Smith. She’s a big part of what makes Downton Abbey so fun to watch.
*And finally, on a non-British TV note, congrats to Aaron Paul for his win for Breaking Bad. He has played a huge range of emotions on that show and definitely deserved his win.
