Game of Thrones and Westworld lead Emmy nominations - but Netflix outstrips HBO for the first time
Streaming giant Netflix has overtaken HBO with 112 nominations, ending the network's 17-year reign
Game of Thrones has made a triumphant return to the Emmys with 22 nominations, leading the pack just ahead of fellow HBO series Westworld, and Saturday Night Live, with 21 nods each.
The George RR Martin fantasy series was ineligible for the awards last year due to its release date, but it is back in the running this year with key nominations for Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Peter Dinklage – who breaks a the record for the most appearances in the supporting actor category in Emmy history.
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The Emmys list also marks a turning point for the US television industry.
HBO had been the most nominated network for 17 straight years, but streaming giant Netflix has knocked it off its perch in 2018 to claim a total of 112 nominations – more than any other broadcaster.
With recognition for shows including Stranger Things, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Godless, The Crown and The Good Place, Netflix has more than tripled its total nominations in the space of just three years.
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Netflix isn't the only streaming service that will be breaking out the champagne, though. Thanks mainly to The Marvelous Mrs Maisel's 14 nods, Amazon has a shot at a total of 22 Emmy Awards, while US streamer Hulu has its eye on 27 after gaining critical and public success with The Handmaid's Tale (shown on Channel 4 in the UK).
The dystopian tale last year became the first ever on-demand show to win in the drama category, but with Game of Thrones back in the running this year for its seventh series there will be a showdown between Gilead and Westeros.
They'll also face competition in the drama category from Westworld, whose 21 nominations include lead actress in a drama for Evan Rachel Wood, and lead actor for both Ed Harris and Jeffrey Wright, as well as supporting actress for Thandie Newton.
The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on Monday 17th September in Los Angeles
