Emmy Nominations 2015: The Biggest Snubs, Surprises and Delights

Another year, meaning, another set of Emmy nominations providing huge shockers and snubs.

Like all years, the Emmy nominations are always a huge talking point; with some saying it's more of a popularity contest than anything else. Whilst I can agree to some extent, this year did serve some justice to those few actors that have been snubbed for consecutive years now. Of course, I'm talking mostly about Elisabeth Moss and Tatiana Maslany. I don't watch either Mad Men or Orphan Black, but I did catch an episode or two of each this year; both of them were fantastic in their roles and did deserve a nomination. There are obviously a few shockers as well, ranging from Jim Parson's absence from best comedic actor to Emilia Clarke's nomination for best-supporting actress.

Anyway, here are just a few of the nominations that shocked, surprised and delighted me.

Biggest Snubs

1) Charlie Hunnam - Sons of Anarchy might just go down as one of the worst snubbed shows of all time. Charlie Hunnam throughout the final season of Sons delivered some mind-blowing performances. It was his best season yet and the most tragic for his character, Jax Teller.

2) Walton Goggins - Come on. I mean, seriously. Walton should have received two nominations, one for Justified and one for Sons of Anarchy. This is the last year he could have got an Emmy nomination for either so I'm extremely shocked he didn't - especially as he played both characters so brilliantly.

3) Jonathan Pryce - It was an absolute delight to watch Jonathan Pryce as the High Sparrow throughout season 5 of Game of Thrones. He brought the character to life and made him someone to fear and watch out for. Also, with the exception of Pedro Pascal, Jonathan was easily the shows best guest actor in a long time. I'm shocked he didn't get a nomination.

4) Ruth Wilson - I don't watch The Affair, but I'm very surprised the Golden Globe winner for best actress didn't get a nomination. I didn't expect her to win, but I thought a nomination was guaranteed.

5) Eden Sher- I honestly don't know what Eden has to do to get nominated. Season 6 of The Middle was the year of Sue - which gave Eden a lot of screen time and time to shine. She gets better each year as a comedic actress and yet she keeps getting snubbed.

6) Billy Bob Thornton - Another shocking snub. The Big Bang Theory has had a lot of guest actors over the years, but none as good as Thornton. His character was so creepy, but Thornton made him unique with his own style of acting.

7) Vera Farmiga - I've still not wrapped my head around it.

8) Sam Heughan – I’m speechless. He delivered a powerful and emotional performance during the last two episodes of Outlander especially. The show covered a sensitive subject of rape and Heughan handled it very well, delivering a performance unlike any other. One that left you horrified for the character, but also deeply upset. This, for me, is the biggest snub of 2015. In fact, I'm shocked that Outlander received just one nomination after such an incredible début season.

Biggest Surprises

1) Jim Parsons - His reign at the Emmys could well be over. Parsons has been nominated 6 times in 6 years and has won 4 Emmys for his role as Sheldon Cooper. It came as a shock to me to see him not included in the best comedic actor category, but from a personal standpoint, I can see why.

2) Emilia Clarke - This surprised me a lot. I didn't think Clarke was that good during season 5. I'm happy for her; I just feel there were a few more actresses who deserved a nod that didn't get one.

3) Downton Abbey - It's been nominated for years now, and each year I can't understand why. I'm sure it's a good show, but when you compare it to "House of Cards" or "Game of Thrones" it doesn't match up.

4) Anthony Anderson - So unexpected. I still can't wrap my head around it.

5) Kevin Spacey - House of Cards didn't have a great season. It wasn't as strong as its previous ones which is why I'm quite surprised to see Spacey among the nominees. He wasn't as engaging as he was during seasons 1 and 2 and didn't have many big moments to shine. He’s had some controversial moments, but not award-winning moments.

6) Modern Family - I feel Modern Family now just gets nominated for the sake of being nominated. With so many new comedies coming out, I wonder if Modern Family's time should be up. I'm sure it's great, but for it to win nearly every year amazes me. I watched an episode the other day and I didn't laugh once; I find the appeal for the show confusing.

7) American Horror Story - After such an uneven season - and, in my opinion, the worst season yet - it shocks me to see the show pick up 19 Emmy nominations. The season was full of bad writing and terrible acting. The storyline also was horrendous and very boring.

8) Mandy Patinkin - He's been nominated twice now for his role as Saul on Homeland and I really thought he'd get a third, as the Academy seem to love nominating him.

9) Liev Schreiber - After being snubbed last year it was a huge shock that he grabbed a nomination this year. He has been nominated twice for a Golden Globe, so an Emmy nomination was bound to happen eventually, but I didn't think it would be this year.

Absolute Delights

1) Viola Davis - Viola deserves the nomination so much. She made a huge impact in her role as Keating and without her on HTGAWM the show wouldn't be the same. Keating is a powerful, feisty character; Viola is half of the reason she's so great.

2) Lena Headey - It's one thing to read about the walk of atonement, but to see it on screen was incredible. Lena was amazing. That moment alone secured the nomination.

3) Taraji P. Henson - This one was obvious. If she hadn't been nominated I would have lost the plot. Cookie is such a big character and one that makes such an impact each episode. Taraji never got the Emmy love she deserved when she was on Person of Interest, but I'm thrilled she's finally being noticed for the incredible actress she is.

4) Diana Rigg – She is the best guest actress by far, and one that I look forward to seeing each episode. She's been nominated for two years running now - which makes this the third - she has to win, surely?

5) Jeffery Tambor - It's not surprising he got a nomination. After Transparent won best comedy and he took home best actor at the Golden Globes, if he didn't get a nomination it wouldn't have been right. I'm delighted for him anyway. He truly deserves it; he's the one I hope wins.

6) Lily Tomlin - Grace and Frankie was a rather interesting comedy - one I checked out just the other day. It was different, but I did enjoy it. Both Lily and Jane deserve to be nominated together as they are both what makes the show as good as it is, but I'm pleased to see one of them grab a nomination at least.

7) Peter Dinklage - He should have been won last year after that trial speech, but I'm equally pleased to see him get a nomination this year. He probably won't win, but I'm happy he's been recognized.

8) Reg E. Cathey - I'm surprised as I am delighted. He's a great actor and one I have missed seeing around a lot on House of Cards.

9) Tatiana Maslany - It's about time. Like I said, I don't watch the show, but with so many fans telling me how great she is on Orphan Black - and hearing how she's been snubbed a few times - I think it's only fair she gets the nomination she deserves. I saw one episode and she was incredible. It's never easy playing one role, but playing multiple roles requires a remarkable actress. She is remarkable.

What are your biggest Emmy surprises, snubs and delights? Let me know in the comments below and you can also vote below in our poll for biggest snub of the year!

I couldn't add everyone so I apologize if the one your most annoyed at isn't listed. Please though comment below!

About the Author - Robert Fruin

Robert is a sixth form student from the United Kingdom, currently studying Business Studies, IT and Media. Robert is a huge fan of the ended ABC series LOST; he has seen it many times over and has even visited some of the filming locations for it. Robert mainly watches drama series such as Game of Thrones and Person of Interest, but has a soft spot for the comedy The Middle. Some other interests include Cycling, Kayaking and Photography. Robert joined SpoilerTV in 2014 and currently reviews Colony, Game of Silence, Outlander, The Bastard Executioner and Z Nation. He also previews Ash vs Evil Dead, Black Sails, Blunt Talk and Counterpark. You can contact him at robert@spoilertv.com or feel free to connect with him on any of these social media sites.

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