How do you measure the success of a television series on a streaming platform today? Is it by the number of views? The number of new subscribers? Do you look at the social media buzz it generates and the articles written about it? What about critical reviews and industry awards? Well whatever metric being used, Marvel Studios’ 2021 limited Disney+ series “WandaVision” has met many of them, and now it can add 2 Emmys to its list of accolades.
In the lead-up to the 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony next week, the Creative Arts Emmys were handed out on Saturday, September 11th. “WandaVision” had an extensive list of nominations; everything to hairstyling, original title theme music, single-camera picture editing, and visual effects. Its victories came in the categories for narrative production design for a half-hour program, as well as best fantasy/sci-fi costumes.
While these categories don’t get the same level of fame or attention as acting, writing, and direction, they’re still a reflection of the hard work and talent that goes into making the shows that we enjoy. Much to “WandaVision’s” credit, the program did quite a bit with its creative premise, going through different genres and aesthetics from episode to episode. It also managed to push the creative boundaries of the Marvel universe in a way that took advantage of the limited series format as opposed to the confines of a film.
Superhero comic book adaptations tend not to fare well in the major competitive award categories. With a few exceptions, (notably the portrayal of DC Comics, “Joker“) superhero-based films and television series are often snubbed in lieu of more traditional dramas. For “WandaVision” to pick up some creative arts Emmys is still a win for Marvel Studios in helping legitimize the efforts of all those involved in the production.
Could this be an indicator of things to come for the Primetime Emmys? Probably not. Even though the series has picked up nominations for Outstanding Limited Series, Lead Actor (Paul Bettany), Lead Actress (Elizabeth Olson), Supporting Actress (Kathryn Hahn), Directing, and Writing, it’s far more likely that the academy will honor something like “The Queen’s Gambit.” That being said, “Watchmen” did extremely well at last year’s ceremony. So even if “WandaVision” doesn’t tackle the deeper issues that “Watchmen” did, maybe we’ll see some more accolades for Marvel when the Primetime Emmy Awards take place on Sunday, September 19th, 2021 on CBS.
