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Los Angeles: The brightest stars in television are set to walk the red carpet Monday at the Emmy Awards, with horror-comedy series \u201cWidow\u2019s Bay\u201d and gritty hospital drama \u201cThe Pitt\u201d expected to win big.<\/p>\n
Apple TV\u2019s \u201cWidow\u2019s Bay,\u201d which stars Matthew Rhys as the leader of an isolated New England island that appears to be haunted, has emerged as one of the most talked-about debut series of the year.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople just love that show,\u201d Christopher Rosen, deputy editor of Hollywood news outlet The Ankler, told AFP.<\/p>\n
It scooped up eight awards in the pre-gala ceremonies, and is in position to become the most awarded comedy series in a single year, surpassing the 13 trophies won last year by Seth Rogen\u2019s Hollywood satire \u201cThe Studio.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rosen said he believes that Rhys — a winner for best drama actor for \u201cThe Americans\u201d in 2018 — could now earn his first comedy Emmy.<\/p>\n
A strong night for \u201cWidow\u2019s Bay\u201d does not bode well for \u201cHacks,\u201d the tale of a stand-up comedian trying to revive her career and the dysfunctional millennial assistant who helps her.<\/p>\n
Its one solid bet left in the running – and maybe its only statuette, says Rosen – is a best actress prize for Jean Smart.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a great way to honor the final season,\u201d Rosen told AFP. \u201cShe\u2019s never lost from playing this part. I don\u2019t see why she would lose for the final season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smart, who turned 75 on Sunday, has won four Emmys for the show so far.<\/p>\n
A win on Monday would give her eight acting Emmys, tying her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most ever by a performer. Allison Janney is also vying for her eighth Emmy, for \u201cThe Diplomat.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2019The Pitt\u2019 expected to repeat as best drama<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe Pitt,\u201d last year\u2019s winner for best drama, follows the stressed-out workers in a Pittsburgh emergency room, with each episode unfolding in real time.<\/p>\n Tackling everything from abortion rights to immigration crackdowns to mass shootings, the show is the odds-on favorite to sweep several drama prizes including best series.<\/p>\n \u201cIf \u2018The Pitt\u2019 doesn\u2019t win, it would be a tremendous shock,\u201d Rosen said.<\/p>\n It led all shows with 25 nominations, and already won four awards in the early ceremonies, including best casting for a drama series.<\/p>\n Star Noah Wyle, who has racked up awards over the past year including an Emmy, is expected to triumph again. Seven of his co-stars are hopefuls in the supporting acting categories.<\/p>\n For best drama actress, Rosen says it will be a race between \u201cPluribus\u201d star Rhea Seehorn and Keri Russell for political soap opera \u201cThe Diplomat.\u201d<\/p>\n In the limited series categories, HBO Max\u2019s \u201cDTF St Louis\u201d – the tale of a middle-aged love triangle gone wrong – is a top contender.<\/p>\n The show has scooped up six prizes so far, including two for actors David Harbour and Linda Cardellini.<\/p>\n Dolly tribute <\/strong><\/p>\n The 78th Emmy Awards gala will be hosted by \u201cLaw and Order: SVU\u201d star Mariska Hargitay, who won two Emmys for her documentary \u201cMy Mom Jayne.\u201d<\/p>\n It will feature a tribute to late country music icon Dolly Parton, who was also an Emmy winner, and a performance from Noah Kahan, who will sing \u201cBridge Over Troubled Water\u201d during the broadcast\u2019s In Memoriam segment.<\/p>\n The gala also will deliver some TV nostalgia, with \u201cBuffy the Vampire Slayer\u201d stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz among the presenters, along with \u201cCharlie\u2019s Angels\u201d stars Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, and Jaclyn Smith.<\/p>\n Zendaya, a past winner and current nominee for best drama actress for \u201cEuphoria,\u201d is on the list of presenters, guaranteeing at least one bona fide red carpet moment.<\/p>\n The Emmys ceremony begins at 5:00 pm Monday (0000 GMT Tuesday).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n