The Creative Arts Emmys 2024 happened on Sept. 8, and it was nothing short of grand. Of course, the event also brought into light some amazing guest actors and actresses that shook up great performances in comedy and drama series. Shows like The Bear, Shōgun, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith were in the spotlight as they swept awards in guest categories. The event marked the first Emmy wins for some of these stars, thus creating a buzz in the world of entertainment.
In this article, we will break down each win, the captured roles, and the remarkable performances that led to their victory.
Emmys 2024: Néstor Carbonell Wins Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Shōgun
Nestor Carbonell took the first guest actor award of the evening for his portrayal of Vasco Rodrigues in FX’s Shōgun. Based on James Clavell’s bestselling novel, this historical drama series has been critically acclaimed because it provides immersive storytelling with fully fleshed-out characters. Carbonell, as Rodrigues entangled in a myriad of political intrigue, was not to be missed in such an outstanding show.
An emotional Carbonell, after receiving his Emmy, thanked his wife Shannon for allowing him to pursue his career: “I share this with you, honey.” He also thanked the whole cast and crew of Shōgun for their talent and camaraderie.
Carbonell spoke later about just how meaningful it had been to him, especially being a full-circle moment in his career: “My first job in television was as a guest star on Law & Order,” he recalled. Decades later, Carbonell remains a strong player for the duration of his career even while he directs episodes of the very same show.
Michaela Coel Takes Home Guest Actress Award for Mr. & Mrs. Smith
The Creative Arts Emmys also gave out Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series to Michaela Coel for her character Bev in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Though Coel was not present to accept, playing a spy in the series remake of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s original has garnered many accolades. Of course, this only adds to Coel’s already brilliant career, which is hot off the heels of critically acclaimed work on shows like I May Destroy You.
Fans of Coel quickly hailed the win, acknowledging her performance was among the top-notch in the Prime Video show. Her portrayal of Bev’s conflict, loyalty, and espionage skills in the fast-moving Mr. & Mrs. Smith narrative no doubt had something to do with her landing this illustrious honor.
Jon Bernthal Wins First-Ever Emmy for Guest Role in The Bear
The Bear became one of the most talked-about series of recent years in no small part to Jon Bernthal’s take on Mikey Berzatto. Bernthal popped up in a Season 2 episode called “Fishes” and stole scenes as Carmen and Sugar Berzatto’s messed-up brother.
Although Bernthal was not able to attend the ceremony at the Emmys, this win of Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series marks the moment of his career. This Emmy win serves as further testament to the way that Bernthal can bring singular complexity and nuance to emotionally fraught characters. His portrayal of Mikey-a seriously flawed, yet strangely sympathetic-character further weighted an already compelling narrative in The Bear.
Jamie Lee Curtis Wins for The Bear—Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
One of the most touching moments of the night came from Jamie Lee Curtis when she took her award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in The Bear. Curtis’s portrayal of Donna Berzatto—the emotionally explosive matriarch of the Berzatto family-took audiences and critics by storm.
In the “Fishes” episode, Curtis plays an alcoholic replete with her own mental health issues, which makes for a really dramatic and strong performance. As Curtis accepted her award, she reflected on her career: “It’s astonishing that I got this opportunity at this point in my life.
Curtis was grateful to be among the cast of The Bear and called the cast and crew of the show “the ingredients of this beautiful, beautiful piece of television.”
Why The Bear, Shōgun, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith Dominated the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys
Not only did The Bear, Shōgun, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith win because of great performances, but these also proved that the storytelling in modern television is going great, too. All three series have rich character development and nuanced plots with stellar performances. From historical drama to action-packed espionage to intense family dynamics, these shows have wowed Emmy voters to a new standard in guest roles.
With each passing day, guest appearances on television tend to have a more instrumental effect in driving the plot and further adding depth to the storylines already layered from multiple dimensions. Evidence of this can be seen in the continuing success of The Bear, Shōgun, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
FAQs
1. What role did Jon Bernthal play in The Bear?
Jon Bernthal portrayed Mikey Berzatto, the troubled brother of Carmen and Sugar Berzatto, in the FX series The Bear. His portrayal of Mikey, who struggles with personal demons, was a major highlight of the show’s second season.
2. How did Jamie Lee Curtis win her Emmy?
Jamie Lee Curtis won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance as Donna Berzatto in The Bear. Curtis’s emotionally charged portrayal of a mother dealing with alcoholism and mental health issues left a lasting impression on both viewers and Emmy voters.
3. What is Shōgun about, and who did Néstor Carbonell play?
Shōgun is a historical drama series based on the novel by James Clavell. Néstor Carbonell plays Vasco Rodrigues, a character embroiled in political intrigue. His performance earned him the award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
4. What role did Michaela Coel play in Mr. & Mrs. Smith?
Michaela Coel played Bev, a spy working for a rival company of John Smith, in the Prime Video remake of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Coel’s performance garnered her the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.
5. When will the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys air on TV?
The 2024 Creative Arts Emmys will air on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m. ET on FXX and can be streamed on Hulu from Sept. 15 through Oct. 9.
With victories for several of the guest role awards, The Bear, Shōgun, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith have illustrated just how crucial the role of guest performances has become to creating some of the most iconic moments in television. These are testaments to the talent of the actors and the magic of their performances.