And the Emmy Goes to Netflix: How the Streaming Giant Won Big in More Ways than One

In a world first, streaming platform Netflix lead the pack in nominations for the 2018 Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Netflix received 112 nominations for the awards this year, beating other broadcasting giants like HBO and Fox. Netflix originals like Black Mirror, Stranger Things, and The Crown all received nominations.

Netflix scored a total of 23 Emmy’s on Tuesday. The Crown took out two awards with Claire Foy winning Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II, and director Stephen Daldry winning Outstanding Director in a Drama Series for the episode Paterfamilias. Popular thriller Stranger Things saw less success this year with stars Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, and creators The Duffer Brothers all losing out in their respective categories. To nobody’s surprise, Game of Thrones took out the big award for Most Outstanding Drama. Peter Dinklage also took home his first Emmy for his role in the show as Tyrion Lannister.

Netflix’s success has had resounding effects on other online streaming services. Hulu and Amazon also earned nominations at the Emmy’s. Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs Maisel won 6 Emmy’s out of twelve nominations. Hulu scored six nominations for The Handmaid’s Tale but unfortunately did not take home any awards. The Assassination of Gianni Versace from FX also won big, winning the award for Most Outstanding Limited Series, and Lead Actor in a Limited Series for Darren Criss’ role as Andrew Cunanan.

Not only is Netflix taking home plenty of gold from the show, they have also seen massive financial gains. Shares in Netflix have increased by 5% since Tuesday, with the platform trading at $366.96 USD a share. Netflix now has over 130 million subscribers, and is seeing more growth by the day.

Despite streaming services seeing success with their series’, films are yet to see the same success. In a groundbreaking move, a Netflix film just recently opened the Toronto International Film Festival after the Cannes Film Festival essentially banned any film that was not intended for cinemas to be shown at the festival.

Viewing shows through streaming platforms is simply the norm now. It is time for the recognition to continue, the platforms to keep growing, and for audiences and creators alike to adjust to the changing nature of film and series viewing.