Let the Buzz Begin

While an Emmy and a Golden Globe may not look the same, the two awards do have some things in common.

For nominees and winners of either, being honored for a job well done is humbling. And for those lucky enough to be recognized by both the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the Television Academy, it's a special kind of triumph.

"It was such an honor to have won the Globe after the incredible recognition by the Television Academy with the Emmy," says Bruce Miller, executive producer and showrunner of Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale. "It felt especially important to be honored by an international organization such as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, as our show tackles storylines relevant to women all around the globe."

With both the Golden Globes and the Emmys honoring exceptional television, it makes sense that both the HFPA and the Television Academy sometimes celebrate the same programs.

While the Golden Globes (airing January 6, 2019) have been seen as a bellwether for the Oscars (airing February 24), their ability to put TV shows on the radar of Emmy voters (and vice-versa) isn't often considered.

With streaming services upending the seasonal network schedule, some shows are first eligible for award recognition from the HFPA. Likewise, the Globes can also consider seasons of programming long after the Emmys air.

While no one is likely to throw votes to a show just because it has won elsewhere, awards-show buzz can raise awareness — a valuable commodity, given how much high-quality television is available these days.

"It isn't our belief that most voters specifically look to previous competitions to inform their votes. We don't expect many to say, 'The Golden Globes recognized this program, so I should probably vote for it too.' We believe the effect is more subconscious," says Chris Walters of Awards Industry Consulting.

"There is a momentum that can be gained as a program that may not have been at the forefront of the awards conversation finds itself thrust into the mix by a few key nominations," he adds.

"And since awards shows have different eligibility periods, ample opportunity exists for a competition such as the Golden Globes, which announces nominees in December, to influence the Emmy Awards half a year later [or vice-versa]. This is an industry in which success begets success. There is a rhythm to the awards year, and the Golden Globes are a key piece of that cycle."

Many factors come into play in creating that rhythm of enthusiasm — and while awareness is important, quality is key. Like all critics, HFPA members love television, which increasingly attracts industry heavyweights and out-of-the-box creativity.

"The members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association are not only journalists but huge supporters of TV," says Anke Hofmann, vice-president of the HFPA. "Their passion for this medium is elevated by programs that have audiences hooked to involving plotlines and rich characters.

"Since the Golden Globes is the first ceremony of awards season, we get to honor emerging actors and new shows before others. However, if the Golden Globes and the Emmys happen to honor the same individuals or series, it's a testament to award-winning storytelling and acting."

Awards shows aren't just about recognition and shiny statuettes, however. Because a series may be long since completed or on hiatus before it shows up on the awards circuit, awards shows that recognize the TV industry serve another purpose: they are a chance for casts, crews and executives to reconnect.

At the Globes, that alone is worth celebrating, whether or not anyone takes home an award or enjoys the champagne offered throughout the ceremony.

"Last year's Golden Globes served as a welcome reunion for the cast and filmmakers of Big Little Lies," says Nathan Ross, an executive producer of that HBO series . "Without meaning to sound corny, it's a family vibe, and we had not been together since the Emmys a few months before."

Of course, taking home some gold doesn't hurt, either.

"Watching Nicole [Kidman], Laura [Dern] and Alex [Skarsgård] accepting their awards was a lot of fun for all of us," Ross says. "And then, hearing the show take home Best Limited Series and then going on stage with this family, including Reese [Witherspoon], Jean-Marc [Vallée, director–executive producer] and the rest of the gang, was just perfect."

No matter how different the two statuettes may look, for those who win either or both, the feelings are very much alike. "Growing up for me in Chicago, January's highlights included staying indoors and watching the Super Bowl and the Globes," Ross says. "When you're actually in the middle of it, it's indescribable and a bit otherworldly."

The Other Stars That Shine

Some may think awards shows begin and end with the Emmys and the Oscars, but many industry guilds stage an annual event to honor their own — though few are televised.

An award from one's peers can be the beginning of a run of trophies or an impressive job, but for many recipients, it's just nice to be recognized.

"I think it's great we have all these unions and awards shows," says publicist Meredith Emmanuel, who works with talent above and below the line. "It may seem exhausting to people looking on, but every one of these awards is important to people, many of whom are really underrated."

Writers Guild of America Awards

When: February 17

Where: Beverly Hilton Hotel

Prognostication: "As with the Emmys, there were so many new shows eligible with the WGA last year," says Chris Beachum, managing editor of GoldDerby.com. "Somehow, they overlooked The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which dominated the Emmys. New shows for the 2019 ceremony could include Barry, Counterpart, The Kominsky Method, Kidding, Killing Eve and Yellowstone."

Directors Guild of America Awards

When: February 2

Where: Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland

Prognostication: "They don't always match up, but the DGA did follow [in 2018] with three Emmy winners from a few months earlier," Beachum says. "It can't be exactly the same for 2019 because Game of Thrones will not be eligible for DGA, but The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story could repeat from the Emmys."

Producers Guild of America Awards

When: January 19

Where: Beverly Hilton Hotel

Prognostication: "The Globes are always looking for new shows to honor," Beachum says. "That turned out to be the case at the Emmys in 2018, but there were also several repeat winners or returning shows [Game of Thrones, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Saturday Night Live]."

If the PGA follows the Emmys with trophies this time, look out for Maisel, Versace, Oliver, SNL, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert and RuPaul's Drag Race. But not Game of Thrones, as it's not eligible.

American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Awards

When: February 9

Where: Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland

Prognostication: "The Crown will not be eligible this time for ASC, but the second cycle of Genius could repeat its Emmy win," Beachum says. "If they want to go with sci-fi or fantasy, look out for the possibility of Westworld or Outlander."

ACE Eddie Awards

When: February 1

Where: Beverly Hilton Hotel

Prognostication: "Cable and premium shows have seemingly had an advantage for quite afew years because they have more freedom and are considered edgier," Beachum says. "For comedies, look for Atlanta, Maisel and Barry to do well with ACE. I could see The Americans, Killing Eve, Ozark and Westworld as contenders for drama."

Costume Designers Guild Awards

When: February 19

Where: Beverly Hilton Hotel

Prognostication: "Versace seems tailor-made for this group since it celebrates one of their own," Beachum says. "Also, Westworld expanded its boundaries well beyond the western outfits. Maisel is a costumer's dream with all of its characters in the 1950s.

"Amazon's new limited series The Romanoffs should be lavish. And then there are the period pieces like The Alienist, Genius: Picasso, Little Women and Howards End."

Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards (MUAHSA)

When: February 16

Where: Novo Theatre by Microsoft at L.A. LIVE

Prognostication: Last year, Big Little Lies, Dancing with the Stars, Feud: Bette and Joan and Game of Thrones won two awards apiece in the TV categories. Look for another Ryan Murphy project, Versace, to be in contention.

ADG Excellence in Production Design Awards

When: February 2

Where: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown in the Wilshire Grand Ballroom

Prognostication: Given that Game of Thrones, The Handmaid's Tale and Black Mirror scored awards last year, the ADG Awards seem to reflect current award trends. "I think studios, especially ones like Netflix, know that if you want to have something look good on screen, you have to put money into production and locations," publicist Meredith Emmanuel says.

Motion Picture Sound Editor Awards (Golden Reels)

When: February 17

Where: Westin Bonaventure Hotel

Prognostication: Last year, The Get Down, Ozark, Godless and Black Mirror — all Netflix programs — took home the sound editing award. This year may see a similar focus on streaming services, where many shows have high budgets and cinematic sound quality.

The Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards

When: February 5

Where: Beverly Hilton Hotel

Prognostication: Game of Thrones (with an impressive four awards) and Black Sails were last year's winners, but with neither show eligible this year, it's anyone's game at the VES Awards. — L.B.S.

This article originally appeared in emmy magazine, Issue No. 11, 2018