On September 17, 2018, the Television Academy announced the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations, marking the official start of that year’s award cycle. These nominations recognize creative and technical achievements across scripted and nonfiction series, acting, directing, and writing released during the eligibility period. This guide explains how the voting process works, which major shows and performers appeared on the lists, and how to interpret the results as a durable primer for future Emmy seasons.
How the Emmy Nominations Are Determined
The Emmy nomination process is governed by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and administered by independent accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. Members of each peer group (actors, writers, directors, producers, etc.) submit nominations within their categories, and PwC compiles and audits the results. The goal is to produce a shortlist that reflects broad peer consensus while maintaining eligibility rules, category limits, and voting thresholds. Understanding this structure helps explain why certain shows appear repeatedly and why some strong contenders may be absent.
Eligibility Period and Submission Windows
For the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards, the eligibility period covered original programming released between June 1, 2017, and May 31, 2018. Streaming platforms, broadcast networks, and cable channels all participated, with each eligible entrant required to submit episodes, scripts, and press materials by strict cutoffs. These windows ensure that programs are judged on a comparable timeframe and prevent last-minute additions that could skew category depth.
Voting Mechanics and Quorum Requirements
Voting in the nomination phase follows ranked-choice preferences in many categories, with voters required to select a minimum number of choices to qualify as a ballot. The Academy emphasizes both participation and balance, aiming to include diverse voices across geography, gender, and institutional role. Final nomination slates are released after audits, and any irregularities are reviewed by PwC before official announcement. This layered oversight helps preserve credibility across decades of ceremonies.
Key Dates for the 2018 Emmy Cycle
For the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards, the sequence of major milestones set the tone for that season. Below is a concise timeline capturing the most consequential dates and their significance within the broader awards ecosystem.
| Date | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2017 | Eligibility period begins | Defines the window of eligible content |
| May 31, 2018 | Eligibility period ends | Final cutoff for original releases |
| July 2018 | Voting opens to eligible members | Starts peer-driven selection process |
| September 17, 2018 | 70th Emmy nominations announced | Public disclosure of official nominee lists |
| September 22, 2018 | Creative Arts Emmys presented | Recognition of technical and craft excellence |
| September 17, 2018 | Main ceremony scheduled | Finals and major categories highlighted |
Notable Nominees and Categories
The 2018 nomination lists reflected strong performances and innovative storytelling across broadcast, cable, and digital platforms. Series such as Game of Thrones, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Americans appeared in multiple categories, while actors including Claire Foy, Matthew Rhys, and Peter Dinklage drew attention for specific roles. Nonfiction categories featured programs that combined cultural relevance with technical achievement, illustrating the breadth of work honored by the Academy. These examples serve as reference points for evaluating quality and impact in television.
Scripted Series Highlights
Several dramas and comedies earned multiple nods, signaling broad peer respect. Leading drama nominees typically demonstrated consistent writing, direction, and performance across a full season. In comedy, shows with distinctive voices and structural ambition often stood out. Observing patterns in genre, budget, and platform can help viewers understand which programs are likely to resonate with Academy voters in future cycles.
Performance and Creative Recognition
Acting categories for the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards highlighted diverse interpretations of complex characters. Directors and writers also received nods for episodes that combined narrative clarity with visual invention. By studying these selections, industry observers can identify which storytelling techniques and production values are currently esteemed. Such insights are valuable for creators, analysts, and audiences interested in the craft and future of television.
Interpreting Nomination Lists
Reading Emmy nomination lists is not only about tallying totals; it is about understanding categories, balance, and context. A show with few nominations may still be influential, while a high number of nods does not guarantee awards. Voters weigh consistency, risk-taking, and contribution to the medium, so analyzing trends across years provides a clearer picture of institutional priorities and tastes.
Category Balance and Representation
The distribution of nominations across genres, formats, and networks can reveal Academy priorities in a given year. For example, strong nonfiction slates might indicate appreciation for documentary innovation, while diverse acting nods could reflect broader inclusion efforts. Tracking these patterns helps audiences compare programs on more than just popularity metrics.
Common Misconceptions
- Nomination counts alone predict awards: Outcome depends on final voting rounds and category dynamics.
- Only prestige dramas receive nods: Comedies, variety, and nonfiction programs frequently appear.
- All eligible programs are nominated: Strict category caps and voting thresholds limit total slates.
- Streaming and broadcast compete unfairly: Each platform has its own peer groups and rules.
- Nominations guarantee industry momentum: Impact varies by network, marketing, and timing.
Context for Future Emmy Analysis
Treat each Emmy season as a distinct snapshot of creative achievement and industry priorities. Historical nomination patterns inform expectations, but evolving platforms, rules, and audiences continually reshape the landscape. Use this guide as a baseline for interpreting the 2018 list and for building a framework that applies to future ceremonies, from eligibility rules to category strategy and post-nomination coverage.
Behind the Nomination Process
Much of the public conversation around Emmy nominations focuses on the headline counts, but the mechanics behind the scenes are equally important. The Television Academy maintains committees that oversee category definitions, eligibility disputes, and voting procedures. PwC’s involvement ensures that tabulation remains secure, auditable, and resistant to external influence. These structural elements exist to protect the legitimacy of the awards and to ensure that recognition reflects genuine peer judgment rather than popularity or lobbying.
Voter Engagement and Education
To maintain relevance, the Academy invests in voter education, explaining category distinctions and submission standards. New members undergo onboarding that clarifies what constitutes eligible work and how to evaluate craft versus performance. Outreach efforts aim to keep participation high while preventing ballot stuffing or uninformed voting. The combination of orientation, clear rules, and audits helps align outcomes with the institution’s long-term reputation.
Category Definitions and Evolution
Category structures evolve as the television medium expands. New formats such as interactive programming and emerging modes of storytelling periodically prompt Academy discussions about appropriate classification. Subcommittees review whether existing rules capture the intent of each category or whether new buckets are needed. This iterative process ensures that the Emmys can acknowledge innovation without fragmenting the prestige of established categories.