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Emmys snubs: Michael K. Williams, Emma Corrin, MJ Rodriguez passed over for top awards – USA TODAY

The Emmy Awards were light on surprises

Apple TV+ soccer comedy “Ted Lasso” and Netlix’s royal drama “The Crown” took the top prizes at Sunday’s awards show, as did Netflix chess drama “The Queen’s Gambit” in limited series. Critics’ favorites Jean Smart (“Hacks”) and Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”) reigned victorious in their respective acting categories, while Michaela Coel took home a much-deserved limited series writing win for “I May Destroy You,” a semi-autobiographical show tackling topics of sexual assault and consent. 

But there were a few big stars and shows that were overlooked, including “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which set a record for most Emmy losses in one season, with 21 nominations and zero wins. Among the other major snubs:

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Kathryn Hahn was a favorite for "WandaVision," but lost out to Julianne Nicholson for "Mare of Easttown."

Kathryn Hahn

The beloved comedic actress was a scene-stealer in “WandaVision,” playing villain Agatha – and getting a fan-favorite song – opposite Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany’s Marvel superhero couple. But Hahn was bested by Julianne Nicholson, who delivered a heart-wrenching performance in “Mare of Easttown” as a protective mother and best friend to Kate Winslet’s troubled detective. 

Michael K. Williams

Emmy voting ended Aug. 30, a week before Williams died of a possible drug overdose. The actor was heavily favored to win best drama supporting actor for HBO’s since-canceled “Lovecraft Country,” but Tobias Menzies took the crown instead as Prince Philip on Netflix’s “The Crown.” 

Emma Corrin

Corrin swept precursor awards including Critics Choice and Golden Globes for her work as Princess Diana in Netflix’s “The Crown.” Their co-star, Oscar winner Olivia Colman (“The Favourite”), ultimately took home the prize for best drama actress as Queen Elizabeth II, after losing to Zendaya last year for HBO’s “Euphoria” (which hasn’t yet aired its second season and was ineligible). 

MJ Rodriguez made Emmy history with her nomination, but ultimately lost out to Olivia Colman for best drama actress.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

The actress, who previously went by MJ Rodriguez, made history this summer when she became the first trans woman nominated in a lead acting category at the Emmys. But the star of “Pose,” which aired its third and final season earlier this year, was ultimately passed over in lead drama actress in favor of Colman. Her “Pose” co-star, Billy Porter, who became the first openly gay Black man to win best drama actor in 2019, was similarly overlooked Sunday for Josh O’Conne in “The Crown.” 

Anya Taylor-Joy

The rising star of “Last Night in Soho” and the upcoming “Mad Max” prequel was expected to win best actress in a limited series, after winning at both the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild awards for her captivating turn in Netflix’s breakout “The Queen’s Gambit” last fall. But she was ultimately no match for Winslet, a previous Emmy winner for “Mildred Pierce,” who delivered a shattering turn in HBO’s surprise spring hit “Mare of Easttown.” 

Paul Bettany

The “WandaVision” actor was considered the front-runner for best actor in a limited series for his turn as a lovable android in the Disney+ show. But Ewan McGregor, playing queer fashion designer Roy Halston, took home the award for the poorly reviewed Netflix drama “Halston.” 

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