Killing Eve and The Crown battle it out for Britain at the Emmy Awards 2020

Two of Britain’s heavy-weight dramas, Killing Eve and The Crown, took charge of the nominations for the 72nd Annual Emmy Awards, with winners due to be announced on 21 September 2020. Strong, British talent was highlighted under these titles, with stars including Olivia Coleman, Jodie Comer, Brian Cox and Jeremy Irons all announced as potential winners of the prestigious accolade.

The Crown

The third series of Netflix’s The Crown received an impressive array of nominations, including the critical Outstanding Drama Series. Norwich-born actor Olivia Coleman also received a nomination for the coveted Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series award, for her role as Her Majesty the Queen, while co-star Helena Bonham Carter was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, having put on a dramatic performance as Princess Margaret.

The drama-filled series took to many locations across Britain to create a monarchy-based masterpiece, including the historic Caernarfon Castle in Wales, Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire and West Wycombe Park in Buckinghamshire. There were also a small collection of grand spots used as surrogates for the iconic Buckingham Palace, such as Lancaster House (just a stone’s throw from the royal residence itself), Salisbury’s Wilton House and Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College, used for exterior shots. Another of the series’ unforgettable moments was the funeral of Winston Churchill; although history had this occasion take place in St Paul’s Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral doubled up as the filming location for the sombre shots.

Killing Eve

The third series of Killing Eve, an AMC/BBC America show that has gripped audiences since it first aired in 2018, was also named as a potential winner of Outstanding Drama Series. Filled with dramatic twists and thrilling performances, both Sandra Oh and Liverpool-born actor Jodie Comer have been nominated for Outstanding Lead actress in a Drama Series. This comes alongside a nomination for Irish actor Fiona Shaw’s performance in the gripping BBC show, put forward for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama.

The gripping spy series has featured many striking British locations, with London the star of the show. While much of the drama was shot across various European locations, visitors to the English capital can check out featured locations including Greenfield Road in Whitechapel and Dingley Place in Islington, the spot chosen for Konstantin’s bachelor pad. A hub of Killing Eve activity was shot at New Malden’s Bar Malden, the new home for protagonist Eve, while the Hornsey Town Hall in Crouch End – a 1930s Art Deco building – was used to film shots of Café Moscow. Fans will also recognise the modernist building from scenes at the fictional Hotel Atlasov, which featured in the show’s second series.

Shows with Shakespearean talent

One Shakespeare-loving thespian hoping to grab the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award for this role in Succession is Brian Cox. A Scottish actor who worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, he is best known for his portrayal of King Lear at the National Theatre, London.

Also in the Emmy race for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie is Jeremy Irons, for his role in Watchmen. The English actor has shown outstanding performances in many Shakespeare plays, including both The Winter’s Tale and Richard II at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon – the birthplace of the world-famous playwright. Highlights of visiting ‘Shakespeare Country’ include the writer’s 16th century childhood home, which reopens on 1 August 2020, as well as Anne Hathaway’s timber-beamed cottage and Hall’s Croft, the Jacobean home of Shakespeare’s daughter, both of which will reopen in 2021.

Watchmen has also been tipped as a possible Outstanding Limited Series. Although an American production, scenes for Adrian's mansion were filmed in the stunning Penrhyn Castle in Bangor, Wales. The historic castle and gardens feature opulent interiors and fine art, with the spectacular mountains of Snowdonia providing the backdrop. The gardens and parkland are now open, but advance booking is a must.

Other notable nominations