Last week, on July 12, the nominations for the 75th annual Emmy Awards were announced. Counted amongst the nominees are three performers hailing from Michigan: Steven Yeun, Paul Walter Hauser, and Sam Richardson. But what chance do they have to win? And how does Michigan’s Emmy representation stack up to the rest of the country?
Here at GreatLakesStakes.com, typically home to all news around Michigan online gambling, we created a ranking of the top five states according to the number of American performers who are nominated for Emmys this year. To come up with the results, we sorted all the actors by their birthplace, or hometown if they re-located shortly after birth. Below we’ve also evaluated their chances of winning.
One of the most underrated actors of the past decade, Steven Yeun, is among the Michigan nominees — earning an Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for his role in Netflix’s “Beef.”
Though born in Seoul, Yeun went to high school in Taylor, Michigan after his parents immigrated from Korea. When he graduated, Yeun moved to Chicago to pursue a career in comedy. Following a stint with the legendary Second City improv troupe, Yeun moved to L.A., where he landed the fan-favorite role of Glenn on “The Walking Dead.”
Growing up in a Korean-speaking household, Yeun has alternated between English and Korean roles, including appearing in two films produced in his home country — 2017’s “Okja” and “Burning” in 2018. Although set in America, Yeun also starred in “Minari,” which earned him a 2020 Oscar nomination for the primarily Korean-language role.
In “Beef,” Yeun plays Danny Cho, a down-on-his-luck contractor whose life is upended by a road rage incident that occurs in the first episode and forms the backbone series’ plot.
It’s a toss up whether or not Yeun takes home an Emmy for the role.
While “Beef” is among the year’s buzziest and most critically acclaimed shows, and Yeun’s acting chops are unquestioned, he’s nominated alongside Evan Peters, who won the Golden Globe in a similar category earlier this year for his performance as Jeffrey Dahmer in “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”
But because the Globes and Emmys have different time windows for eligibility, Yeun wasn’t up for that award. Also, “Beef” received 13 total nominations at the Emmys, so it’s clearly a favorite. When all is said and done, I’d say voters jump at the chance to award Steven Yeun here.
Saginaw-bown Paul Walter Hauser is another nominee from Michigan, earning recognition in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series of Movie category for his role in Apple TV+’s “Black Bird.”
In the show, Hauser plays real-life serial killer Larry Hall, who is suspected to have been responsible for killing as many as 50 women throughout the '80s and '90s —although he was only ever convicted of one murder. Hauser plays a supporting role alongside star Taron Edgerton, who portrays James Keene, a drug-dealer turn prison informant sent inside to gain Hauser’s trust and learn more about his other crimes.
The series is based on “In With the Devil,” a 2010 memoir written by Keene.
In January, Paul Walter Hauser took home the Golden Globe for this role, but the competition is tougher this time around. He’ll have to face off against a pair of “Beef” actors in Joseph Lee and Young Manzino, as well as Hollywood-favorite Jesse Plemons, and his “Black Bird” co-star, the late Ray Liotta. In his final on-screen role before his passing earlier this year, Liotta plays James Keene’s father, a cop who helps arrange for his son’s participation as police informant.
The final Michigan performer nominated at the 2023 Emmys is Sam Richardson, who was recognized for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role on “Ted Lasso.” As Edwin Akufo, Richardson plays an African billionaire who first appeared in a Season 2 episode trying to recruit one of AFC Richmond’s players to join an African soccer club.
In season three, Akufo returns with aspirations of creating an international “Super League” reminiscent of the European Super League that’s been rumoured in the soccer world for years.
As for Sam Richardson’s chances of winning, it seems unlikely. Last year, he was also nominated for his role as Akufo, but lost. On top of that, his Season 2 storyline was meatier than his return in the most recent, and final, season of Ted Lasso.
Although the guest appearance categories are ofter notoriously difficult to predict, my money would be on either Jon Bernthal or Oliver Platt here. Both feature in memorable guest roles on FX’s hot new show “The Bear.”
We’re scheduled to find out how our Michigan nominees fare on Sept. 18, but with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes throwing Hollywood into chaos, one would expect that date to be pushed. Some reports are suggesting the 2023 Emmys won’t be held until next year.
Either way, stay close to this site for more pieces like this, plus all news relating to Michigan online slots.
Author
Joss has over a decade of experience in the US online gambling market. His analysis and writing cover every aspect of the business. After a career as an Army officer, he spent time in business, then took up online poker. Joss lives in Peru with his family. Joss is globally considered one of the leading voices in the gambling industry, especially North American sports betting.
Cited by leading media organizations, such as:
