For a show that generates such astronomical levels of fan enthusiasm and critical discussion, Game of Thrones has a surprisingly bare trophy cabinet. In the non-production categories – that is, the prestige categories of best series, writing, acting and directing – it boasts just a single Emmy and Golden Globe, for Peter Dinklage as Best Supporting Actor.
HBO programming resident Michael Lombardo has some thoughts regarding why that is, which he shared with Entertainment Weekly:
“What frustrates me about the show is people really love and connect with the characters — but somehow, [the voters] don’t put two and two together that there are great actors embodying those roles,” Lombardo says. “There seems to be a disconnect. This would not work without compelling writing and unbelievable acting and suburb direction. And I think that’s part of the challenge of a show that’s a genre show. I think people think the show is carried along on its production values.”
Of course, there’s probably some other factors at play – like the fact that there are exactly one billion characters in the show, and that it’s faced stiff competition from the rest of the Golden Age Of Television (Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Boardwalk Empire, House Of Cards et al.). Still, there’s no doubt there’s quite a discrepancy between Game Of Thrones’ piracy and awards tally. Maybe 2014 will be its year?
