Clive Owen hopes to divide and conquer with his dual Emmy submissions this year.
With two competing limited series in the Emmys race, the star will be submitting his two acclaimed performances in AMC’s “Monsieur Spade” and Hulu’s “A Murder at the End of the World” in separate acting categories, Variety has learned exclusively.
For his work as detective Sam Spade in AMC’s neo-noir miniseries “Monsieur Spade,” he’ll remain as expected in the highly competitive lead actor in a limited series or TV movie race, where he’ll face potential contenders such as Jon Hamm (“Fargo”) and Tom Hollander (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”). However, regarding his turn in Hulu’s psychological thriller “A Murder at the End of the World,” he’ll seek Emmy consideration as a supporting actor, eyeing competition in actors like Jonathan Bailey (“Fellow Travelers”) and Lewis Pullman (“Lessons in Chemistry”), and leaving his co-star Emma Corrin as the sole lead.
Read: All Primetime Emmy predictions in every category on Variety’s Awards Circuit.
The show’s British star and executive producer has a rich recognition history. He was previously nominated by the Television Academy for his portrayal of the famed author Ernest Hemingway in HBO’s biographical television movie “Hemingway & Gelhorn” in 2012. Additionally, Owen is an Oscar nominee for his visceral and passionate performance in Mike Nichols’ romantic drama ‘Closer’ (2004), a role that earned him the Golden Globe. These accolades serve as a testament to his talent and dedication.
Created by Scott Frank (“The Queen’s Gambit”) and Tom Fontana (“Oz”), “Monsieur Spade” takes place in 1963 and follows the fictional private detective Sam Spade from Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 novel “The Maltese Falcon,” which was played by classic movie star Humphrey Bogart in 1941 best picture-nominated movie. The six-episode miniseries premiered on Jan. 14, receiving positive praise from critics. Variety’s Alison Herman wrote: “Anchoring it all is Owen, whose hangdog look and weathered handsomeness are both well-suited to playing an aging legend half a world from home.”
In FX’s “Murder at the End of the World,” created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, Owen plays the founder of an AI security startup and is at the center of a secluded retreat when some of his invited guests start to die unexpectedly. Variety’s Aramide Tinubu called the series “immense and haunting,” citing Owen’s work as “glowering.”
In what’s become the ongoing theme of this TV awards season, the limited or anthology series is a bloodbath and overflowing with top-tier talent, which will likely leave many Emmy worthy performers and series on the outside looking in. Owen’s best shot at recognition will likely be in supporting actor limited for “Murder” by the sheer nature of more available slots (likely to have seven or eight nominees instead of six in lead). He could ride the coattails of his contending co-star Corrin, who will be vying for a spot in lead actress in a limited series.
Emmy submissions must be completed by May 9 with the eligibility deadline for all series concluding their runs by May 31.
Source Agencies
