Disney+ has exceeded expectations at the Primetime Emmy Awards with The Mandalorian receiving nominations for Best Drama Series in its first two seasons. Although The Mandalorian’s third season did not make the cut this year due to a drop in quality, it was replaced by another exceptional Star Wars series, Andor, which became the sole representative of the franchise in the drama series category. Andor stands out among the Star Wars shows on Disney+ as an outstanding espionage series that shines independently of its connections to the galaxy far, far away.
While it is encouraging to see Andor score major nominations in the writing and directing categories, it is disappointing that the acting categories did not recognize the outstanding performances throughout the series’ first season. This is surprising considering that even The Mandalorian received recognition for its performances in earlier seasons. Giancarlo Esposito’s portrayal of Moff Gideon, although entertaining, lacks the depth and complexity found in Andor’s performances. Andor, created by Tony Gilroy, goes beyond mere action figures and delves into topics such as the spread of fascism, the challenges of immigration, the importance of political action, and the harsh realities of the prison system. The fact that it takes place in the Star Wars universe is merely incidental.
Diego Luna’s portrayal of Cassian Andor, the lead character, would have been a strong contender in the Best Lead Actor category at the Emmys. Luna brings a deeper meaning to the role, portraying Cassian as an orphaned native who is forced to hide his true identity and birthplace to avoid drawing attention from law enforcement. The story is incredibly timely, resonating with global concerns about immigration, making Cassian’s character arc inspiring for immigrants and political refugees who have longed for representation in the media.
Although the best drama acting race was filled with exceptional performances from shows like Succession, Better Call Saul, and The Last of Us, there is hope that Luna may secure a spot in the category in the future now that those shows have ended. The second season of Andor is set to premiere on Disney+ next year.
The snubs for Andor’s supporting actors are even more glaring. Genevieve O’Reilly brings Mon Mothma to life in a way that goes beyond fan service, portraying a politician who struggles to maintain her beliefs in the face of totalitarianism. O’Reilly’s performance would have been a welcome addition to the Best Supporting Actress category. Similarly, Stellan Skarsgård delivers a powerful monologue that stands out as one of the best in the history of the Star Wars franchise, deserving recognition in the Best Supporting Actor category.
Andy Serkis, although not nominated, deserves special mention for his heartbreaking portrayal of Kino Loy, a lifelong prisoner denied the chance to participate in a prison break he helped orchestrate. Serkis’s standout episode “No Way Out” was recognized in the writing category, making the snub even more peculiar.
While it is exciting to see Andor receive nominations for writing and drama, it is disheartening that the exceptional performances that brought the series to life were overlooked. Luna’s performance represents a new generation of fans seeing themselves onscreen, and O’Reilly portrays a conflicted female hero in a franchise that has not always given female characters the respect they deserve. Skarsgård and Serkis also deliver outstanding performances that evoke strong emotions.
Andor is as deserving as any other nominee in the drama category. All episodes of Andor are available to stream on Disney+.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
