Midnight Mass got zero Emmy nominations and I’m bitter

Once again, horror was given the short end of the stick with the Emmy Award nominations. In particular, I was disappointed and surprised by the lack of nominations for Netflix limited series Midnight Mass.

In what was a years-long labor of love, Mike Flanagan both wrote and directed the series, which included themes of trauma and religion. It wasn’t just an action-packed blood-splattered series, it was deep and engrossing, and featured fully developed characters. As someone who adores a slow burn horror film or series, I loved that it drew me in slowly. Even when I basically figured out what the strange angel really was, I wanted to know more about the whys and hows. And it was scary! I mean, who could watch that horrifying scene in the church and not be on the edge of their seat?

But, Midnight Mass wasn’t even nominated for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Hulu’s Pam & Tommy was, because obviously a biopic about a doomed and dysfunctional relationship between two stars was much more meaningful (insert eye roll here).

Here are the awards Midnight Mass should have been nominated for:

Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series – Mike Flanagan is a master of his craft(s). I interviewed the Supervising Sound Editor for Midnight Mass last year, and he spoke of Flanagan’s dedication; he even drew up maps of Crockett Island, so they knew where on the island the sounds of the oceans, gulls, etc. would be strongest and weakest. And the fact that the same actors keep returning to work for him says a lot about his skills as a director and his ability to be a decent human being.

Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series – It was well written, extremely well acted, and the story played out perfectly from beginning to end. I adored Flanagan’s The Haunting of Hill House series, and honestly, Midnight Mass was just as good. Oh, and The Haunting of Hill House was also not nominated for a single Emmy Award when it began streaming in 2018.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – It is a crime that Hamish Linklater was not nominated for this award. He OWNED the role of Father Paul. Every facial expression, every word that came out of his mouth was authentic. It was very obvious that he put his heart and soul into his portrayal, and am I bitter that he didn’t even get nominated? YES. *shakes fist at the sky.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie – Kate Siegel ripped my heart out with her portrayal of Erin Greene, who had left an abusive relationship to return to Crockett Island, pregnant and alone. After discovering that her pregnancy had just…disappeared, she struggled to accept it, and her description of where she thinks her daughter has gone is both heart breaking and inspirational. Siegel was positively radiant in this role, and her valiant fight with the angel made me cheer.

Oh, and it wouldn’t have hurt my feelings to also have Samantha Sloyan (the detestable Bev) nominated. My lip curled every time she was onscreen, and I was never so happy to see a character’s cowardly demise.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – There were so many possibilities for this particular nomination. Zach Gilford was loveable and vulnerable as Riley, Rahul Kohli’s Sheriff Hassan was completely relateable. But, Robert Longstreet was a revelation as the town drunk, Joe Collie. He made me openly weep when his sweet dog was poisoned, and his reaction during Leeza’s confrontation was a master class in emoting without speaking. That one desperate gasping sound he made just tore me up inside.

It is at least a relief to know that horror was not ignored as a whole for the Emmy Awards. Showtime’s Yellowjackets garnered nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series (Melanie Lynskey, who was fantastic), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Christina Ricci, who played bat**** crazy so well), Outstanding Writing for a drama series, and Outstanding Drama Series.

Stranger Things and Squid Games also both received a few nominations. But I will never forgive the academies for once again snubbing a Mike Flanagan series. Give this man his due!

Do you think Midnight Mass was unfairly snubbed by the Emmy Awards? Sound off in the comments section.