The cast of “Yellowstone” had some thoughts about being constantly snubbed during major award ceremonies despite the show’s massive popularity with fans.
The Paramount Network original series has been a ratings winner since its premiere in 2018, most recently attracting an incredible 9.3 million viewers for the season 4 finale. This has some fans wondering why it keeps getting passed over when it comes to award nominations. So far, the series has only earned one Emmy nomination for production design in 2021 and no Golden Globe nominations at all.
Many speculate it’s because the series is a Western drama that’s way less liberal than other contemporary shows. As Meghan McCain previously observed, “The show isn’t woke, it isn’t trying to lecture anyone about everything that is wrong with our culture,” she shared in a review. “It doesn’t portray the elitist perspective of coastal television writers and where they think America should be going.”
The cast spoke with The Daily Mail about their feelings on the subject.
Actor Wes Bentley, who plays Jamie Dutton in the series, told the publication, “I personally don’t think awards validate anything. It’s an honor, as they say, but as far as it saying whether we are doing something good or not, that’s not what that is.”
“Many, many shows don’t get that recognition that deserve it, and many do get it that don’t deserve it,” he continued. “It’s just the matter of opinion of each particular academy. I know we are a success because the people are watching it.”
Gil Birmingham, who plays tribal chairman Thomas Rainwater on the show, agreed with that sentiment. “Hollywood is a fickle beast,” he said. “I think that it’s more important that we have captured the hearts and minds of the audience and our fans.”
Actor Jefferson White, who plays Jimmy Hurdstrom on the show, told The Daily Mail that while awards are important to some extent, they aren’t the most crucial mark of a quality series.
“I hope this season does get awards because I love these actors, and I think they are doing amazing work,” he said. “I hope that other people recognize that, but also it really is true that the fans’ response to it is the recognition that these actors deserve, and we are so lucky to have that.”
Season 5 of “Yellowstone” premieres Sunday.
