The Emmy Awards, long dominated by HBO and Netflix, have seen a new contender emerge at the top – The Walt Disney Company.
This year, under the leadership of veteran TV executive Dana Walden, Disney is positioned as the frontrunner in the television industry’s biggest event.
Thanks to a slew of successful and critically acclaimed shows, Disney has surged ahead of its competition in the race for Emmy dominance.
Disney’s Emmy Triumph in 2023
Disney’s creative resurgence is clear. The company is expected to lead the Emmy Awards, held on Sunday, thanks to top nominations for hit shows like Shogun, The Bear, and Only Murders in the Building.
Last weekend, Disney collected 51 awards at the Creative Arts Emmys, setting a record for the entertainment giant.
Shogun, an FX political thriller set in 17th-century Japan, earned 14 honors and is considered a favorite to win Sunday’s most prestigious award, the Emmy for Best Drama.
Disney’s momentum is undeniable, as the studio has amassed an impressive 183 Emmy nominations this year.
This marks a significant achievement for the company, whose presence is increasingly felt not only in television but also in film.
Disney’s box-office successes, such as Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine, further emphasize its creative dominance in the entertainment industry.
The Shows Behind Disney’s Emmy Push
Among Disney’s most highly nominated shows, this year is FX’s The Bear, a dark comedy about a family-owned sandwich shop aiming for Michelin star status.
With 23 nominations, The Bear has set a record for a comedy series and is a strong contender for Best Comedy.
Awards experts and industry insiders are closely watching this show, which showcases Disney’s ability to deliver a mix of high-quality entertainment across genres.
Also contributing to Disney’s success is Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, a comedic whodunit featuring a dream cast of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.
Walden’s creative input helped elevate the show, bringing a fresh, cross-generational appeal that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Disney’s Creative Surge Under Dana Walden’s Leadership
Dana Walden’s vision and leadership have been pivotal to Disney’s current Emmy success. After Disney acquired most of 21st Century Fox for $71 billion in 2019, Walden, who previously co-led Fox Television Group, joined the company and has since been instrumental in reshaping its television division. Under her guidance, Disney has returned to its roots of creative excellence.
Walden’s knack for identifying and supporting unique and boundary-pushing projects has become her hallmark.
One of the most significant risks she supported was FX’s Shogun. Set in feudal Japan, this period drama features mostly unknown actors and dialogue predominantly in Japanese.
Despite its high cost and risk, Shogun has garnered critical acclaim, proving Walden’s ability to champion bold, innovative content that challenges conventional industry norms.
FX Networks president John Landgraf, who worked closely with Walden, credited her for taking the creative risks necessary to bring Shogun to life.
“It was a big bet, and I needed her support to make it happen,” Landgraf said. Her strategic decision-making is evident in how Disney has embraced diversity in storytelling, leading to Emmy nominations and awards across multiple platforms.
The Future of Disney Under Walden’s Leadership
As Disney’s co-chair of Entertainment, Walden’s influence extends far beyond television. She also oversees the company’s global streaming strategy alongside co-chairman Alan Bergman.
This dual role places her at the forefront of Disney’s evolving entertainment empire, which now spans traditional TV, streaming platforms, and blockbuster films.
Her proven track record of success has led to industry speculation that she is one of the leading internal candidates to succeed Bob Iger as Disney’s next CEO.
Walden’s approach to creativity isn’t just about high-level executive decisions. Those who have worked closely with her, like This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman and Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy, have praised her for her hands-on style and her ability to offer insightful, constructive feedback that enhances the final product.
Rick Rosen, co-founder of William Morris Endeavor and longtime collaborator with Walden, describes her as “one of the best creative executives in the business.”
Her influence can be seen in everything from Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building to her time at Fox, where she greenlit hits like 24, Glee, Homeland, and This Is Us.
One of her standout moments in recent years was suggesting a younger, more diverse casting approach for Only Murders in the Building, which led to the casting of former Disney star Selena Gomez alongside veteran comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short.
This casting decision contributed to the show’s widespread appeal and critical success.
Conclusion: A New Era of Creative Leadership
As the 2023 Emmy Awards approach, Disney’s front-runner status reflects more than just a tally of nominations.
It symbolizes the culmination of a creative renaissance led by Dana Walden, whose talent for pushing the boundaries of television has positioned Disney as a powerhouse in both the traditional and streaming worlds.
Whether it’s the compelling, culturally rich storytelling of Shogun, the fresh and relatable comedy of The Bear, or the creative twists of Only Murders in the Building, Disney’s current Emmy moment highlights Walden’s leadership and vision.
The future of Disney, both in television and beyond, seems brighter than ever. Under Walden’s continued guidance, Disney is not just participating in the Emmy race – it’s leading it.
As her reputation grows within the company and the industry, all eyes will be on how Walden continues to shape Disney’s creative legacy in the years to come.