By AWD member Angie Comer
A few years ago, I was suddenly smitten with coffee cups; I collected cups from every vacation, weekend get-a-way’s and film related events. One of my favorite cups features a young girl at a fork in the road—walking towards a sign that reads What’s in Front of You, while the sign behind her reads No Longer an Option. I get it. Let’s move on from the past.
However, as female director, I take it as gospel that some things from our history bears repeating. For instance, Emmy’s history has demonstrated their lingering bias towards women directors and their continued support and focus on men behind the lens. It is a challenge and a controversy. There will come a time when this obstacle doesn’t exist in the filmmaking system; it will no longer be an option.
Until that day arrives, I compiled a list of recent Emmy-nominated women directors and their episodes that you should check out.
70th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
The Handmaid’s Tale
Kari Skogland | Nominated | Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series”After” | Season 2 Episode 7
Pushing every emotion to the extreme, The Handmaid’s Tale never disappoints, as an attack sends shock waves through both Gilead and Little America.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Amy Sherman-Palladino | Winner | Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series”Pilot”
I believe this is truly organic storytelling. With playful characters, this premiere introduced Prime members to Midge Maisel and a comedy club act that change her life.
69th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
Homeland
Lesli Linka Glatter | Nominated | Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series”America First” | Season 6 Episode 12
In this gripping season finale, unresolved issues are at the root of the story, with Keane’s administration remaining mired in controversy and Saul’s arrest.
The Handmaid’s Tale
Kate Dennis | Nominated | Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series”The Bridge” | Season 1 Episode 9
June is tasked with going back to Jezebels to find a package and Janine has trouble relinquishing her newborn baby.
The Handmaid’s Tale
Reed Morano | Winner | Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series”Offred (Pilot)”
A new Handmaid struggles to survive as a productive surrogate for a powerful Commander and his resentful wife.
68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
Homeland
Lesli Linka Glatter | Nominated | Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series”The Tradition of Hospitality” | Season 5 Episode 2
Buzzing with edginess, who knows what will happen next when Carrie and Düring visit a refugee camp.
Transparent
Jill Soloway | Winner | Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series”Man On The Land” | Season 2 Episode 9
This streaming series never falls short of satisfying as Maura makes a new friend and has a rude awakening and Sarah experiences liberation from an unlikely source.
