In a surprising twist at this year's Emmy Awards, Disney (NYSE: DIS) appears poised to steal the spotlight from the usual heavyweights, HBO and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX). Thanks to the strategic direction of seasoned media executive Dana Walden, the company has soared to the forefront with three standout series: "Shogun," "The Bear," and "Only Murders in the Building."
Disney's remarkable achievement is underscored by its record haul of 51 awards at the Creative Arts Emmys, a milestone that sets it on a path to potential triumph at the upcoming primetime ceremony. The FX historical drama "Shogun," which has captivated audiences with its intricate narrative set in feudal Japan, took home 14 trophies and is the frontrunner for the coveted Best Drama award. On the lighter side, "The Bear," a dark comedy brimming with culinary ambitions, is a strong contender for Best Comedy after racking up 23 nominations—making it a record-breaking entry in its genre.
The sheer number of Emmy nominations—183 in total—highlights a creative revival at Disney, not just on its television screens but also in theaters, where Pixar's "Inside Out 2" and Marvel's "Deadpool & Wolverine" shattered box office records this summer. This surge can be traced back, in part, to Disney's significant acquisitions, notably the 2019 buyout of Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox for $71 billion. This strategic move not only broadened Disney's content library but also introduced seasoned industry veterans like Walden to lead the charge.
Joyce Eng, a senior editor at an award-focused publication, noted that Disney's extensive ownership toolkit contributes significantly to its nomination success. "Without their acquisition of Fox, names like 'The Bear' and 'Shogun' might not even be in the awards conversation." This highlights how ownership can amplify recognition and reward in an industry often characterized by fierce competition.
Walden's leadership, particularly in championing "Shogun," has not gone unnoticed. The narrative of a young heir navigating a tumultuous political landscape has proven to be a formidable gamble. FX's John Landgraf credited her support as pivotal, emphasizing, "I wouldn't be discussing our creative wins this year without the vision and support of both Bob [Iger] and Dana." Their combined efforts have shaped a remarkable Emmy campaign.
As Walden's reputation continues to shine, industry insiders speculate about her potential future as Disney's next chief executive. Currently, she shares oversight of Disney's global streaming operations, alongside Alan Bergman, as co-chairs of Disney Entertainment. With a track record of successful programming decisions at Fox, Walden remains a sought-after figure, admired for her instincts and ability to foster strong relationships within the industry.
Her keen insight and collaborative approach have earned her appreciation among top talents, including showrunners from beloved series. For instance, in a notable instance involving "Only Murders in the Building," Walden's suggestion to include a younger star revitalized the show's initial concept, leading to a successful trio of Selena Gomez alongside seasoned comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short.
Rick Rosen, a prominent producer, encapsulated Walden’s impact in the industry: "Dana is undoubtedly one of the top creative executives. Her support not only enhances the projects but also inspires the talent she collaborates with." As the Emmy landscape shifts, traders should keep a keen eye on how Disney continues to leverage its creative assets under Walden's leadership, positioning itself strongly in the entertainment domain.
