The 78th Emmy nominations have been announced, with medical drama "The Pitt" and comedy "Hacks", both from HBO Max, emerging as the leading contenders. On the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, hosts Michael Schneider, Emily Longeretta and Jazz Tangcay discussed the standout results, snubs and surprises. The nominations set the stage for the awards race, raising questions over whether "The Pitt" can secure a second consecutive drama win and whether "Hacks" is now a favourite after a record-breaking haul.

"The Pitt" led all programmes with 25 nominations, including outstanding drama and 13 acting nods, with star Noah Wyle up for lead actor. "Hacks" earned 24 nominations for its fifth season — the most ever for a comedy, beating the 23 held jointly by "The Bear" and "The Studio" — and Jean Smart is in line for a potential eighth Emmy overall. Two first-year Apple TV titles followed, with horror comedy "Widow's Bay" on 19 nods and drama "Pluribus" on 18, while Netflix's "Beef" topped the limited series field with 16. The panel also noted disappointment over the limited recognition for "Half Man", a weak showing for broadcast television beyond "Abbott Elementary", and the return of "Dancing With the Stars" after a decade-long nomination drought.