Zero Emmy nods for Landman spark Stephen King’s pointed “Politics, or what?” reaction
Stephen King is scratching his head over Taylor Sheridan’s drama getting shut out of awards season — and if you’re wondering how that happened, so is he.
On Oct. 9, Stephen King jumped on X to wonder aloud why Landman was completely absent from this year’s Emmys. The author didn’t just gripe in general — he singled out Billy Bob Thornton for Lead Actor and director Stephen Kay as two names he felt should have been in the mix.
I don't understand why LANDMAN didn't get nominated for Emmy awards. Particularly Billy Bob Thornton for best actor and Stephen Kay for best director. Is it politics, or what?
The Paramount+ oil-field drama drew more than nine million viewers for its season premiere and had a visible For Your Consideration push, yet it finished with zero nominations. None of its marquee performers made the cut, despite the show being one of the season’s bigger watercooler titles.
- Billy Bob Thornton — Tommy Norris
- Sam Elliott
- Andy Garcia
- Ali Larter
- Michelle Randolph
- Demi Moore
Not just Landman
King’s post came as several Taylor Sheridan shows sat out the winners’ circle. Beyond Landman, other Sheridan titles were missing from major categories altogether:
- The Madison
- Dutton Ranch
- Marshals
- 1923
- Tulsa King
Meanwhile, the Emmys themselves were dominated by a small group of heavy hitters. The Pitt led the night with 25 awards, including Outstanding Drama Series and a Lead Actor win for Noah Wyle. Hacks followed with 24 trophies, and Apple TV+ titles Widow’s Bay and Pluribus also grabbed major wins.
Recognition elsewhere
Even if the Television Academy wasn’t buying, awards bodies elsewhere have. Landman Season 2 scored an Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series nomination at the Actor Awards, plus a nod for its stunt ensemble. Thornton also landed a Critics Choice nomination for his turn as Tommy Norris.
Country music’s big night took notice, too: the show received an ACM Film Award at the 2026 ACM Honors in Nashville. And inside the Paramount+ camp, there’s forward momentum — the cast has already secured raises for Season 3.