“Peaky Blinders” is one of the most popular and stylish television dramas of the 21st century. Set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, it follows the life and crimes of the Shelby family. Led by the ambitious and dangerous Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, the family rises through the ranks of the British underworld. With sharp suits, razor-sharp dialogue, and a unique blend of historical fiction and drama, the series has gained a massive following worldwide.
Since its debut in 2013, fans and critics alike have praised “Peaky Blinders” for its acting, cinematography, music, and storytelling. Many viewers believe it deserves the highest recognition in television. Naturally, this raises the question: Has “Peaky Blinders” ever won an Emmy Award?
In this article, we will take a closer look at the show’s journey, its award history, and whether or not it has received an Emmy. We will also explore the reasons behind its awards track record and how it compares to other acclaimed series.
What Are the Emmy Awards?
The Emmy Awards are considered the most prestigious honors in the television industry. They are the equivalent of the Oscars for movies and the Grammys for music. The awards are presented by three main organizations:
- The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS)
- The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS)
- The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (IATAS)
The Emmys recognize excellence in a wide range of television categories, including acting, directing, writing, and technical achievements. The most well-known Emmys are the Primetime Emmy Awards, which celebrate the best in American primetime TV.
Winning an Emmy is a big deal. It can boost a show’s reputation, increase viewership, and give actors and creators more opportunities in the industry.
A Brief History of Peaky Blinders
“Peaky Blinders” premiered on BBC Two in the UK in September 2013. It was created by Steven Knight, who is known for his work on films like “Dirty Pretty Things” and “Eastern Promises.” The show is loosely based on a real gang that operated in Birmingham in the early 20th century.
The series starts in 1919, just after World War I, and follows Tommy Shelby and his family as they build a criminal empire. Over the course of six seasons, the story expands in scope and ambition. The characters travel from Birmingham to London, and even to the international stage. The show combines historical events with fictional characters and storylines, creating a rich and immersive world.
One of the show’s standout features is its visual style. The cinematography is dark and moody, the costumes are elegant and sharp, and the soundtrack features modern rock music that sets a unique tone. These elements help make “Peaky Blinders” stand out from other period dramas.
Critical Acclaim and Popularity
“Peaky Blinders” has received strong reviews from critics and fans alike. Cillian Murphy’s performance as Tommy Shelby is often highlighted as a major strength. The supporting cast, which includes actors like Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, and Tom Hardy, also receives praise.
The show’s storytelling is complex, with themes of loyalty, power, trauma, and family. It explores the social and political issues of the time, such as class conflict, war, and the rise of fascism.
The series has a strong global fanbase. It has gained even more popularity since being released on Netflix, which brought the show to international audiences. Social media platforms are full of fan art, discussions, and tributes to the series.
Awards and Nominations
“Peaky Blinders” has been nominated for and has won several awards in the UK and internationally. Here are some of the highlights:
- British Academy Television Awards (BAFTA): The show won Best Drama Series in 2018. Cillian Murphy and Helen McCrory have both received nominations for their performances.
- National Television Awards (UK): It has received multiple nominations and won awards for Best Drama.
- TV Choice Awards and Broadcasting Press Guild Awards: These British awards have also recognized the show and its cast.
While the show has done well in the UK awards scene, its record at American awards ceremonies is less impressive.
Has Peaky Blinders Won an Emmy?
As of now, “Peaky Blinders” has not won a Primetime Emmy Award. It has also not been nominated for any major categories in the Primetime Emmys.
This might surprise many fans, especially considering the show’s quality and popularity. Compared to other international series that have found success at the Emmys, like “The Crown” or “Downton Abbey,” “Peaky Blinders” has not received the same level of recognition from the Television Academy.
However, the show has been recognized at the International Emmy Awards. In 2014, it won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series. This award honors excellence in television produced and aired outside the United States.
Why Hasn’t Peaky Blinders Won a Primetime Emmy?
There are several possible reasons why “Peaky Blinders” has not been more successful at the Primetime Emmys:
1. UK Production and Distribution
The Emmy Awards tend to focus more on American television. While they do include some international content, British shows often face challenges in breaking into the U.S. awards circuit. “Peaky Blinders” is a British production and aired first on the BBC. It only became available to American audiences later via Netflix, and even then, not in real-time.
2. Strong Competition
The TV landscape is highly competitive. Each year, dozens of high-quality shows compete for a limited number of Emmy nominations. Shows like “Game of Thrones,” “Breaking Bad,” “Succession,” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” have dominated the awards in recent years.
3. Limited Emmy Campaigning
Winning Emmys often requires strong promotional campaigns. Networks and streaming platforms spend a lot of money to promote their shows to Emmy voters. It’s possible that “Peaky Blinders” did not receive the same level of promotional support in the U.S. as other shows.
4. Genre and Style
The show’s dark themes, violent content, and stylized storytelling might not appeal to all Emmy voters. Some voters may prefer more traditional or emotional dramas. The use of modern music in a historical setting may also have been too unconventional for some tastes.
The Show’s Legacy
Despite the lack of Primetime Emmy wins, “Peaky Blinders” has left a lasting impact on television. It has influenced fashion, music, and popular culture. The show has inspired merchandise, themed bars, fan conventions, and even academic research.
Cillian Murphy’s performance as Tommy Shelby is widely considered one of the most iconic in recent television history. The show also helped launch or boost the careers of several cast members and introduced viewers to a gritty and stylish form of historical drama.
The final season aired in 2022, and a film continuation is currently in development. This film could potentially bring more awards attention and offer another chance for Emmy recognition.
Conclusion
“Peaky Blinders” has not won a Primetime Emmy Award, and its presence at the Emmys has been limited. However, it did win an International Emmy, and it has earned numerous other awards and critical acclaim.
More importantly, the show has earned a loyal fanbase, made a significant cultural impact, and maintained a high level of storytelling and production throughout its run. Awards are just one way to measure success, and in many ways, “Peaky Blinders” has achieved something even more valuable: it has become a modern classic.
Whether or not it ever wins a Primetime Emmy, “Peaky Blinders” will be remembered as one of the standout television series of its time.
