The 2021 Emmy nominations are in and, as is often the case, there were a few notable TV shows and stars left off the list. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier did gain a few nominations for technical achievements and for Don Cheadle's guest-starring performance as James Rhodes, but that's about it. As such, the Marvel fandom got a little loud and feisty over Anthony Mackie not getting an acting nod.
While it's true that Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie shared the lead roles in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Mackie's Sam Wilson assumed the mantle of one of the MCU's biggest heroes in Captain America, and his racially charged narrative narrative also dug into his family story, seemingly going through the checklist for securing a nomination. However, the TV Academy was apparently more invested in what was happening with Don Cheadle's Rhodey and all the behind-the-scenes crew members.
It's true Don Cheadle doesn't have a ton of scenes in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but that's also why his Emmy nomination is for Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series. The online reactions aren't trying to hear that reasoning, of course. But even when it wasn't about Cheadle, fans fans pointed to Emmy stereotypes shining through again with Anthony Mackie getting snubbed. Speaking of checklists, the fan below posted a sarcasm-fueled rundown of tips for Mackie so that he may perhaps score some love for the academy in the future.
People are definitely heated about Anthony Mackie's snub, and they're taking out their aggression at anyone they believe is responsible, resulting in presumably non-serious threats toward the Emmys and Disney+. At least, it's assumed that the "mf" in the post below doesn't stand for Marvel Fandom or Mister Fantastic. (Gotta love that shot of Mackie being left out, too.)
Outside of some of the more outlandish reactions, quite a few people are genuinely stunned and upset about the news. Some believed Anthony Mackie gave an inspired performance in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, and should have been acknowledged for doing so in the not-that-packed world of anthology series.
Unfortunately, the Emmys didn't see things the same way. With the way superhero movies are stigmatized at the Oscars, it's hard to imagine Anthony Mackie will get award recognition for any work he'll do as Captain America at the movies. The Emmys seemed like a shot for the actor to get a nice award on top of his new role in the MCU, especially considering how well comic book superheroes did this year. In the minds of many, the Emmys is not only guilty of a snub, but is also doing itself a disservice.
And while superhero shows being snubbed is not an unusual occurrence, that wasn't necessarily the case this time around. After all, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, and Kathryn Hahn all received Emmy nominations in various categories for their work in WandaVision. So it's easy to see why some Marvel fans feel bad for both Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan. Some even believe that Mackie should get an award by any means necessary and suggesting some rather extreme measures that Captain America surely wouldn't approve of.
Anthony Mackie most likely won't be doing that on the big night, and it'll be interesting to see if they try and get him on as a presenter, and whether he'd be willing or not. One has to think he'll be just as happy for any other success The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has at this year's Emmys, tnough, including if Don Cheadle wins.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is currently available to stream on Disney+. The Emmys air on CBS. Sunday, September 19, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
