George R.R. Martin thrilled with Game of Thrones’ Emmy nominations 

picked 23 nods. Many of them celebrated on social media, including the creator of Westeros himself, George R.R. Martin, who took to his 

This year’s Emmy nominations were announced this morning, and once again GAME OF THRONES and HBO kicked ass and took names. HBO collected more nominations than any other network… once again. And GAME OF THRONES was responsible for a big chunk of those… 23 nominations all told, more than any other series… for the second year in a row (we had 24 last year).

Martin himself has not worked directly with the production since Season 4, when he began taking time off in order to attempt to finish

in a timely fashion—first before the show reached Season 6, and now just to get it off his plate. Still, it’s obvious he feels a deep affinity for the show and those who work on it, and is clearly chuffed to see that his creation is getting some love from the television academy.

I am thrilled and happy for all our nominees, of course… but it made me especially happy to see Kit and Maisie get some love from the Academy at last. About damn time, I say. They are several years overdue.

On the other hand, he did note one oversight, and he’s not the only one I’ve seen complain about it.

(And I would have loved to see Sophie Turner on that list as well. I know, I know, I’m greedy).

Greed aside, Sophie Turner did a great job with her character in Season 6. I’m sorry she wasn’t recognized for her work, but maybe next year.

Down in the comments, Martin answered a few questions from his fans (as is his wont), including one about why all of the acting nods are “Supporting” and not “Lead.” For fans who don’t know how the system works, that must feel very odd, since Cersei Lannister, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen all feel like lead characters in the drama to us. But’s it’s not about how the character relates to the story—it’s a screen time thing.

One big factor is amount of screen time. Despite their seeming prominence, neither Kit nor Peter had anywhere near as much screen time as the actors nominated for leading roles.

actor Tobias Menzies (Edmure Tully) in a double role wasn’t nominated.

OUTLANDER was robbed. All three leads were amazing… especially Tobias Menzies in his double role as Frank and Black Jack.

Martin’s support of his fellow fantasy series is one of my favorite little details, especially since it’s also supporting a project of an actor who was part of his show this year. Martin’s willingness not to see other fantasy series on TV as competition, but part of the rising tide that’s lifting all boats, is an example to everyone.

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Sophie Turner was way better thsn Emilia Clarke this year. The problem is that they don’t change much after they start nominating an actor for the show. Kit was definitely better than Peter but the latter will probably get more love. Still, very cool to see all those GoT names on the acting lists. And maybe for next season’s the screen time will change and the nods would go for lead actor then!

Biggest disappointment was not seeing”Ramin Djawadi” in the nomination list! I listen to light of seven and winds of winter religiously!

Why they haven’t submitted him, baffles me, since his nomination should be a no-brainer this season.

The actor that plays Ramsey deserves to be recognized also.

What bigger feather in the Cap could We All have asked for, than…these nominations..

Love that Game of Thrones gets so much recognition! Do not get me wrong, I love the show, but I did not like the overall writing this season (there were some amazing moments though). It shows in the lack of the nominations in the writing category (only for Battle of the Bastards).

I am also a little disappointed that Gemma Whelan (Asha Greyjoy) and Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy) were not nominated.

The reason why they only submit one episode for writing per year, which they have done for several years now, is because they want to avoid splitting votes with multiple submissions and getting no nominations. Like what happened in Season 2.

Oh this I did not know. I still think the writing was a bit off though.

For a nomination however, Battle of the Bastards might be one of the best choices.

I am sooooo happy for all the nominations for GoT! I too thought Sophie Turner deserved it over Maisie Williams! And definitely Kit should win out over Peter! He was amazing this season! So sad for Ramin Djawadi whose score for this season was phenomenal and made the episodes better! I read somewhere his work wasn’t even submitted for consideration! D&D really dropped the ball on this one!!! Glad to see George appreciates the amazing Outlander! The show and the lead actors are awesome! My second favorite show on TV! Will be praying GoT wins even more Emmy’s than last year! Especially rooting for Kit, love him and especially his portrayal of Jon Snow! The King in the North!!

I agree. Kit did an outstanding job this season and wore his bastard name as armor.

Again, I don’t see any reason why Sophie should be nominated. She has one-note and one-dimensional acting since Season 1. Maisie is more credible with regard to acting growth.

Also, I agree with some comments that Gemma, Alfie, Liam or Iwan should have at least been recognized too. Plus, the veteran actors in the show like Michael McElhatton, Max and Diana Rigg.

If only they can be nominated as well. They have always been great actors. Haha! (Yes, screen time)

CONGRATULATIONS, Game of Thrones, HBO, producers, director and all the cast and crew!

If George gets on it and finishes the next two books, we’ll put a good word in to the Nobel Committee for him. :-)

The actor that plays Ser Davos Seaworth, I think it’s Liam Cunningworth, should also have nominated.

Sophie Turner should have gotten a nom this year.

Sophie Turner is a really good actress, but I just don’t think she can compare to many of her co-stars. I feel like she’s overshadowed by more powerful performances. There have been a few exceptions, but not many.

The biggest snub is HANDS DOWN Ramin Djawadi – I actually shouted “WHAT?” when I was reading the list. Not only was I so sure he would be there, some of the other nominees are seemingly little more than elevator music.

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