Emmys return with ‘Shogun’ and ‘The Bear’ leading the pack

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood will dole out the annual Emmy Awards, the highest honours in television, on Sunday at a red-carpet ceremony where historical drama “Shogun” and restaurant tale “The Bear” are poised to dominate the night.

“Shogun,” a lavish epic about a power struggle in 17th-century Japan, is the frontrunner to take the night’s top trophy for best drama series, according to awards pundits. Reigning best comedy champion “The Bear” is expected to claim that prize again. Both shows debuted on the FX cable network and stream on Hulu, setting up a big night for owner Walt Disney DIS.N and its TV chief Dana Walden. Sunday’s ceremony will take place just eight months after the last Emmys, which aired in an unusual January slot because of disruptions caused by Hollywood labor strikes.

Back on a September schedule, the show will air live from downtown Los Angeles on Disney’s ABC starting at 5 pm Pacific time on Sunday (12 am GMT on Monday). “Schitt’s Creek” father/son duo Eugene and Dan Levy will host the festivities. Producers have promised cast reunions from shows past, such as “Happy Days,” and other moments to celebrate the history of television. Olympic gold medalist swimmer Caeleb Dressel and bronze medalist rugby player Ilona Maher also are scheduled to appear. Ahead of the ceremony, “Shogun” has already set records. It won 14 trophies - the most ever for one season of a drama series - at last weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys, where awards were given for guest actors and crafts such as cinematography.

The expensive series was no sure thing. It had been in development for years before it came together with elaborate sets, makeup and costumes and storytelling that impressed critics with its attention to detail.