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US Edition: News from Hollywood and the Presidential Election

Célia Beckmann

News from Hollywood:


In a dazzling celebration of television excellence, the 75th Emmy Awards unfolded on January 15th in Los Angeles, an annual milestone in the entertainment industry. The Peacock Theater witnessed a star-studded gathering, with the spotlight shining on the acclaimed drama series “Succession”. The event had been originally slated for September but was delayed due to industry strikes led by the Writers Guild of America and the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA.


Succession’s Triumph


Succession, known for its portrayal of corporate power dynamics, emerged as the big winner in the Drama category, securing six of the prestigious awards. The series claimed the titles of Best Drama Series, Best Actor (Kieran Culkin), Best Actress (Sarah Snook), Best Supporting Actor (Matthew Macfadyen), Best Script, and Best Direction. 


In the comedy category, “The Bear – King of the Kitchen” stole the show with its depiction of the hectic behind-the-scenes life of a Chicago sandwich restaurant. The series, featuring quick cuts and a documentary-style approach, clinched the title of Best Comedy. Jeremy Allen White earned recognition as the Best Actor, while Christopher Storer received awards for Best Direction and Best Script. Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach also secured supporting role prizes.


The awards for “Miniseries, Anthologies, and TV Movies” witnessed the satirical success of “Beef”, receiving a total of eight accolades. Steven Yeun and Ali Wong stood out as Best Leading Actors in this category, portraying characters whose escalating animosity unfolds after a car accident.


Demands for Fair Compensation


The Emmy Awards came against the backdrop of industry-wide strikes initiated by more than 160,000 unionised actors and over 11,000 scriptwriters. Their demands, voiced during the strikes, include calls for higher salaries, fair royalties, and the establishment of binding regulations for the use of Artificial Intelligence in content creation. Postponing the awards by several months has been interpreted by industry insiders as a sign that consensus remains elusive in the ongoing negotiations between the unions and industry stakeholders.


News from Presidential Elections:


On that same Monday, the 15th, former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in the Iowa caucuses, signalling a powerful start to the presidential race set to unfold on November 5, 2024. Trump’s dominance was evident as he secured the most votes in 98 out of Iowa’s 99 counties. The results solidify his standing within the Republican Party.


Understanding the Caucus: A Crucial Step Towards Presidential Nominations


Caucuses, such as those held in Iowa, play a key role in selecting the candidate for the presidency. Contrary to popular voting methods, caucuses are unique gatherings where local party members openly express their preference among candidates running for president. While all U.S. states conduct caucuses and/or primaries, caucuses do not directly select a presidential candidate. Instead, they determine delegates pledged to vote for a specific candidate at the party's national convention. Candidates must navigate the process of convincing their party members for approval and backing. After each primary or caucus, unsuccessful candidates exit the race, leading to the eventual nomination of one Democrat and one Republican as the presidential candidates.


Republican vs. Democratic Caucuses


The Republican and Democratic caucuses differ in their election processes. In Republican caucuses, voters listen to candidates’ speeches before casting their votes via secret ballot. Democratic caucuses involve a more complex process, where voters are initially counted and then asked to form groups based on their preferred candidate or remain in an “undecided” group. Candidates with less than 15% support are eliminated, triggering a realignment phase where voters can choose another candidate or leave the caucus. The process continues until only candidates with over 15% support remain.


The Road to the White House: Nominations, Campaigning, and Electoral College


The 2024 presidential campaign is well underway: The current President, Joe Biden, seeks reelection in the Democratic Party, while former President Donald Trump holds a commanding lead among Republican contenders. The nomination process involves a series of state primaries and caucuses, culminating in the ‘Super Tuesday’ on March 3. With more than a dozen states participating, it could mark a turning point in identifying the Republican nominee.


Ultimately, both candidates will vie for electoral college votes. With 538 votes up for grabs, the magic number is 270. The unique winner-takes-all rule in most states makes battleground states crucial to securing victory.


Trump’s Iowa Success


Former President Donald Trump's commanding victory in the Iowa caucuses not only sets the stage for a dynamic presidential race but also reflects the consolidation of the Republican Party around his leadership. The results highlight the realignment within the party and illuminate the voter dynamics that continue to shape the evolving political landscape. According to POLITICO, the ex-president, previously facing challenges with Iowa’s evangelical voters, has made significant advancements in areas that were his weakest eight years ago. As the world eagerly anticipates the unfolding drama leading to the Oval Office, the caucuses serve as a precursor to the broader narrative of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

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