The iconic series has finally caught the attention of the Emmys — though not quite in the way you’d expect…
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Doctor Who has earned its first-ever Emmy nomination in the show’s 62-year history—and it’s in a surprising category. As the Doctor himself would say, there’s always a twist… The iconic BBC sci-fi series has been recognized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in the latest round of Emmy nominations, announced on Tuesday, July 15.
Though the show’s actors, showrunner Russell T Davies, and even its technical work didn’t receive any nods, Doctor Who did score a nomination for Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming.
In last year’s episode The Devil’s Chord, the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and his companion Ruby (Millie Gibson) broke into a lively ’60s-style dance sequence to the original song There’s Always a Twist, following a visit to the Beatles at Abbey Road.
While at the iconic studio, they confronted the sinister Maestro (Jinkx Monsoon), a villain who grows stronger by draining the world of its music and sound.
After defeating Maestro and bringing music back, the Doctor and Ruby celebrate by dancing through the studio’s halls, the canteen, and even across the famous zebra crossing before returning home.
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Strictly Come Dancing stars Shirley Ballas and Johannes Radebe make cameo appearances in the hallway dance sequence, joining the Doctor and Ruby as their partners.
The energetic routine was choreographed by Jack Murphy and featured the pair singing and dancing alongside Cilla Black, the Beatles, and a group of backing dancers. Murphy is competing against himself in the Emmy race, with his work on Bridgerton’s “Butterfly Ball” scene also earning a nomination.
Other contenders in the category include Severance’s “Ballad of Ambrose and Gunnel,” multiple dance sequences from Will Trent, and two routines from Étoile.
In the memorable Doctor Who scene, Ncuti Gatwa (in a blue pinstripe suit with a short afro) and Millie Gibson (in a black-and-white dress, white boots, and her blonde hair pinned up) dance across the famous zebra crossing, holding a yellow and red umbrella respectively, with trees lining the background. This marks the first time the sci-fi series has been recognized by the Emmys, made possible by the BBC’s recent partnership with Disney+ just two years ago.
However, this isn’t the franchise’s first brush with the Emmys—it previously received a nomination in 2020 for Doctor Who: The Runaway, a VR game recognized in the category of Outstanding Derivative Interactive Program.
Source: TheRadioTimes