The “fierce tribe” behind “Big Little Lies” has flexed some serious Emmy muscle as voters showered eight trophies on HBO’s star-studded limited series.
“Big Little Lies,” shepherded by the production banners of stars Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, offered a remarkable display of female clout in a project that touched a nerve with viewers in dealing with domestic violence, divorce, child-rearing struggles and aging gracefully. Witherspoon, Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley toplined the seven-episode series adapted from the Liane Moriarty novel of the same name.
“The fact that we created four roles for women that all got nominated is a real win here,” Witherspoon said backstage.
“Big Little Lies” prevailed for limited series in a tight race with FX’s equally starry “Feud: Bette and Joan.” Kidman and Dern took the lead and supporting actress nods for a limited series. Alexander Skarsgard won for supporting actor in a limited series, while helmer Jean-Marc Vallee won for directing limited series.
Backstage, Kidman, Witherspoon and Moriarty were pressed about the prospect of a second season of the show. Discussions are definitely afoot but the trio emphasized that it is not as simple as it sounds. Moriarty has the ultimate vote as to whether she feels theres more to say about the characters she crafted. “I’m thinking about it,” she said. “It’s a beautiful possibility.”
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Kidman’s voice was wavering as she accepted her first Emmy after three nominations. She cited the project’s role in raising awareness of domestic violence that can happen to women of all social strata, such as her character, a wealthy lawyer-turned-stay-at-home mom in a deeply troubled relationship with her husband, played by Skarsgard.
“It’s a complicated insidious disease,” Kidman said. “It exists far more than we allow ourselves to know. By you acknowledging me with this award, it shines a light on it even more.”
Kidman noted that the project was born out of the frustration that she shared with Witherspoon about the lack of meaty roles for women.
“This has been an incredible year for women in television,” Witherspoon said, noting the opportunity in the current marketplace to allow female creatives to come forward “and make them the hero of their own stories.”
Dern won for her portrayal of a high-powered Silicon Valley executive struggling to balance her professional life and obligations as a wife and mother. Director Jean-Marc Vallee, who previously teamed with Witherspoon and Dern on the 2014 feature “Wild,” won directing for a limited series.
“Big Little Lies” took three Emmys at last weekend’s Creative Arts Awards, including the nod for casting for a limited series.
Dern paid tribute to the “tribe of fierce women” who came together for the project, not just in front of the camera but throughout the production.
“I’m so moved by what Liane and David and Jean-Marc did with “Big Little Lies,’” Dern told reporters backstage. “They spoke to voice, and they spoke to on the outside these seemingly strong and dynamic women being broken and victimized, particularly in the area of domestic violent and sexual assault. The show was delicious and fun to get inside of for so many people, but also it was speaking directly about being true to your voice and standing up for yourself, and I feel very proud to be a part of a group of women getting to tell that story right now.”
Dern also said she was taking a cue from the “Big Little Lies” experience by developing several projects at HBO focused on strong female characters. She vowed to give opportunities at all levels to women should any of them move forward. She’s motivated to do so not only as a seasoned showbiz pro, but as the mother of a pre-teen daughter.
“When I started [acting] at 11, even the make-up artist and hair was a man, always a man,” Dern said. “Revolution creates voice, and voice is exciting — very exciting. It’s a beautiful time to be female and to be raising a 12-year-old girl.”
