Elevating a television series with computer graphics, whether visual effects or CG animation, is no small feat. Digital artists are expected to do far more work with far less budget in far less time than their big-screen counterparts, all the while making the CG equivalent to that in feature films.
The fact that a number of facilities are able to do this is a testament to the skilled artists there.
To that end, the competition for the 2015 Creative Arts Emmys in these related categories was fierce. The winners are:
For Outstanding Special Visual Effects
Black Sails (Starz)
The Flash (The CW)
Game of Thrones (HBO) *WINNER
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC)
Vikings (History)
For Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role
American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX) *WINNER
Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Gotham (Fox)
Marvel’s Daredevil (Netflix)
The Walking Dead (AMC)
For Outstanding Animated Program
Archer (Episode: “Pocket Listing”) (FX)
Bob’s Burgers (Episode: “Can’t Buy Me Math”) (Fox)
Over the Garden Wall (Cartoon Network) *WINNER
The Simpsons (Episode: “Treehouse of Horror XXV”) (Fox)
South Park (Episode: “Freemium Isn’t Free”) (Comedy Central)
For Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program
Adventure Time (Episode: “Jake the Brick”) (Cartoon Network) *WINNER
Mickey Mouse (Episode: “Mumbai Madness”) (Disney Channel)
Regular Show (Episode: “White Elephant Gift Exchange”) (Cartoon Network)
Robot Chicken (Episode: “Chipotle Miserable”) (Adult Swim)
Steven Universe (Episode: “Lion 3: Straight to Video”) (Cartoon Network)
Wander Over Yonder (Episode: “The Gift 2: The Giftening”) (Disney XD)
For Outstanding Commercial
“Brady Bunch” – Snickers
“Dream On” – Adobe
“#LikeAGirl” – Always *WINNER
“Lost Dog” – Budweiser
“Made in NY” – Gatorade
“With Dad” – Nissan
The creative arts awards largely focus on technical awards, with some honors for on-camera work also awarded. For a complete list of winners, see http://m.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners.
The main Emmy Awards ceremony will air live Sunday, September 20, on Fox.