The Staircase, the latest true-crime miniseries from HBO has all the makings to be a late addition to the Emmy race this year. The true-crime series is a dramatized presentation of the investigation into the death of Kathleen Peterson in late 2001, and the documentary made to chronicle the progression of the case. From performances from its main and supporting cast, its production design, stunts, and costume and makeup departments, the series has a lot that could and should attract attention at the ceremony. The true-crime series was created by Antonio Campos, director of Netflix’sThe Devil All the Time.
TheHBOseries stars Colin Firth and Toni Collette as Michael and Kathleen Peterson. In December 2001, Michael Peterson found his wife Kathleen unconscious at the bottom of their staircase in Durham, North Carolina. What was first considered an accidental death from a fall down the stairsbecame a murder investigation, with Michael as the prime suspect. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade would lead a future Peabody-winning documentary of on-site accounts of the Peterson trial, including meetings amongst Peterson and his defense team, and his family.
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WhileThe Staircase’sfocus is on the death of Kathleen and the events that follow, the series also emphasizes family and what justice looks like. The other members of the Peterson family are played by Dane DeHaan, Patrick Schwarzenegger,Olivia DeJonge, Sophie Turner, and Odessa Young. Its latest episode, “Common Sense” chronicles the end of the Peterson trial and events that will spur as a result of the guilty verdict. The writing and editing of the episode accentuate that a trial really boils down to the defense and the prosecution relaying two sides of a story with the intent of convincing a jury their side is the truth. What they decide is then passed off as justice. For Campos’Staircaseseries and the original documentary from Lestrade, the question of where the truth actually lies remains.
Of its several ceremonies, there area number of Emmy categorieswhereThe Staircaseand its cast and crew may be recognized. At the Primetime Emmys, HBO’sThe Staircasecould have a heavy presence in the categories devoted to Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Firth’s performance as Michael is a likely addition to the running for Outstanding Lead Actor for a Limited or Anthology Series. Collette could earn a nomination opposite him, though Parker Posey’s performance as Freda Black should certainly be in the running. Posey’s personal fascination withThe Staircasedocumentary paid off in her portrayal of Black. From the tone of her voice to her mannerisms, Posey nailed it. Her name should certainly be added to the list of possible nominees forOutstanding Actress in a Supporting Roleat this year’s ceremony. It’s also worth noting that without Casting Director Douglas Aibel, these actors wouldn’t be delivering these performances.
However,The Staircaseis also well deserving of several nominations at the Creative Arts Emmys. The work done by the art, makeup, costume, and stunt departments is just as strong as the work done by the cast in front of the camera. The transformation of Posey into Black and Michael Stuhlbarg to Peterson’s attorney David Rudolf, are among the most striking. The two are carbon copies of the people they are meant to portray. This is a testament to Jennifer Starzyk, Tonya Barrett, Kristen Kadel, Marissa Timoner, and the various others part ofThe Staircase’scostume department. The work of Elle Favorule, Sonia Cabera, Myo Lai, and the extensive makeup and hair departments is also impossible not to admire. Without them and Aibel’s casting, the physical resemblance of these characters to their real counterparts wouldn’t exist.
The most crucial part ofThe Staircaseis the staircase itself. Michael Shaw’s production design and Edward McLoughlin’s set decoration, along with the work done by their respective teams, are vital toThe Staircase. In addition to the space itself, it is paramount thatThe Staircasegets the fall down the stairs right. The series depicts the accidental fall as well as the argument from the prosecution that Kathleen had been attacked by Michael. Thiscould not have been accomplished without Stunt CoordinatorJames Hutchinson III and Collette’s stunt doubles, Linda Kessler and Erika Keck. Their devotion to getting this essential piece ofThe Staircaseright in multiple forms could also be recognized in the Stunt Coordination and Performance categories.
WhileThe Staircaseshould certainly be a frontrunner in this year’s Emmy race, there are several other limited or anthology series that could pose a sizable threat. Marvel’sMoon Knightcould be another heavy-hitter this year, as well as fellow true-crime storiesUnder the Banner of HeavenandCandy.The Dropoutis another highly likely favorite in the category, as well as HBO’sThe White Lotus. Given the success of the pre-existingStaircasedocumentary, Campos’ dramatized miniseries has the potential to follow in its footsteps. The detail of the series’ production to mimic that of the true-crime story, is truly phenomenal. No matter who the final list of nominees contains, the race at this year’s Emmy Awards will be tight. However,The Staircasehas the potential to lead the pack.
The Staircaseis now streaming on HBO Max. The nominees for the 2022 Primetime Emmys will be announced on June 21, 2025.
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