Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have received their inaugural Hollywood accolade: a nomination at the 2023 Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) TV Awards for their Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan."
Their six-episode series, aired in December 2022, competes in the best streaming nonfiction series category against productions such as Eugene Levy's "The Reluctant Traveler," Rainn Wilson's "Geography of Bliss," Jeremy Renner's "Rennervations," Apple TV's "Prehistoric Planet," and Disney's "The 1619 Project."
The HCA nomination for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex triggered diverse responses on social media, with opinions ranging from dismissive skepticism to enthusiastic celebration.
A detractor tweeted, "'Harry & Meghan' seems to be more fabricated than factual." Another viewer labeled the series as a "masterpiece of deceit dressed as reality," criticizing the use of dramatic soundtracks and footage implying paparazzi harassment.
A third critic compared the HCA Awards with the Emmy Awards, pointing out that the Emmys' extensive voting membership, exceeding 22,000, greatly surpasses the HCA's smaller voting body, and yet Harry and Meghan were not nominated for an Emmy.
On the other hand, many social media users praised the royal couple's achievement. "Behold the triumphant duo! On the brink of the Emmy nominations, 'Harry And Meghan' secures an HCA nomination," an enthusiast tweeted. Another well-wisher congratulated the couple, applauding their recognition.
An individual came to the defense of the pair, addressing their detractors: "It's pitiful to see such negativity. They lead an enviable life while you can only wish."
The HCA Awards nomination was disclosed just a day before the Emmy nominations were announced. However, "Harry & Meghan" didn't secure any Emmy nods, sparking further social media debate.
Despite failing to garner Emmy consideration, the series, directed by Liz Garbus, was under consideration for outstanding documentary or nonfiction series, as reported by Deadline.
Regardless of criticism, "Harry & Meghan" remains one of Netflix's most-viewed documentary programs, second only to "The Tinder Swindler," suggesting a considerable audience draw despite the controversy.
