The Versace: ACS moments that scored Darren Criss an Emmy nomination
By Sandy C.
After a chilling and memorable performance by Darren Criss in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, the actor’s Emmy nomination surprised no one. Here are the moments that captured the television academy’s attention most…
Darren Criss took on the role of spree killer Andrew Cunanan in Ryan Murphy’s FX series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. The actor’s portrayal scored him a nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series category. Other actors in the race for the big prize include Antonio Banderas in Genius: Picasso, John Legend in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Jesse Plemons in Black Mirror. All worthy talent, but we’re betting Criss will take home the honor.
Below, we take a look back Criss’ best moments as Cunanan.
Cunanan is no “Easy Lover”
Episode two “Manhunt”
This episode features the first time we see Andrew Cunanan’s devilish tricks. He and Ronnie (Max Greenfield) find an older businessman who is down for some discreet fun with Cunanan. Unfortunately for him, Cunanan had a different idea of a good time. In a scene that looks right out of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, Cunanan covers the married man’s face in duct tape and turns up the volume to Phillip Bailey and Phil Collins’ “Easy Lover.” The man panics as he begins to suffocate, but Cunanan is busy dancing his heart out! He jumps on top of the man gasping for air and tells him to submit before cutting an air hole just in time.
A heartless Cunanan- Episode three “A Random Killing”
This entire episode showcases brilliant performances, but Darren Criss’ ruthless portrayal of Cunanan stands out. Out of all the episodes in the series, “A Random Killing,” is by far the most violent and difficult to watch. But to the cruel Cunanan, it’s just another day on his way to get to Gianni Versace.
Cunanan pumps it up – Episode four “House By The Lake”
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After beating Jeff (Finn Wittrock) to death, Andrew takes off with David (Cody Fern). And instead of being afraid or feeling regret for his actions, Cunanan opens the car window and jams to Technotronic’s “Pump Up The Jam.”
Cunanan’s dad – Episode eight “Creator/Destroyer”
The moment Andrew Cunanan and Lizzie (Annaleigh Ashford) first meet is pretty fabulous! But the scene that steals the show in episode eight, “Creator/Destroyer,” is when Cunanan is forced to face the harsh reality of who his father, Modesto (Jon Jon Brinoes), really is. Angry, Cunanan tells his father he will never be like him, but he already was.
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The finale – Episode nine, “Alone”
Cunanan, believing his father is coming to the rescue, sits tight with the television on. He somehow still imagines he’ll walk out of this with no consequences, but that hope quickly vanishes when his best friend Lizzie appears on television pleading Andrew to turn himself in. This is followed by an interview with David Madson’s father. Finally, the one person Cunanan still had love for, Modesto Cunanan, is on TV announcing a television program about his son, already cashing in on this tragedy. All of this breaks Cunanan as he realizes how alone he is.
Who are you rooting for? Are you hoping Darren Criss takes home the Emmy? The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards air Monday, September 17, on NBC.