While millions and a fanbase the size of Texas are enough to solidify Kelly Reilly’s place in TV history, the awards seem to remain a distant dream.

Imagine you’re at the pinnacle of your career, money flowing in, and fans worshipping the ground you walk on, but for some inexplicable reason, the coveted recognition from the industry stays out of reach. That’s precisely the situation Kelly Reilly might have found herself in. Her portrayal of the fiery, unapologetically brutal Beth Dutton in Yellowstone has brought her fame, fortune, and a devoted fanbase.

Yet, the Golden Globes and Emmys? Nothing to show for it. It’s almost like being handed a trophy for showing up, but the one you truly want remains on a shelf too high to reach.

And it’s not because Reilly didn’t give her all to the character; it’s because Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone, gave her the direction that could make even the boldest performances falter under the weight of exaggeration.

Let’s face it. The role of Beth Dutton is a beast of a character—unpredictable, fiercely loyal, and perhaps a little bit too hot-tempered for her own good. While audiences find her a fierce and unforgettable presence, there’s a catch. The very thing that made Beth stand out like a sore thumb also kept her from ever being considered for major awards. Fans love her, no doubt, but it seems the critics didn’t share the same affection.

This is where the tale gets tangled. As much as we all adore Kelly Reilly’s powerhouse presence, we have to face the hard truth: it’s not just her performance that’s off the charts—it’s the direction that steered her in the wrong direction. While that undoubtedly created one of the most intense characters on television, it also had its drawbacks—mainly, in how the performance was received by the awards crowd.

Award shows tend to favor subtlety, nuance, and the sort of performances that make you question reality, not cringe. And that’s exactly what fans and critics alike are saying about Beth. Let’s be real: subtlety was never in her script. Fans even believe the blame doesn’t lie with Reilly—she was simply following the brief given by Taylor Sheridan, who pushed the character to extremes, making her so intense that she became almost cartoonish at times.

Had her character been dialed back a few notches, perhaps Reilly would have been an undeniable contender for accolades. The truth is, there was potential for her character to be more layered, more relatable, and maybe even likable.

Beth Dutton vs. Shiv Roy: The battle of ambition, power, and industry recognition

When it comes to powerful, morally complex women on TV, both Beth Dutton from Yellowstone and Shiv Roy from Succession are forceful characters that command attention. But while they both wear their ambition like armor, there’s a significant difference in how their respective characters operate in the world—and how their portrayals are viewed by the industry.

Shiv Roy is the kind of evil that’s calculated, refined, and so deeply embedded in her psyche that it often feels like she’s playing a long game, setting her pieces up for a checkmate that could take years to achieve. Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of Beth Dutton is intense and raw, and while this can make for compelling television, it doesn’t quite hit the note that award shows tend to favor: nuanced, multi-dimensional complexity.

While Beth’s character is undeniably memorable, it’s hard to argue that her role offers the kind of layered, psychological depth that Shiv’s does. The result? The difference in depth is clear, and it’s no surprise that Sarah Snook, who brought Shiv to life, walked away with two Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy for her performance.

For the unversed, Succession, the satirical black comedy-drama created by Jesse Armstrong, aired for four unforgettable seasons on HBO from June 3, 2018, to May 28, 2023.