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Even though the nominations for the 69th Primetime Emmys will not be revealed until July 13, the Emmy hype is already here. Eligible for this year’s show are TV shows which aired in the period from June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017. Here are the early predictions for the biggest categories.
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Last year’s winner “Game of Thrones” doesn’t air until July and it’s out of the game, freeing space for a lot of newcomers in various categories. There’s also “Downton Abbey” which ended its run last year. So, the most important category offers at least two new shows competing for the gold.
The underrated “The Americans” finally got noticed by the Television Academy last year, when it got three big nominations, including one for Drama Series. It’s safe to say it’s staying there. “Better Call Saul” and “House of Cards” are also in the play, the latter one premiering this year later than usual, which could test the Oscars tactic of releasing new seasons just before the deadline. There is also “Homeland”, a regular nominated show for years. And last year’s newcomer was “Mr. Robot” for its first season.
Without champion “Game of Thrones”, HBO it’s not giving up. They would want to get as many as possible nominations from the ones they had last year with the critically acclaimed “Westworld”. Another show worthy of promoting for the Emmys is Damon Lindelof’s “The Leftovers”, which just started its third (and final season) and it’s garnering well-deserved love from critics. However, it’s a long shot.
Broadcast shows haven’t been very popular in recent years. Proof is “The Good Wife”, the last broadcast show nominated for Best Drama, way back in 2011 for its second season. Before that, there were ABC’s “Lost” and FOX’s “House”, both ended years ago. “The Good Wife” spin-off “The Good Fight” is far from getting nominated, but another breakout broadcast hit is gaining attention – “This Is Us”, the hit of the season. The past year also welcomed two Netflix contenders, the nostalgic 80s drama “Stranger Things” and the royal British drama “The Crown”.
“Downton Abbey” being voters’ favorite for years it’s helping “The Crown”, which is predicted to join the crowd. “Stranger Things” has a big audience and won the PGA and the SAG, giving it bigger chances at the Emmys. Considering the fact that Netflix has three shows in contention, don’t expect all three of them to get nominated.
However, it’s rare to see two freshman series nominated for Best Drama. Could this be the year that two, or perhaps three make it to the race? Here are some early predictions, which will change as we get closer to the end.
1. The Crown (Netflix)
2. The Americans (FX)
3. Better Call Saul (AMC)
4. House of Cards (Netflix)
5. Westworld (HBO)
6. This Is Us (NBC)
7. Homeland (Showtime)
Close contenders: Stranger Things (Netflix), Mr. Robot (USA)
Deserving: The Leftovers (HBO), Legion (FX), Rectify (Sundance TV), The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
Every nominated show from last year is back in contention, though there should be space freed for the newcomers. However, the battle for the gold will be between last year’s winner ”Veep” and “Atlanta”, which aired its first season. ABC’s “Black-ish” and Amazon’s “Transparent” are also there for another year. That leaves us with only two free spots. “Modern Family” it’s a longtime darling of Emmy voters, though it has been losing quality over the past few years. There are also Aziz Ansari’s ”Master of None” which returns this May for a second season, Netflix’s “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”, FX’s critically acclaimed “Atlanta” and HBO’s “Silicon Valley”
1. Veep (HBO)
2. Atlanta (FX)
3. Black-ish (ABC)
4. Transparent (Amazon)
5. Master of None (Netflix)
6. Silicon Valley (HBO)
7. Modern Family (ABC)
Close contenders: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix), Insecure (HBO)
Deserving: Fleabag (BBC), The Good Place (NBC), Catastrophe (Channel 4)
OUTSTANDING LIMITED SERIES
Compared to the Drama and Comedy Series categories, this one seems easier to predict. Two of last year’s nominees are back in contention: ABC’s “American Crime” and FX’s ”Fargo”. Besides those two, joining the group are Ryan Murphy’s “Feud: Bette and Joan”, HBO’s summer hit “The Night Of” and yet another HBO hit – “Big Little Lies”.
Here, the battle is between FX and HBO. So far, “The Night Of” is leading the category for a win, with both “Feud” and “Big Little Lies” right behind it. “Fargo” and “American Crime” are far from winning the gold.
The “Gilmore Girls” revival is in the limited series category, but it’s a long shot to get nominated. “The Young Pope” is another HBO show, but they’d rather focus on “The Night Of”. “Twin Peaks” has yet to premiere.
1. The Night Of (HBO)
2. Feud: Bette and Joan (FX)
3. Big Little Lies (HBO)
4. Fargo (FX)
5. American Crime (ABC)
Close contenders: The Young Pope (HBO), American Horror Story: Roanoke (FX)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Kevin Spacey is in contention, after being nominated 4 times in a row for his role of President Frank Underwood in “House of Cards”. There’s also Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”). Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”) finally got his deserving nomination and the first-time nominee Rami Malek won last year for his role in “Mr. Robot”. For two years in a row, there are Kyle Chandler for “Bloodline” and Liev Shreiber for “Bloodline”, which conveniently returns with a new season days before the deadline. Could this be the year one of them got axed?
From the newcomers, most notable are Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins (“Westworld”) and Sterling K. Brown (“This Is Us”). Billy Bob Thornton (“Goliath”) got some awards recognition, but considering the strong competition, it’s hard to say. New this year is Rupert Friend (“Homeland”) being in the Lead Actor category, instead of the supporting category, which can only hurt him. And there’s HBO with Justin Theroux (“The Leftovers”).
1. Rami Malek (“Mr. Robot”)
2. Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards”)
3. Anthony Hopkins (“Westworld”)
4. Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)
5. Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”)
6. Kyle Chandler (“Bloodline”)
Close contenders: Liev Shreiber (“Bloodline”), Justin Theroux (“The Leftovers”), Billy Bob Thornton (“Goliath”)
Deserving: Dan Stevens (“Legion”), Aden Young (“Rectify”), Sterling K. Brown (“This Is Us”)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Last year’s most competitive category it’s still on fire. The last winner, Tatiana Maslany for her role(s) in “Orphan Black” is not eligible this year, because the show returns after the deadline. Keri Russell (“The Americans”) joined her husband (both on TV and in real life) at the Emmys, after being snubbed for four seasons and she’s predicted to return this year too. Robin Wright (“House of Cards) and Viola Davis (“How to get away with murder”) are still strong contenders. Wright might benefit from premiering the new season later than usual and the political situation (which can also affect it negatively) and Davis got her own Oscar back in February, creating buzz for the Emmys.
Claire Danes (“Homeland”) has been a steady nominee for every season of the show, but the category might get even more competitive with three new ladies: Claire Foy (“The Crown”), Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) and Evan Rachel Wood (“Westworld”). Foy won a Golden Globe and a SAG for her performance, Moss has five Emmy nominations for “Mad Men” and Wood got herself a Golden Globe and a Critic’s Choice Award. The new group of actresses may have to leave Taraji P. Henson (“Empire”) without a nomination this year.
1. Claire Foy (“The Crown”)
2. Keri Russell (“The Americans”)
3. Viola Davis (“How to get away with murder”)
4. Robin Wright (“House of Cards”)
5. Claire Danes (“Homeland”)
6. Evan Rachel Wood (“Westworld”)
Close contenders: Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), Christine Baranski (“The Good Fight”), Taraji P. Henson (“Empire”)
Deserving: Carrie Coon (“The Leftovers”), Eva Green (“Penny Dreadful”)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Last year, Game of Thrones had two nominees, who are now ineligible, giving chance to two new actors. Jonathan Banks (“Better Call Saul”), Michael Kelly (“House of Cards”) and the previous winner Ben Mendelsohn (“Bloodline”) are again in the race. Another nominee from last year is Jon Voight (“Ray Donovan”), who might not save his seat in the category.
The Game of Thrones seats could be replaced by another HBO show – “Westworld” with Ed Harris and Jeffrey Wright. However, don’t forget John Lithgow (“The Crown”) for his portrayal of Winston Churchill, who’s going for the crown. Ian McShane (“American Gods”) and Ron Cephas Jones (“This Is Us”) are new in the mix, but there are already plenty of actors waiting to be acknowledged.
Bryan Cranston (“Sneaky Pete”), surprisingly, won’t be competing neither for Lead Actor, nor Supporting Actor.
1. John Lithgow (“The Crown”)
2. Jonathan Banks (“Better Call Saul”)
3. Ed Harris (“Westworld”)
4. Michael Kelly (“House of Cards”)
5. Ben Mendelsohn (“Bloodline”)
6. Jon Voight (“Ray Donovan”)
Close contenders: Jeffrey Wright (“Westworld”), Ron Cephas Jones (“This Is Us”)
Deserving: Christopher Eccleston (“The Leftovers”), Michael McKean (“Better Call Saul”), Christian Slater (Mr. Robot)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Alison Janney (“Mom”) is now competing for Lead Actress and there is some fresh blood. Constance Zimmer (“Unreal”) was nominated last year, though the show lost some of the enthusiasm with its second season. There’s also Maura Tierney for “The Affair”. Not returning are also three actresses from Game of Thrones. Uzo Aduba (“Orange is the new black”) was snubbed last year, but she’s expected to return.
Fan favorites “Stranger Things” and “This Is Us” may fill half the category. Winona Ryder (“Stranger Things”) did a smart move to be in the supporting category, making it easier for her to get nominated. Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”) and Chrissy Metz (“This Is Us”) also have good chance to join and Thandie Newton (“Westworld”) is a sure lock.
“The Handmaid’s Tale”, “The Leftovers” and “House of Cards” also have actresses known to the voters, but they have slim chances of getting nominated: Samira Wiley, Amy Brenneman and Patricia Clarkson, respectively. Also, it should be noted that Vera Farmiga (“Bates Motel”) is moving to the supporting category this year.
Margo Martindale is competing twice for her roles in “Sneaky Pete” and “The Americans”, where she was a guest star in the previous seasons.
1. Thandie Newton (“Westworld”)
2. Uzo Aduba (“Orange is the new black”)
3. Winona Ryder (“Stranger Things”)
4. Constance Zimmer (“Unreal”)
5. Maura Tierney (“The Affair”)
6. Margo Martindale (“The Americans”)
Close contenders: Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”), Chrissy Metz (“This Is Us”)
Deserving: Vera Farmiga (“Bates Motel”), Aubrey Plaza (“Legion”), Regina King (“The Leftovers”)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
There shouldn’t be a lot of changes, but you never know. Last year’s winner Jeffrey Tambor (“Transparent”) is a sure lock. Joining him are Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”), Aziz Ansari (“Master of None”) and William H. Macy (“Shameless”). Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”) also has good chances of returning. The biggest change could be Will Forte (“The Last Man on Earth”) if he gets snubbed.
From the newcomers, Donald Glover (“Atlanta”) is predicted to be the one to join the group, while Ted Danson’s (“The Good Place”) odds aren’t in his favor.
1. Aziz Ansari (“Master of None”)
2. Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)
3. Jeffrey Tambor (“Transparent”)
4. Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”)
5. William H. Macy (“Shameless”)
6. Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”)
Close contenders: Will Forte (“The Last Man on Earth”), Ted Danson (“The Good Place”)
Deserving: Gael Garcia Bernal (“Mozart in the Jungle”), Neil Patrick Harris (“A Series of Unfortunate Events”), Zach Galifianakis (“Baskets”)
OUSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
The only threat to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ five-year streak of winning for her role in “Veep” is Alison Janney (“Mom”), who after two wins in the supporting category, is moving to Lead Actress.
Also with good chances of getting (another) nomination are Lily Tomlin (“Grace and Frankie”), Tracee Ellis Ross (“Black-ish”) and Ellie Kemper (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”). Out of the game are Amy Schumer (“Inside Amy Schumer”) and Laurie Metcalf (“Getting On”).
Two of CW’s leading ladies, Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin”) and Rachel Bloom (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”) are about to get snubbed again. On the cable side, HBO has two potential nominees: Issa Rae for her role in “Insecure” and Sarah Jessica-Parker in “Divorce”.
1. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”)
2. Alison Janney (“Mom”)
3. Tracee Ellis Ross (“Black-ish”)
4. Lily Tomlin (“Grace and Frankie”)
5. Ellie Kemper (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”)
6. Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
Close contenders: Sarah Jessica Parker (“Divorce”), Jane Fonda (“Grace and Frankie”)
Deserving: Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Constance Wu (“Fresh off the boat”), Pamela Adlon (“Better Things”)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Louie Anderson (“Baskets”) made a surprising debut win last year, but Alec Baldwin (“Saturday Night Live”) is joining and going to the top thanks to his portrayal of Donald Trump and last year’s win for Kate McKinnon. Tony Hale (“Veep”) and Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) are certain to be nominated again.
Broadcast actors Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”) and Andre Braugher (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) are trying to save their spots in the category. “Veep” got two nominations last year with Matt Walsh and might try again, but with Timothy Simons.
1. Alec Baldwin (“Saturday Night Live”)
2. Louie Anderson (“Baskets”)
3. Tony Hale (“Veep”)
4. Andre Braugher (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”)
5. Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”)
6. Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”)
Close contenders: Brian Tyree Henry (“Atlanta”), Timothy Simons (“Veep”), Matt Walsh (“Veep”)
Deserving:
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Four of last year’s six nominated are still eligible, including winner Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”). Allison Janney (“Mom”) moved category and Niecy Nash (“Getting On”) it’s not eligible.
Anna Chlumsky (“Veep”), Judith Light (“Transparent”) and Gaby Hoffman (“Transparent”) are expected to return.
From the newcomers, Rita Moreno (“One Day At a Time”) is standing out. It’s still early to talk about “Dear White People”. Andrea Martin (“Great News”) is a long shot. About returning actresses, it’s unlikely for Julie Bowen (“Modern Family”) and Mayim Bialik (“The Big Bang Theory”) to return.
1. Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)
2. Anna Chlumsky (“Veep”)
3. Rita Moreno (“One Day at a Time”)
4. Judith Light (“Transparent”)
5. Gaby Hoffman (“Transparent”)
6. Jane Krakowski (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”)
Close contenders: Amy Landecker (“Transparent”)
Deserving: Kathryn Hahn (“Transparent”), June Squibb (“Shameless”)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
After the triumph of “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson”, there’s space for new faces. Only one of last year’s nominees is eligible again – Benedict Cumberbatch (“Sherlock”).
HBO is on top with “The Night Of” leading men: Riz Ahmed and John Turturro. There are also Robert De Niro (“The Wizard of Lies”) and Jude Law (“The Young Pope”). FX is betting on Fargo’s Ewan McGregor, while ABC has Timothy Hutton (“American Crime”). Geoffrey Rush (“Genius”) is a wild card. Another contender is Idris Elba for his role in (“Guerrilla”).
1. Riz Ahmed (“The Night Of”)
2. Robert De Niro (“The Wizard of Lies”)
3. Benedict Cumberbatch (“Sherlock”)
4. John Turturro (“The Night Of”)
5. Jude Law (“The Young Pope”)
6. Ewan McGregor (“Fargo”)
Close contenders: Geoffrey Rush (“Genius”), Timothy Hutton (“American Crime”)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
Another year of great actresses compete for the gold. If Bette Davis and Joan Crawford fought for the Oscar, Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange are going for the Emmy for their roles in “Feud: Bette and Joan”. Another two big names are Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, both for “Big Little Lies”. Their co-star Shailene Woodley is in the supporting category. Putting two leading ladies together could split the voters and badly hurt both shows. Don’t be surprised if Sarandon gets snubbed.
Don’t count out Oscar nominated actress Oprah Winfrey (“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”). Felicity Huffman (“American Crime”) has the voters’ love and Carrie Coon (“Fargo”) finally has a chance for a nod. And we have to see if Viola Davis (“Custody”) can make it twice, both for drama and limited series.
1. Jessica Lange (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
2. Susan Sarandon (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
3. Nicole Kidman (“Big Little Lies”)
4. Reese Witherspoon (“Big Little Lies”)
5. Felicity Huffman (“American Crime”)
6. Oprah Winfrey (“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”)
Close contenders: Carrie Coon (“Fargo”), Viola Davis (“Custody”)
Deserving: Bryce Dallas Howard (“Black Mirror”),
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
None of last year’s nominees is eligible for a nomination, so we get to see new faces. “Feud: Bette and Joan” stars Stanley Tucci and Alfred Molina. Expected to join them are Hank Azaria (“The Wizard of Lies”), Reg E. Cathey (“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”) and Martin Freeman (“Sherlock”).
“American Crime” has a stellar cast, but Benito Martinez has the best chances of getting nominated. “Fargo” is going with David Thewlis and Michael Stuhlbarg.
1. Stanley Tucci (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
2. Alfred Molina (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
3. Hank Azaria (“The Wizard of Lies”)
4. Martin Freeman (“Sherlock”)
5. David Thewlis (“Fargo”)
6. Reg E. Cathey (“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”)
Close contenders: Benito Martinez (“American Crime”), Michael Stuhlbarg (“Fargo”), Idris Elba (“Guerrilla”)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
Regina King (“American Crime”) who won twice in a row in the supporting category is still in the game. However, she’s facing a tough competition from Big Little Lies’ Laura Dern and Shailene Woodley, as also as Feud’s Judy Davis and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Heating up the competition there are also Sarah Paulson and Kathy Bates for “American Horror Story: Roanoke”. Lili Taylor (“American Crime”) seems like a long shot between all these ladies.
1. Laura Dern (“Big Little Lies”)
2. Judy Davis (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
3. Shailene Woodley (“Big Little Lies”)
4. Sarah Paulson (“American Horror Story: Roanoke”)
5. Regina King (“American Crime”)
6. Michelle Pfeiffer (“The Wizard of Lies”)
Close contenders: Kathy Bates (“American Horror Story: Roanoke”) , Ellen Burstyn (“Custody”) , Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
Deserving: Jackie Hoffman (“Feud: Bette and Joan”), Renee Elise Goldsberry (“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”), Jeanine Berlin (“The Night Of”)
Now it's your turn, let us know in the comments your thoughts and predictions.
