Note: A big thanks to SpoilerTV reader, Chris, who took the time to create this article for us to share here on the site. Chris will be updating this article each month up until the the awards and nearer the time we'll have polls for you to vote on.
You can read May's article here.
We are month away from the day of revealing this year’s Emmy nominations and we provide another round of predictions in the main categories. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments! Tell us what do you agree or disagree with, who deserves to be nominated and share your predictions.
The Best Drama hasn’t been so competitive in the past few seasons. The Academy nominated shows repeatedly, adding only one or two new show. This year, without “Game of Thrones” and “Downton Abbey”, two dramas are about to get some Emmy love. But, that’s not all. 2016 brought to life outstanding shows which will compete for the gold.
First, let’s go through last year’s nominees eligible this year. “The Americans” finally got a deserving recognition with its first Emmy nomination for their fourth season and expect to see it back this year. “Better Call Saul” has voters’ love for “Breaking Bad” and the latest season brought another character from the original series, spicing the Albuquerque drama. If voters are not keen to give the gold to a newcomer, these two are in top contention.
Next in line is “House of Cards”, another show in its fifth season. It’s been nominated for every season, without any luck to win. The season’s story mirroring the current political situation can both hurt and help the show.
There’s also “Mr. Robot”, though the second season wasn’t very well received by the critics. “Homeland” is also a longtime favorite of the voters, being nominated for 4 out of 5 seasons, but it might finally be out.
Now let’s talk the newcomers. HBO won’t be stepping down from the drama race. “Westworld” and “The Leftovers” are their race cars, though Jonathan Nolan’s sci-fi drama is getting a bigger push from the network. Damon Lindelof’s “The Leftovers”, even though might be one of the best series currently on television, it’s not so close to getting nominated.
Netflix, besides “House of Cards”, has two other shows going in for the gold: “Stranger Things” and “The Crown”, both with good chances of entering the race, with the latter predicted to be close to victory. It might look unlikely to see three Netflix shows nominated for Best Drama, but this year, expect anything, especially having in mind the expensive FYC campaigns Netflix is having.
And there are another two contenders: broadcast hit drama “This Is Us” and Hulu’s dystopian “The Handmaid’s Tale”. NBC will be betting on their only Emmy-worthy show, as will Hulu, but with HBO and Netflix in the game, the race will be tight.
1. The Crown (Netflix)
2. The Americans (FX)
3. Better Call Saul (AMC)
4. Stranger Things (Netflix)
5. Westworld (HBO)
6. House of Cards (Netflix)
7. This Is Us (NBC)
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8. The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
9. Mr. Robot (USA)
10. Homeland (Showtime)
11. The Leftovers (HBO)
On the comedy side, only one new show is expected to enter the race – FX’s “Atlanta”, meaning someone might be leaving. Last year’s winner “Veep” is still a frontrunner, but don’t forget ABC’s “Black-ish”. Still in the game are “Transparent” and “Silicon Valley”, which makes “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”, “Master of None” and “Modern Family” the most vulnerable. Aziz Ansari’s comedy out of the three has the most chances of staying and with “Modern Family” losing steam, it might not be a surprise to be snubbed this year.
Outside these contenders, “The Big Bang Theory” lost their chances of getting nominated a few years ago, while “Insecure” and “Dear White People” are a long shot. British comedy “Fleabag” might be the one to surprise, but the category is pretty much filled.
1. Veep (HBO)
2. Atlanta (FX)
3. Black-ish (ABC)
4. Transparent (Amazon)
5. Silicon Valley (HBO)
6. Master of None (Netflix)
7. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
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8. Modern Family (ABC)
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9. Insecure (HBO)
10. Fleabag (BBC Three/Amazon)
OUTSTANDING LIMITED SERIES
Ryan Murphy, the man behind last year’s Emmy darling, “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson”, is back again, this time with “Feud: Bette and Joan”, which is one of the frontrunners. Besides “Feud”, FX also has “Fargo”.
HBO is competing with two critics darlings: “Big Little Lies” and “The Night Of”. ABC’s “American Crime” is also expected to get a nomination for its final season.
“Genius” and “American Horror Story: Roanoke” are close to join the group, but it’s not a safe bet. The “Gilmore Girls” revival, “The Young Pope” and “Guerrilla” are long shots.
1. Feud: Bette and Joan (FX)
2. Big Little Lies (HBO)
3. The Night Of (HBO)
4. Fargo (FX)
5. American Crime (ABC)
OUTSTANDING TELEVISION MOVIE
HBO is leading the category with two contenders: “The Wizard of Lies” and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”. There’s also a new season of the “Sherlock” series, which won last year. Netflix is joining the category with “Black Mirror”, but since every episode has a different story and cast, they are going with “San Junipero”. Another contender is Lifetime’s “Custody”.
1. The Wizard of Lies (HBO)
2. Sherlock: The Lying Detective (PBS)
3. Black Mirror: San Junipero (Netflix)
4. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (HBO)
5. Custody (Lifetime)
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6. Churchill’s Street (PBS)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
After Rami Malek’s win last year, expect a tight race this year. The “Mr. Robot” is still in the game, despite the show losing some love with the second season. Bob Odenkirk is gaining attention for his role in “Better Call Saul” and it’s one of the frontrunners. Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”) is also predicted to return.
Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards”) has been nominated year after year, but without any luck. Kyle Chandler (“Bloodline”) and Liev Shreiber (“Ray Donovan”) were nominated last year, but at this year’s Emmy, only one might return.
Anthony Hopkins (“Westworld”) gave an amazing performance in the HBO drama, as did Justin Theroux in “The Leftovers”. Both seem like a wild card, but if one of them is joining the group, that’s Hopkins. There’s also Sterling K. Brown (“This Us Us”), who won an Emmy last year, but for a limited series. That can be helpful.
Ian McShane (“American Gods”) is a long shot, while Billy Bob Thornton (“Goliath”), despite winning a Golden Globe, doesn’t seem close to getting a nomination.
1. Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)
2. Sterling K. Brown (“This Is Us”)
3. Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”)
4. Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards”)
5. Rami Malek (“Mr. Robot”)
6. Anthony Hopkins (“Westworld”)
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7. Liev Schreiber (“Ray Donovan”)
8. Kyle Chandler (“Bloodline”)
9. Justin Theroux (“The Leftovers”)
10. Billy Bob Thornton (“Goliath”)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
The situation with the ladies is more competitive. Keri Russell (“The Americans”), after her first Emmy nomination for the show, is predicted to return, as is Robin Wright (“House of Cards”), who last year, probably missed her best chance at winning. Viola Davis (“How to get away with murder”) is still expected to return, but having already won an Emmy, the voters might tend to add someone new. However, she won an Oscar earlier this year, which should help her secure her spot. Claire Danes (“Homeland”) has been in this category for years and it might be time to leave.
On the other side, two newcomers are also the closest contenders to win the race: Claire Foy for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s “The Crown” and Elisabeth Moss for her outstanding performance in Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”. Foy had critics’ recognition and Moss isn’t a stranger to Emmy voters, being various times nominated for “Mad Men”. Also in contention is Evan Rachel Wood (“Westworld”), while Taraji P. Henson (“Empire”) is not expected to return.
Carrie Coon’s performance in the final season of “The Leftovers” was worth all the awards, but voters probably won’t be checking her name. Christine Baranski (“The Good Fight”) was nominated for the same character, but for “The Good Wife”, but being on CBS All Access, it’s unlikely to get nominated. And with all these contenders, Mandy Moore (“This Is Us”) is far behind.
1. Claire Foy (“The Crown”)
2. Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale”)
3. Keri Russell (“The Americans”)
4. Viola Davis (“How to get away with murder”)
5. Robin Wright (“House of Cards”)
6. Evan Rachel Wood (“Westworld”)
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7. Claire Danes (“Homeland”)
8. Carrie Coon (“The Leftovers”)
9. Christine Baranski (“The Good Fight”)
10. Mandy Moore (“This Is Us”)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
This category this year will welcome new actors, since both Peter Dinklage and Kit Harington from “Game of Thrones” are ineligible, but also last year’s winner Ben Mendelsohn (“Bloodline”), who this year is in the guest category.
From last year’s nominees, Jonathan Banks (“Better Call Saul”) it’s a sure lock, as is probably Jon Voight (“Ray Donovan”). Michael Kelly (“House of Cards”) has been nominated for years, despite his character not doing much.
Joining this year is John Lithgow (“The Crown”), who is also the frontrunner in the race. “Westworld” has its own players: Jeffrey Wright and Ed Harris, with the former one having more chances. Ron Cephas Jones (“This Is Us”) could also join the race.
In a perfect world, Michael McKean (“Better Call Saul”), Christopher Eccleston (“The Leftovers”) and Christian Slater (“Mr. Robot”) would also compete.
1. John Lithgow (“The Crown”)
2. Jonathan Banks (“Better Call Saul”)
3. Jeffrey Wright (“Westworld”)
4. Ron Cephas Jones (“This Is Us”)
5. Michael Kelly (“House of Cards”)
6. Jon Voight (“Ray Donovan”)
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7. Ed Harris (“Westworld”)
8. Jared Harris (“The Crown”)
9. Michael McKean (“Better Call Saul”)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Without last year’s three nominated ladies from “Game of Thrones” and winner Maggie Smith (“Downton Abbey”), the category welcomes a bunch of new faces. “Stranger Things” attack with two actresses going for the gold: Winona Ryder and Millie Bobby Brown. Joining them are Thandie Newton (“Westworld”) and probably Chrissy Metz (“This Is Us”), who was nominated for a Golden Globe. Expected to return is Uzo Aduba (“Orange is the new black”).
That leaves us with last year’s Constance Zimmer (“UnReal”) and Maura Tierney (“The Affair”) and it’s unlikely both to return. Patricia Clarkson, who brought life to “House of Cards”, is in contention, but the competition is strong. Vera Farmiga (“Bates Motel”) moved to the supporting category and might finally earn an Emmy nomination. Speaking of switching categories, Emmy darling Margo Martindale is no longer in the guest category and she’s a contender for not only one, but two roles, one in “The Americans” and one in “Sneaky Pete”.
1. Thandie Newton (“Westworld”)
2. Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”)
3. Winona Ryder (“Stranger Things”)
4. Uzo Aduba (“Orange is the New Black”)
5. Margo Martindale (“The Americans”)
6. Chrissy Metz (“This Is Us”)
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7. Maura Tierney (“The Affair”)
8. Vera Farmiga (“Bates Motel”)
9. Patricia Clarkson (“House of Cards”)
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10. Constance Zimmer (“UnReal”)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Not a lot of changes are expected in this category. Jeffrey Tambor (“Transparent”), Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”) and Aziz Ansari (“Master of None”) are last year’s frontrunners expected to return. William H. Macy (“Shameless”) has been gaining attention and he is a step closer to victory, but still seems distant. Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”) is predicted to stay in the category, while Will Forte (“The Last Man on Earth”) could get snubbed.
Donald Glover (“Atlanta”) is the only new actor predicted to join them. Ted Danson (“The Good Place”), despite his performance, isn’t very close to entering the race. With the category filled, Hank Azaria (“Brockmire”) and Neil Patrick Harris (“A Series of Unfortunate Events”) are left out.
1. Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)
2. Jeffrey Tambor (“Transparent”)
3. Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”)
4. Aziz Ansari (“Master of None”)
5. William H. Macy (“Shameless”)
6. Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”)
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7. Hank Azaria (“Brockmire”)
8. Will Forte (“The Last Man on Earth”)
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9. Ted Danson (“The Good Place”)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”) is one step to having won in this category for a sixth time in a row. Her biggest competition is Tracee Ellis Ross (“Black-ish”). Also expected to return are Ellie Kemper (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) and Lily Tomlin (“Grace and Frankie”).
New in the category is Alison Janney (“Mom”), who after winning two times in a row in the supporting category, is now going for the Lead Actress award. With these five contenders, there’s space for one more. Issa Rae (“Insecure”) seems to be the one with the odds in her favor. Right behind her are Jane Fonda (“Grace and Frankie”) and Sarah Jessica Parker (“Divorce”). A surprising, but deserving nomination would be Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”).
1. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”)
2. Tracee Ellis Ross (“Black-ish)
3. Alison Janney (“Mom”)
4. Ellie Kemper (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”)
5. Lily Tomlin (“Grace and Frankie”)
6. Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
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7. Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”)
8. Jane Fonda (“Grace and Frankie”)
9. Sarah Jessica Parker (“Divorce”)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
One performance this year won’t be forgotten and it’s already predicted to top the category. Alec Baldwin (“Saturday Night Live”) is predicted not just to get nominated, but even to win. Right next to him are last year’s nominees: Louie Anderson (“Baskets”), Tony Hale (“Veep”) and Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”).
Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”) and Andre Braugher (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) are fighting to stay, while Matt Walsh (“Veep”) might even get replaced by his colleague Timothy Simons (“Veep”). And from the newcomers, Brian Tyree Henry (“Atlanta”) is the one getting the attention.
1. Alec Baldwin (“Saturday Night Live”)
2. Louie Anderson (“Baskets”)
3. Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”)
4. Tony Hale (“Veep”)
5. Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”)
6. Andre Braugher (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”)
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7. Brian Tyree Henry (“Atlanta”)
8. Matt Walsh (“Veep”)
9. Timothy Simons (“Veep”)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Just like Baldwin, Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”) is going for her second win in a row. Also expected to return from last year are Anna Chlumsky (“Veep”), Judith Light (“Transparent”) and Gaby Hoffman (“Transparent”).
Rita Moreno (“One Day at a Time”) is expected to join them, while Jane Krakowski (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) has good chances of returning. Besides Moreno, among the newcomers are Zazie Beetz (“Atlanta) and Andrea Martin (“Great News”).
1. Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)
2. Judith Light (“Transparent”)
3. Anna Chlumsky (“Veep”)
4. Rita Moreno (“One Day at a Time”)
5. Gaby Hoffman (“Transparent”)
6. Jane Krakowski (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”)
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7. Zazie Beetz (“Atlanta”)
8. Andrea Martin (“Great News”)
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: The Lying Detective”).
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. Robert De Niro (“The Wizard of Lies”)
2. Riz Ahmed (“The Night Of”)
3. Ewan McGregor (“Fargo”)
4. Benedict Cumberbatch (“Sherlock: The Lying Detective”)
5. John Turturro (“The Night Of”)
6. Geoffrey Rush (“Genius”)
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7. Timothy Hutton (“American Crime”)
8. Jude Law (“The Young Pope”)
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
Another year of big names 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”. Putting two leading ladies together could split the voters and badly hurt both shows.
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. Nicole Kidman (“Big Little Lies”)
3. Susan Sarandon (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
4. Reese Witherspoon (“Big Little Lies”)
5. Oprah Winfrey (“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”)
6. Felicity Huffman (“American Crime”)
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7. Carrie Coon (“Fargo”)
8. Viola Davis (“Custody”)
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9. Bryce Dallas Howard (“Black Mirror”)
10. Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life”)
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” is here with 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. Alfred Molina (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
2. Stanley Tucci (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
3. David Thewlis (“Fargo”)
4. Martin Freeman (“Sherlock: The Lying Detective”)
5. Hank Azaria (“The Wizard of Lies”)
6. Michael Stuhlbarg (“Fargo”)
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7. Alexander Skarsgard (“Big Little Lies”)
8. Reg E. Cathey (“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”)
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
Another group of incredible ladies fighting for a spot in a competitive category. 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. Regina King (“American Crime”)
3. Judy Davis (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
4. Shailene Woodley (“Big Little Lies”)
5. Sarah Paulson (“American Horror Story: Roanoke”)
6. Michelle Pfeiffer (“The Wizard of Lies”)
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7. Kathy Bates (“American Horror Story: Roanoke”)
8. Jackie Hoffman (“Feud: Bette and Joan”)
