2017 Emmy Nomination - Final Predictions

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 June's article here.

---

Thursday morning we will know the nominations for this year’s Emmys, the biggest awards in the television industry, so here is the final round of predictions. Have in mind that this year, voters were able to vote for unlimited number of performers, which means we might see returning actors and actresses from shows like Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory or new faces from popular shows like This Is Us and Stranger Things. The new voting system might also bring more nominees. Instead of seven Drama nominees, we might see more, or instead of six performers, we might see seven.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the nominations and join us Thursday morning at 8:30 AM PT /11:30 AM ET for live commenting here on SpoilerTV.

Outstanding Drama Series

The biggest category at the Emmys is heating up. After predicting “The Crown” to take over the gold, “Stranger Things” is getting closer to be this year’s big winner. Nevertheless, we should expect a Netflix battle, which will be the first streaming service to win the biggest television award.

“The Americans” and “Better Call Saul” are also returning and probably “House of Cards”, too. Those three might be the only returning dramas from last year. However, new shows like “This Is Us” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” might push out Netflix’s political drama.

HBO, instead of “Game of Thrones”, has “Westworld”, another fantasy drama and is predicted to be nominated. Another newcomer in the race could be either NBC’s “This Is Us”, the most watched new show on broadcast, or Hulu’s dystopian “The Handmaid’s Tale”.

With stronger competition than previous years, “Homeland” and “Mr. Robot” are not expected to return, while the odds are not in favor of “The Leftovers”, although it might surprise with a deserving nomination.

1. Stranger Things (Netflix)
2. The Crown (Netflix)
3. Westworld (HBO)
4. The Americans (FX)
5. Better Call Saul (AMC)
6. House of Cards (Netflix)
7. This Is Us (NBC)
--
8. The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Possibilities: Homeland (Showtime), The Leftovers (HBO), Mr. Robot (USA)

Outstanding Comedy Series

 The comedy race is expected to welcome only one new show – “Atlanta”. The rest should stay the same, except someone will leave to make room for Donald Glover’s comedy.

Most vulnerable is “Modern Family”, which despite losing quality, has been nominated for every season, but also “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”, which never was a big Emmy player. In another scenario, “Transparent” is the one to leave.

“Veep”, “black-ish”, “Silicon Valley” are certain to be nominated. “Master of None” is also predicted to grab a nomination for its second season.

1. Veep (HBO)
2. Black-ish (ABC)
3. Atlanta (FX)
4. Silicon Valley (HBO)
5. Master of None (Netflix)
6. Transparent (Amazon)
7. Modern Family (ABC)
--
8. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Possibilities: Insecure (HBO), Fleabag (BBC Three/Amazon), Catastrophe (Channel 4), Girls (HBO)

Outstanding Limited Series

Predicting the Limited Series category is far easier than Drama Series. Here, Netflix doesn’t rule (yet). It’s HBO vs. FX. “Big Little Lies” and last summer’s hit “The Night Of” for HBO and “Fargo” and “Feud: Bette and Joan” for FX. The last slot goes to ABC’s “American Crime” for its final season.

Other contenders which might surprise, but it is unlikely, are “American Horror Story: Roanoke” and “Genius”.

1. Feud: Bette and Joan (FX)
2. Big Little Lies (HBO)
3. The Night Of (HBO)
4. Fargo (FX)
5. American Crime (ABC)
--
6. American Horror Story: Roanoke
Possibilities: Gilmore Girls: A Day in the Life (Netflix), Genius (National Geographic), The Young Pope (HBO)

Outstanding Television Movie

HBO is at the top again, this time with “The Wizard of Lies” and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”. Sherlock returns once again, with “The Lying Detective”. Netflix has “Black Mirror”, which is competing with the “San Junipero” episode. The last spot is wide open and could be a big surprise.

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. Churchill’s Street (PBS)
--
6. Custody (Lifetime)
Possibilities: David Brent: Life on the Road, The Most Hated Woman in America (Netflix), Looking: The Movie (HBO)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Matthew Rhys (The Americans) last year joined the group and we should see him back. Also predicted to return are Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) and last year’s winner Rami Malek (Mr. Robot). Kevin Spacey (House of Cards) is probably returning again, after being nominated for four times without any luck to win.

The biggest frontrunner from the newcomers is Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us), who won last year for Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, giving him an advantage in this year’s race. Other newcomers who might be nominated are Anthony Hopkins (Westworld) and Justin Theroux (The Leftovers), while Paul Giamatti (Billions) could surprise, but it’s unlikely.

Kyle Chandler (Bloodline) and Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan), both nominated last year, aren’t that lucky to be nominated again. Only one of them is expected to return.

1. Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us)
2. Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul)
3. Rami Malek (Mr. Robot)
4. Matthew Rhys (The Americans)
5. Kevin Spacey (House of Cards)
6. Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan)
--
Possibilities: Anthony Hopkins (Westworld), Justin Theroux (The Leftovers), Kyle Chandler (Bloodline), Billy Bob Thornton (Goliath)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Predicting the Lead Actress category is trickier. We have two big new contenders – Claire Foy (The Crown) and Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale), who are pretty much a lock.

Probably the only safe bet from last year is Keri Russell (The Americans), but Viola Davis (How to get away with murder) and Robin Wright (House of Cards) should return too. On the other hand, Claire Danes (Homeland) will probably be pushed out because of strong competition, but never underestimate her.

A very close contender is Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld), but again, the competition is strong. Carrie Coon (The Leftovers) could also get a surprise nomination, while Christine Baranski (The Good Fight) might get name-checked, although voters might not be familiar with her show.

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)
--
7. Claire Danes (Homeland)
8. Carrie Coon (The Leftovers)
Possibilities: Christine Baranski (The Good Fight), Mandy Moore (This Is Us), Taraji P. Henson (Empire)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Game of Thrones’ absence at this year’s awards frees space for two new actors in the Supporting Actor category. Jonathan Banks (Better Call Saul) and Michael Kelly (House of Cards) are the safest bets from last year, although Kelly might be snubbed this year. Jon Voight (Ray Donovan), also a nominee from last year, has lower chances of returning.

John Lithgow (The Crown) is a safe bet, while HBO is having two contenders – Jeffrey Wright (Westworld) and Ed Harris (Westworld), but maybe only one will get in. Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us) is also one of the close contenders to be nominated.

Other contenders would be Jared Harris (The Crown) and Michael McKean (Better Call Saul), who gave an outstanding performance this year.

1. John Lithgow (The Crown)
2. Jeffrey Wright (Westworld)
3. Jonathan Banks (Better Call Saul)
4. Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us)
5. Michael Kelly (House of Cards)
6. Jon Voight (Ray Donovan)
--
7. Ed Harris (Westworld)
8. Michael McKean (Westworld)
Possibilities: Jared Harris (The Crown), David Harbour (Stranger Things)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Another category where Game of Thrones gives an opportunity to new contenders. We might even see a full category of new faces.

The frontrunner is Thandie Newton (Westworld), followed by Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) and Winona Ryder (Stranger Things). Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel) moved from the Lead category and might get a nomination for the final season of the show. Margo Martindale also moved from the Guest category and she has loyal Emmy voters. Chrissy Metz (This Is Us) has been gaining buzz, but it’s not a safe bet. Uzo Aduba (Orange is the new black) could return, while the only eligible nominees from last year – Constance Zimmer (UnReal) and Maura Tierney (The Affair), despite basically an empty category from last year, are unlikely to return.

1. Thandie Newton (Westworld)
2. Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things)
3. Winona Ryder (Stranger Things)
4. Chrissy Metz (This Is Us)
5. Uzo Aduba (Orange is the new black)
6. Margo Martindale (The Americans)
--
7. Maura Tierney (The Affair)
8. Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel)
Possibilities: Constance Zimmer (UnReal), Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale),  Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

This is probably one of the easiest categories to predict, since it’s not expected to see big shake-up. Last year’s winner Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent), Aziz Ansari (Master of None), Anthony Anderson (black-ish) and William H. Macy (Shameless) are predicted to return. Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) isn’t a lock, but he should return.

Only Donald Glover (Atlanta) is expected to join them, kicking out Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth). If there is a shake-up, after all, other contenders would be Hank Azaria (Brockmire), Ted Danson (The Good Place) and perhaps Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory).

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)
--
7. Hank Azaria (Brockmire)
8. Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth)
Possibilities: Den Danson (The Good Place), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep) has been winning for her role as Selina Meyer five consecutive years and she’s going for another one. Tracee Ellis Ross (black-ish), Lily Tomlin (Grace and Frankie) and Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) are predicted to return. Alison Janney (Mom) is now competing for Lead Actress, which might even backfire.

The last spot will probably go to a newcomer – either Issa Rae (Insecure) or Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag). A surprising name to hear on Thursday morning would be Jane Fonda (Grace and Frankie) or Lena Dunham (Girls).

1. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep)
2. Tracee Ellis Ross (black-ish)
3. Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)
4. Lily Tomlin (Grace and Frankie)
5. Alison Janney (Mom)
6. Issa Rae (Insecure)
--
7. Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag)
Possibilities: Jane Fonda (Grace and Frankie), Lena Dunham (Girls), Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Besides last year’s nominees Tony Hale (Veep), Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Louie Anderson (Baskets), who are predicted to return, a new addition to the group is Alec Baldwin (Saturday Night Live). Ty Burrell (Modern Family) has been the only one keeping Modern Family alive at the Emmys and he will probably return this year. However, Andre Braugher (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) is unlikely to return.

Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) is the one to look out for, while Timothy Simons (Veep) might join his colleagues, including Matt Walsh (Veep), who got in the race last year.

1. Alec Baldwin (Saturday Night Live)
2. Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt )
3. Louie Anderson (Baskets)
4. Ty Burrell (Modern Family)
5. Matt Walsh (Veep)
6. Timothy Simons (Veep)
--
7. Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta)
8. Andre Braugher (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Saturday Night Live is returning to the Emmys with nominations for both Supporting Actor and Actress, and both frontrunners for the win. Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live) is the one leading the category. Safe bets would be Anna Chlumsky (Veep) and Judith Light (Transparent). Gaby Hoffman (Transparent) also shouldn’t be out of the race.

Without Alison Janney and Niecy Nash, this is the time for Jane Krakowski (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) to return. The last spot might go to Rita Moreno (One Day At A Time), Zazie Beetz (Atlanta) or maybe even Andrea Martin (Great News).

1. Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live)
2. Anna Chlumsky (Veep)
3. Judith Light (Transparent)
4. Gaby Hoffman (Transparent)
5. Rita Moreno (One Day at a Time)
6. Jane Krakowski (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)
--
7. Andrea Martin (Great News)
8. Zazie Beetz (Atlanta)
Possibilities: Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Here we have Riz Ahmed (The Night Of) and Robert De Niro (The Wizard of Lies) at the top of the list, followed by Ewan McGregor (Fargo) and John Turturro (The Night Of). Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock: The Lying Detective) is predicted to return, but the last spot is opened for a surprise nomination. That could be Geoffrey Rush (Genius) or Jude Law (The Young Pope).

1. Riz Ahmed (The Night Of)
2. Robert De Niro (The Wizard of Lies)
3. Ewan McGregor (Fargo)
4. John Turturro (The Night Of)
5. Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock: The Lying Detective)
6. Geoffrey Rush (Genius)
--
7. Jude Law (The Young Pope)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

This one might be the most exciting category this year. “Feud: Bette and Joan” is safe with its two leads – Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon. Nicole Kidman (Big Little Lies) has an advantage over Reese Witherspoon (Big Little Lies), but expect to see them both.

Besides these safe bets, contenders for the last two spots are: Carrie Coon (Fargo), also competing in the Drama category; Felicity Huffman (American Crime), who is loved by the voters and gave a stellar performance; Oprah Winfrey (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks), mostly just because she’s Oprah and wild horse Bryce Dallas Howard (Black Mirror).

1. Jessica Lange (Feud: Bette and Joan)
2. Nicole Kidman (Big Little Lies)
3. Susan Sarandon (Feud: Big Little Lies)
4. Reese Witherspoon (Big Little Lies)
5. Carrie Coon (Fargo)
6. Oprah Winfrey (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks)
--
7. Felicity Huffman (American Crime)
8. Bryce Dallas Howard (Black Mirror)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

“Feud: Bette and Joan” again has two contenders – Stanley Tucci and Alfred Molina. Hank Azaria (The Wizard of Lies), who is also competing in the comedy category, is expected to be nominated. Martin Freeman (Sherlock: The Lying Detective) is also in the race. David Thewlis (Fargo) has good chances to join them and the last spot could go to his colleague Michael Stuhlbarg (Fargo) or Alexander Skarsgård (Big Little Lies).

1. Alfred Molina (Feud: Bette and Joan)
2. Hank Azaria (The Wizard of Lies)
3. Stanley Tucci (Feud: Bette and Joan)
4. David Thewlis (Fargo)
5. Martin Freeman (Sherlock: The Lying Detective)
6. Alexander Skarsgård (Big Little Lies)
--
7. Michael Stuhlbarg (Fargo)
Possibilities: Idris Elba (Guerrilla), Michael Kenneth Williams (The Night Of)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

“Big Little Lies” and “Feud: Bette and Joan”, who will rule the Limited Series categories, have four contenders in this category – Laura Dern (Big Little Lies), Shailene Woodley (Big Little Lies), Judy Davis (Feud: Bette and Joan) and Jackie Hoffman (Feud: Bette and Joan).

We also have Regina King (American Crime), a winner for two consecutive years and two ladies from “American Horror Story: Roanoke” – Sarah Paulson and Kathy Bates. Unlikely to get a nomination are Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Fargo) and Michelle Pfeiffer (The Wizard of Lies), but don’t quit on them just yet.

1. Judy Davis (Feud: Bette and Joan)
2. Laura Dern (Big Little Lies)
3. Regina King (American Crime)
4. Shailene Woodley (Big Little Lies)
5. Kathy Bates (American Horror Story: Roanoke)
6. Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story: Roanoke)
--
7. Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Fargo)
8. Michelle Pfeiffer (The Wizard of Lies)
Possibilities: Jackie Hoffman (Feud: Bette and Joan)

The Emmy’s Beasts, Wild Cards and Outliers

Awards tend to have one or two contenders who sweep a big amount of the nominations. So, who would that be at this year’s Emmys? In the Drama category, expect to see a lot of nominations for Stranger Things, The Crown and Westworld (this includes the Creative Arts nominations). On the comedy side, Veep and look out for Atlanta. Limited series tend to be the ones with most nominations and this year that would be Feud: Bette and Joan.

The Emmys also can surprise you, like last year’s nominations for The Americans. So, will we have another surprising situation like that one? The Leftovers has gained a lot of buzz for its final season and might finally breakthrough. For the lovers of animated programs, BoJack Horseman hasn’t been closer to the Emmy race.  And you might hear nominations for American Gods, The Man in the High Castle and A Series of Unfortunate Events at the Creative Arts.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend last year received 4 nominations at the Creative Arts and it will again, just maybe less. Another CW show has a unique shot for a nomination – The Flash submitted the song “Runnin’ Home to You” from their musical episode for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, a category which last year had Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Galavant. Also, the people behind the song have La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen in their portfolios. And speaking of superhero shows, Luke Cage has Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, but being submitted in the supporting category, instead of the guest one, it’s harder to get the nomination. The show is also competing for Outstanding Main Title Design, a category in which we have seen Daredevil and Jessica Jones.