2016 Primetime Emmy Nomination Predictions
A breakdown of the major acting and series categories for this years Emmy Awards.
Drama Series:
"Game of Thrones" won last year and it'll win again. It has no real competition at the moment. The biggest threat from last years list of nominees ("Mad Men") is no longer running and with "House of Cards" dropping in quality and "Orange is the New Black" still trying to recover from the category change (it's clearly a comedy!), I don't think anyone is capable of taking away the HBO drama's crown. With one space up for grabs, will "The Good Wife" return purely because of last season hype (it's a real thing, you guys; see Jon Hamm) or will the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice award winning "Mr. Robot" push it out and take a place for itself? It's hard to tell at this point. Wouldn't it be great if "The Leftovers" made the cut this year? The Emmys have a reputation of shutting out sci-fi/fantasy shows, but even so, "Game of Thrones" has appeared every year it has been eligible. Could the tide be turning? If so, add "The Walking Dead" to the list.
Shows definitely returning from last years nominees include "Homeland" and "Better Call Saul", along with the previously mentioned "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black". "Empire" was expected to garner a nomination last year, but that didn't happen and its time has unfortunately past. I would love to see "Bates Motel" get a little more recognition, along with FX drama "The Americans", but I don't ever see that happening. Devastating.
The predicted nominees:
1. "Game of Thrones", HBO
2. "Mr. Robot", USA Network
3. "Downton Abbey", PBS
4. "Better Call Saul", AMC
5. "House of Cards", Netflix
6. "Orange is the New Black", Netflix
7. "Homeland", Showtime
Maybe: "The Good Wife", CBS
If only: "The Americans", FX
Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
Kevin Spacey has won two SAGs and a Golden Globe award for his work on "House of Cards". Now, with previous Emmy winners Jeff Daniels and Jon Hamm out of his way, could this be the year he adds an Emmy to his collection? It sure as hell looks like it. But which actors will he have to fight off on the night?
I see no reason why Kyle Chandler ("Bloodline") and Bob Odenkirk ("Better Call Saul") wouldn't return this year, my only concern is Liev Schrieber. He wasn't nominated for the first season of "Ray Donovan" so it wouldn't be surprising if he was snubbed this year to make room for the newbies. Hugh Bonneville has missed out on nominations for the past two years, but I wouldn't count out his return on the coattails of "Downton Abbey's" farewell season. Other than that, it's purely new talent looking to push their way onto the list. Rami Malek won the Critics' Choice award and was nominated for both the Golden Globe and SAG award for his role on "Mr. Robot" and two time-Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale did great work on Martin Scorsese’s HBO drama "Vinyl". Other newcomers trying to break into the category are Wagner Moura ("Narcos") and Paul Giamatti ("Billions"), but I think Malek and Cannavale are the biggest threats. Aaron Paul fronted the Hulu drama "The Path", but I've heard little to no buzz about his performance. Well-deserved actors who are still waiting for their nominations are Matthew Rhys ("The Americans"), Clive Owen ("The Knick"), Dominic West ("The Affair"), Terrance Howard ("Empire") and Justin Theroux ("The Leftovers"), but unfortunately I think the moment has past for all of them.
The predicted nominees:
1. Kevin Spacey, "House of Cards"
2. Rami Malek, "Mr. Robot"
3. Bob Odenkirk, "Better Call Saul"
4. Kyle Chandler, "Bloodline"
5. Bobby Cannavale, "Vinyl"
6. Liev Schrieber, "Ray Donovan"
Maybe: Paul Giamatti, "Billions"
If only: Justin Theroux, "The Leftovers"
Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
VIOLA DAVIS. Is that enough information? No? Ok fine. Even in one of the most crowded categories, Viola Davis is still a force to be reckoned with. I can't see anybody else taking home the prize this year. With all but one of last years nominees still eligible, it's going to be tough for the newcomers to break in. Claire Danes ("Homeland") has made it clear she isn't going anywhere, Robin Wright ("House of Cards") hasn't lost any lustre since last year and Tatiana Maslany's snubs cause outrage so they'd be stupid to drop the "Orphan Black" actress now. Taraji P. Henson won the Golden Globe at the beginning of the year and took home the Critics' Choice award for season one of "Empire", but with the quality dropping slightly for the show's second season, could she lose her place among TV's leading ladies?
Actresses looking to break into the category for the first time are Shiri Appleby ("UnREAL"), Krysten Ritter ("Jessica Jones"), Mireille Enos ("The Catch"), Joan Allen ("The Family"), Priyanka Chopra ("Quantico"), Jaimie Alexander ("Blindspot") and Jennifer Lopez ("Shades of Blue"), with Ritter being the most viable option. A few contenders who have been nominated in the past that are still eligible are Michelle Dockery ("Downton Abbey"), Vera Farmiga ("Bates Motel"), Kerry Washington ("Scandal") and Julianna Margulies ("The Good Wife"). Dockery and Margulies could easily return on the back of their shows final seasons, but there isn't really enough room for Washington this year. As for Farmiga, I think she may be the surprise nomination. She's had an amazing season and the show seems to be getting a lot more attention this year. Taylor Shilling ("Orange is the New Black"), Eva Green ("Penny Dreadful"), Keri Russell ("The Americans") and Carrie Coon ("The Leftovers") are all still waiting for their chance to shine even though all of their shows have been on air for a couple of seasons now. I told you it was crowded.
The predicted nominees:
1. Viola Davis, "How to Get Away with Murder"
2. Robin Wright, "House of Cards"
3. Vera Farmiga, "Bates Motel"
4. Tatiana Maslany, "Orphan Black"
5. Claire Danes, "Homeland"
6. Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"
Maybe: Krysten Ritter, "Jessica Jones"
If only: Keri Russell, "The Americans"
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
This category is heaving with strong contenders, but with all of last years nominees still eligible this year, it's going to be one of the toughest races of the night. Peter Dinklage won last year for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister on HBO's "Game of Thrones" and with even more buzz around the show this year, he could quite easily (and maybe a little undeservingly) be adding a third Emmy to his collection. Jonathan Banks ("Better Call Saul"), Jim Carter ("Downton Abbey"), Alan Cumming ("The Good Wife"), Michael Kelly ("House of Cards") and Ben Mendelsohn ("Bloodline") all had stellar runs this season so it's difficult to push any of them out to make room for new blood. Christian Slater ("Mr. Robert") looks like the only real newcomer capable of kicking someone aside after his wins at the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice awards, but Ray Romano ("Vinyl"), Ray Liotta ("Shades of Blue"), Andre Holland ("The Knick"), Jon Voight ("Ray Donovan"), Hugh Dancy ("The Path") and Many Patinkin ("Homeland") would all be welcomed with open arms if their names were to appear on nomination day.
Peter Dinklage and Jim Carter are excellent in their roles, that's undeniable, but this year it feels like they're taking somebody else's ticket. "Game of Thrones" is seven episodes in and Dinklage hasn't really done a lot yet, which is inevitable on an ensemble drama. Carter's subtle performance is an Emmy favourite, he's been nominated every year he's been eligible and is currently riding high on the final season of "Downton Abbey" so it's unlikely the Emmys would drop him now. I'm not saying he isn't good, but there is definitely better. I would replace both actors with their more prominent co-stars, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Robert James-Collier, their performances stand out more. Strangely enough, Dinklage and Carter are probably the frontrunners in this category based on buzz alone.
The predicted nominees:
1. Peter Dinklage, "Game of Thrones"
2. Jim Carter, "Downton Abbey"
3. Christian Slater, "Mr. Robot"
4. Alan Cumming, "The Good Wife"
5. Michael Kelly, "House of Cards"
6. Ray Romano, "Vinyl"
Maybe: Hugh Dancy, "The Path"
If only: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, "Game of Thrones"
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:
Uzo Aduba is the reigning queen of "Orange is the New Black", with two Emmy wins for two seasons in two different categories. She is the only OITNB actress to survive the switch from comedy to drama, which is a feat considering the show is packed full of talented ladies. She's essentially a lock this year. The only other safe bet is Christine Baranski. She's an Emmy favourite, having been nominated six years running for her work on "The Good Wife", but is that enough to pull off a win?
Now, it's a given that a "Game of Thrones" actress will make the cut, but which one is the real question. Both Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke were nominated last year but in my opinion the latter is, well, overrated. I'd put my money on Headey (did you see the last episode of season six?!) and given the love the series got last year, she may even pull off a win. There's no Christina Hendricks thanks to "Mad Men" wrapping last year, so even if both "Game of Thrones" actresses make the cut, there's still one hole for somebody new to fill. No-time nominees Abigail Spencer ("Rectify") and Liv Tyler ("The Leftovers") would love to get in on the action, but if any returning actress who hasn't yet been nominated is going in, it'll be Maura Tierney. She's fresh off a Golden Globe win for her role on "The Affair", as well as being nominated at the Critics' Choice awards. My only concern is that the Golden Globe voters love the HBO drama more than the Emmy voters do. The show got no Emmy love for it's first season, even though it won Best Drama and Best Actress for Ruth Wilson a few months earlier at the Globes. Regina King is undoubtably "The Leftovers" best shot at a nomination this year, whilst Constance Zimmer ("UnREAL") and Olivia Wilde ("Vinyl") are the clear frontrunners when it comes to supporting actresses on new TV shows. Wouldn't it be great if Emmy voters gave younger actresses like Sophie Turner ("Game of Thrones") or Holly Taylor ("The Americans") a shot?
The predicted nominees:
1. Lena Headey, "Game of Thrones"
2. Christine Baranski, "The Good Wife"
3. Uzo Aduba, "Orange is the New Black"
4. Joanne Froggatt, "Downton Abbey"
5. Constance Zimmer, "UnREAL"
6. Regina King, "The Leftovers"
Maybe: Maura Tierney, "The Affair"
If only: Sophie Turner, "Game of Thrones"
Guest Actor in a Drama Series:
The predicted nominees:
1. Michael J. Fox, "The Good Wife"
2. Hank Azaria, "Ray Donovan"
3. Dennis O'Hare, "The Good Wife"
4. B.D. Wong, "Mr. Robot"
5. Jon Tenney, "Scandal"
6. Reg E. Cathey, "House of Cards"
Maybe: Jon Cryer, "NCIS"
If only: Jeffery Dean Morgan, "The Walking Dead"
Guest Actress in a Drama Series:
The predicted nominees:
1. Carrie Preston, "The Good Wife"
2. Mary Steenburgen, "Orange is the New Black"
3. Allison Janney, "Masters of Sex"
4. Margo Martindale, "The Americans"
5. Diana Rigg, "Game of Thrones"
6. Ellen Burstyn, "House of Cards"
Maybe: Patti LuPone, "Penny Dreadful"
If only: Aidy Bryant, "Horace and Pete"
Comedy Series:
"Veep" is the best comedy on TV right now. It has this in the bag. It's genius. Shows that will lose to the HBO comedy on the night include "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", "Modern Family", "Transparent" and "Silicon Valley". With no "Parks and Recreation" or "Louie" this year, there's room for two shows to break in. "Black-ish" had a great second season, "The Big Bang Theory" was missing last year but was a real contender the year before that and "Girls" was ok, but the real one to watch is "Master of None". It seems crazy to me that "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", "New Girl" & "The Mindy Project" have never appeared here, they're all amazing. Maybe Hulu will push the latter hard this year and it'll get a surprise nom, and then again, maybe pigs will fly.
The predicted nominees:
1. "Veep", HBO
2. "Modern Family", ABC
3. "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", Netflix
4. "Silicon Valley", HBO
5. "Transparent", Amazon Prime
6. "Master of None", Netflix
7. "Casual", Hulu
Maybe: "Black-ish", ABC
If Only: "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", FOX
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
This category is surprisingly dull compared to it's female equivalent. Two thirds of last years nominees could return this year (Matt LeBlanc's "Episodes" and Louis C.K.'s "Louie" both took a year out) and with only a handful of real contenders looking to nab their places, it looks to be a boring race. Let's just give Jeffery Tambor the award for the second year running. He is clearly the best comedic actor on the list and his role on Amazon Prime's "Transparent" is outstanding. He deserves it. Jim Parsons ("The Big Bang Theory") was snubbed last year, and while many saw it as well overdue, I don't think he should be thrown off the shortlist altogether. Sure, give the award to another actor every now and then, but Parsons is one of the best actors on TV, just because he stars on a show that causes different reactions from different people (putting it lightly), doesn't mean the actors doing excellent work should be punished. Anthony Anderson ("Black-ish"), Will Forte ("The Last Man On Earth") and Don Cheadle ("House of Lies") will join the perviously mentioned actors on nominations day. Chuck Aziz Ansari ("Master of None") on the list and you have six deserving nominees. There are plenty of actors that I would love to see nominated, Jake Johnson ("New Girl"), Andy Samberg ("Brooklyn Nine-Nine") and Thomas Middleditch ("Silicon Valley") are just a few, and even though the category is somewhat boring, it's still highly unlikely that any of them will appear.
The predicted nominees:
1. Jeffery Tambor, "Transparent"
2. Aziz Ansari, "Master of None"
3. Will Forte, "The Last Man On Earth"
4. Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"
5. Anthony Anderson, "Black-ish"
6. Don Cheadle, "House of Lies"
Maybe: Rob Lowe, "The Grinder"
If only: Jake Johnson, "New Girl"
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:
I genuinely don't even know where to start. This category is too much. There are at least a dozen actresses that deserve to be nominated. Unfortunately, only six can make the cut. Let's start with who won't hear their name called on nominations day. Jamie Lee Curtis got a Golden Globe nom for "Scream Queens", but probably just because she's Jamie Lee Curtis. Rachel Bloom ("Crazy Ex-Girlfriend") and Gina Rodriguez ("Jane the Virgin") are representing The CW. Both are exquisite, both will be snubbed. Tracee Ellis Ross is great on ABC's "Black-ish", but I'm not convinced that she's Emmy great. The "Broad City" girls, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, are heading the greatest new comedy of the past few seasons, but if they were going to be nominated, it probably would have happened already. Wendi McLendon-Covey plays the fuck out of matriarch Beverly on "The Goldbergs" and is honestly the most underrated comedy actress on television right now, but that still won't get her a nomination. "New Girl" actress Zooey Deschanel would be welcomed back with open arms by fans and critics alike and Melissa McCarthy ("Mike and Molly") wouldn't be a shocking choice for filling a slot on the shortlist, but both will struggle to get an edge on their competition. Mindy Kaling has the best shot of landing a nomination since her show began. "The Mindy Project" was dropped by FOX after it's third season, but then picked up by Hulu for two seasons. Rumour has it that Hulu are campaigning hard this award season for their original TV shows, and in this category it's between Kaling and "Difficult People" actress Julie Klausner. I know who I'd rather give the award to. It's a real shame that Emma Roberts won't get a nomination for "Scream Queens", she carried the show well and was viciously funny as queen bitch Chanel Oberlin.
Now onto the actresses who actually stand a chance. Amy Schumer ("Inside Amy Schumer") is still riding high on the success of her 2015 summer blockbuster, "Trainwreck". We all know the Emmys love to award a film star (see Melissa McCarthy for "Bridesmaids"). Lily Tomlin ("Grace and Frankie") and Julia Louis Dreyfus ("Veep") are both seasoned pros when it comes to comedy and are both Emmy sweethearts, so they'll both be nominated. If Dreyfus submits the fourth episode of the fifth season of her show, she'll be sure to pick up her fifth consecutive Emmy, for sure. She was phenomenal. Constance Wu ("Fresh Off the Boat") and Ellie Kemper ("Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt") were shockingly left out last year in favour of Amy Poehler and Lisa Kudrow, but I don't see them being snubbed again. Kemper may even be able to pull off a win if Netflix plays their cards right. Who knows, maybe Lena Dunham will return for her fifth stint on "Girls" (God, I hope not).
The predicted nominees:
1. Julia Louis Dreyfus, "Veep"
2. Ellie Kemper, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
3. Amy Schumer, "Inside Amy Schumer"
4. Lily Tomlin, "Grace and Frankie"
5. Constance Wu, "Fresh Off the Boat"
6. Melissa McCarthy, "Mike and Molly"
Maybe: Tracee Ellis Ross, "Black-ish"
If only: Mindy Kaling, "The Mindy Project"
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:
Tituss Burgess. That's it. Done. Moving On.
The predicted nominees:
1. Tituss Burgess, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
2. Andre Braugher, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
3. Tony Hale, "Veep"
4. Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"
5. Louie Anderson, "Baskets"
6. Adam Driver, "Girls"
Maybe: Keegan Michael-Key, "Key and Peele"
If only: Max Greenfield, "New Girl"
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:
If only every category would expand their number of nominees to eight, that would make life so much easier, right? Wrong. Eight is still not enough when it comes to the supporting actresses in comedies right now. And we don't even know how many nominees we'll get this year. Infuriating. Let's get the important part out the way first, Allison Janney ("Mom") is going to win. Ok, good. Now we can talk about everybody else. Anna Chlumsky should win. Her subtle, neurotic performance as Amy on "Veep" is a scene stealer, which is a real feat considering she shares the screen with some of TV's most talented actors. I'm not really sure how many TV shows Niecy Nash is a part of right now, I lost count, but what I do know is that she is a real contender for her performances on "Getting On" and "Scream Queens". The "Modern Family" women, Julie Bowen (who should be in the lead category but, whatever) and Sofia Vergara are hilarious as always, but in a crowded category like this, we've learnt from the supporting actor category that the "Modern Fam" cast are the first to go. Infact, Vergara hasn't been nominated since 2013. The "Girls" girls are good but not good enough, except Zosia Mamet, but she doesn't get enough exposure to warrant a nomination. When it comes to "Transparent", Gaby Hoffmann unexpectedly beat out Judith Light last year, but I don't think that'll happen again. Infant, count Hoffmann out completely. Mayim Bialik has had a good run this season on "The Big Bang Theory", so she'll surely be back again, especially after her Critics' Choice win earlier this year. "Saturday Night Live" has a whole host of eligible (and deserving) ladies, from two time-nominee Kate McKinnon to under-appreciated Aidy Bryant, but who will make the shortlist? McKinnon, of course, the Emmys rarely stray from what they know. Jane Krakowski's performance on "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" was amazing as always, but how about Carol Kane? She really hit the ground running this year. How many actresses have I mentioned so far? How many more could I go on to praise? How many more questions am I going to ask myself? Who knows.
The predicted nominees:
1. Alison Janney, "Mom"
2. Anna Chlumsky, "Veep"
3. Judith Light, "Transparent"
4. Kate McKinnon, "Saturday Night Live"
6. Jane Krakowski, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
6. Mayim Bialik, "The Big Bang Theory"
Maybe: Julie Bowen, "Modern Family"
If only: Eden Sher, "The Middle" or Chelsea Perreti, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" or Carol Kane, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Guest Actor in a Comedy Series:
The predicted nominees:
1. Larry David, "Saturday Night Live"
2. Jason Sudeikis, "The Last Man on Earth"
3. Bill Hader, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
4. Bob Newhart, "The Big Bang Theory"
5. David Cross, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
6. Tracy Morgan, "Saturday Night Live"
Maybe: Sam Elliot, "Grace and Frankie"
If only: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, "The Mindy Project"
Guest Actress in a Comedy Series:
The predicted nominees:
1. Claire Danes, "Master of None"
2. Lisa Kudrow, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
3. Ellen Burstyn, "Mom"
4. Christine Baranski, "The Big Bang Theory"
5. Tina Fey, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
6. Melissa McCarthy, "Saturday Night Live"
Maybe: Ariana Grande, "Saturday Night Live"
If only: Amy Sedaris, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
TV Movie:
This category belongs to HBO. Looking at the eligible candidates this year, "All the Way" and "Confirmation" are definitely the frontrunners here. British dramas "Sherlock" and "Luther" both churned out TV movies this year, so expect to see them on the shortlist.
The predicted nominees:
1. "Confirmation", HBO
2. "All the Way", HBO
3. "Luther", BBC America
4. "Sherlock: The Abominable Bride", BBC America
5. "Special Correspondents", Netflix
Maybe: "The Dresser", Starz
If only: "7 Days in Hell", HBO
Limited Series:
Much like HBO's rule over the TV Movie category, FX seems to be the one in charge when it comes to Limited Series. "American Horror Story: Hotel" has been nominated every year but has never took home the trophy. Season 5 was ok but definitely not the best chapter of the anthology series, so if earlier seasons couldn't triumph then it's unlikely that this one will. "Fargo" won in 2014 for it's first season, and the recent second season was met with even more acclaim so it's possible that it could be two for two. "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" is the only thing standing in its way. Other shows looking to get some recognition include "The Night Manager", "Show Me a Hero", "11.23.63", "American Crime" and the highly anticipated "Roots".
The predicted nominees:
1. "Fargo", FX
2. "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story", FX
3. "Roots", History Channel
4. "The Night Manager", AMC
5. "American Crime", ABC
Maybe: "Show Me a Hero", HBO
If only: "Flesh and Bone", Starz
Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie:
It seems like Bryan Cranston can do no wrong recently. He won a Tony award for the broadway play "All the Way", was nominated for every major film award for his performance in "Trumbo" and is now the frontrunner for another Emmy award, after winning six for "Breaking Bad" (four for acting, two for producing). Is he the best or is he still riding high on "Breaking Bad's" success?
Looking elsewhere for a minute, Courtney B. Vance ("The People v. O.J.") and Oscar Isaac ("Show Me a Hero") both gave Emmy worthy performances, the latter even won the Golden Globe in January, but he didn't face the same competition back then. There's a whole slew of candidates that have been nominated in this category before, including Benedict Cumberbatch ("Sherlock"), Kenneth Branagh ("Wallander"), Timothy Hutton ("American Crime"), Tom Selleck ("Jesse Stone") and Idris Elba ("Luther"), but they won't all be able to score nominations again this year. Actors looking to gain nominations for the first time (or first time for their new roles) are Tom Hiddleston ("The Night Manager"), Patrick Wilson ("Fargo"), James Franco ("11.23.62") and Cuba Gooding Jr. ("The People v. O.J."). What's weird is that not one lead actor from "American Horror Story: Hotel" is going to appear on this list. It's even more annoying when you remember that Matt Bomer didn't win for "The Normal Heart" a few years back even though the award had his name all over it, and he was really great in "AHS". Wes Bentley was alright, he's no Jessica Lange - but then again, who is?
The predicted nominees:
1. Bryan Cranston, "All the Way"
2. Courtney B. Vance, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
3. Oscar Isaacs, "Show Me a Hero"
4. Patrick Wilson, "Fargo"
5. Tom Hiddleston, "The Night Manager"
6. Idris Elba, "Luther"
Maybe: Benedict Cumberbatch, "Sherlock: The Abominable Bride"
If only: Tom Selleck, "Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise"
Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie:
There are so many actresses who have done amazing work this past season, from the more obvious Kerry Washington ("Confirmation") and Kirsten Dunst ("Fargo") to the less high profile Sarah Hay ("Flesh and Bone") and Lily James ("War and Peace"). I could honestly list dozens of actresses who deserve to win, but Sarah Paulson's time has come. She has been nominated in the limited series or movie category (lead and supporting) a total of four times. Amazingly, all four of her nominations have been in the last four years, starting in 2012 for "Game Change" and then once every year for the FX anthology series "American Horror Story", for which, might I add, she should have won for "Asylum" and "Freak Show". The only downside to Paulson winning is that Kirsten Dunst can't.
The predicted nominees:
1. Sarah Paulson, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
2. Kirsten Dunst, "Fargo"
3. Kerry Washington, "Confirmation"
4. Rachel McAdams, "True Detective"
5. Felicity Huffman, "American Crime"
6. Sarah Hay, "Flesh and Bone"
Maybe: Lady Gaga, "American Horror Story: Hotel"
If only: Kristen Wiig, "The Spoils Before Dying"
Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie:
I can see this becoming another Ryan Murphy-heavy category just like it was a few years back when three "The Normal Heart" actors were nominated, but this time voters will give the love to "The People v. O.J. Simpson". John Travolta has been the talk of the town for a while, David Schwimmer could easily nab a nomination but it's Sterling K. Brown who has the best shot at winning. "Fargo" could also see a few of it's cast appear here. Jesse Plemmons, Bokeem Woodbine, Brad Garrett and Jeffrey Donovan were all great, but they'll face competition from (another Ryan Murphy show) "American Horror Story: Hotel's" Evan Peters, Finn Wittrock and Dennis O'Hare. Outside of those shows, Anthony Mackie ("All the Way"), Forest Whittaker ("Roots"), Hugh Laurie ("The Night Manager"), Wendall Pierce ("Confirmation") and Connor Jessup ("American Crime") are all in the running for a nomination.
The predicted nominees:
1. Sterling K. Brown, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
2. Jesse Plemmons, "Fargo"
3. Dennis O'Hare, "American Horror Story: Hotel"
4. David Schwimmer, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"
5. Anthony Mackie, "All the Way"
6. Hugh Laurie, "The Night Manager"
Maybe: Wendell Pierce, "Confirmation"
If only: Nick Offerman, "Fargo"
Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie:
This category is full of powerhouse performances. Jean Smart ("Fargo") and Melissa Leo ("All the Way") are pretty much locked in right now. If they don't get nominated then the Emmys have made a huge mistake. Olivia Colman is a British national treasure and it's about time she got some more love in the US, "The Night Manager" has given her the perfect chance to become an Emmy nominated actress. Sarah Paulson could be nominated twice this year, once for "The People v. O.J." in the lead category and again in this category for "American Horror Story: Hotel". She deserves both. Anna Paquin has a high chance of getting a nomination for the History Channel's highly anticipated "Roots", as does Emayatzy Corinealdi. Regina King ("American Crime") won last year and has been given a boost in recognition due to her role on HBO's drama series "The Leftovers". Catherine Keener was great in "Show Me a Hero", Emily Tyra was subtle yet powerful in "Flesh and Bone" and who knows how good "Special Correspondents" will be, Vera Farmiga, America Ferrera and Kelly Macdonald could be nominated too.
The predicted nominees:
1. Jean Smart, "Fargo"
2. Melissa Leo, "All the Way"
3. Olivia Colman, "The Night Manager"
4. Sarah Paulson, "American Horror Story: Hotel"
5. Regina King, "American Crime:
6. Anna Paquin, "Roots"
Maybe: Catherine Keener, "Show Me a Hero"
If only: Emily Tyra, "Flesh and Bone"
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