Time now for the SAG predictions on the TV side. I make no claims to be an expert on this one though. From what I can tell, SAG likes to reward veterans above all else (the Downton Abbey cast has won ensemble the last two years in a row), so my picks here are mostly going to reflect that.
BEST COMEDY ENSEMBLE
- The Big Bang Theory
- Key & Peele
- Modern Family
- Orange is the New Black
- Transparent
- Veep
My best guess here would be the cast of Veep, since it's been on a roll with industry awards in the last year, and with four seasons under its belt, I suppose they ought to count as being a veteran cast by now. But Modern Family could always win again, or Orange as well. I would say it's a three-way toss-up in this category.
Winner: Veep
Alternate: Modern Family
Dark Horse: Orange is the New Black
BEST COMEDY ACTOR
- Ty Burrell, Modern Family
- Louis C.K., Louie
- William H. Macy, Shameless
- Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
- Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent
Everyone in this category can rightfully be described as a veteran, so it's kind of another toss-up. But Tambor has won so many of these lately, so I'd say it's SAG's turn to pick him.
Winner: Jeffrey Tambor
Alternate: Ty Burrell
Dark Horse: William H. Macy
BEST COMEDY ACTRESS
- Uzo Aduba, Orange is the New Black
- Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
- Ellie Kemper, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
- Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation
I really have no clue on this one. Julia's won it, Uzo won it last year- could it be Amy's turn, as her last chance to win for Parks? It's just as likely one of those other two repeats, frankly.
Winner: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Alternate: Uzo Aduba
Dark Horse: Amy Poehler
BEST DRAMA ENSEMBLE
- Downton Abbey
- Game of Thrones
- Homeland
- House of Cards
- Mad Men
I'm going with Game of Thrones after its Emmy wins, but don't count out Downton Abbey or even Mad Men for its last season.
Winner: Game of Thrones
Alternate: Downton Abbey
Dark Horse: Mad Men
BEST DRAMA ACTOR
- Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
- Jon Hamm, Mad Men
- Rami Malek, Mr. Robot
- Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
- Kevin Spacey, House of Cards
After his Emmy and Globe wins, I think Jon Hamm completes the trifecta for the final season of Mad Men with a SAG win here.
Winner: Jon Hamm
Alternate: Kevin Spacey
Dark Horse: Peter Dinklage
BEST DRAMA ACTRESS
- Claire Danes, Homeland
- Viola Davis, How to Get Away with Murder
- Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
- Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
- Robin Wright, House of Cards
Viola won it last year, so I'm gonna go with Maggie Smith, believe it or not. One more for the grand dame of Downton.
Winner: Maggie Smith
Alternate: Viola Davis
Dark Horse: Claire Danes
BEST MOVIE/MINISERIES ACTOR
- Idris Elba, Luther
- Ben Kingsley, Tut
- Ray Liotta, Texas Rising
- Bill Murray, A Very Murray Christmas
- Mark Rylance, Wolf Hall
I'm picking Elba, since he won't win for Beasts of No Nation on the film side. But Rylance has a shot here too.
Winner: Idris Elba
Alternate: Mark Rylance
Dark Horse: Bill Murray
BEST MOVIE/MINISERIES ACTRESS
- Nicole Kidman, Grace of Monaco
- Queen Latifah, Bessie
- Christina Ricci, The Lizzie Borden Chronicles
- Susan Sarandon, The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe
- Kristen Wiig, The Spoils Before Dying
Based on the buzz for these movies/series alone, I would think Latifah would take this, so there you go.
Winner: Queen Latifah
Alternate: Kristen Wiig
