Yay, it's Emmy prediction time! Also known as throwing a blind dart week. Yes, predicting the Emmys is often flying blind, because they usually go with repetition to no end, and then just when you think you've figured it out we'll have a year where suddenly the least expected nominee wins in every category. But that's what makes 'em kinda fun as well, so I'll just stick to what I think I've observed over the years and go for broke. First up it's acting in a TV Movie or Limited Series, the toughest category.
ACTOR IN A TV MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES
- Bryan Cranston, All the Way
- Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
- Idris Elba, Luther
- Cuba Gooding Jr., The People v. OJ Simpson
- Tom Hiddleston, The Night Manager
- Courtney B. Vance, The People v. OJ Simpson
Okay, so People v. OJ is expected to really dominate the movie/mini categories, that's not even up for debate. The question is will it sweep its actors along with it. Since this was such a popular and buzzed about show this year, I'm going to say yes and go with Courtney B. Vance, who was incredible as Johnnie Cochran, and is undoubtedly the most deserving winner in the group.
Winner: Courtney B. Vance
Alternate: Bryan Cranston (obviously a huge Emmy favorite and could easily take it, to be honest)
ACTRESS IN A TV MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES
- Kirsten Dunst, Fargo
- Felicity Huffman, American Crime
- Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill
- Sarah Paulson, The People v. OJ SImpson
- Lili Taylor, American Crime
- Kerry Washington, Confirmation
All those years being nominated and overlooked for American Horror Story have finally culminated in this moment for Sarah Paulson in People v. OJ, and I believe it's finally her year, no question about it. And by the way, it's also 100% deserved for her performance as Marcia Clark.
Winner: Sarah Paulson
Alternate: Kerry Washington (but she's a pretty distant second I think)
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES
- Sterling K. Brown, The People v. OJ Simpson
- Hugh Laurie, The Night Manager
- Jesse Plemons, Fargo
- David Schwimmer, The People v. OJ Simpson
- John Travolta, The People v. OJ Simpson
- Bokeem Woodbine, Fargo
Hoo boy, is this a tough decision. To be honest, any one of these guys could take it and I wouldn't be totally shocked. I myself am torn between Brown and Woodbine, both of whom gave astounding performances. But you have to think there's votes going around in the Academy for familiar and beloved names like Laurie (who never won an Emmy for House), old Friends fave Schwimmer, and of course movie star Travolta (they always love those in this category especially). This is a razor thin choice.
Winner: Sterling K. Brown (I'm basically voting my conscience on this one- he was just as amazing as Chris Darden as Vance and Paulson were in their roles)
Alternate: Hugh Laurie (something tells me a longtime TV vet like him has fans who think he's overdue, and he was really good in The Night Manager)
Dark Horse: John Travolta (it's the kind of win they love here, as I said before, even if some people would be mortified)
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES
- Kathy Bates, American Horror Story: Hotel
- Olivia Colman, The Night Manager
- Regina King, American Crime
- Melissa Leo, All the Way
- Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Hotel
- Jean Smart, Fargo
Honestly, I'm kind of at a disadvantage here, having only seen Fargo and The Night Manager, both of which boasted great performances by Colman and Smart, but far more subtle and quiet turns than what usually wins in this category. So, I think I'm going to say Kathy Bates takes it again. But Regina King actually won last year, so...maybe going with a repeater when you're not sure is the wiser move. It is the Emmys after all.
Winner: Regina King
Alternate: Kathy Bates (she's won before too and is a big name)
