Now we’re on to acting in a drama series, saving comedy for last this year. This is where I will likely feel the need to predict some winners from shows I haven’t seen, so look out for that, but I have my reasons.
LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Brian Cox is so dominant here as monster mogul Logan Roy, but faces competition from his more sympathetic son Kendall (Jeremy Strong)
Jason Bateman, Ozark
Sterling K. Brown, This is Us
Steve Carell, The Morning Show
Brian Cox, Succession
Billy Porter, Pose
Jeremy Strong, Succession
So, I think you should know that I feel Brian Cox deserves to win this hands down this year. But he has some real competition from his onscreen son Jeremy Strong, even if his performance isn’t as showy and dominant. He’s a more sympathetic character in some ways and that can matter to people watching the show. They may end up trading off on this award in the future, but for now I think Cox should be crowned the winner.
Winner: Brian Cox
Alternate: Jeremy Strong
Dark Horse: Jason Bateman (Emmys continue to love Ozark)
LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
I landed on Linney, but I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if any of these nominees won
Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show
Olivia Colman, The Crown
Jodie Comer, Killing Eve
Laura Linney, Ozark
Sandra Oh, Killing Eve
Zendaya, Euphoria
This one is shaky to me. I doubt Jodie Comer repeats, although they do seem to really love Killing Eve, even nominating it everywhere after this awful season it had. Could Jennifer Aniston win? The Morning Show seems popular, and she’s a longtime TV veteran and former Emmy winner of course. Olivia Colman is possible but more likely to win for her final Crown season next year, I think. Even Sandra Oh has a shot, since Comer won last time. To be honest, I could see any of these women taking it. I think, because the Emmys seem to love Ozark so much, that this could be Laura Linney’s year, so I’m going with her.
Winner: Laura Linney
Alternate: Jennifer Aniston
Dark Horse: Sandra Oh (I don’t know why I have a feeling this could happen, but I do)
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
With no Rhea Seehorn it leaves the category open to a repeat winner in Garner
Laura Dern, Big Little Lies
Meryl Streep, Big Little Lies
Fiona Shaw, Killing Eve
Julia Garner, Ozark
Sarah Snook, Succession
Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown
Samira Wiley, The Handmaid’s Tale
Thandie Newton, Westworld
Sooo….I don’t know. I feel like the most likely winners here are either a repeat win for Garner, or Shaw (who had her best season in terms of performance) or possibly Snook for Succession. Ugh. This one’s a roll of the dice. I’m still mad that Better Call Saul’s Rhea Seehorn was snubbed here. This award should have been hers easily.
Winner: Julia Garner
Alternate: Fiona Shaw
Dark Horse: Sarah Snook
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Befuddled, put upon Tom is made more sympathetic than he should be, thanks to McFadyen’s portrayal
Giancarlo Esposito, Better Call Saul
Nicholas Braun, Succession
Kieran Culkin, Succession
Matthew Macfadyen, Succession
Bradley Whitford, The Handmaid’s Tale
Billy Crudup, The Morning Show
Mark Duplass, The Morning Show
Jeffrey Wright, Westworld
I think a Succession guy should win here, but with so many of them nominated, who would take it? My money’s on Macfadyen, who really is great on the show, but Culkin’s hot on his heels. Billy Crudup is also a strong possibility if The Morning Show has to win somewhere, and he was SAG nominated in the winter.
Winner: Matthew Macfadyen
Alternate: Kieran Culkin
Dark Horse: Billy Crudup
