Okay, moving on to acting in a drama. Like with comedy, this category has a strong series frontrunner in The Crown, and because the Emmys seem to really like their sweeps lately, I’m predicting 3 out of the 4 acting wins will go to that series.
ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Expect newcomer Emma Corrin to win for her young Princess Di
Uzo Aduba, In Treatment
Olivia Colman, The Crown
Emma Corrin, The Crown
Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale
MJ Rodriguez, Pose
Jurnee Smollett, Lovecraft Country
Rodriguez is making history here as the first trans woman ever nominated as a series lead, and Pose won three Emmys at the Creative Arts awards last weekend, so she may have a chance? But I think this is likely going to Emma Corrin, who played young Diana in The Crown’s most popular season and won’t even be coming back for another. She won the Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards last winter, and I think this is hers for the taking.
Winner: Emma Corrin
Alternate: MJ Rodriguez
Dark Horse: Olivia Colman (it’s weird to say she’s a dark horse as the lead for the Drama series frontrunner, but she can win here too- it’s also her last season as Elizabeth and the Emmys haven’t rewarded her yet either)
ACTOR IN A DRAMA
I think he’s the frontrunner here but there could be a race between him and Billy Porter
Sterling K. Brown, This is Us
Jonathan Majors, Lovecraft Country
Josh O’Connor, The Crown
Rege-Jean Page, Bridgerton
Billy Porter, Pose
Matthew Rhys, Perry Mason
This one seems less sure for The Crown, and yet I’m growing more confident anyway. Josh O’Connor’s Prince Charles was a very unlikable character, and yet he was SO good in his two seasons portraying him. The weakness of the category in general tells me he can win this, but the alternative would be former winner Billy Porter, because Pose’s final season was very loved as well, so don’t be shocked if he comes back and wins again.
Winner: Josh O’Connor
Alternate: Billy Porter
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Anderson’s Thatcher will net her her long delayed second Emmy
Gillian Anderson, The Crown
Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown
Madeline Brewer, The Handmaid’s Tale
Ann Dowd, The Handmaid’s Tale
Aunjanue Ellis, Lovecraft Country
Emerald Fennell, The Crown
Yvonne Strahovski, The Handmaid’s Tale
Samira Wiley, The Handmaid’s Tale
So, yes, this category is almost completely dominated by just two shows. When you see this kind of stuff, you wonder, do Emmy voters only watch less than five shows? But no matter, because Gillian Anderson has won everything for The Crown and will win this too, to receive her first Emmy in more than 20 years (since The X-Files!). It’s deserved, but I’m not even sure who’d be second here.
Winner: Gillian Anderson
Alternate: Aunjanue Ellis (going with her because she may stand out on a show that’s not The Crown or Handmaid’s)
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
If there’s isn’t a Crown sweep think Williams will finally get his overdue Emmy for Lovecraft Country
Giancarlo Esposito, The Mandalorian
OT Fagbenie, The Handmaid’s Tale
John Lithgow, Perry Mason
Tobias Menzies, The Crown
Max Minghella, The Handmaid’s Tale
Chris Sullivan, This is Us
Bradley Whitford, The Handmaid’s Tale
Michael K. Williams, Lovecraft Country
I’m not going with The Crown on this one, because I think Michael K. Williams had developed enough goodwill and overdue status from shows like The Wire and Boardwalk Empire over the years that he could win for Lovecraft Country, despite the show’s cancellation. That was of course, before his tragic death last week. This award will be tinged with sadness no matter who wins, but I still believe that he will.
Winner: Michael K. Williams
Alternate: Tobias Menzies (he could be pulled along on a Crown sweep)
Dark Horse: John Lithgow (always an Emmy favorite, so he can’t be counted out no matter what he’s in)
