The presentation at this year’s online Emmys will be very different, and so will the results, considering that past Emmy favorites such as GAME OF THRONES and VEEP are out of the running. A few wins are almost a given though. Let’s take a look. The categories are…
DRAMA
BETTER CALL SAUL
THE CROWN
THE HANDMAID’S TALE
KILLING EVE
THE MANDALORIAN
OZARK
STRANGER THINGS
SUCCESSION
This is SUCCESSION’s year. It’s been the general sentiment that HBO was not going to let go of the drama race even after GAME OF THRONES ended last year, and that SUCCESSION was going to be successor to THRONES. The absolutely brilliant series deserves this every bit, even though I’m a huge fan of THE CROWN, and I would like to see the royal drama win at some point later.
Lead Actress, Drama
Jennifer Aniston, THE MORNING SHOW
Olivia Colman, THE CROWN
Jodie Comer, KILLING EVE
Laura Linney, OZARK
Sandra Oh, KILLING EVE
Zendaya, EUPHORIA
I would have liked for Olivia Colman—who won this award at the Golden Globes—to win this one, for her amazing restraint in playing the queen, constantly dealing with an internal struggle between what she feels and what she must present as the sovreign. I believe Laura Linney has been generating some serious buzz for season three of OZARK. However, I think the Academy will go with the popular favorite Jennifer Aniston, whose work in THE MORNING SHOW has been exceptional and the most acclaimed part of that the series, and she also did win the SAG Award for it.
Lead Actor, Drama
Jason Bateman, OZARK
Sterling K. Brown, THIS IS US
Steve Carell, THE MORNING SHOW
Brian Cox, SUCCESSION
Billy Porter, POSE
Jeremy Strong, SUCCESSION
I think recent winners Sterling K. Brown and Billy Porter aren’t frontrunners here, despite Brown’s extremely believable portrayal of Randall’s descent into being an insufferable person in THIS IS US season 4. This one belongs to SUCCESSION. I think Jeremy Strong deserves it for bringing out vulnerability so well throughout, even while doing that infamous rap number, and being endearing and conflicted overall. However, I think the Academy will go with Brian Cox for his powerful restraint in portraying the unapologetically ruthless patriarch, especially on that boat in the finale!
Supporting Actress, Drama
Helena Bonham Carter, THE CROWN
Laura Dern, BIG LITTLE LIES
Julia Garner, OZARK
Thandie Newton, WESTWORLD
Fiona Shaw, KILLING EVE
Sarah Snook, SUCCESSION
Meryl Streep, BIG LITTLE LIES
Samira Wiley, THE HANDMAID’S TALE
Helena Bonham Carter was exquisite as Princess Margaret. She stole every scene she was in, especially the poignant moment between her and her sister the queen. It might be Snook sneaking in here for SUCCESSION or Garner repeating last year’s win for OZARK. But I really have a feeling it will be Bonham Carter.
Supporting Actor, Drama
Nicholas Braun, SUCCESSION
Billy Crudup, THE MORNING SHOW
Kieran Culkin, SUCCESSION
Mark Duplass, THE MORNING SHOW
Giancarlo Esposito, BETTER CALL SAUL
Matthew Macfadyen, SUCCESSION
Bradley Whitford, THE HANDMAID’S TALE
Jeffrey Wright, WESTWORLD
This category really celebrates the strong supporting casts of SUCCESSION and THE MORNING SHOW. It’s also refreshing to see so many new roles in the mix, with GAME OF THRONES out of contention this year, which also makes it difficult to predict. However, something tells me this one’s between Kieran Culkin and Billy Crudup. Both play amazing characters that they bring to life with such devious brilliance. I think Culkin deserves it, but it will go to Crudup. I believe the Academy will recognize the THE MORNING SHOW for its performances, especially since they’ve neglected to include the Apple TV+ launch vehicle in the ‘outstanding drama’ race.
Directing For A Drama Series
THE CROWN (Episode: ‘Aberfan’), Directed by Benjamin Caron
THE CROWN (Episode: ‘Cri de coeur’), Directed by Jessica Hobbs
HOMELAND (Episode: ‘Prisoners of war’), Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter
THE MORNING SHOW (Episode: ‘The interview"), Directed by Mimi Leder
OZARK (Episode: ‘Fire pink’), Directed by Alik Sakharov
OZARK (Episode: ‘Su casa es mi casa’), Directed by Ben Semanoff
SUCCESSION (Episode: ‘Hunting’), Directed by Andrij Parekh
SUCCESSION (Episode: ‘This is not for tears’), Directed by Mark Mylod
SUCCESSION could win for ‘This is not for tears’. It was an episode that best represented the underlying tension that is an essential character in all the drama that deliciously unravels on that show, and without impeccable directing, in order to bring out the best from the performers, the impact would be lost. A strong contender, however, is THE CROWN’s telling of the ‘Aberfan’ disaster, shown with such cinematic brilliance, yet capturing the tragedy with sensitivity that even connects us with characters that aren’t central to the series as a whole. The treatment was exemplary, and that’s why it will win.
Writing For A Drama Series
BETTER CALL SAUL (Episode: ‘Bad choice road’), Written by Thomas Schnauz
BETTER CALL SAUL (Episode: ‘Bagman’), Written by Gordon Smith
THE CROWN (Episode: ‘Aberfan’), Written by Peter Morgan
OZARK (Episode: ‘All in’), Written by Chris Mundy
OZARK (Episode: ‘Boss fight’), Written by John Shiban
OZARK (Episode: ‘Fire pink’), Written by Miki Johnson
SUCCESSION (Episode: ‘This is not for tears’), Written by Jesse Armstrong
The amazingly written ‘This is not for tears’ is an intricate character study and a brilliant execution of drama in a metaphorical confined space. It was the brilliant climax to a stellar season, and will deserve it’s Emmy for writing.
COMEDY
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
DEAD TO ME
THE GOOD PLACE
INSECURE
THE KOMINSKY METHOD
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
SCHITT’S CREEK
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS
This year, SCHITT’S CREEK has blown up in popularity, suddenly generating wide appeal and becoming the topic of conversation across various social circles, albeit via Zoom calls. This seems to have been the year that the series went from being an endearing little comedy with a niche following, to becoming a popular favorite among a much larger audience. The show ended on a high, after becoming better every season, and I think the Television Academy will reward the series’ swansong for its fantastic six-year run.
Lead Actress, Comedy
Christina Applegate, DEAD TO ME
Rachel Brosnahan, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
Linda Cardellini, DEAD TO ME
Catherine O’Hara, SCHITT’S CREEK
Issa Rae, INSECURE
Tracee Ellis Ross, BLACK-ISH
If anyone other than Catherine O’Hara wins this, I’m going to be very disappointed. Her Moira Rose has been the one character who had me in splits season after season, more owing to her delivery than the content she delivered. She must win this as recognition of her terrific work in all six seasons of SCHITT’S CREEK.
Lead Actor, Comedy
Anthony Anderson, BLACK-ISH
Don Cheadle, BLACK MONDAY
Ted Danson, THE GOOD PLACE
Michael Douglas, THE KOMINSKY METHOD
Eugene Levy, SCHITT’S CREEK
Ramy Youssef, RAMY
It’s beginning to look like SCHITT’S CREEK really will sweep up the comedy categories, because I have a strong feeling that this one will go to Eugene Levy. Ted Danson is a strong contender, as is Ramy Youssef—the most recent Golden Globe winner of the equivalent award—but I think it will be Levy at the Emmys.
Supporting Actress, Comedy
Alex Borstein, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
D’Arcy Carden, THE GOOD PLACE
Betty Gilpin, GLOW
Marin Hinkle, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
Kate McKinnon, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
Annie Murphy, SCHITT’S CREEK
Yvonne Orji, INSECURE
Cecily Strong, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
Alex Borstein’s winning streak could continue, and the odds do appear to be in her favor. However, I’m going to place my bets on Annie Murphy. While the Academy have repeated winners in this category, they haven’t given it to the same nominee three years consecutively—not in over a decade at least.
Supporting Actor, Comedy
Mahershala Ali, RAMY
Alan Arkin, THE KOMINSKY METHOD
Andre Braugher, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE
Sterling K. Brown, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
William Jackson Harper, THE GOOD PLACE
Daniel Levy, SCHITT’S CREEK
Tony Shalhoub, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
Kenan Thompson, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
Last year’s winner Tony Shaloub could take this, since the Academy are known to repeat their wins, but I think SCHITT’S CREEK’s winning streak will continue with Dan Levy winning this one, especially since his David Rose is such a beloved character.
Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
THE GREAT (Episode: ‘The great’), Directed by Matt Shakman
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL (Episode: ‘It's comedy or cabbage’), Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL (Episode: ‘Marvelous radio’), Directed by Daniel Palladino
MODERN FAMILY (Episode: ‘Finale, part 2’), Directed by Gail Mancuso
RAMY (Episode: ‘Miakhalifa.mov’), Directed by Ramy Youssef
SCHITT'S CREEK (Episode: ‘Happy ending’), Directed by Andrew Cividino and Dan Levy
WILL & GRACE (Episode: ‘We love Lucy’), Directed by James Burrows
Like I said before, this is SCHITT’s year. They’re winning this for their excellent finale, which was equal parts funny and emotional, in execution and tone, without being too indulgent or unnecessarily mushy.
Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
THE GOOD PLACE (Episode: ‘Whenever you're ready’), Written by Michael Schur (NBC)
THE GREAT (Episode: ‘The great’), Written by Tony McNamara (Hulu)
SCHITT'S CREEK (Episode: ‘Happy ending’), Written by Dan Levy (Pop TV)
SCHITT'S CREEK (Episode: ‘The presidential suite’), Written by David West Read (Pop TV)
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (Episode: ‘Collaboration’), Written by Sam Johnson and Chris Marcil (FX)
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (Episode: ‘Ghosts’), Written by Paul Simms (FX)
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (Episode: ‘On the run’), Written by Stefani Robinson (FX)
SCHITT’S CREEK’s finale should win this one. And I think it will. I’ll say it once more time, this is SCHITT’s year, and I don’t think us fans will be disappointed.
LIMITED SERIES AND TV MOVIES
MRS. AMERICA
UNBELIEVABLE
UNORTHODOX
WATCHMEN
If these nominees were competing against each other in any other year, I think UNBELIEVABLE would be the most deserving. However, with the socio-political climate in America and the renewed push that the #BlackLivesMatter movement has got in recent months, WATCHMEN is more relevant and will win. It was good, and probably a close second to UNBELIEVABLE, so it wouldn’t be a disappointment for sure.
TV Movie
American Son
Bad Education
Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: These Old Bones
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend
American Son was definitely the best of these TV movies, so I would be happy for them to win this one, and it will. Whether the film wins for its social relevance or purely on merit, it doesn’t matter. It deserves the win all the same.
Lead Actress, Limited Series Or TV Movie
Cate Blanchett, MRS. AMERICA
Shira Haas, UNORTHODOX
Regina King, WATCHMEN
Octavia Spencer, Self Made
Kerry Washington, LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE
Regina King was the one to beat in this category all along, until Cate Blanchett became the anti-feminist we grew to love to hate in MRS. AMERICA. Any other year, this would be a tough one to predict, but given the WATCHMEN’s theme, this one’s going to King, and she’ll deserve it every single bit.
Lead Actor, Limited Series Or TV Movie
Jeremy Irons, WATCHMEN
Hugh Jackman, Bad Education
Paul Mescal, NORMAL PEOPLE
Jeremy Pope, HOLLYWOOD
Mark Ruffalo, I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE
Though everyone here did a brilliant job, Mark Ruffalo’s raw and gut-wrenching delivery should win him this one. I doubt anyone else is a frontrunner here.
Supporting Actress, Limited Series Or TV Movie
Uzo Aduba, MRS. AMERICA
Toni Collette, UNBELIEVABLE
Margo Martindale, MRS. AMERICA
Jean Smart, WATCHMEN
Holland Taylor, HOLLYWOOD
Tracey Ullman, MRS. AMERICA
I’d have a tough choice picking from this set of nominees. Still, I’d probably give it to Toni Collette or Margo Martindale. However, Jean Smart has been generating buzz for this role since she appeared on the show, and I think it will see her all the way to a statuette.
Supporting Actor, Limited Series Or TV Movie
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, WATCHMEN
Jovan Adepo, WATCHMEN
Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend
Louis Gossett Jr., WATCHMEN
Dylan McDermott, HOLLYWOOD
Jim Parsons, HOLLYWOOD
Dylan McDermott should win this one for his tremendous restraint, but Jim Parsons seems to be the popular favorite here, and he’d deserve it for his delivery of talent agent Henry Wilson's devious-yet-awkward disposition and devil-may-care attitude.
Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie, Or Dramatic Special
LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE (Episode: ‘Find a way’), Directed by Lynn Shelton
NORMAL PEOPLE (Episode: ‘Episode 5’), Directed by Lenny Abrahamson
UNORTHODOX, Directed by Maria Schrader
WATCHMEN (Episode: ‘It's summer and we're running out of ice’), Directed by Nicole Kassell
WATCHMEN (Episode: ‘Little fear of lightning’), Directed by Steph Green
WATCHMEN (Episode: ‘This extraordinary being’), Directed by Stephen Williams
WATCHMEN is winning this one. I think it should be ‘Little fear of lightning’, for the big events it handled with flair as it shed crucial light on the series as a whole. However, even ‘This extraordinary being’ would be deserving.
Outstanding Writing For A Limited Series, Movie, Or Dramatic Special
MRS. AMERICA (Episode: ‘Shirley’), Written by Tanya Barfield
NORMAL PEOPLE (Episode: ‘Episode 3’), Written by Sally Rooney and Alice Birch
UNBELIEVABLE (Episode: ‘Episode 1’), Written by Susannah Grant, Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman
UNORTHODOX (Episode: ‘Part 1’), Written by Anna Winger
WATCHMEN (Episode: ‘This extraordinary being’), Written by Damon Lindelof and Cord Jefferson
WATCHMEN’s ‘This extraordinary being’ will win this one, for its genre-fitting spin on the exposition, its poignant coverage a important part of black history, as well as the compressed yet impactful narration of backstory.
No comments:
Post a Comment