In a somewhat disputed tally, Netflix lost the most Emmy nominations title to HBO/HBO Max for the 2021 calendar year. After dominating the three Creative Arts Emmys categories, the Primetime Emmy ceremony is their shot to truly cement their Emmy legacy. Based on our predictions for Sunday night, it will add up to the streamer’s best Emmys ever.
READ MORE: Bo Burnham, RuPaul, and Claire Foy rule Creative Arts Emmys night two [All Winners]
Sure, Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso,” HBO’s “Mare of Easttown,” and HBO Max’s “Hacks” should all have good nights, but Netflix will likely take both the Best Drama and Best Limited Series or Anthology Series categories. In fact, “The Crown” and “The Queen’s Gambit” will give Netflix key wins in prestigious categories they have never captured before. Considering how much effort the company puts forward in their awards campaigns, it will be something of a relief for the Sunset Blvd. studio to finally crack these glass ceilings.
As for the other categories, there is a chance some upsets will occur and, frankly, a (very) few races are wide open. Anything can happen at the Emmys, but the good news is, the tented ceremony won’t have to deal with rain or the extreme temperatures of last weekend. And we’re still hoping that the red carpet isn’t. as small as they say it will be.
Without further delay, my predictions for Emmy night 2021.
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Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
The Flight Attendant • HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Bros. Television
Rosie Perez as Megan Briscoe
Hacks • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels
Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video
Aidy Bryant as Various Characters
Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video
Kate McKinnon as Various Characters
Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video
Cecily Strong as Various Characters
Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Juno Temple as Keeley Jones
Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton
Who will win: Hannah Waddingham
Who should win: Hannah Waddington or Cecily Strong
Upset: Cecily Strong Kate McKinnon or Hannah Einbinder
Lowdown: Juno Temple could siphon some votes away, but we still think “Ted Lasso” stand out Hannah Waddington will take this category. Watch out for Einbinder, though. “Hacks” is very popular with industry voters, and while they might not recognize her name, enough voters may push her through if the “SNL” and “Ted Lasso” actors split the rest of the votes.
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Hacks • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus Vaughan
The Kominsky Method • Netflix • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television
Paul Reiser as Martin
Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video
Kenan Thompson as Various Characters
Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video
Bowen Yang as Various Characters
Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent
Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard
Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Nick Mohammed as Nathan Shelley
Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Jeremy Swift as Higgins
Who will win: Kenan Thompson
Who should win: Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang, or Thompson
Upset: Brett Goldstein
Lowdown: In a very classy move, Yang has publicly campaigned for his legendary “SNL” co-star. Thompson is also overdue and should benefit from the four “Ted Lasso” stars splitting so much of the vote (we assume). That being said, if a “Lasso” nominee breaks through, it’ll be Goldstein.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
black-ish • ABC • ABC Signature
Anthony Anderson as Andre “Dre” Johnson
Kenan • NBC • Universal Television in association with Shark vs. Bear and Broadway Video
Kenan Thompson as Kenan Williams
The Kominsky Method • Netflix • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television
Michael Douglas as Sandy Kominsky
Shameless • Showtime • SHOWTIME Presents, Warner Bros. Television, John Wells Productions
William H. Macy as Frank Gallagher
Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso
Who will win: Jason Sudeikis
Who should win: Sudeikis
Upset: None
Lowdown: He’s winning. Book it.
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
black-ish • ABC • ABC Signature
Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson
The Flight Attendant • HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Bros. Television
Kaley Cuoco as Cassie Bowden
Hacks • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Jean Smart as Deborah Vance
Mom • CBS • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television
Allison Janney as Bonnie Plunkett
Shrill • Hulu • Hulu, Warner Bros. Television, Broadway Video, Brownstone Productions, A. Rushfield Productions
Aidy Bryant as Annie Easton
Who will win: Jean Smart
Who should win: Kaley Cuoco or Smart
Upset: Cuoco
Lowdown: In theory, this is where voters will reward “Hacks,” which stunned many observers with 15 overall nominations this year. In general, Smart is probably overdue for another Emmy trophy (3 wins on 9 nominations so far). If you throw in her work in “Mare of Easttown,” where she’ll likely lose in the Limited Supporting Actress race, this will be the moment to celebrate the Smart renaissance.
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher
The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret
The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Emerald Fennell as Camilla Parker Bowles
The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Madeline Brewer as Janine
The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia
The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford
The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Samira Wiley as Moira
Lovecraft Country • HBO • HBO in association with a femme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television
Aunjanue Ellis as Hippolyta Freeman
Who will win: Gillian Anderson
Who should win: Gillian Anderson
Upset: Ann Dowd, Yvonne Strahovski, Aunjanue Ellis
Lowdown: This category is probably a little less settled than many think, but “The Crown’s” Anderson should persevere for her second Emmy trophy (the first was for “The X-Files” in 1997.
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
O-T Fagbenle as Luke
The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Max Minghella as Commander Nick Blaine
The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Bradley Whitford as Commander Joseph Lawrence
Lovecraft Country • HBO • HBO in association with a femme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television
Michael K. Williams as Montrose Freeman
The Mandalorian • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd.
Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon
Perry Mason • HBO • HBO in association with Team Downey, Dwight Street Book Club, and Inflatable Moose
John Lithgow as E.B. Jonathan
This Is Us • NBC • 20th Television
Chris Sullivan as Toby Damon
Who will win: Michael K. Williams
Who should win: Williams
Upset: Giancarlo Esposito, Tobias Menzies, Bradley Whitford
Lowdown: A quick note that Williams passed away after voting was completed. He should still win here, but it’s likely this one, if any category, has a “whoa” moment.
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II
The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Emma Corrin as Princess Diana
The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Elisabeth Moss as June/Offred
In Treatment • HBO • HBO in association with Leverage, Closest to the Hole Productions, and Sheleg
Uzo Aduba as Dr. Brooke Taylor
Lovecraft Country • HBO • HBO in association with afemme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television
Jurnee Smollett as Letitia “Leti” Lewis
Pose • FX Networks • FX Productions in association with 20th Century Television
Mj Rodriguez as Blanca Rodriguez
Who will win: M.J. Rodriguez
Who should win: Rodriguez, Uzo Aduba, or Oliva Colman
Upset: Emma Corrin
Lowdown: Corrin is honestly the likely favorite here, but we’re still convinced Rodriguez will make history in what would be a “mild” upset. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking. We’ve just got a hunch about this one.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Bridgerton • Netflix • A Netflix Original Series in association with shondalandmedia
Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset
The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles
Lovecraft Country • HBO • HBO in association with afemme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television
Jonathan Majors as Atticus Freeman
Perry Mason • HBO • HBO in association with Team Downey, Dwight Street Book Club, and Inflatable Moose
Matthew Rhys as Perry Mason
Pose • FX Networks • FX Productions in association with 20th Century Television
Billy Porter as Pray Tell
This Is Us • NBC • 20th Television
Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson
Who will win: Billy Porter
Who should win: Billy Porter
Upset: Josh O’Connor
Lowdown: Porter previously won this category in 2019. O’Connor could ride a wave for “The Crown,” but Porter’s performance in the FX series’ final season is hard to deny.
This Is Us • NBC • 20th Television
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Halston • Netflix • A Netflix Original Series
Ewan McGregor as Halston
Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia
Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton
Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia
Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr
The Undoing • HBO • HBO in association with Made Up Stories, Blossom Films, David E. Kelley Productions
Hugh Grant as Jonathan Fraser
WandaVision • Disney+ • Marvel Studios
Paul Bettany as Vision
Who will win: Paul Bettany
Who should win: Paul Bettany
Upset: Lin-Manuel Miranda or Leslie Odom, Jr.
Lowdown: Beware, beware, the ides of “Hamilton”...
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Genius: Aretha • National Geographic • National Geographic presents an Imagine Television and 20th Television Production
Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin
I May Destroy You • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA
Michaela Coel as Arabella
Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan
The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix
Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon
WandaVision • Disney+ • Marvel Studios
Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff
Who will win: Kate Winslet
Who should win: Michaela Coel or Anya Taylor-Joy
Upset: Anya Taylor-Joy
Lowdown: Considering how popular both “Queen’s Gambit” and “Mare of Easttown” are with the Television Academy, another actress may slip into the winners circle on a split vote. And, in that case, only Cynthia Erivo is likely out of the mix.
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia
Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette / Thomas Jefferson
Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia
Jonathan Groff as King George
Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia
Anthony Ramos as John Laurens / Philip Hamilton
I May Destroy You • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA
Paapa Essiedu as Kwame
Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Evan Peters as Detective Colin Zabel
The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix
Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Benny Watts
Who will win: Evan Peters…?
Who should win: Paapa Essiedu
Upset: Anyone from “Hamilton”?
Lowdown: Lord, this is not a good category. So many snubbed performances. In a perfect world, Paapa Essiedu should win, but Evan Peters will likely take it. And, he seems like a good guy, so…great?
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia
Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler
Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia
Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton
Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Julianne Nicholson as Lori Ross
Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Jean Smart as Helen
The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix
Moses Ingram as Jolene
WandaVision • Disney+ • Marvel Studios
Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness / Agnes, The Nosy Neighbor
Who will win: Julianne Nicholson
Who should win: Kathryn Hahn
Upset: Kathryn Hahn
Lowdown: At this point, the only way Nicholson loses this category is if her co-star in “Mare,” Jean Smart, siphons some votes away from her. We’re still rooting for Hahn, though.
Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
The Flight Attendant • In Case Of Emergency • HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Bros. Television
Steve Yockey, Written by
Girls5eva • Pilot • Peacock • Universal Television in association with Scardino and Sons, Little Stranger Inc., Bevel Gears, and 3 Arts Entertainment
Meredith Scardino, Written by
Hacks • There Is No Line (Pilot) • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Lucia Aniello, Written by
Paul W. Downs, Written by
Jen Statsky, Written by
Pen15 • Play • Hulu • Hulu, Awesomeness TV, Odenkirk Provissiero, Lonely Island Classics
Maya Erskine, Written by
Ted Lasso • Make Rebecca Great Again • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television.
Jason Sudeikis, Teleplay by
Brendan Hunt, Story by
Joe Kelly, Story by
Ted Lasso • Pilot • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Jason Sudeikis, Teleplay by & Story by
Bill Lawrence, Teleplay by & Story by
Brendan Hunt, Story by Joe Kelly, Story by
Who will win: Hacks, “There Is No Line.”
Who should win: The Flight Attendant, “In Case Of Emergency.”
Upset: Ted Lasso, either nominee
Lowdown: Listen, the Television Academy adores “Ted Lasso,” but we think the writers will give some love to another favorite, “Hacks.” But, sure, it could be either “Lasso” script, too.
Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series
The Boys • What I Know • Prime Video • Sony Pictures Television, Inc. and Amazon Studios
Rebecca Sonnenshine, Written by
The Crown • War • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Peter Morgan, Written by
The Handmaid’s Tale • Home • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Yahlin Chang, Written by
Lovecraft Country • Sundown • HBO • HBO in association with afemme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television
Misha Green, Teleplay by
The Mandalorian • Chapter 13: The Jedi • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd.
Dave Filoni, Written by
The Mandalorian • Chapter 16: The Rescue • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd.
Jon Favreau, Written by
Pose • Series Finale • FX Networks • FX Productions in association with 20th Century Television
Ryan Murphy, Written by Brad Falchuk, Written by Steven Canals, Written by Janet Mock, Written by Our Lady J, Written by
Who will win: The Crown, “War.”
Who should win: The Crown, “War” or Pose, “Series Finale.”
Upset: Pose, “Series Finale”
Lowdown: “War” is Peter Morgan at his best. Anything else would be a total surprise.
Outstanding Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
I May Destroy You • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA
Michaela Coel, Written by
Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Brad Ingelsby, Written by
The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix
Scott Frank, Teleplay by
WandaVision • All-New Halloween Spooktacular! • Disney+ • Marvel Studios
Chuck Hayward, Written by Peter Cameron, Written by
WandaVision • Filmed Before A Live Studio Audience • Disney+ • Marvel Studios
Jac Schaeffer, Written by
WandaVision • Previously On • Disney+ • Marvel Studios
Laura Donney, Written by
Who will win: I May Destroy You
Who should win: I May Destroy You
Upset: Mare of Easttown, WandaVision
Lowdown: Even with three nominations, it will be tough for “WandaVision” to take this one. Instead, we think the writers reward Michaela Coel‘s Peabody winner. But, yeah, it could easily be “Queen’s Gambit” or “Mare of Easttown,” too.
Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series
The Amber Ruffin Show • Peacock • Universal Television and Sethmaker Shoemeyers Productions
Jenny Hagel, Head Writer
Demi Adejuyigbe, Writing Supervised by Ashley Nicole Black, Written by
Michael Harriot, Written by
Shantira Jackson, Written by
Ian Morgan, Written by
Dewayne Perkins, Written by
Amber Ruffin, Written by
A Black Lady Sketch Show • HBO • HBO in association with JAX Media, 3 Arts Entertainment, Issa Rae Productions, and For Better or Words Inc.
Lauren Ashley Smith, Head Writer
Robin Thede, Written by
Ashley Nicole Black, Written by Akilah Green, Written by Shenovia Large, Written by Rae Sanni, Written by
Kristin Layne Tucker, Written by Holly Walker, Written by Kindsey Young, Written by
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver • HBO • HBO in association with Sixteen String Jack Productions and Avalon Television
Johnathan Appel, Writer Ali Barthwell, Writer Tim Carvell, Writer
Liz Hynes, Writer
Greg Iwinski, Writer
Mark Kramer, Writer Daniel O’Brien, Writer
John Oliver, Writer
Owen Parsons, Writer Charlie Redd, Writer Joanna Rothkopf, Writer Chrissy Shackelford, Writer Ben Silva, Writer
Seena Vali, Writer
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert • CBS • CBS Studios
Ariel Dumas, Head Writer
Jay Katsir, Head Writer Stephen T. Colbert, Written by Delmonte Bent, Written by Michael Brumm, Written by River Clegg, Written by
Aaron Cohen, Written by
Nicole Conlan, Written by
Paul Dinello, Written by
Glenn Eichler, Written by Django Gold, Written by
Gabe Gronli, Written by
Barry Julien, Written by
Michael Cruz Kayne, Written by Eliana Kwartler, Written by
Matt Lappin, Written by
Pratima Mani, Written by
Felipe Torres Medina, Written by Opus Moreschi, Written by Asher Perlman, Written by
Tom Purcell, Written by Kate Sidley, Written by Brian Stack, Written by
John Thibodeaux, Written by Steve Waltien, Written by
Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video
Dan Bulla, Written by
Steven Castillo, Written by
Megan Callahan-Shah, Weekend Update Written by Michael Che, Head Writer
Anna Drezen, Head Writer
Alison Gates, Written by
Fran Gillespie, Writing Supervised By
Sudi Green, Writing Supervised By
Steve Higgins, Written by
Colin Jost, Head Writer
Erik Kenward, Written by
Dan Licata, Written by
Jasmine Pierce, Written by
Dennis McNicholas, Weekend Update Written By Lorne Michaels, Written by
Josh Patten, Weekend Update Written By
Gary Richardson, Written by
Pete Schultz, Weekend Update Head Writer Streeter Seidell, Writing Supervised By
Mark Steinbach, Weekend Update Written By
Will Stephen, Written by
Kent Sublette, Head Writer
Bryan Tucker, Senior Writer
Celeste Yim, Written by
Dave Sirus, Weekend Update Written by
Mike Lawrence, Weekend Update Written by
Emma Clark, Written by
Sam Jay, Written by
Who will win: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Who should win: A Black Lady Sketch Show
Upset: Saturday Night Live
Lowdown: Last Week Tonight has won the last five Emmys in this category. Why would it lose now?
Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
B Positive • Pilot • CBS • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television
James Burrows, Directed by
The Flight Attendant • In Case Of Emergency • HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Bros. Television
Susanna Fogel, Directed by
Hacks • There Is No Line (Pilot) • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Lucia Aniello, Directed by
Mom • Scooby-Doo Checks And Salisbury Steak • CBS • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television
James Widdoes, Directed by
Ted Lasso • Biscuits • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Zach Braff, Directed by
Ted Lasso • The Hope That Kills You • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
MJ Delaney, Directed by
Ted Lasso • Make Rebecca Great Again • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television.
Declan Lowney, Directed by
Who will win: Lucia Aniello, Hacks
Who should win: Susanna Fogel, The Flight Attendant
Upset: Susanna Fogel or Zack Braff, Ted Lasso
Lowdown: “Hacks” will get more love here, but Fogel has an excellent chance at putting “The Flight Attendant” on the board.
Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series
Bridgerton • Diamond Of The First Water • Netflix • A Netflix Original Series in association with shondalandmedia
Julie Anne Robinson, Directed by
The Crown • Fairytale • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Benjamin Caron, Directed by
The Crown • War • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Jessica Hobbs, Directed by
The Handmaid’s Tale • The Wilderness • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Liz Garbus, Directed by
The Mandalorian • Chapter 9: The Marshal • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd.
Jon Favreau, Directed by
Pose • Series Finale • FX Networks • FX Productions in association with 20th Century Television
Steven Canals, Directed by
Who will win: Jessica Hobbs, The Crown
Who should win: Jessica Hobbs, The Crown
Upset: Benjamin Caron, The Crown or Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian
Lowdown: Hobbs knocks the fourth season finale out of the park. Caron has done marvelous work in “The Crown,” but Hobbs should take it.
Outstanding Directing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia
Thomas Kail, Directed by
I May Destroy You • Ego Death • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA
Sam Miller, Directed by Michaela Coel, Directed by
I May Destroy You • Eyes Eyes Eyes Eyes • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA
Sam Miller, Directed by
Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Craig Zobel, Directed by
The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix
Scott Frank, Directed by
The Underground Railroad • Prime Video • Plan B, PASTEL, Big Indie with Amazon Studios
Barry Jenkins, Directed by
WandaVision • Disney+ • Marvel Studios
Matt Shakman, Directed by
Who will win: Scott Frank, The Queen’s Gambit
Who should win: Barry Jenkins, The Underground Railroad
Upset: Jenkins or Craig Zobel, Mare of Easttown
Lowdown: Jenkins deserves this so much, but after “Queen’s” tally at the Creative Arts, it just seems like Frank, a worthy winner, will get the spoils. At least the DGA Awards will just pit Jenkins vs. Zobel.
Outstanding Competition Program
The Amazing Race • CBS • WorldRace Productions, Inc.
Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer Bertram van Munster, Executive Producer Jonathan Littman, Executive Producer Elise Doganieri, Executive Producer
Mark Vertullo, Executive Producer
Phil Keoghan, Co-Executive Producer Matt Schmidt, Co-Executive Producer Patrick Cariaga, Co-Executive Producer Darren Bunkley, Co-Executive Producer Micheal DiMaggio, Supervising Producer Neil Jahss, Supervising Producer Sydney Leier, Supervising Producer Jesse McDonald, Supervising Producer Ady Ryf, Supervising Producer
Steve Bae, Senior Producer
Sarah Stallard, Senior Producer
Eddie Garrick, Senior Producer
Nailed It! • Netflix • Magical Elves for Netflix
Casey Kriley, Executive Producer
Jo Sharon, Executive Producer
Patrick Doody, Executive Producer
Shea Spencer, Executive Producer
Nicole Byer, Executive Producer
Anika Guldstrand, Co-Executive Producer Hillary Olsen, Co-Executive Producer
Cat M. Sullivan, Co-Executive Producer Samantha Hanks, Senior Producer
RuPaul’s Drag Race • VH1 • World of Wonder
Fenton Bailey, Executive Producer Randy Barbato, Executive Producer Tom Campbell, Executive Producer RuPaul Charles, Executive Producer Steven Corfe, Executive Producer Mandy Salangsang, Executive Producer Michele Mills, Executive Producer
Tim Palazzola, Executive Producer Thairin Smothers, Senior Producer John Polly, Co-Executive Producer Zoe Jackson, Co-Executive Producer Lisa Steele, Co-Executive Producer Camilo Valdes, Co-Executive Producer Michelle Visage, Producer
Alicia Gargaro-Magana, Producer Jen Passovoy, Supervising Producer
Top Chef • Bravo • Magical Elves, LP
Casey Kriley, Executive Producer
Jo Sharon, Executive Producer
Doneen Archives, Executive Producer
Tom Colicchio, Executive Producer
Padma Lakshmi, Executive Producer
Elida Carbajal Araiza, Co-Executive Producer Hunter Braun, Co-Executive Producer
Thi Nguyen, Co-Executive Producer
Hillary Olsen, Co-Executive Producer
Patrick Schmedeman, Co-Executive Producer Wade Sheeler, Co-Executive Producer
Tracy Tong, Co-Executive Producer
Sandee Birdsong, Supervising Producer
Rich Brusa, Supervising Producer
Nora Cromwell, Supervising Producer
Eric Vier, Supervising Producer
Steve Lichtenstein, Senior Producer
Diana Schmedeman, Producer
The Voice • NBC • MGM Television, Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television, ITV Studios The Voice USA, Inc.
John De Mol, Executive Producer
Mark Burnett, Executive Producer
Audrey Morrissey, Executive Producer
Adam Sher, Executive Producer
Amanda Zucker, Executive Producer
Kyra Thompson, Executive Producer
Teddy Valenti, Co-Executive Producer
Kyley Tucker, Co-Executive Producer Anthea Bhargava, Supervising Producer Melysa Garratt, Supervising Producer
Clyde Lieberman, Supervising Producer Brittany Martin Porter, Supervising Producer Bart Kimball, Supervising Producer
Dan Paschen, Producer
Amanda Borden, Producer
Tod Schellinger, Producer
Carson Daly, Producer
Jared Wyso, Producer
Hayley Opalek McSherry, Producer
Who will win: RuPaul’s Drag Race
Who should win: RuPaul’s Drag Race
Upset: The Amazing Race? The Voice?
Lowdown: I mean, “Drag Race’s” aftershow, “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked” won the Unstructured Reality Program Emmy for the first time, and RuPaul won his sixth (!) Outstanding Host Emmy (against tough competition) during the Creative Arts ceremonies this past weekend. Nothing lasts forever, but we’re nowhere close to Television Academy fatigue for “Drag Race.”
Outstanding Variety Talk Series
Conan • TBS • Conaco LLC
Conan O’Brien, Executive Producer/Host
Jeff Ross, Executive Producer
Frank Smiley, Supervising Producer
Rachel Witlieb Bernstein, Supervising Producer
J.P. Buck, Supervising Producer
Tracy King, Producer
Mike Sweeney, Producer
Matt O’Brien, Producer
The Daily Show With Trevor Noah • Comedy Central • Central Productions, LLC
Trevor Noah, Executive Producer/Host
Jennifer Flanz, Executive Producer
Jill Katz, Executive Producer
Justin Melkmann, Co-Executive Producer
Max Browning, Supervising Producer
Eric Davies, Supervising Producer
Pamela DePace, Supervising Producer
Ramin Hedayati, Supervising Producer
David Kibuuka, Supervising Producer
David Paul Meyer, Supervising Producer
Zhubin Parang, Supervising Producer
Elise Terrell, Supervising Producer
Dan Amira, Producer
Jocelyn Conn, Producer
Jeff Gussow, Producer
Shawna Shepherd, Producer
Beth Shorr, Producer
Jimmy Kimmel Live! • ABC • ABC Signature in association with Kimmelot
Jimmy Kimmel, Executive Producer/Host
Doug DeLuca, Co-Executive Producer
Erin Irwin, Co-Executive Producer
David Craig, Co-Executive Producer
Molly McNearney, Co-Executive Producer
Jennifer Sharron, Co-Executive Producer
Gary Greenberg, Supervising Producer
Tony Romero, Supervising Producer
Josh Weintraub, Supervising Producer
Seth Weidner, Supervising Producer
Danny Ricker, Producer
Ken Crosby, Producer
Josh Halloway, Producer
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver • HBO • HBO in association with Sixteen String Jack Productions and Avalon Television
John Oliver, Executive Producer/Host
Tim Carvell, Executive Producer
Liz Stanton, Executive Producer
Jeremy Tchaban, Co-Executive Producer
Christopher Werner, Supervising Producer
Laura L. Griffin, Producer
Kate Mullaney, Producer
Catherine Owens, Producer
Matt Passet, Producer
Marian Wang, Producer
Charles Wilson, Producer
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert • CBS • CBS Studios
Stephen T. Colbert, Executive Producer/Host
Chris Licht, Executive Producer
Tom Purcell, Executive Producer
Jon Stewart, Executive Producer
Tanya Michnevich Bracco, Co-Executive Producer
Barry Julien, Co-Executive Producer
Opus Moreschi, Co-Executive Producer
Denise Rehrig, Co-Executive Producer
Aaron Cohen, Supervising Producer
Paul Dinello, Supervising Producer
Emily Gertler, Supervising Producer
Jay Katsir, Supervising Producer
Matt Lappin, Supervising Producer
Bjoern Stejskal, Supervising Producer
Sara Vilkomerson, Supervising Producer
Ballard C. Boyd, Producer
Michael Brumm, Producer
Gabe Gronli, Producer
Paige Kendig, Producer
Jake Plunkett, Producer
Adam Wager, Producer
Who will win: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Who should win: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Upset: None
Lowdown: “Last Week Tonight” has won the last five years; why would it lose now?
Outstanding Comedy Series
black-ish • ABC • ABC Signature
Cobra Kai • Netflix • Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Emily In Paris • Netflix • MTV Entertainment Studios, Darren Star Productions, and Jax Media for Netflix
The Flight Attendant • HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Bros. Television
Hacks • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
The Kominsky Method • Netflix • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television
Pen15 • Hulu • Hulu, Awesomeness TV, Odenkirk Provissiero, Lonely Island Classics
Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Who will win: Ted Lasso
Who should win: Pen15, Ted Lasso, or The Flight Attendant
Upset: Hacks
Lowdown: There is a very slim chance of “Hacks” upsetting here, but we’d be stunned if it happened. Apple TV+ gets its first Emmy crown with “Lasso.”
Outstanding Drama Series
The Boys • Prime Video • Sony Pictures Television, Inc. and Amazon Studios
Bridgerton • Netflix • A Netflix Original Series in association with shondalandmedia
The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures Lovecraft Country • HBO • HBO in association with afemme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television
The Mandalorian • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd.
Pose • FX Networks • FX Productions in association with 20th Century Television
Who will win: The Crown
Who should win: The Crown
Upset: Pose
Lowdown: “The Crown” will finally win in its fourth season, a deserving season, but “Pose” has a very slim shot at surprising.
Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series
I May Destroy You • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA
Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix
The Underground Railroad • Prime Video • Plan B, PASTEL, Big Indie with Amazon Studios
WandaVision • Disney+ • Marvel Studios
Who will win: The Queen’s Gambit
Who should win: The Underground Railroad
Upset: Mare of Easttown, WandaVision
Lowdown: “The Queen’s Gambit” absolutely destroyed the Creative Arts Emmys. The Netflix limited series has already won nine Emmys before the big show, including a few that it shouldn’t have. “Mare of Easttown”? Just one. Obviously, the entire membership gets to vote on this particular category instead of the Creative Arts ones, but “Gambit” is an effortless pick at this point.
The Primetime Emmy Awards will air on CBS this Sunday at 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET. Look for full coverage on The Playlist.