2018 Emmy Nomination Predictions
/The 2018 Emmy Nominations are officially out, and so many people are giving their input on who they think will come out on top this year in the world of television. Since I have managed to watch most of the nominees this year, I thought I would throw my opinions into the mix as well. So without further ado here are my predictions for this year’s Emmys.
Outstanding Comedy Series
The nominees: Atlanta, Barry, black-ish, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Glow, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Silicon Valley, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Who I think will win: Atlanta
I will be honest, I haven't seen Atlanta yet, although I fully plan to start it soon. But I have heard so much buzz about how amazing this second season was, and it won in this category last year, so I feel like it has the momentum to keep going for a second win.
Who I want to win: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
I was initially going to say Glow for this answer as it was one of my favorite new shows this year, not to mention how extremely funny and heartwarming it is. But then I learned this was the last season for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and it has yet to win in this category. Kimmy Schmidt is such a unique and hilarious comedy, and I'm disappointed it hasn't won many awards because it deserves to. And since this is most likely its last chance, (even though the last season wasn't necessarily it's best), I want it to be able to go out with this award.
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
The nominees: Pamela Adlon (Better Things), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Allison Janney (Mom), Issa Rae (Insecure), Tracee Ellis Ross (black-ish), Lily Tomlin (Grace and Frankie)
Who I think will win: Allison Janney
This one is hard because while I want to say that the academy will recognize Rachel Brosnahan for having such a spectacular break out season in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Allison Janney is an Emmy favorite. And the fact that she got nominated in this category over Anna Faris who is actually the lead of their show says a lot about her performance. So I think that may say a lot about her chances, and wouldn’t be surprised if she takes the win.
Who I want to win: Rachel Brosnahan
If you haven't seen The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel yet, it is a must see, and Rachel Brosnahan is a huge part of the reason why. She is truly the definition of a breakout start in this first season of the Amazon hit and just did a phenomenal job. She definitely deserves this award, and I hope she gets it.
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
The nominees: Anthony Anderson (black-ish), Ted Danson (The Good Place), Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Donald Glover (Atlanta) Bill Hader (Barry), William H. Macy (Shameless)
Who I think will win: Donald Glover
Donald Glover is just on the top of his game right now. Between his new music, another successful season of Atlanta, and a hilarious appearance on SNL, he has truly given it his all this year. And again while I haven’t seen Atlanta, I have heard and seen so much about it and Glover’s performance that I just feel like he is an obvious pick for the winner of this category.
Who I want to win: Bill Hader
I have only watched the first few episodes of Hader’s new show Barry, but what I have seen of it so far has been awesome. I have yet to see Hader in a role like this one before, one where he goes back and forth between serious but also having great comedic timing. Just like the tone of the show and his character, he is great at portraying both sides of Barry, and gives an amazing performance. He is the main reason that the show works so well, and it would be awesome for him to get recognized for that.
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
The nominees: Zazie Beetz (Atlanta), Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Aidy Bryant (Saturday Night Live), Betty Gilpin (GLOW), Leslie Jones (Saturday Night Live), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live), Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne), Megan Mullally (Will & Grace).
Who I think will win: Laurie Metcalf
I've never been a huge Roseanne fan, so I didn't end up watching the revival. But I do know the characters, and Laurie Metcalf has been given so much praise for her return to the show, even despite the controversy surrounding its cancellation. She is celebrated amongst Hollywood as the liberal in a story of conservatives, and from what I read in reviews did an amazing job in the revival. While some think her chances may be slim due to all the controversy, I don't think the academy will hold her responsible for what Rosanne did, and will instead celebrate her work on the revival's only season.
Who I want to win: Leslie Jones
Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon have been two of the best things to happen to Saturday Night Live in a while, and they both have gone on to have accomplished movie careers as well. But I had to give my win to Leslie simply because Kate has already won multiple Emmys, and Leslie hasn't earned the title yet, which she fully deserves to.
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
The nominees: Louie Anderson (Baskets), Alec Baldwin (Saturday Night Live), Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta), Tony Shalhoub (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live), Henry Winkler (Barry)
Who I think will win: Alec Baldwin
In the current political climate, I think that this one will go to Baldwin simply because his impersonation of Trump's is very much of the time. And while I do love his interpretation of Trump, and he does a fantastic job, I'm just not sure if this is enough to constitute a win, but I won’t be surprised if he gets it.
Who I want to win: Tituss Burgess
Tituss is a huge part of the reason I love Kimmy Schmidt as much as I do, and I'm honestly shocked he hasn't won an Emmy for this role yet. His character is not only hilarious but is such a great positive portrayal of a gay person of color. His relationship with Mikey was one of my favorite parts of the series, along with his many performances. Such as Lemonading, Pinot Noir, and so much more. I really hope he leaves with the title this year!
Outstanding Limited Series
The nominees: The Alienist, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Godless, Genius, Patrick Melrose
Who I think will win: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
I have been trying to catch up on this series before the Emmy's debut, but I unfortunately can't seem to find it anywhere to stream. But I have been hearing and reading so many great things about it, and if it is anything like the show's fist season, I think it is a pretty obvious choice to win in this category.
Who I want to win: Godless
So I'm going to be honest, this is my pick because it is the only one of the nominees I have seen. But that being said, this limited series was still phenomenal, and I think definitely deserves it's spot among the nominees. Since I haven't seen the other choices, I can't speak as to whether it deserves to win or not, but it is still a great series, and the one I will personally be routing for.
Lead Actress in Limited Series or Movie
The nominees: Jessica Biel (The Sinner), Laura Dern (The Tale), Michelle Dockery (Godless), Edie Falco (Law & Order: The Menendez Murders), Regina King (Seven Seconds), Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story: Cult)
Who I think will win: Laura Dern
So let me be clear even though Laura Dern isn’t my pick for who I want to win, if she does win it will totally be deserved. Her performance in The Tale was so gripping, and she did an amazing job portraying a woman who is slowly remembering her dark past she has tried to subside. She was able to play the role of a strong confident documentary film maker who is slowly realizing things about her childhood that is causing her world to come apart so well. Also Laura Dern is a favorite at the Emmys so I’m sure she will win in this category.
Who I want to win: Jessica Biel
And in the theme of a woman slowly remembering her dark past, is my personal pick for the win Jessica Biel. If you have not yet watched season one of The Sinner, go watch it right now! Jessica Biel’s performance was phenomenal, and unlike anything I have seen her do before. She was able to play off all aspects of her character’s personality seamlessly, and I was both on her side, and skeptical of her throughout the season’s run. I’m honestly surprised this show didn’t get more nominations, and I mainly want Jessica to win because this show deserves an award of some kind, not to mention that her acting is totally deserving of the title.
Lead Actor in Limited Series or Movie
The nominees: Antonio Banderas (Genius), Darren Criss (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story), Benedict Cumberbatch (Patrick Melrose), Jeff Daniels (The Looming Tower), John Legend (Jesus Christ Superstar), Jesse Plemons (Black Mirror: USS Callister)
Who I think will win: Darren Criss
The Assassination of Gianni Versace has been expected to make out big at this year’s Emmys, and I don’t think that will change for this category. While I haven’t been able to watch the series myself, I have just heard so much about Criss’s performance as serial killer Andrew Cunanan, that I think he is an obvious choice to take home the title.
Who I want to win: Jesse Plemons
As someone who was only familiar with Jesse Plemons from Friday Night Lights and Game Night, this role was so interesting to see him take on, because it seemed to combine those two characters in a new and fun way. While in the beginning of the episode he is able to make us feel sympathetic to his character, a dorky coder who is not respected in the company which he helped build, he is able to drastically change our feelings towards him by the end of the episode, to the point where we are glad he gets stuck in cyber space. It is such a fun role in the way of Plemons getting to play two totally different sides to the same character, and I hope he gets recognized for this amazing performance.
Supporting Actress in Limited Series or Movie
The nominees: Sara Bareilles (Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert), Penelope Cruz (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story), Judith Light (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story), Adina Porter (American Horror Story: Cult), Merritt Wever (Godless), Letitia Wright ("Black Museum" (Black Mirror))
Who I think will win: Judith Light
I have heard so much about Light’s performance as Marilyn Miglin in Assassination of Gianni Versace. I know I sound like a broken record saying this for performances in this show, but unfortunately since I haven’t been able to find it to stream anywhere I can’t comment on the amazing performances for myself, so for now I will have to go by other’s opinions. But if what I’ve read so far is true, I feel like Light will take home the award in this category for sure.
Who I want to win: Letitia Wright
I fell in love with Letitia Wright during her performance as Shuri in Black Panther, so I was very excited to hear she would also be featured in an episode of Black Mirror. And while her performance in this particular episode is mostly quiet and almost pushed into the background, her character’s twist at the end and Wright’s performance during it sealed the deal for me in rooting for her in this category. Wakanda forever! Or I guess in this case stuck in a souvenir forever... Sorry for the horrible joke but I had to!
Supporting Actor in Limited Series or Movie
The nominees: Jeff Daniels (Godless), Brandon Victor Dixon (Jesus Christ Superstar), John Leguizamo (Waco), Ricky Martin (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story), Edgar Ramirez (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story), Michael Stuhlbarg (The Looming Tower), Finn Wittrock (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story)
Who I think will win: Edgar Ramirez
If I am predicting Assassination of Gianni Versace to sweep in the limited series category, then my guess would be the man who played Gianni Versace himself would be a pretty good bet to take home this prize. Ramirez’s performance has also been greatly talked about, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he won.
Who I want to win: Jeff Daniels
I enjoyed Jeff Daniels in this villainous role far more than I thought I was going to. He was menacing enough that you were always left wondering what his reactions would be in any given situation. But he also had some great and gripping monologues, (such as the one above), that gave his character some real depth and back story as opposed to being a one-dimensional villain. This was a pretty different role for him and I think he pulled it off to great success.
Outstanding Drama Series
The nominees: The Americans, The Crown, Game of Thrones, The Handmaid’s Tale, Stranger Things, This Is Us, Westworld
Who I think will/want to win: Game of Thrones
It is no secret that Game of Thrones often sweeps up at most award shows, but unlike with some other shows that have done this in the past, it is always totally deserved. This show just keeps getting bigger and better in my opinion, and it hasn’t slowed down in it’s final seasons like most shows tend to do. I will honestly be shocked if this past season does not get this win. From all the heartbreaking and emotional moments, to the extreme shock and spectacle found in almost every episode, I found myself always dying to watch the next episode. This show is an Emmy favorite, and I don’t think that will stop this year.
Lead Actress in a Drama Series
The nominees: Claire Foy (The Crown), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale), Sandra Oh (Killing Eve), Keri Russell (The Americans), Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld)
Who I think will win: Claire Foy
Claire Foy did a phenomenal job portraying Queen Elizabeth this past season of The Crown. The way she portrayed Elizabeth's relationships with both Philip and Margaret was amazing, and and I loved how she was able to demonstrate the struggle Elizabeth had between being Queen and being a wife and sister. A scene that instantly comes to mind when I think of her portrayal is between her and Philip discussing his misbehavior on tour. I felt so bad for her in that moment when she realizes her husband is slowly slipping away from her. Not to mention that this is Claire's last chance to win the title for this role because the show is replacing the entire cast in order to do a time jump, so it would make sense for her to take the win.
Who I want to win: Elisabeth Moss
While I definitely think Claire deserves a win, and won't be upset if she takes home the title, I have to say my personal favorite performance this year for this category was Elisabeth Moss. Her work on The Handmaid's Tale is incredible, and she is able to make me feel so many emotions with the simplest of scenes. The first episode of the season in particular comes to mind when I think of her performance. From when she believes she will die during the hanging, to her alienation from the other girls for not getting punished, to her chance at freedom when she rips her tag off of her ear, every moment was so well done. She has already taken home the title once, so I could see her maybe getting it again, especially considering the fact that this second season of Handmaid's Tale was even better than the first.
Lead Actor in a Drama Series
The nominees: Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us), Jason Bateman (Ozark), Ed Harris (Westworld), Matthew Rhys (The Americans), Milo Ventimiglia (This Is Us), Jeffrey Wright (Westworld)
Who I think will win: Sterling K. Brown
Not only did Sterling have an amazing season this year on This Is Us, but he has also been involved in so many other well-received projects this year, which has definitely given him notice in the industry. I think it will be hard for voters not to choose him after the year he has had, and his amazing performance as Randall this year on This Is Us.
Who I want to win: Milo Ventimiglia
Sterling took home this title last year, and don't get me wrong he totally deserved it. But as good as his portrayal on This Is Us is, Milo's is very strong as well. They are both hold such large roles in the show, and both do an amazing job. But seeing as Sterling already won the title last year, I feel like it should go to Milo this year, especially after his performance in the episodes leading up to Jack's death, which were absolutely gut-wrenching.
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
The nominees: Alexis Bledel (The Handmaid’s Tale), Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), Thandie Newton (Westworld), Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale).
Who I think will win: Ann Dowd
Ann Dowd’s performance as Aunt Lydia in this past season of The Handmaid’s Tale had so much range. From being terrifying when punishing June and the other girls for their defiance, to delivering her heartbreaking promise to look after June’s baby once she was gone, she did it all and more this past season. I can definitely see her taking home the title yet again in this category, as her performance this year was somehow even better than before.
Who I want to win: Millie Bobby Brown
Having said all that, I must say that I personally would love to see Milly Bobby Brown take home the title. This girl’s acting is insanely good, and her performance as Eleven in this past season of Stranger Things was incredible. She does not even have that many lines in the first few episodes, and yet she is able to convey so much just through her actions and facial expressions. I really hope she will take home the title this year.
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
The nominees: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones), Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale), David Harbour (Stranger Things), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland) Matt Smith (The Crown).
Who I think will/want to win: Peter Dinklage
This one was a hard pick for me, because I honestly thought the performances of all the men in this category were outstanding this year. But I have to say I think and hope Dinklage will take home the title. His performance as Tyrion on Game of Thrones is one of my favorite on television currently, and I love the range of acting he got to display in this past season. As you can see in the scene above, he is able to pull off such a large ranges of emotions in just a few lines of dialogue, it is so fun and incredible to watch. I will be really surprised if he doesn’t take home the win.
So there you have it. My picks for the 2018 Emmy Awards season. And now I'd like to hear from you! What were some of your favorite performances this season, and do you agree with any of my picks? Let me know in the comments below, and make sure to give this post a like if you enjoyed it!