As the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences approaches the 65th broadcast of the “Primetime Emmy Awards,” there is much speculation as to which programs, actors and actresses will receive awards by the end of the program. There are no clear winners this year, but we do have a few predictions.
Best Drama Series:
There is plenty of competition among the nominees such as PBS’s “Downton Abbey”, HBO’s “Game of Thrones”, Showtime’s “Homeland” and AMC’s “Mad Men.” Even Netflix is joining the fray with “House of Cards.” However, the favorite has to be “Breaking Bad.” Academy voting tends to look at which show is popular and what has not won in the past. There is little doubt, as the show airs its final episodes, that “Breaking Bad” has reached peak popularity. Despite its rave reviews and Emmy wins in other categories, it has yet to win the award for Best Drama Series. Although the show will be eligible for nomination for the 2014 broadcast, it seems unlikely the Academy will wait so long. Not to mention, “Breaking Bad” is a fantastic show.
Best Lead Actor In a Drama Series:
If “Breaking Bad” is the hottest show on television today, Bryan Cranston must be the hottest actor. Cranston, the previous winner of three consecutive Emmy Awards for his portrayal of high school chemistry teacher turned meth dealer, Walter White, on the show, could be considered the favorite. As much as those Emmy Awards have helped his career, they may keep him from winning for the first time since the 2010 broadcast. The Academy likes to award new-comers; Kevin Spacey ("House of Cards") could prove to be a popular choice. Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”) and Jeff Daniels (“The Newsroom”) cannot be counted out, but look for Cranston or Spacey to leave the Nokia Theater L.A. with the trophy.
Best Supporting Actor In a Drama Series:
“The Emmys” may need to be renamed “The Breaking Bad Show:” Aaron Paul has been nominated again for his role as Jesse Pinkman in “Breaking Bad,” which won him the same award last year. Much like the 2012 Emmy Awards, when he was up against Giancarlo Esposito as Gustavo Fring, Paul will have to contend with co-star Jonathan Banks. Banks proved to be a show-stealer as Gustavo’s former right-hand man and Jesse’s mentor, Mike Ehrmantraut. Paul will more than likely walk away with his second consecutive Emmy win, but if Banks wins, it would not be an upset in the least. That being said, Mandy Patinkin (“Homeland”), a favorite last year, did not receive the award. Perhaps 2013 will see a similar event, but with Patinkin on the better side of fate.
Best Supporting Actress In a Drama Series:
Although this category is stacked with talent, the running comes down to Anna Gunn (“Breaking Bad”), Maggie Smith (“Downton Abbey”) and Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”). All three have given plenty of commendable performances to earn the Academy’s vote. Much like Bryan Cranston’s three consecutive victories in the Drama Lead Actor category, Smith could lose out due to her two straight Emmy wins, including one last year over Anna Gunn.
Best Comedy Series:
ABC’s “Modern Family” has won the award the past three years and it is extremely likely to win a fourth. While shows like FX’s “Louie” are hilariously offbeat, that quality may not help win more votes than a show with a broader audience like “Modern Family.” NBC’s “30 Rock” does have a chance at breaking the streak due to the show’s impending conclusion, as does the ever popular "The Big Bang Theory" from CBS, but odds are that "Modern Family" will continue its winning tradition.
The sixty-fifth annual Emmy Awards will broadcast Sunday, Sept 22nd at 8 p.m. on CBS.
| ClusterPicks |
Lead Actress In a Drama Series: Claire Danes, “Homeland” Lead Actress In a Comedy Series: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep” Lead Actor In a Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock” Supporting Actress In a Comedy Series: Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock” Supporting Actor In a Comedy Series: Ty Burrell, “Modern Family” Lead Actress In a Miniseries or a Movie: Elizabeth Moss, “Top of the Lake” Lead Actor In a Miniseries or a Movie: Michael Douglas, “Behind the Candelabra” Miniseries or Movie: “Behind the Candelabra” Reality – Competition Program: “The Amazing Race” |
