Post by DeepArcher on Jul 13, 2017 21:53:42 GMT
Shall we?
I'm just gonna stick with the categories I feel knowledgable-enough in. Do whatever you want, I don't care.
Outstanding Drama Series: The Handmaid's Tale
This is shaping up to be a tight race, with five promising newcomers and two series that the Academy perhaps views as "overdue". Aside from House of Cards being (hopefully) a long shot with the lukewarm-at-best buzz its fifth season got, I'd say everything is in contention. The Crown, The Handmaid's Tale, and This is Us make up the top trio of what I see as the serious contenders, and, from the overall nomination field, it seems that the Academy has the biggest preference for the Hulu joint (which also benefits from being the most recently released). Though it's really a toss-up at this point. And certainly don't count out Stranger Things as a real possibility.
Should Win: Better Call Saul
Shoulda Been Here: The Americans and The Leftovers
Outstanding Comedy Series: Atlanta
It'll take a lot to bring down Veep's streak and its general juggernaut status when it comes to these awards, but I think Atlanta has what it takes. While two debut seasons winning the top two awards strikes me as unlikely, it could very well happen considering how much the new series seem to be shaking up the competition. Veep certainly struggled with its latest season, so perhaps the Academy will favor something a bit more fresh and exciting.
Should Win: Atlanta
Outstanding Limited Series: Big Little Lies
This one should end up being a tight race between the HBO hit miniseries and Ryan Murphy's latest venture. And while Feud's industry appeal will certainly help its chances, it seems that the social relevance that Big Little Lies carries along with its fantastic ensemble and stylish direction will help it leapfrog the competition. After all, some of the wealth is bound to be spread to HBO.
Should Win: I have similarly mixed feelings about all four of the five nominees that I saw, so I really don't care.
Shoulda Been Here: The Young Pope
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Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
The consensus seems to suggest that Sterling K. Brown is the frontrunner for his work on This is Us, though Milo Ventimiglia's appearance in the category could spice things up and split some of the votes of the This is Us supporters. Odenkirk put on a tremendous show week after week in Better Call Saul's most acclaimed season yet, and this could very well be his year. Sure, Brown will still be formidable, Hopkins' work on Westworld will be hard to beat, and Spacey could be seen as overdue, but this just strikes me as Odenkirk's time for recognition. Perhaps it's an optimistic prediction, but it seems the most sensible at this point.
Should Win: Matthew Rhys, The Americans
Shoulda Been Here: Justin Theroux, The Leftovers
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale
This one will surely be a neck-in-neck race to the finish between Elisabeth Moss and Claire Foy. But, as I mentioned above, The Handmaid's Tale seems to be more popular with the Academy than The Crown, and Moss benefits from an overdue narrative after being totally shutout for her excellent work on Mad Men. I'll say she's the favorite, though a Foy triumph would be just as likely.
Should Win: Keri Russell, The Americans
Shoulda Been Here: Carrie Coon, The Leftovers
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Donald Glover, Atlanta
Jeffrey Tambor is the perennial favorite here, though Glover is poised to end his streak. The fresh face in the category is riding the wave of his victories at the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice, and he has something crucial to support him that Tambor never has: a well-acclaimed show, rather than just a well-acclaimed performance. It's invariably down to those two, but Glover has the edge.
Should Win: Donald Glover, Atlanta
Shoulda Been Here: Glenn Howerton, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Julia's on one hell of a victory streak, and it's going to take a juggernaut of a performance to bring her down. This year's category offers up no such hindrance to Louis-Dreyfus, who is on her way to sixth-in-a-row. Even with Veep's weak sixth season, JLD was one of the few members of the ensemble who still exhibited a clear dedication to the role and was consistently fun to watch.
Should Win: Only seen JLD here. I guess I'd be fine with it, but wouldn't mind seeing things shaken up a bit.
Shoulda Been Here: Kaitlin Olson, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies
I have yet to check out The Wizard of Lies, though all of the other predictions I've seen have projected Bobby D. as the favorite to win. I certainly wouldn't be surprised, considering the dude's a living legend, played a real-life figure, and has never won (or been nominated) for an Emmy before.
Should Win: John Turturro, The Night Of
Shoulda Been Here: Jude Law, The Young Pope
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan
Similar to its Drama Series counterpart, this Lead Actress category will be a bitter battle between Lange and Kidman right down to the end. While this one is just as much of a toss-up at this point, I definitely think Lange's notoriety in the television industry, in addition to the fact that she made us sympathize with a Hollywood legend who held something of a notorious reputation beforehand, will give her the edge. But this is far from a sure thing.
Should Win: Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies
Shoulda Been Here: Bryce Dallas Howard, Black Mirror: "Nosedive"
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Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: John Lithgow, The Crown
Lithgow has been the favorite in this category essentially since Netflix first dropped The Crown, and none of his competition seems to have what it takes to stop him. Jeffrey Wright, Ron Cephas Jones (I haven't seen the show, but from what I know, it seems he has the kind of role that would play well with awards), and Jonathan Banks could be spoilers, especially with the latter on his fourth nomination for the character and still no wins to show for it. But still, Lithgow is something of a gargantuan here that would be tough to beat.
Should Win: John Lithgow, The Crown
Shoulda Been Here: Michael McKean, Better Call Saul
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Thandie Newton, Westworld
A category where all six of the nominees are within the realm of plausibility as winners. The Handmaid's Tale gals may end up splitting votes. Aduba is always a threat, though the Academy has already recognized her, and doesn't seem to be head over heels about OITNB to begin with. Newton and Brown both play fan-favorite characters and are fan-favorite performers, though Newton seems far more likely to pick up legitimate recognition. Metz is a strong contender as a well, though nothing has convinced me that she might claim the prize.
Should Win: Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger Things
Shoulda Been Here: Rhea Seehorn, Better Call Saul
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin, Saturday Night Live
Obviously.
Should Win: Baldwin, I guess.
Shoulda Been Here: Zach Woods, Silicon Valley.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Crowding the category with three SNL team members could draw from McKinnon's tally, but still, she seems like too much of a favorite for even that to pose a problem to her. She and her co-star should have no problem winning.
Should Win: McKinnon, I guess.
Shoulda Been Here: Zazie Beetz, Atlanta.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Alexander Skarsgård, Big Little Lies
One of the most interesting categories in this whole thing; six great performances, and no clear frontrunner. I've seen some claim that Tucci is the favorite here, though I don't think his performance is really that popular, and Molina's presence will probably take away enough of his votes to rein-in whatever status he may have. Williams and Camp will cancel each other out, and Thewlis' role was incredibly popular, but not what you'd call "Emmy-material" compared to the likes of the boys from Feud and Big Little Lies' antagonistic presence. I'm thinking Skarsgård eventually emerges victorious, though he's not a sure thing.
Should Win: Alexander Skarsgård, Big Little Lies
Shoulda Been Here: Michael Stuhlbarg, Fargo
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Judy Davis, Feud: Bette and Joan
A category that is similarly crowded to Supporting Actor, though Judy Davis' highly-acclaimed turn in Feud rises above the rest in terms of likelihood of being the victor. I'd say the biggest threat here is Regina King, whose American Crime role has proven to be consistently popular with Emmys, and, well, we all know how much the Academy likes to uphold the status quo. Though if there's one thing that the Emmys are unlikely to deny a win to, it's an actress who was in a Ryan Murphy show.
Should Win: Jackie Hoffman, Feud: Bette and Joan
Shoulda Been Here: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Fargo
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Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: BD Wong, Mr. Robot
As I said, I have yet to watch This is Us, and additionally have absolutely no knowledge about what kind of role all three guys had (though it's nice Henry and O'Hare pick up a nomination). It'll invariably be one of them, I'm sure, but until I can figure out which one is the favorite, I'll throw a bone to one of Mr. Robot's consistent redeeming qualities: BD Wong. (If the show was only gonna get one nomination for its middling second season, this was a far better choice than letting bug-eyed Rami strike again.)
Should Win: Only seen Wong.
Shoulda Been Here: Stephen Dillane, The Crown
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Alexis Bledel, The Handmaid's Tale
I've heard nothing but raves about Bledel's work on The Handmaid's Tale. I can't really say that I've seen similar universal praise for any of her competition, as much as I love Martha and will be rooting for her to the bitter end. But yeah, The Handmaid's Tale is a clear hit, so this is Bledel's to lose.
Should Win: Allison Wright, The Americans
Shoulda Been Here: Irina Dubova, The Americans
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: Tom Hanks, Saturday Night Live
I'm fairly certainly that this will go to one of the three SNL boys, but it's just a question of which one. So why not Tom Hanks? Similarly to De Niro, he's one none for acting (though a ton for producing/directing), which could always factor in. Not to mention, he's one of the most beloved faces in the industry. Though Lin-Manuel Miranda is a walking god, so he probably shouldn't be underestimated.
Should Win: Only seen Laurie.
Shoulda Been Here: Stephen Root, Veep.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: Melissa McCarthy, Saturday Night Live
I mean, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if they go with the posthumous win for Carrie Fisher, but I have a feeling the nomination will be as far as the recognition goes. McCarthy's Sean Spicer was an instant hit, and is arguably even better than Baldwin's POTUS. She's got this in the bag for sure.
Should Win: Angela Bassett, Master of None.
Shoulda Been Here: Jean Smart, Veep.
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Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: The Duffer Brothers for "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers", Stranger Things
This one is totally up in the air, as far as I'm concerned. Generally, the Writing and Directing awards have seemed to follow the Best Series winner (at least, in the Drama categories), but this year seems to point towards different results, with many favored contenders and no real standouts among them. I could just as easily see this going to Gilligan (who has somehow never won for his direction), or The Crown's pilot, or either episode of The Handmaid's Tale. But I have a feeling that Stranger Things won't get away without picking up anything, and with the Duffer Brothers' stylish directorial vision, this could be the surprise win that they get.
Should Win: Vince Gilligan for "Witness", Better Call Saul
Shoulda Been Here: Mimi Leder for "The Book of Nora", The Leftovers
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Donald Glover for "B.A.N.", Atlanta
The only nominee not from one of HBO's hit comedies, and the clear favorite in my eyes. "B.A.N." is the definition of a hit comedic episode, and that status propels it over the Silicon Valley and Veep episodes that: a.) will split the votes of their supporters (noticing a trend here?), and b.) don't show-off particularly standout direction that the unconventional "B.A.N." does. I have few doubts about this one.
Should Win: Donald Glover for "B.A.N.", Atlanta
Should Been Here: Aziz Ansari for "The Thief", Master of None
Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special: Jean-Marc Vallée for Big Little Lies
A tough call to make. If the Academy loved Zaillian's brilliant work on The Night Of's pilot as much as I did, he could prove to be a heavy contender and a probable winner. And Ryan Murphy should never be counted out when he's in the mix, particularly for a fan-favorite episode that featured ... *gasp* ... a tracking shot. But I have a feeling Big Little Lies' Limited Series win will go hand-in-hand with recognizing its director, a cinematic mind who brought a unique visual style to television.
Should Win: Steve Zaillian for "The Beach", The Night Of
Shoulda Been Here: Paolo Sorrentino for The Young Pope
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Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Gordon Smith for "Chicanery", Better Call Saul
I will not be surprised with any of these six nominees winning. The Crown's "Assassins" is a fantastic and hugely popular episode, but, you know, so is "Chicanery". Perhaps this will be the compensation for Michael McKean's snub, by recognizing his perfectly-written monologue and this brilliantly-plotted episode as a whole. Of course, this could just be me being optimistic about BCS again; I just find it hard to believe that it'll walk away empty-handed yet again after such a popular third season.
Should Win: Joel Fields & Joe Weisberg for "The Soviet Division", The Americans
Shoulda Been Here: Joshua Brand for "Dyatkovo", The Americans
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Donald Glover for "B.A.N.", Atlanta
Yes, Donald Glover is going to win three (four?) Emmys, and we are all going to be very proud of him. He's got some more legitimate competition here with Master of None's absolute knockout "Thanksgiving" episode, creating yet again another neck-in-neck race to the finish. I'd believe either one as the winner, but I have a feeling Glover will manage the sweep.
Should Win: Aziz Ansari & Lena Waithe for "Thanksgiving", Master of None
Shoulda Been Here: BoJack Horseman
Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special: Ryan Murphy for "And the Winner is... (The Oscars of 1963)", Feud: Bette and Joan
The Television Academy's favorite person ever made a series about movie stars. He's not going home without winning anything. His Oscar-centered episode was an obvious standout in Feud's first season, and, while David E. Kelley's (probably the Academy's second favorite person ever) Big Little Lies script will bring serious competition to the table, I sort of doubt it'll be able to top an episode that is as beloved as Feud's fifth installment.
Should Win: Charlie Brooker for "San Junipero", Black Mirror
Shoulda Been Here: The Young Pope
I'm just gonna stick with the categories I feel knowledgable-enough in. Do whatever you want, I don't care.
Outstanding Drama Series: The Handmaid's Tale
This is shaping up to be a tight race, with five promising newcomers and two series that the Academy perhaps views as "overdue". Aside from House of Cards being (hopefully) a long shot with the lukewarm-at-best buzz its fifth season got, I'd say everything is in contention. The Crown, The Handmaid's Tale, and This is Us make up the top trio of what I see as the serious contenders, and, from the overall nomination field, it seems that the Academy has the biggest preference for the Hulu joint (which also benefits from being the most recently released). Though it's really a toss-up at this point. And certainly don't count out Stranger Things as a real possibility.
Should Win: Better Call Saul
Shoulda Been Here: The Americans and The Leftovers
Outstanding Comedy Series: Atlanta
It'll take a lot to bring down Veep's streak and its general juggernaut status when it comes to these awards, but I think Atlanta has what it takes. While two debut seasons winning the top two awards strikes me as unlikely, it could very well happen considering how much the new series seem to be shaking up the competition. Veep certainly struggled with its latest season, so perhaps the Academy will favor something a bit more fresh and exciting.
Should Win: Atlanta
Outstanding Limited Series: Big Little Lies
This one should end up being a tight race between the HBO hit miniseries and Ryan Murphy's latest venture. And while Feud's industry appeal will certainly help its chances, it seems that the social relevance that Big Little Lies carries along with its fantastic ensemble and stylish direction will help it leapfrog the competition. After all, some of the wealth is bound to be spread to HBO.
Should Win: I have similarly mixed feelings about all four of the five nominees that I saw, so I really don't care.
Shoulda Been Here: The Young Pope
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Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
The consensus seems to suggest that Sterling K. Brown is the frontrunner for his work on This is Us, though Milo Ventimiglia's appearance in the category could spice things up and split some of the votes of the This is Us supporters. Odenkirk put on a tremendous show week after week in Better Call Saul's most acclaimed season yet, and this could very well be his year. Sure, Brown will still be formidable, Hopkins' work on Westworld will be hard to beat, and Spacey could be seen as overdue, but this just strikes me as Odenkirk's time for recognition. Perhaps it's an optimistic prediction, but it seems the most sensible at this point.
Should Win: Matthew Rhys, The Americans
Shoulda Been Here: Justin Theroux, The Leftovers
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale
This one will surely be a neck-in-neck race to the finish between Elisabeth Moss and Claire Foy. But, as I mentioned above, The Handmaid's Tale seems to be more popular with the Academy than The Crown, and Moss benefits from an overdue narrative after being totally shutout for her excellent work on Mad Men. I'll say she's the favorite, though a Foy triumph would be just as likely.
Should Win: Keri Russell, The Americans
Shoulda Been Here: Carrie Coon, The Leftovers
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Donald Glover, Atlanta
Jeffrey Tambor is the perennial favorite here, though Glover is poised to end his streak. The fresh face in the category is riding the wave of his victories at the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice, and he has something crucial to support him that Tambor never has: a well-acclaimed show, rather than just a well-acclaimed performance. It's invariably down to those two, but Glover has the edge.
Should Win: Donald Glover, Atlanta
Shoulda Been Here: Glenn Howerton, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Julia's on one hell of a victory streak, and it's going to take a juggernaut of a performance to bring her down. This year's category offers up no such hindrance to Louis-Dreyfus, who is on her way to sixth-in-a-row. Even with Veep's weak sixth season, JLD was one of the few members of the ensemble who still exhibited a clear dedication to the role and was consistently fun to watch.
Should Win: Only seen JLD here. I guess I'd be fine with it, but wouldn't mind seeing things shaken up a bit.
Shoulda Been Here: Kaitlin Olson, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies
I have yet to check out The Wizard of Lies, though all of the other predictions I've seen have projected Bobby D. as the favorite to win. I certainly wouldn't be surprised, considering the dude's a living legend, played a real-life figure, and has never won (or been nominated) for an Emmy before.
Should Win: John Turturro, The Night Of
Shoulda Been Here: Jude Law, The Young Pope
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan
Similar to its Drama Series counterpart, this Lead Actress category will be a bitter battle between Lange and Kidman right down to the end. While this one is just as much of a toss-up at this point, I definitely think Lange's notoriety in the television industry, in addition to the fact that she made us sympathize with a Hollywood legend who held something of a notorious reputation beforehand, will give her the edge. But this is far from a sure thing.
Should Win: Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies
Shoulda Been Here: Bryce Dallas Howard, Black Mirror: "Nosedive"
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Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: John Lithgow, The Crown
Lithgow has been the favorite in this category essentially since Netflix first dropped The Crown, and none of his competition seems to have what it takes to stop him. Jeffrey Wright, Ron Cephas Jones (I haven't seen the show, but from what I know, it seems he has the kind of role that would play well with awards), and Jonathan Banks could be spoilers, especially with the latter on his fourth nomination for the character and still no wins to show for it. But still, Lithgow is something of a gargantuan here that would be tough to beat.
Should Win: John Lithgow, The Crown
Shoulda Been Here: Michael McKean, Better Call Saul
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Thandie Newton, Westworld
A category where all six of the nominees are within the realm of plausibility as winners. The Handmaid's Tale gals may end up splitting votes. Aduba is always a threat, though the Academy has already recognized her, and doesn't seem to be head over heels about OITNB to begin with. Newton and Brown both play fan-favorite characters and are fan-favorite performers, though Newton seems far more likely to pick up legitimate recognition. Metz is a strong contender as a well, though nothing has convinced me that she might claim the prize.
Should Win: Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger Things
Shoulda Been Here: Rhea Seehorn, Better Call Saul
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin, Saturday Night Live
Obviously.
Should Win: Baldwin, I guess.
Shoulda Been Here: Zach Woods, Silicon Valley.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Crowding the category with three SNL team members could draw from McKinnon's tally, but still, she seems like too much of a favorite for even that to pose a problem to her. She and her co-star should have no problem winning.
Should Win: McKinnon, I guess.
Shoulda Been Here: Zazie Beetz, Atlanta.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Alexander Skarsgård, Big Little Lies
One of the most interesting categories in this whole thing; six great performances, and no clear frontrunner. I've seen some claim that Tucci is the favorite here, though I don't think his performance is really that popular, and Molina's presence will probably take away enough of his votes to rein-in whatever status he may have. Williams and Camp will cancel each other out, and Thewlis' role was incredibly popular, but not what you'd call "Emmy-material" compared to the likes of the boys from Feud and Big Little Lies' antagonistic presence. I'm thinking Skarsgård eventually emerges victorious, though he's not a sure thing.
Should Win: Alexander Skarsgård, Big Little Lies
Shoulda Been Here: Michael Stuhlbarg, Fargo
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Judy Davis, Feud: Bette and Joan
A category that is similarly crowded to Supporting Actor, though Judy Davis' highly-acclaimed turn in Feud rises above the rest in terms of likelihood of being the victor. I'd say the biggest threat here is Regina King, whose American Crime role has proven to be consistently popular with Emmys, and, well, we all know how much the Academy likes to uphold the status quo. Though if there's one thing that the Emmys are unlikely to deny a win to, it's an actress who was in a Ryan Murphy show.
Should Win: Jackie Hoffman, Feud: Bette and Joan
Shoulda Been Here: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Fargo
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Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: BD Wong, Mr. Robot
As I said, I have yet to watch This is Us, and additionally have absolutely no knowledge about what kind of role all three guys had (though it's nice Henry and O'Hare pick up a nomination). It'll invariably be one of them, I'm sure, but until I can figure out which one is the favorite, I'll throw a bone to one of Mr. Robot's consistent redeeming qualities: BD Wong. (If the show was only gonna get one nomination for its middling second season, this was a far better choice than letting bug-eyed Rami strike again.)
Should Win: Only seen Wong.
Shoulda Been Here: Stephen Dillane, The Crown
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Alexis Bledel, The Handmaid's Tale
I've heard nothing but raves about Bledel's work on The Handmaid's Tale. I can't really say that I've seen similar universal praise for any of her competition, as much as I love Martha and will be rooting for her to the bitter end. But yeah, The Handmaid's Tale is a clear hit, so this is Bledel's to lose.
Should Win: Allison Wright, The Americans
Shoulda Been Here: Irina Dubova, The Americans
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: Tom Hanks, Saturday Night Live
I'm fairly certainly that this will go to one of the three SNL boys, but it's just a question of which one. So why not Tom Hanks? Similarly to De Niro, he's one none for acting (though a ton for producing/directing), which could always factor in. Not to mention, he's one of the most beloved faces in the industry. Though Lin-Manuel Miranda is a walking god, so he probably shouldn't be underestimated.
Should Win: Only seen Laurie.
Shoulda Been Here: Stephen Root, Veep.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: Melissa McCarthy, Saturday Night Live
I mean, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if they go with the posthumous win for Carrie Fisher, but I have a feeling the nomination will be as far as the recognition goes. McCarthy's Sean Spicer was an instant hit, and is arguably even better than Baldwin's POTUS. She's got this in the bag for sure.
Should Win: Angela Bassett, Master of None.
Shoulda Been Here: Jean Smart, Veep.
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Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: The Duffer Brothers for "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers", Stranger Things
This one is totally up in the air, as far as I'm concerned. Generally, the Writing and Directing awards have seemed to follow the Best Series winner (at least, in the Drama categories), but this year seems to point towards different results, with many favored contenders and no real standouts among them. I could just as easily see this going to Gilligan (who has somehow never won for his direction), or The Crown's pilot, or either episode of The Handmaid's Tale. But I have a feeling that Stranger Things won't get away without picking up anything, and with the Duffer Brothers' stylish directorial vision, this could be the surprise win that they get.
Should Win: Vince Gilligan for "Witness", Better Call Saul
Shoulda Been Here: Mimi Leder for "The Book of Nora", The Leftovers
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Donald Glover for "B.A.N.", Atlanta
The only nominee not from one of HBO's hit comedies, and the clear favorite in my eyes. "B.A.N." is the definition of a hit comedic episode, and that status propels it over the Silicon Valley and Veep episodes that: a.) will split the votes of their supporters (noticing a trend here?), and b.) don't show-off particularly standout direction that the unconventional "B.A.N." does. I have few doubts about this one.
Should Win: Donald Glover for "B.A.N.", Atlanta
Should Been Here: Aziz Ansari for "The Thief", Master of None
Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special: Jean-Marc Vallée for Big Little Lies
A tough call to make. If the Academy loved Zaillian's brilliant work on The Night Of's pilot as much as I did, he could prove to be a heavy contender and a probable winner. And Ryan Murphy should never be counted out when he's in the mix, particularly for a fan-favorite episode that featured ... *gasp* ... a tracking shot. But I have a feeling Big Little Lies' Limited Series win will go hand-in-hand with recognizing its director, a cinematic mind who brought a unique visual style to television.
Should Win: Steve Zaillian for "The Beach", The Night Of
Shoulda Been Here: Paolo Sorrentino for The Young Pope
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Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Gordon Smith for "Chicanery", Better Call Saul
I will not be surprised with any of these six nominees winning. The Crown's "Assassins" is a fantastic and hugely popular episode, but, you know, so is "Chicanery". Perhaps this will be the compensation for Michael McKean's snub, by recognizing his perfectly-written monologue and this brilliantly-plotted episode as a whole. Of course, this could just be me being optimistic about BCS again; I just find it hard to believe that it'll walk away empty-handed yet again after such a popular third season.
Should Win: Joel Fields & Joe Weisberg for "The Soviet Division", The Americans
Shoulda Been Here: Joshua Brand for "Dyatkovo", The Americans
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Donald Glover for "B.A.N.", Atlanta
Yes, Donald Glover is going to win three (four?) Emmys, and we are all going to be very proud of him. He's got some more legitimate competition here with Master of None's absolute knockout "Thanksgiving" episode, creating yet again another neck-in-neck race to the finish. I'd believe either one as the winner, but I have a feeling Glover will manage the sweep.
Should Win: Aziz Ansari & Lena Waithe for "Thanksgiving", Master of None
Shoulda Been Here: BoJack Horseman
Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special: Ryan Murphy for "And the Winner is... (The Oscars of 1963)", Feud: Bette and Joan
The Television Academy's favorite person ever made a series about movie stars. He's not going home without winning anything. His Oscar-centered episode was an obvious standout in Feud's first season, and, while David E. Kelley's (probably the Academy's second favorite person ever) Big Little Lies script will bring serious competition to the table, I sort of doubt it'll be able to top an episode that is as beloved as Feud's fifth installment.
Should Win: Charlie Brooker for "San Junipero", Black Mirror
Shoulda Been Here: The Young Pope
