Previewing This Year’s Emmy Nominations

The anticipation for Emmy nominations is palpable, with Jean Smart’s victories seemingly guaranteed. However, several questions remain as we look toward Wednesday’s announcements.

Comedy Series

Nominees:

• Abbott Elementary
• The Bear
• The Comeback
• Hacks
• Margo’s Got Money Troubles
• Only Murders in the Building
• Shrinking
• Widow’s Bay

Possible Surprise: “Rooster”. Possible Snub: “The Bear”.

“Widow’s Bay” has captured attention with its mix of comedy and horror. With its April 29 premiere on Apple TV, the show, filled with horror movie references and engaging characters, hooked audiences despite only seven of its ten episodes being eligible for this year’s Emmys. The question arises whether its late arrival will hinder its nomination chances, though its quality and innovative approach are undeniable.

Comedy Actress

Nominees:

• Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”
• Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”
• Elle Fanning, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles”
• Lisa Kudrow, “The Comeback”
• Jean Smart, “Hacks”

Possible Surprise: Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This”. Possible Snub: Edebiri.

The comedy category for actresses continues to intrigue, especially with “The Bear” shifting perceptions despite past controversies over its categorization as a comedy. Quinta Brunson and Jean Smart are top contenders, with the latter’s presence widely expected given her past accolades.

Comedy Actor

Nominees:

• Steve Carell, “Rooster”
• Matthew Rhys, “Widow’s Bay”
• Jason Segel, “Shrinking”
• Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”
• Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”

Possible Surprise: Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This”. Possible Snub: White.

This year’s nominations are open for fresh faces with Rhys and Short leading as strong contenders. Rhys’ dual ability to navigate humor and fear on “Widow’s Bay” makes him a standout, while Short benefits from the recent popularity of his Netflix documentary.

Comedy Supporting Categories

Supporting Actress Nominees:

• Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks”
• Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary”
• Kate O’Flynn, “Widow’s Bay”
• Ashley Padilla, “Saturday Night Live”
• Michelle Pfeiffer, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles”
• Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary”
• Jessica Williams, “Shrinking”

Possible Surprise: K Callan, “Widow’s Bay”. Possible Snub: Padilla.

Supporting Actor Nominees:

• Paul W. Downs, “Hacks”
• Harrison Ford, “Shrinking”
• Ebon Moss-Bacharach, “The Bear”
• Nick Offerman, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles”
• Stephen Root, “Widow’s Bay”
• Michael Urie, “Shrinking”
• Tyler James Williams, “Abbott Elementary”

Possible Surprise: Bowen Yang, “Saturday Night Live”. Possible Snub: Williams.

Drama Series

Nominees:

• The Diplomat
• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
• Paradise
• The Pitt
• Pluribus
• Slow Horses
• Stranger Things
• Task

Possible Surprise: “The Testaments”. Possible Snub: “Stranger Things”.

“The Pitt” dominated last year’s nominations but may face tough competition from other series this year. “Pluribus” might challenge for the most nominations, but its chance for victory remains uncertain.

Drama Actress

Nominees:

• Kathy Bates, “Matlock”
• Carrie Coon, “The Gilded Age”
• Keri Russell, “The Diplomat”
• Rhea Seehorn, “Pluribus”
• Zendaya, “Euphoria”

Possible Surprise: Chase Infiniti, “The Testaments”. Possible Snub: Bates.

Despite criticisms of “Euphoria,” Zendaya’s past wins showcase her talent, making her a strong candidate for another nomination. The real battle might be between Seehorn and Russell, both seeking to claim their spot in the spotlight.

Drama Actor

Nominees:

• Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise”
• Walton Goggins, “Fallout”
• Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
• Mark Ruffalo, “Task”
• Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”

Possible Surprise: Jon Hamm, “Your Friends and Neighbors”. Possible Snub: Goggins.

Ruffalo emerges as a favorite with his compelling portrayal in “Task,” challenging returning favorites for recognition.

Drama Supporting Categories

Supporting Actress Nominees:

• Isa Briones, “The Pitt”
• Taylor Dearden, “The Pitt”
• Allison Janney, “The Diplomat”
• Katherine LaNasa, “The Pitt”
• Sepideh Moafi, “The Pitt”
• Julianne Nicholson, “Paradise”
• Karolina Wydra, “Pluribus”

Possible Surprise: Fiona Dourif, “The Pitt”. Possible Snub: Briones.

Supporting Actor Nominees:

• Patrick Ball, “The Pitt”
• Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”
• Shawn Hatosy, “The Pitt”
• Gerran Howell, “The Pitt”
• Jack Lowden, “Slow Horses”
• Tom Pelphrey, “Task”
• Carlos-Manuel Vesga, “Pluribus”

Possible Surprise: James Marsden, “Paradise”. Possible Snub: Vesga.

Limited Series

Nominees:

• The Beast in Me
• Beef
• DTF St. Louis
• Half Man
• Love Story

Possible Surprise: “All Her Fault”. Possible Snub: “Half Man”.

Despite controversies, “Love Story” becomes a leading topic this year. “DTF St. Louis” surprises with its unique take on suburban loneliness.

Limited Series / TV Movie Actress

Nominees:

• Claire Danes, “The Beast in Me”
• Sally Field, “Remarkably Bright Creatures”
• Carey Mulligan, “Beef”
• Sarah Pidgeon, “Love Story”
• Sarah Snook, “All Her Fault”

Possible Surprise: Kerry Washington, “Imperfect Women”. Possible Snub: Field.

Limited Series / TV Movie Actor

Nominees:

• Jason Bateman, “Black Rabbit”
• Charlie Hunnam, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story”
• Oscar Isaac, “Beef”
• Paul Anthony Kelly, “Love Story”
• Matthew Rhys, “The Beast in Me”

Possible Surprise: Jamie Bell, “Half Man”. Possible Snub: Bateman.

Limited Series / TV Movie Supporting Categories

Supporting Actress Nominees:

• Linda Cardellini, “DTF St. Louis”
• Grace Gummer, “Love Story”
• Laurie Metcalf, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story”
• Cailee Spaeny, “Beef”
• Naomi Watts, “Love Story”
• Yuh-Jung Youn, “Beef”

Possible Surprise: Constance Zimmer, “Love Story”. Possible Snub: Cardellini.

Supporting Actor Nominees:

• Jonathan Banks, “The Beast in Me”
• Jason Bateman, “DTF St. Louis”
• Richard Gadd, “Half Man”
• David Harbour, “DTF St. Louis”
• Charles Melton, “Beef”
• Alessandro Nivola, “Love Story”

Possible Surprise: Troy Kotsur, “Black Rabbit”. Possible Snub: Banks.