The 2021 Emmys are just days away, which means some of your favorite shows could be walking home with a handful of trophies on Sunday night.
From Ted Lasso to Wandavision to Bridgerton, television’s best and brightest will be duking it out for those golden statues. But while anything could happen come showtime, there are a handful of shows and actors who are predicted to win the night’s biggest awards.
Best Drama
The Boys
Bridgerton
The Crown
The Mandalorian
Lovecraft Country
The Handmaid’s Tale
Pose
This Is Us
With last year’s big winner, Succession, not eligible for this year’s Emmys, more fan-favorite shows were able to snag a nomination for Best Drama. Although The Boys, The Mandalorian, and Bridgerton all have die-hard viewers, it’s going to be The Crown that picks up the win.
Not only was it the final season for actors Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, and Josh O’Conner, but it was also the season that introduced Princess Diana (played by Emma Corin) to viewers.
And, believe it or not, The Crown has never won an Emmy for Best Drama! I would be shocked to see anything other than this royal drama get the trophy.
Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Emma Corrin, The Crown
Olivia Colman, The Crown
Uzo Aduba, In Treatment
Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale
Jurnee Smollett, Lovecraft Country
Mj Rodriguez, Pose
This one is going to come down to Princess Diana vs. Queen Elizabeth (aka Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman). Coleman has yet to win an Emmy for playing Queen Elizabeth, and because this is her last season on The Crown, it feels like the perfect opportunity to award her.
However, Corrin was a revelation as Princess Di. While this could easily go either way, my heart is telling me Emma Corrin will win this one.
Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
Jonathan Majors, Lovecraft Country
Josh O’Connor, The Crown
Regé-Jean Page, Bridgerton
Billy Porter, Pose
Matthew Rhys, Perry Mason
Again, another very tough category. This one really comes down to Billy Porter and Josh O’Connor, at least in my opinion. If Porter hadn’t won his Emmy in 2019, I would say he has this one in the bag.
But, because he’s already won an Emmy, I could see the Academy wanting to reward Josh O’Connor for his fantastic performance as Prince Charles. Again, like the Best Lead Actress in a Drama category, this one really could either way.
Heck, maybe Regé-Jean Page will surprise us all and grab the victory for Team Bridgerton!
Best Comedy
Black-ish
Cobra Kai
Emily in Paris
The Flight Attendant
Hacks
The Kominsky Method
PEN15
Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso has taken the world by storm ever since it premiered in fall 2020, and I don’t see its run of dominance stopping anytime soon. While Hacks has a decent shot to upset Ted Lasso, the Apple TV+ hit should rack up many wins on Sunday night.
(And, if you’re wondering why Emily in Paris is nominated for Best Comedy, you are not alone).
Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson, black-ish
Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method
William H. Macy, Shameless
Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso
Kenan Thompson, Kenan
I would be shocked if this award went to anyone other than Jason Sudeikis for Ted Lasso. Not only is the show beloved, but he’s equally just as beloved. And, as great as the other actors in this category are, none are really a threat to his victory.
Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Aidy Bryant, Shrill
Kaley Cuoco, The Flight Attendant
Allison Janney, Mom
Tracee Ellis Ross, Black-ish
Jean Smart, Hacks
Jean Smart was not only fantastic in Hacks, but she was just as brilliant as Kate Winslet’s mother in Mare of Easttown. As people say in the industry, “this is her year.” But, if anyone were to upset her, it would be Kaley Cuoco in The Flight Attendant.
Best Limited or Anthology Series
Mare of Easttown
I May Destroy You
The Queen’s Gambit
The Underground Railroad
Wandavision
This has to be one of the most stacked Limited or Anthology categories in recent years. In fact, in any other year, every single one of these shows would be considered the favorite to win. However, I think The Queen’s Gambit is going to come away victorious.
While Mare of Easttown was a massive hit and Wandavision was a breath of fresh air on Disney Plus, I don’t know if either show has the power to stop The Queen’s Gambit. But if you’re looking for a category that may have a massive upset, this could be it.
