Emmys 2019 Picks
In the interest of full transparency I’ll fully admit that I’ve been very behind on my television watching this year. Therefore more often than not I’m making a best guess here informed by years of melting my brain in front of the ol’ boob tube. Also keep in mind some of these predictions are wishful thinking.
NOMINEES
“Better Call Saul” – I stopped watching part way through season one. I am actually surprised this is still on. It felt much more niche than “Breaking Bad.”
“Bodyguard” – Not sure why this is nominated, watched episode one and tapped out.
“Game Of Thrones” – If this was a different season I’d say sure this could deserve a win, but with that ending – no thank you.
“Killing Eve” – I’m torn between this and “Pose” for most deserving. I found season one a bit stronger than season two, so am not sure this can dethrone one of the other contenders. Would be delighted if it won though.
“Ozark” – Again, gave it my best efforts but could not get in to this show.
“Pose” – “Pose” is one of the best shows on television right now. I sincerely hope it gets recognized.
“Succession” – I’ve heard that season two was far superior to season one, but don’t think this has enough traction.
“This Is Us” – The most accessible / network friendly of the lot. I could see this pulling an upset.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul” – While I may have tapped out of the show, I still appreciate Odenkirk as an actor in this role.
Kit Harington, “Game Of Thrones” – It’s hard to call one character a lead on an ensemble. I don’t think Jon Snow is coming home with an award tonight.
Jason Bateman, “Ozark” – Eh.
Billy Porter, “Pose” – I will continue to sing Billy Porter’s praises as well as the praises of “Pose.” He is a force to be reckoned with and I sincerely hope he receives recognition for his performance.
Sterling K. Brown, “This Is Us” – Not familiar with the show, but the vote split here isn’t a good sign.
Milo Ventimiglia, “This Is Us” – Again, a vote split might make this hard for either to win.
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Emilia Clarke, “Game Of Thrones” – Danerys deserved better.
Robin Wright, “House Of Cards” – Truth be told I have not been able to bring myself to watch the last season of “House Of Cards.” The whole drama with Spacey has made it hard to pick up again (in spite of the show addressing his absence). That being said she was always the best part.
Viola Davis, “How To Get Away With Murder” – Awards do love her.
Jodie Comer, “Killing Eve” – While in the previous category I’m hoping the vote split results in someone more deserving receiving an award, here the vote split worries me. Both Comer and Oh are deserving but I worry that neither will take home the trophy and neutralize each other.
Sandra Oh, “Killing Eve” – Which would be somewhat fitting given their characters. I’m hoping Oh’s track record results in eeking out a win.
Laura Linney, “Ozark” – Seriously, do I need to watch this show?
Mandy Moore, “This Is Us” – Approachable has appeal, even if I personally don’t want it to win.
Jonathan Banks, “Better Call Saul” – Seriously are there only four shows on television? Or are these two’s performances really that good?
Giancarlo Esposito, “Better Call Saul” – Ok I do love Gus Fring.
Alfie Allen, “Game Of Thrones” – Maybe last season, but this season? Naw.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, “Game Of Thrones” – I think the youngest Lannister will eek out the win.
Peter Dinklage, “Game Of Thrones” – I have never been a particular fan of his portrayal of Tyrion, but of those nominated I think he has the best chance of winning, especially with the show ending and having been previously honored.
Michael Kelly, “House Of Cards” – Unlikely.
Chris Sullivan, “This Is Us” – It’s an honor to be nominated?
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Gwendoline Christie, “Game Of Thrones” – I hope Gwendoline Christie wins for several reasons: 1) she had one of the best arcs in a final season that was doing it’s best to try to ruin everything they’d established to that point. 2) she submitted HERSELF. If that sort of confidence isn’t deserving of an award I don’t know what is.
Lena Headey, “Game Of Thrones” – I swear to the Old Gods and the New, if having so many women from the show hurts Gwendoline’s chances I shall be very upset.
Sophie Turner, “Game Of Thrones” – Did y’all even WATCH the last season?
Maisie Williams, “Game Of Thrones” – Okay clearly you did because yes, Arya deserves a nod.
Fiona Shaw, “Killing Eve” – Great acting, awards politicking will probably interfere/hurt odds.
Julia Garner, “Ozark” – Wild card due to the vote split by GoT.
Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series
Game Of Thrones, “The Iron Throne,” David Benioff and D.B. Weiss – To be clear, I love “Game of Thrones” but this last season – or at least the finale – was so dissatisfying (and I didn’t want a happy ending per se, but at least a fitting one) that I would hate to see this rewarded.
Game Of Thrones, “The Last Of The Starks,” David Nutter – See above.
Game Of Thrones, “The Long Night” Miguel Sapochnik – All that being said I think this was the best of the nominated episodes
The Handmaid’s Tale, “Holly,” Daina Reid – I’m behind on my “Handmaid’s Tale” viewing because reality has basically BECOME “The Handmaid’s Tale” so I don’t know how valid this nom is.
Killing Eve, “Desperate Times,” Lisa Brühlmann – Could be an upset win but unlikely.
Ozark, “Reparations,” Jason Bateman – Is this necessary?
Succession, “Celebration,” Adam McKay – Or this?
Better Call Saul, “Winner,” Peter Gould and Thomas Schnauz
Bodyguard, “Episode 1,” Jed Mercurio
Game Of Thrones, “The Iron Throne,” David Benioff and D.B. Weiss
The Handmaid’s Tale, “Holly,” Bruce Miller and Kira Snyder
Killing Eve, “Nice And Neat,” Emerald Fennell – I’m going with which one I want on this one. “Game of Thrones” will probably take it.
Succession, “Nobody Is Ever Missing,” Jesse Armstrong
Outstanding Comedy Series
“Barry” – While I think “Barry” is hilarious and an excellent show, “Fleabag” is just extraordinary and hope it wins.
“Fleabag” – I’ve never seen anything like this show and the fact that season two was just as good if not better than season one is why it’s deserving of a win.
“The Good Place” – I know folks love this show but it’s no “Fleabag”
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” – Ugh I swear if they give this show another award, particularly over “Barry” or “Fleabag” I’ll know this is rigged.
“Russian Doll” – Still in progress of watching this, not sure if it can beat the others though.
“Schitt ‘s Creek” – Now here’s an upset I’d actually be fine with. If you aren’t watching “Schitt’s Creek” you need to start ASAP.
“Veep” – I could see the fact that this is the final season for “Veep” squeaking out a win.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Bill Hader, “Barry” – This is Hader’s to lose.
Don Cheadle, “Black Monday” – I enjoyed “Black Monday” but I don’t know if it’s quite on par with “Barry” or even “Schitt’s Creek.”
Anthony Anderson, “black-ish”
Ted Danson, “The Good Place”
Michael Douglas, “The Kominsky Method” – If they give this to him just because he’s been around forever, I will be very upset.
Eugene Levy, “Schitt‘s Creek” – What a win this would be. Though really isn’t Dan Levy the lead… in my mind at least.
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Christina Applegate, “Dead To Me”
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, “Fleabag” – Give. Her. Everything.
Rachel Brosnahan, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” – Haven’t you stolen enough awards?
Natasha Lyonne, “Russian Doll”
Catherine O’Hara, “Schitt ‘s Creek” – Again I love the show, but how can you nominate O’Hara and Eugene Levy, but not Dan Levy?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep” – Series finale bump could come into play here.
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Anthony Carrigan, “Barry” – More vote splitting issues, but I absolutely love his character on the show and it could be refreshing to give new blood the award.
Stephen Root, “Barry”
Henry Winkler, “Barry” – That being said, who doesn’t love the Fonz.
Alan Arkin, “The Kominsky Method”
Tony Shalhoub, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Tony Hale, “Veep”
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Sarah Goldberg, “Barry”
Sian Clifford, “Fleabag”
Olivia Colman, “Fleabag” – She’s like an awards magnet.
Betty Gilpin, “GLOW” – I’m glad to see “GLOW” get at least some recognition!
Alex Borstein, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” – I think if there’s any category for Maisel to steal it might be this one.
Marin Hinkle, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Kate McKinnon, “Saturday Night Live”
Anna Chlumsky, “Veep” – Also could steal?
Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
Barry, “The Audition,” Alec Berg
Barry, “ronny/lily,” Bill Hader – So in a weird turn of events I think Hader might win twice, they’ll have voted for him here as a consolation not realizing they already voted for him in lead too.
The Big Bang Theory, “The Stockholm Syndrome,” Mark Cendrowski
Fleabag, “Episode 1,” Harry Bradbeer – I’d like to see this win.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, “All Alone,” Amy Sherman-Palladino
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, “We’re Going To The Catskills!” Daniel Palladino
Barry, “ronny/lily,” Alec Berg and Bill Hader
Fleabag, “Episode 1,” Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Again, just give her all the awards please.
The Good Place, “Janet(s),” Josh Siegal and Dylan Morgan
PEN15, “Anna Ishii-Peters,” Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle – This show made me so uncomfortable (in a good way?) and would be an interesting upset.
Russian Doll, “Nothing In This World Is Easy,” Leslye Headland, Natasha Lyonne and Amy Poehler
Russian Doll, “A Warm Body,” Allison Silverman
Veep, “Veep,” David Mandel – The strongest suit of the show is writing.
Outstanding Limited Series
Another category I’m at a loss for. I’d like to see Ava win, but I think “Fosse/Verdon” will take this home.
“Chernobyl”
“Escape At Dannemora”
“Fosse/Verdon”
“Sharp Objects”
“When They See Us”
Outstanding Television Movie
Interesting that Black Mirror was able to slide in as a “Television Movie” and would be precedent setting if it won.
“Bandersnatch (Black Mirror)”
“Brexit”
“Deadwood” – But I’m guessing there are enough “Deadwood” fans in the voting body to give this a win.
“King Lear”
“My Dinner With Hervé”
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie
Jared Harris, “Chernobyl” – I’m just guessing but overall he’s an excellent actor.
Benicio del Toro, “Escape At Dannemora”
Sam Rockwell, “Fosse/Verdon” – You can read almost any piece I wrote on awards for the last two years to know how I feel about Rockwell…..
Mahershala Ali, “True Detective”
Hugh Grant, “A Very English Scandal” – Was that this year?!
Jharrel Jerome, “When They See Us”
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie
Joey King, “The Act”
Patricia Arquette, “Escape At Dannemora”
Michelle Williams, “Fosse/Verdon” – Guessing a “Fosse/Verdon” sweep in spite of personal protestations.
Amy Adams, “Sharp Objects”
Aunjanue Ellis, “When They See Us”
Niecy Nash, “When They See Us”
Stellan Skarsgård, “Chernobyl” – I’m just guessing
Paul Dano, “Escape At Dannemora”
Ben Whishaw, “A Very English Scandal”
Asante Blackk, “When They See Us”
John Leguizamo, “When They See Us”
Michael K. Williams, “When They See Us”
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie
Patricia Arquette, “The Act”
Emily Watson, “Chernobyl”
Margaret Qualley, “Fosse/Verdon” –
Patricia Clarkson, “Sharp Objects”
Marsha Stephanie Blake, “When They See Us”
Vera Farmiga, “When They See Us”
Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special
Chernobyl, Johan Renck
Escape At Dannemora, Ben Stiller
Fosse/Verdon, “Glory,” Jessica Yu
Fosse/Verdon, “Who’s Got The Pain,” Thomas Kail
A Very English Scandal, Stephen Frears
When They See Us, Ava DuVernay – This is wishful thinking.
Outstanding Writing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special
Chernobyl, Craig Mazin – Guessing this will actually win.
Escape At Dannemora, “Episode 6,” Brett Johnson, Michael Tolkin and Jerry Stahl
Escape At Dannemora, “Episode 7,” Brett Johnson and Michael Tolkin
Fosse/Verdon, “Providence,”Steven Levenson and Joey Fields
A Very English Scandal, Russell T. Davies
When They See Us, “Part Four,” Ava DuVernay and Michael Starrbury – More wishful thinking.
Outstanding Variety Talk Series
“The Daily Show With Trevor Noah”
“Full Frontal With Samantha Bee”
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” – They’ve won this many years in a row at this point, why not continue. I could see Daily Show competing.
“The Late Late Show With James Corden”
“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” – This also has a fighting chance.
“At Home With Amy Sedaris”
“Documentary Now!”
“Drunk History”
“I Love You, America With Sarah Silverman”
“Saturday Night Live” – The real world gave the show plenty of fodder this last season, and let’s remember votes were cast before the latest scandal.
“Who Is America?”
Outstanding Directing For A Variety Series
Documentary Now!, “Waiting For The Artist,” Alex Buono and Rhys Thomas
Drunk History, “Are You Afraid Of The Drunk?” Derek Waters
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, “Psychics,” Paul Pennolino
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, “Live Midterm Election Show,” Jim Hoskinson
Saturday Night Live, “Host : Adam Sandler,” Don Roy King – Pretty much anything else should win, but given that it’s “variety” series this is the easiest to vote for without too much headache.
Who Is America?, “Episode 102,” Sacha Baron Cohen, Nathan Fielder, Daniel Gray Longino and Dan Mazer
Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series
“Documentary Now!”
“Full Frontal With Samantha Bee”
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” – This also has the advantage of being frequent enough to keep in the zeitgeist, but since it’s weekly can put time into the scripting.
“Late Night With Seth Meyers”
“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”
“Saturday Night Live”
Outstanding Competition Program
“The Amazing Race” – They really loved rewarding this show so it could upset.
“American Ninja Warrior”
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” – But I love me some drag race.
“Top Chef”
“The Voice”
