Outstanding Comedy Series
- Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- The Bear (FX)
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
- Hacks (HBO)
- Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
- Reservation Dogs (FX)
- What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
Prediction: Curb Your Enthusiasm
Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, which debuted in 2000, has a modest collection of Emmys. Despite 55 nominations over 24 years, it has won only two awards. The show’s 12th season, which ended in April 2024, received mostly positive reviews. Although recent seasons haven’t matched the earlier ones, it might still earn enough sympathy votes to win.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
- Ayo Edebiri, The Bear (FX)
- Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building (FX)
- Maya Rudolph, Loot (Apple TV+)
- Jean Smart, Hacks (Max)
- Kristen Wiig, Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
Prediction: Quinta Brunson
Last year, Quinta Brunson became the first Black actress to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series since Isabel Sanford for The Jeffersons. Brunson not only acts but also co-produces and writes for Abbott Elementary. Her portrayal of Janine Teagues, a whimsical and hopeful Philadelphia teacher, adds depth to the character.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
- Matt Berry, What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
- Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
- Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- Jeremy Allen White, The Bear (FX)
- D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Reservation Dogs (FX)
Prediction: Jeremy Allen White
While The Bear’s inclusion in comedy categories might be debatable, Jeremy Allen White is likely to win. White, who won last year’s Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, is a strong contender again. His performance in the successful second season of The Bear remains a highlight.
Outstanding Drama Series
- The Crown (Netflix)
- Fallout (Prime Video)
- The Gilded Age (HBO)
- The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
- Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
- Shogun (FX)
- Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
- 3 Body Problem (Netflix)
Prediction: Shogun
FX’s Shogun has been a major hit, with some critics calling it a “Game of Thrones” set in 17th-century Japan. Based on a novel, it offers stunning visuals, deep storylines, and exceptional performances. It won 14 Creative Arts Emmys last week and is expected to add to that tally.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
- Idris Elba, Hijack (Apple TV+)
- Donald Glover, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
- Walton Goggins, Fallout (Prime Video)
- Gary Oldman, Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
- Hiroyuki Sanada, Shogun (FX)
- Dominic West, The Crown (Netflix)
Prediction: Hiroyuki Sanada
Hiroyuki Sanada, a celebrated Japanese actor with a career spanning six decades, plays Yoshii Toranaga in Shogun. His versatile and deep performance enhances the show, making him a likely winner.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
- Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
- Maya Erskine, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
- Carrie Coon, The Gilded Age (HBO)
- Anna Sawai, Shogun (FX)
- Imelda Staunton, The Crown (Netflix)
- Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
Prediction: Maya Erskine
While Anna Sawai and Imelda Staunton deliver impressive performances, Maya Erskine’s role in Mr. and Mrs. Smithstands out. Previously nominated for her work on PEN15, Erskine’s portrayal of Jane Smith, a complex secret agent, adds depth and authenticity to the show.
