The 2024 Emmys: Who Will Win, Who Should Win — and Who Will Own the Night

Best Drama Series

In my humble opinion, Richard Gadd should not only win the Best Lead Actor in Limited/Anthology Series category but also be awarded the key to the city of Comedy! His performance in “Baby Reindeer” is a testament to the power of personal experiences and the courage it takes to bring them to life on screen. As someone who has dabbled in stand-up myself, I can only imagine the nerve it took for Gadd to write, produce, and star in this series. It’s a risk that paid off handsomely, and I can’t wait to see what he does next!

WILL WIN Shogun

In a relatively sparse year, where “The Crown” is the sole repeat nominee, the competition features both newcomers such as “Fallout,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” and “The Three-Body Problem,” as well as returning shows like “The Morning Show,” “The Gilded Age,” and “Slow Horses.” However, it is a grand series that surpassed expectations by garnering widespread appeal, resulting in the commission of a second season, which has emerged as the clear favorite with an impressive 25 nominations. — S.F. (paraphrased)

The 2024 Emmys: Who Will Win, Who Should Win — and Who Will Own the Night

SHOULD WIN Shogun

The Television Academy should deliver a basket filled with muffins to FX as a token of gratitude for rescuing what was potentially the weakest drama genre since the era of cable television offering prestige. Even if FX eventually determines that another season of Shogun is not advisable – and it seems so – the thoughtful, expertly crafted, and superbly cast James Clavell adaptation by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks is more than deserving of an Emmy nomination. – R.T.

Best Lead Actor, Drama Series

WILL WIN Hiroyuki Sanada

In Japan, Hiroyuki Sanada, famously known as a Shogun, was relatively unknown in the U.S., particularly when compared to his fellow nominees Idris Elba, Donald Glover, Walton Goggins, Gary Oldman, and Dominic West. However, his outstanding portrayal of Lord Toranaga catapulted him into international stardom at the age of 63, making him a clear favorite for the award. – S.F. (Paraphrased)

The 2024 Emmys: Who Will Win, Who Should Win — and Who Will Own the Night

SHOULD WIN Hiroyuki Sanada

At times, the criticism that “Shogun” lacked enough samurai combat was dismissed as nonsense. Instead, just observing Sanada’s Toranaga in thoughtful contemplation provided thrilling action. Sanada skillfully portrayed a character that seemed both unpredictable and calculating, filled with human ambition yet always remaining enigmatic and difficult to fully comprehend. – Rewritten by AI

Best Lead Actress, Drama Series

WILL WIN Anna Sawai

As a fan, I must admit that both the actresses who portrayed Queen Elizabeth II on “The Crown” have truly impressed with their awards. However, it’s hard not to notice the captivating 32-year-old New Zealand-born Japanese actress who played Lady Mariko in “Shogun.” She’s already claimed the TCA Award for outstanding individual achievement in a drama, outshining all other male and female performers. It seems she’s a tough contender to beat!

SHOULD WIN Anna Sawai

I can’t help but express my concern about the hypothetical second season of “Shogun.” Anna Sawai’s portrayal of Mariko in the first season was simply captivating, with her character embodying a complex web of motivations and a rich emotional depth. Given that it seems improbable for her to return, I find it hard to imagine how the show could maintain the same magic without her presence. Notably, Sawai’s performance in “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” on Apple TV+ has also left an indelible impression on me.

Best Comedy Series

WILL WIN The Bear

This year’s defending champion, in its celebrated second season, is likely to win again with 23 nominations, more than any other comedy series. However, its third season premiered in June and sparked much debate, which could shift some support towards strong competitors such as “Hacks,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Only Murders in the Building,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” – all of which have been nominated previously. (Paraphrased by S.F.)

SHOULD WIN Reservation Dogs

After a span of nearly two years, viewers have finally taken notice of Sterlin Harjo’s remarkable Indigenous coming-of-age storytelling set in Oklahoma, which has been hailed as the best comedy on TV. The last season was filled with captivating elements such as a wild flashback to the ’70s, an exploration of generational trauma through supernatural means, a humorous escape from a mental institution, and a moving two-person scene between a father and daughter. – D.F. (paraphrased)

Best Lead Actor, Comedy Series

WILL WIN Jeremy Allen White

It’s truly delightful to acknowledge the props for actors like Steve Martin, Martin Short (from Only Murders in the Building), Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows), and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (Reservation Dogs). However, if we were in a kitchen, I’d say the voters are definitely saying “Yes, Chef” for the second time to The Bear’s lead actor. – S.F.

SHOULD WIN D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai

If I were to award an Emmy to one member of the Reservation Dogs team, it would go to Devery Jacobs – for her exceptional work as a writer, director, and actor. Unfortunately, such an award doesn’t exist, but Woon-A-Tai truly shone this season, particularly in the episode “Maximus,” where his performance was equally outstanding alongside Graham Greene. I’d be curious to see more of Woon-A-Tai or Berry on screen compared to White. – D.F.

Best Lead Actress, Comedy Series

WILL WIN Jean Smart

This is between Hacks’ Jean Smart, who won for both of her show’s prior seasons; Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson, who won last year when Smart was ineligible; and The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri, who last year won best comedy supporting actress, then submitted as a lead this season. Smart has beaten Brunson, but Edebiri’s never competed against either. Edge to the veteran. — S.F.

SHOULD WIN Jean Smart

Smart has advanced to a point where it seems repetitive to continuously award Candice Bergen/Julia Louis-Dreyfus with Emmys, yet her exceptional talent in numerous aspects makes it difficult to argue against. Deborah Vance’s somber transformation in the season finale, desperately holding onto a dream she believed was no longer attainable, was skillfully portrayed. — R.G.

Best Limited/Anthology Series

WILL WIN Baby Reindeer

HBO’s “True Detective” and FX’s “Fargo” are both anthology series with their fifth and fourth installments respectively. “True Detective” received a record-breaking 19 nominations, while “Fargo” won an award for its debut in 2014. Netflix also has two limited series in the running: the artistic “Ripley” and the thought-provoking “Baby Reindeer”. Similar to recent winners, “Baby Reindeer” has sparked significant cultural discussion. – S.F.

SHOULD WIN Ripley

Steven Zaillian addressed the intriguing query, “Should there be a fresh Ripley perspective?”, by creating an engaging eight-episode limited series that was both poignant and amusing at times. Andrew Scott brought his unique touch to this more seasoned, less extraordinarily gifted portrayal of the character. The stunning black-and-white cinematography by Robert Elswit is sure to win an Emmy. – R.T.

Best Lead Actor, Limited/Anthology Series

WILL WIN Richard Gadd

Richard Gadd, a comedian with limited acting background, penned the play “Baby Reindeer” based on his own life events, and subsequently took on the role himself, which could have easily backfired. While other nominees’ performances in Ripley, Fargo, and Feud: Capote vs. The Swans might be more emotionally charged, none are more chilling or unsettling. – S.F. (Paraphrased version)

SHOULD WIN Richard Gadd

In this fascinating category, we have Hamm sporting nipple rings, Matt Bomer portraying a Cold War-era twist on Don Draper, and Hollander and Scott adding their unique touches to characters who’ve been played numerous times before. However, among the unexpected elements in ‘Baby Reindeer’, Gadd’s raw, semi-autobiographical performance stood out as the most eye-opening. – R.A.

Best Lead Actress, Limited/Anthology Series

WILL WIN Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is one of the most revered actresses in the world, but she has never won an Emmy, and voters will be hard-pressed to deny her for her turn in the latest True Detective. If an upset were to happen, it could come from fellow Oscar winner Brie Larson (Lessons in Chemistry) or, for her first dramatic role, Sofía Vergara (Griselda). — S.F.

SHOULD WIN Juno Temple

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but appreciate the brilliance of both Foster and Larson as they each breathe life into their complex, prickly characters. However, it’s Juno Temple who truly captivates me. She initially seems like a whimsical cartoon character in her portrayal of Minnesota nice for the latest Fargo series. Yet, she masterfully uncovers Dot Lyon’s hidden trauma, sweetness, and raw toughness. Her exceptional performance in the finale with Sam Spruell, particularly when he snubs her, is nothing short of remarkable. — Yours Truly

This tale was initially published in the September 11th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To keep up with future publications, consider subscribing here.

2024-09-13 18:56