Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Emmys ceremonies from film awards editor Clayton Davis. Following history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Emmy predictions are updated regularly with the current year's list of contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. The eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and is subject to change.
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2021 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
UPDATED: May 20, 2021
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY: This race does not have as deep a bench as its female counterparts, but it is exciting nonetheless. The actors in contention here are mostly multi-nominated and previously awarded at the Emmys, now seeking another touch of the gold statue. Anthony Ramos seems to be one of the few potential first-timers for his work in HBO’s “In Treatment.” With the critical acclaim he’s receiving for his electric turn in Jon M. Chu’s musical adaptation of “In the Heights,” which will release one week before the opening of nominations-round voting, he could find himself becoming one of the top contenders for the prize. Ramos would be just the fifth Latino actor to be nominated in this category in the 73 years of the Emmys. Edward James Olmos, who is one of those five previously nominated (and awarded for “Miami Vice” in 1985), could be a dark horse entry for his work on “Mayans M.C.,” along with many others from the FX show’s diverse ensemble.
When assessing a field, it’s always helpful to look at the overdue names in the running, and Michael Kenneth Williams is near the top of the list after four unsuccessful swings at the Emmy bat. His work in HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” could put him in a spot for his first win. Also with four previous nods, Giancarlo Esposito moves his Moff Gideon of “The Mandalorian” from the guest drama actor race, where he was nominated last year, to the supporting category. Television Academy favorite “Better Call Saul” is not in the running this year, but the love for Esposito will likely continue, especially since he is so visible across nominations-round ballots. (He is also eligible here for Epix’s “Godfather of Harlem” and in guest again, this time for Amazon Prime Video’s “The Boys.”)
A few more contenders are emerging from the superhero and fantasy genre, including Daniel Brühl and Wyatt Russell, who may find some traction for Disney Plus’ “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” depending on the overall showing of the series at the Emmys, which remains in flux.
In the establishment club, former Emmy winners John Lithgow (“Perry Mason”) and Bradley Whitford (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) seem poised for another round of accolades. Moving from the lead category designation at last year’s Emmys, Tobias Menzies has failed to garner recognition yet for his work as Prince Philip on Netflix’s “The Crown.” If the frontrunner status remains cemented, the period drama series could go on a tear and pick up multiple actor statues, as it remains the leading contender in lead drama actress and supporting drama actress categories.
Always open to some wildcard entries, “This Is Us” had a successful fifth season, and the recent finale could make voters begin to rally behind preview nominee Chris Sullivan. And with just one prior nomination — in 2013 for “The Big C” — John Benjamin Hickey could come in alongside his co-star from “In Treatment.”
The eligibility period ends on May 31 before nomination-round voting begins on June 17, concluding on June 28. The Primetime Emmy nominations will be announced on July 13, 2021.
HBO
AND THE PREDICTED NOMINEES ARE:
Michael Kenneth Williams"Lovecraft Country" (HBO)
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EMMY HISTORY: Four nominationsROLE: Montrose Freeman
–CREATOR: Misha GreenSYNOPSIS: A young African-American travels across the U.S. in the 1950s in search of his missing father.STARRING: Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett, Aunjanue Ellis, Courtney B. Vance, Wunmi Mosaku, Abbey Lee, Jamie Chung, Jada Harris, Michael K. Williams
Tobias Menzies"The Crown" (Netflix)
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EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
–CREATOR: Peter MorganSYNOPSIS: Follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped the second half of the twentieth century.STARRING: Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter, Gillian Anderson, Josh O'Connor, Emma Corrin, Marion Bailey, Erin Doherty, Stephen Boxer, Emerald Fennell
Bradley Whitford"The Handmaid's Tale" (Hulu)
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EMMY HISTORY: Seven nominations, three wins (supporting actor drama for "The West Wing" in 2001, guest actor comedy for "Transparent" in 2015 and guest actor drama for "The Handmaid's Tale" in 2019)ROLE: Commander Joseph Lawrence
–CREATOR: Bruce MillerSYNOPSIS: Set in a dystopian future, a woman is forced to live as a concubine under a fundamentalist theocratic dictatorship.STARRING: Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Joseph Fiennes, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenie, Samira Wiley, Nina Kiri, Alexis Bledel, Bahia Watson, Bradley Whitford
John Lithgow"Perry Mason" (HBO)
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EMMY HISTORY: 12 nominations, 6 wins (guest performer drama for "Amazing Stories" in 1986, lead actor comedy for "3rd Rock from the Sun" in 1996, 1997 and 1999, guest actor drama for "Dexter" in 2010 and supporting actor drama for "The Crown" in 2017)ROLE: Elias Birchard 'E.B.' Jonathan
–CREATORS: Rolin Jones, Ron FitzgeraldSYNOPSIS: In booming 1932 Los Angeles, a down-and-out defense attorney takes on the case of a lifetime.STARRING: Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Tatiana Maslany, John Lithgow
Anthony Ramos"In Treatment" (HBO)
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EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: Eladio
–CREATORS: Rodrigo García, Hagai Levi, Nir BergmanSYNOPSIS: A psychotherapist questions his abilities and gets help by reuniting with his old therapist, whom he has not seen for ten years.STARRING: Uzo Aduba, Anthony Ramos, Liza Colón-Zayas, John Benjamin Hickey, Quintessa Swindell, Joel Kinnaman
Giancarlo Esposito"The Mandalorian" (Disney Plus)
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EMMY HISTORY: Four nominationsROLE: Moff Gideon
–CREATOR: Jon FavreauSYNOPSIS: The travels of a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.STARRING: Pedro Pascal
John Benjamin Hickey"In Treatment" (HBO)–
EMMY HISTORY: One nominationROLE: Colin
–CREATORS: Rodrigo García, Hagai Levi, Nir BergmanSYNOPSIS: A psychotherapist questions his abilities and gets help by reuniting with his old therapist, whom he has not seen for ten years.STARRING: Uzo Aduba, Anthony Ramos, Liza Colón-Zayas, John Benjamin Hickey, Quintessa Swindell, Joel Kinnaman
Chris Sullivan"This Is Us" (NBC)
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EMMY HISTORY: One nominationROLE: Toby Damon
–CREATOR: Dan FogelmanSYNOPSIS: A heartwarming and emotional story about a unique set of triplets, their struggles and their wonderful parents.STARRING: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Sullivan, Jon Huertas, Alexadra Breckenridge, Niles Fitch, Logan Shroyer, Hannah Zeile, Mackenzie Hancsicsak, Parker Bates, Eris Baker, Faithe Herman, Lonnie Chavis, Melanie Liburd, Lyric Ross, Asante Blackk, Griffin Dunne, Caitlin Thompson
John Walker (Wyatt Russell) in Marvel Studios’ THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved
Chuck Zlotnick
NEXT IN LINE CONTENDERS:
Jonathan Bailey"Bridgerton" (Netflix)
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EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: Anthony Bridgerton
–CREATORS: Chris Van DusenSYNOPSIS: Wealth, lust, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family.STARRING: Adjoa Andoh, Lorraine Ashbourne, Jonathan Bailey, Ruby Barker, Sabrina Bartlett, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Nicola Coughlan, Phoebe Dynevor, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Claudia Jessie, Ben Miller, Luke Newton, Regé-Jean Page, Golda Rosheuvel, Luke Thompson, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, Julie Andrews
Wyatt Russell"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" (Disney Plus)
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EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: John Walker
–CREATOR: Malcolm Spellman
SYNOPSIS: Following the events of 'Avengers: Endgame,' Sam Wilson/Falcon and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier team up in a global adventure that tests their abilities -- and their patience.
STARRING: Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Wyatt Russell, Erin Kellyman, Danny Ramirez, Georges St-Pierre, Adepero Oduye, Don Cheadle, Daniel Brühl, Emily VanCamp, Florence Kasumba, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
TOP-TIER AWARDS CONTENDERS:
O-T Fagbenle"The Handmaid's Tale" (Hulu)–
EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: Luke Bankole
–CREATOR: Bruce Miller
SYNOPSIS: Set in a dystopian future, a woman is forced to live as a concubine under a fundamentalist theocratic dictatorship.
STARRING: Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Joseph Fiennes, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenie, Samira Wiley, Nina Kiri, Alexis Bledel, Bahia Watson, Bradley Whitford
Max Minghella"The Handmaid's Tale" (Hulu)–
EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: Nick Blaine
–CREATOR: Bruce Miller
SYNOPSIS: Set in a dystopian future, a woman is forced to live as a concubine under a fundamentalist theocratic dictatorship.
STARRING: Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Joseph Fiennes, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenie, Samira Wiley, Nina Kiri, Alexis Bledel, Bahia Watson, Bradley Whitford
Daniel Brühl"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" (Disney Plus)
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EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: Baron Zemo
–CREATOR: Malcolm Spellman
SYNOPSIS: Following the events of 'Avengers: Endgame,' Sam Wilson/Falcon and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier team up in a global adventure that tests their abilities -- and their patience.
STARRING: Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Wyatt Russell, Erin Kellyman, Danny Ramirez, Georges St-Pierre, Adepero Oduye, Don Cheadle, Daniel Brühl, Emily VanCamp, Florence Kasumba, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
John Carroll Lynch"Big Sky" (ABC)
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EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: Rick Legarski
–CREATOR: David E. Kelley
SYNOPSIS: A private detective teams up with an ex-cop to solve a kidnapping case in Montana.
STARRING: Katheryn Winnick, Kylie Bunbury, Brian Geraghty, Dedee Pfeiffer, Jesse James Keitel, Ryan Phillippe, Valerie Mahaffey
Lin-Manuel Miranda"His Dark Materials" (HBO)
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EMMY HISTORY: Four nominations, one win (original music and lyrics for the song "Bigger!" on "The 67th Annual Tony Awards" in 2014)ROLE: Lee Scoresby
–CREATOR: Philip Pullman
SYNOPSIS: A young girl is destined to liberate her world from the grip of the Magisterium which represses people's ties to magic and their animal spirits known as daemons.
STARRING: Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, Anne-Marie Duff, Clarke Peters, James Cosmo, Ariyon Bakare, Will Keen, Lucian Msamati, Gary Lewis, Lewin Lloyd, Daniel Frogson, James McAvoy, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ruta Gedmintas, Amir Wilson, Nina Sosanya, Jade Anouka, Sean Gilder, Simone Kirby, Andrew Scott
Edward James Olmos"Mayans M.C." (FX)
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EMMY HISTORY: Three nominations, one win (supporting actor drama for "Miami Vice" in 1985)ROLE: Felipe Reyes
–CREATOR: Elgin James, Kurt Sutter
SYNOPSIS: Set in a post-Jax Teller world, "Mayans MC" sees EZ Reyes, a former golden boy now fresh out of prison, as a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the California-Mexico border who must carve out his new outlaw identity.
STARRING: JD Pardo, Clayton Cardenas, Sarah Bolger. Michael Irby, Carla Baratta, Raoul Max Trujillo
Richard Schiff"The Good Doctor" (ABC)
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EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: Dr. Aaron Glassman
–CREATOR: David Shore
SYNOPSIS: Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and Savant syndrome, is recruited into the surgical unit of a prestigious hospital.
STARRING: Freddie Highmore, Antonia Thomas, Richard Schiff, Hill Harper, Christina Chang, Paige Spara, Will Yun Lee, Fiona Gubelmann
Giancarlo Esposito"Godfather of Harlem" (Epix)
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EMMY HISTORY: Four nominationsROLE: Congressman Adam Clayton Powell
–CREATOR: Chris Brancato, Paul Eckstein
SYNOPSIS: A gangster named Bumpy Johnson makes his way in Harlem during the 1960s. A TV prequel to the 2007 film, 'American Gangster', which centered on the criminal enterprise of Frank Lucas.
STARRING: Forest Whitaker, Nigel Thatch, Ilfenesh Hadera, Lucy Fry, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, Vincent D'Onofrio, Erik LaRay Harvey, Giancarlo Esposito
Dyllón Burnside"Pose" (FX)
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EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: Ricky
–CREATORS: Steven Canals, Brad Falchuk, Ryan MurphySYNOPSIS: Drama spotlighting the legends, icons and ferocious house mothers of New York’s underground ball culture, a movement that first gained notice in the late 1980s.STARRING: Billy Porter, Mj Rodriguez, Jason Rodriguez, Dyllón Burnside, Angel Bismark Curiel, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, Hailie Sahar, Sandra Bernhard
Scott Mescudi"We Are Who We Are" (HBO)
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EMMY HISTORY: Never nominatedROLE: Richard Poythress
–CREATORS: Sean Conway, Paolo Giordano, Luca Guadagnino, Francesca Manieri
SYNOPSIS: Two American teenagers come of age while living on an American military base in Italy.
STARRING: Chloë Sevigny, Jack Dylan Grazer, Alice Braga, Jordan Kristine Seamón, Spence Moore II, Scott Mescudi, Faith Alabi, Francesca Scorsese, Ben Taylor, Corey Knight, Tom Mercier
ALL AWARDS CONTENDERS (UNRANKED):
AWARDS CATEGORY HISTORY (Supporting Actor in a Drama Series)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known simply as the Emmys, is television’s most prestigious artistic award. There are many records held for both wins and nominations in the near eight decades.
For wins: Peter Dinklage is the most awarded actor in this category, with four individual wins for his turn as Tyrion Lannister on HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” Art Carney, Don Knotts and Aaron Paul are the second most awarded with three wins each. “Game of Thrones,” “L.A. Law” and “The West Wing” each have four wins for its actors in this category over its runs, the most of any television series.
For nominations: Peter Dinklage is the most nominated person in this category with eight nominations, all for each season of “Game of Thrones.” Five actors are tied behind him with six nominations: Jonathan Banks, Ed Begley Jr, Will Geer, Jimmy Smits, and Bruce Weitz. Banks and Begley Jr are the only two to have not won yet in any Primetime Emmy category.
“Hill Street Blues” is the series that has received the most nominations in this category over its run, with 16 nominations with “L.A. Law” and “The West Wing” close behind with 15 and 14 nods, respectively.
2021 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions
About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, is given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards recognize excellence in American primetime television programming. They are divided into three classes – Primetime Emmy Awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (honors artisan achievements) and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards (recognizes significant engineering and technological contributions). The typical eligibility period is between June 1 and May 31 of any given year. The Television Academy comprises over 25,000 members, representing 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors and various artisans and executives.
- The 73rd Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 8:00 pm est on CBS and on-demand on sister streamer Paramount Plus.