Emmy Awards Predictions: Ted Lasso, MJ Rodriguez And Queen's Gambit

In a somewhat disputed tally, Netflix lost the most Emmy nominations title to HBO/HBO Max for the 2021 calendar year. After dominating the three Creative Arts Emmys categories, the Primetime Emmy ceremony is their shot to truly cement their Emmy legacy. Based on our predictions for Sunday night, it will add up to the streamer’s best Emmys ever.

READ MORE: Bo Burnham, RuPaul, and Claire Foy rule Creative Arts Emmys night two [All Winners]

Sure, Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso,” HBO’s “Mare of Easttown,” and HBO Max’s “Hacks” should all have good nights, but Netflix will likely take both the Best Drama and Best Limited Series or Anthology Series categories. In fact, “The Crown” and “The Queen’s Gambit” will give Netflix key wins in prestigious categories they have never captured before. Considering how much effort the company puts forward in their awards campaigns, it will be something of a relief for the Sunset Blvd. studio to finally crack these glass ceilings.

As for the other categories, there is a chance some upsets will occur and, frankly, a (very) few races are wide open. Anything can happen at the Emmys, but the good news is, the tented ceremony won’t have to deal with rain or the extreme temperatures of last weekend. And we’re still hoping that the red carpet isn’t. as small as they say it will be.

Without further delay, my predictions for Emmy night 2021.

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Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series 


The Flight Attendant • HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Bros. Television
Rosie Perez as Megan Briscoe 

Hacks • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels 

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video 
Aidy Bryant as Various Characters 

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video 
Kate McKinnon as Various Characters 

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video 
Cecily Strong as Various Characters 

Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television 
Juno Temple as Keeley Jones 

Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television 
Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton 

Who will win: Hannah Waddingham

Who should win: Hannah Waddington or Cecily Strong

Upset: Cecily Strong Kate McKinnon or Hannah Einbinder

Lowdown: Juno Temple could siphon some votes away, but we still think “Ted Lasso” stand out Hannah Waddington will take this category. Watch out for Einbinder, though. “Hacks” is very popular with industry voters, and while they might not recognize her name, enough voters may push her through if the “SNL” and “Ted Lasso” actors split the rest of the votes.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series 


Hacks • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus Vaughan 

The Kominsky Method • Netflix • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television 
Paul Reiser as Martin 

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video 
Kenan Thompson as Various Characters 

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video 
Bowen Yang as Various Characters 

Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television 
Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent 

Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television 
Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard 

Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television 
Nick Mohammed as Nathan Shelley 

Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television 
Jeremy Swift as Higgins 

Who will win: Kenan Thompson

Who should win: Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang, or Thompson

Upset: Brett Goldstein

Lowdown: In a very classy move, Yang has publicly campaigned for his legendary “SNL” co-star. Thompson is also overdue and should benefit from the four “Ted Lasso” stars splitting so much of the vote (we assume). That being said, if a “Lasso” nominee breaks through, it’ll be Goldstein.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series 


black-ish • ABC • ABC Signature 
Anthony Anderson as Andre “Dre” Johnson 

Kenan • NBC • Universal Television in association with Shark vs. Bear and Broadway Video 
Kenan Thompson as Kenan Williams 

The Kominsky Method • Netflix • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television 
Michael Douglas as Sandy Kominsky 

Shameless • Showtime • SHOWTIME Presents, Warner Bros. Television, John Wells Productions 
William H. Macy as Frank Gallagher 

Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television 
Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso 

Who will win: Jason Sudeikis

Who should win: Sudeikis

Upset: None

Lowdown: He’s winning. Book it.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series 

black-ish • ABC • ABC Signature 
Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson 

The Flight Attendant • HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Bros. Television
Kaley Cuoco as Cassie Bowden 

Hacks • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Jean Smart as Deborah Vance 

Mom • CBS • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television 
Allison Janney as Bonnie Plunkett 

Shrill • Hulu • Hulu, Warner Bros. Television, Broadway Video, Brownstone Productions, A. Rushfield Productions 
Aidy Bryant as Annie Easton 

Who will win: Jean Smart

Who should win: Kaley Cuoco or Smart

Upset: Cuoco

Lowdown: In theory, this is where voters will reward “Hacks,” which stunned many observers with 15 overall nominations this year. In general, Smart is probably overdue for another Emmy trophy (3 wins on 9 nominations so far). If you throw in her work in “Mare of Easttown,” where she’ll likely lose in the Limited Supporting Actress race, this will be the moment to celebrate the Smart renaissance.

Jean Smart, Hacks

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series 


The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 
Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher 

The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 
Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret 

The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 
Emerald Fennell as Camilla Parker Bowles 

The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures 
Madeline Brewer as Janine 

The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures 
Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia 

The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures 
Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford 

The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures 
Samira Wiley as Moira 

Lovecraft Country • HBO • HBO in association with a femme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television 
Aunjanue Ellis as Hippolyta Freeman 

Who will win: Gillian Anderson

Who should win: Gillian Anderson

Upset: Ann Dowd, Yvonne Strahovski, Aunjanue Ellis

Lowdown: This category is probably a little less settled than many think, but “The Crown’s” Anderson should persevere for her second Emmy trophy (the first was for “The X-Files” in 1997.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series 


The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 
Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 

The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures 
O-T Fagbenle as Luke 

The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures 
Max Minghella as Commander Nick Blaine 

The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures 
Bradley Whitford as Commander Joseph Lawrence 

Lovecraft Country • HBO • HBO in association with a femme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television 
Michael K. Williams as Montrose Freeman 

The Mandalorian • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd. 
Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon 

Perry Mason • HBO • HBO in association with Team Downey, Dwight Street Book Club, and Inflatable Moose 
John Lithgow as E.B. Jonathan 

This Is Us • NBC • 20th Television 
Chris Sullivan as Toby Damon 

Who will win: Michael K. Williams

Who should win: Williams

Upset: Giancarlo Esposito, Tobias Menzies, Bradley Whitford

Lowdown: A quick note that Williams passed away after voting was completed. He should still win here, but it’s likely this one, if any category, has a “whoa” moment.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series 


The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 
Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II 

The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 
Emma Corrin as Princess Diana 

The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures 
Elisabeth Moss as June/Offred 

In Treatment • HBO • HBO in association with Leverage, Closest to the Hole Productions, and Sheleg 
Uzo Aduba as Dr. Brooke Taylor 

Lovecraft Country • HBO • HBO in association with afemme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television 
Jurnee Smollett as Letitia “Leti” Lewis 

Pose • FX Networks • FX Productions in association with 20th Century Television 
Mj Rodriguez as Blanca Rodriguez 

Who will win: M.J. Rodriguez

Who should win: Rodriguez, Uzo Aduba, or Oliva Colman

Upset: Emma Corrin

Lowdown: Corrin is honestly the likely favorite here, but we’re still convinced Rodriguez will make history in what would be a “mild” upset. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking. We’ve just got a hunch about this one.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series 

Bridgerton • Netflix • A Netflix Original Series in association with shondalandmedia 
Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset 

The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 
Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles 

Lovecraft Country • HBO • HBO in association with afemme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television 
Jonathan Majors as Atticus Freeman 

Perry Mason • HBO • HBO in association with Team Downey, Dwight Street Book Club, and Inflatable Moose 
Matthew Rhys as Perry Mason 

Pose • FX Networks • FX Productions in association with 20th Century Television 
Billy Porter as Pray Tell 

This Is Us • NBC • 20th Television 
Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson 

Who will win: Billy Porter

Who should win: Billy Porter

Upset: Josh O’Connor

Lowdown: Porter previously won this category in 2019. O’Connor could ride a wave for “The Crown,” but Porter’s performance in the FX series’ final season is hard to deny.

Billy Porter Pose Season 3, Lead Actor in a Drama Series

This Is Us • NBC • 20th Television 

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie 

Halston • Netflix • A Netflix Original Series 
Ewan McGregor as Halston 

Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia 
Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton 

Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia 
Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr 

The Undoing • HBO • HBO in association with Made Up Stories, Blossom Films, David E. Kelley Productions 
Hugh Grant as Jonathan Fraser 

WandaVision • Disney+ • Marvel Studios 
Paul Bettany as Vision 

Who will win: Paul Bettany

Who should win: Paul Bettany

Upset: Lin-Manuel Miranda or Leslie Odom, Jr.

Lowdown: Beware, beware, the ides of “Hamilton”...

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie 

Genius: Aretha • National Geographic • National Geographic presents an Imagine Television and 20th Television Production 
Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin 

I May Destroy You • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA 
Michaela Coel as Arabella 

Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan 

The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix 
Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon 

WandaVision • Disney+ • Marvel Studios 
Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff 

Who will win: Kate Winslet

Who should win: Michaela Coel or Anya Taylor-Joy

Upset: Anya Taylor-Joy

Lowdown: Considering how popular both “Queen’s Gambit” and “Mare of Easttown” are with the Television Academy, another actress may slip into the winners circle on a split vote. And, in that case, only Cynthia Erivo is likely out of the mix.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie 


Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia 
Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette / Thomas Jefferson 

Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia 
Jonathan Groff as King George 

Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia 
Anthony Ramos as John Laurens / Philip Hamilton 

I May Destroy You • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA 
Paapa Essiedu as Kwame 

Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Evan Peters as Detective Colin Zabel 

The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix 
Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Benny Watts 

Who will win: Evan Peters…?

Who should win: Paapa Essiedu

Upset: Anyone from “Hamilton”?

Lowdown: Lord, this is not a good category. So many snubbed performances. In a perfect world, Paapa Essiedu should win, but Evan Peters will likely take it. And, he seems like a good guy, so…great?

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie 


Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia 
Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler 

Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia 
Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton 

Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Julianne Nicholson as Lori Ross 

Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Jean Smart as Helen 

The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix 
Moses Ingram as Jolene 

WandaVision • Disney+ • Marvel Studios 
Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness / Agnes, The Nosy Neighbor 

Who will win: Julianne Nicholson

Who should win: Kathryn Hahn

Upset: Kathryn Hahn

Lowdown: At this point, the only way Nicholson loses this category is if her co-star in “Mare,” Jean Smart, siphons some votes away from her. We’re still rooting for Hahn, though.

Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series 

The Flight Attendant • In Case Of Emergency • HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Bros. Television
Steve Yockey, Written by 

Girls5eva • Pilot • Peacock • Universal Television in association with Scardino and Sons, Little Stranger Inc., Bevel Gears, and 3 Arts Entertainment
Meredith Scardino, Written by 

Hacks • There Is No Line (Pilot) • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Lucia Aniello, Written by
Paul W. Downs, Written by 

Jen Statsky, Written by 

Pen15 • Play • Hulu • Hulu, Awesomeness TV, Odenkirk Provissiero, Lonely Island Classics 

Maya Erskine, Written by 

Ted Lasso • Make Rebecca Great Again • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television.
Jason Sudeikis, Teleplay by
Brendan Hunt, Story by 

Joe Kelly, Story by 

Ted Lasso • Pilot • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Jason Sudeikis, Teleplay by & Story by
Bill Lawrence, Teleplay by & Story by 

Brendan Hunt, Story by Joe Kelly, Story by 

Who will win: Hacks, “There Is No Line.”

Who should win: The Flight Attendant, “In Case Of Emergency.”

Upset: Ted Lasso, either nominee

Lowdown: Listen, the Television Academy adores “Ted Lasso,” but we think the writers will give some love to another favorite, “Hacks.” But, sure, it could be either “Lasso” script, too.

Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series 

The Boys • What I Know • Prime Video • Sony Pictures Television, Inc. and Amazon Studios 

Rebecca Sonnenshine, Written by 

The Crown • War • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 

Peter Morgan, Written by 

The Handmaid’s Tale • Home • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures 

Yahlin Chang, Written by 

Lovecraft Country • Sundown • HBO • HBO in association with afemme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television 

Misha Green, Teleplay by 

The Mandalorian • Chapter 13: The Jedi • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd. 

Dave Filoni, Written by 

The Mandalorian • Chapter 16: The Rescue • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd. 

Jon Favreau, Written by 

Pose • Series Finale • FX Networks • FX Productions in association with 20th Century Television 

Ryan Murphy, Written by Brad Falchuk, Written by Steven Canals, Written by Janet Mock, Written by Our Lady J, Written by 

Who will win: The Crown, “War.”

Who should win: The Crown, “War” or Pose, “Series Finale.”

Upset: Pose, “Series Finale”

Lowdown: “War” is Peter Morgan at his best. Anything else would be a total surprise.

Outstanding Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie 

I May Destroy You • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA 

Michaela Coel, Written by 

Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Brad Ingelsby, Written by 

The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix 

Scott Frank, Teleplay by 

WandaVision • All-New Halloween Spooktacular! • Disney+ • Marvel Studios 

Chuck Hayward, Written by Peter Cameron, Written by 

WandaVision • Filmed Before A Live Studio Audience • Disney+ • Marvel Studios 

Jac Schaeffer, Written by 

WandaVision • Previously On • Disney+ • Marvel Studios 

Laura Donney, Written by 

Who will win: I May Destroy You

Who should win: I May Destroy You

Upset: Mare of Easttown, WandaVision

Lowdown: Even with three nominations, it will be tough for “WandaVision” to take this one. Instead, we think the writers reward Michaela Coel‘s Peabody winner. But, yeah, it could easily be “Queen’s Gambit” or “Mare of Easttown,” too.

Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series 

The Amber Ruffin Show • Peacock • Universal Television and Sethmaker Shoemeyers Productions 

Jenny Hagel, Head Writer
Demi Adejuyigbe, Writing Supervised by Ashley Nicole Black, Written by
Michael Harriot, Written by
Shantira Jackson, Written by
Ian Morgan, Written by
Dewayne Perkins, Written by
Amber Ruffin, Written by 

A Black Lady Sketch Show • HBO • HBO in association with JAX Media, 3 Arts Entertainment, Issa Rae Productions, and For Better or Words Inc.
Lauren Ashley Smith, Head Writer
Robin Thede, Written by 

Ashley Nicole Black, Written by Akilah Green, Written by Shenovia Large, Written by Rae Sanni, Written by 

Kristin Layne Tucker, Written by Holly Walker, Written by Kindsey Young, Written by 

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver • HBO • HBO in association with Sixteen String Jack Productions and Avalon Television 

Johnathan Appel, Writer Ali Barthwell, Writer Tim Carvell, Writer
Liz Hynes, Writer 

Greg Iwinski, Writer
Mark Kramer, Writer Daniel O’Brien, Writer
John Oliver, Writer
Owen Parsons, Writer Charlie Redd, Writer Joanna Rothkopf, Writer Chrissy Shackelford, Writer Ben Silva, Writer 

Seena Vali, Writer 

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert • CBS • CBS Studios 

Ariel Dumas, Head Writer
Jay Katsir, Head Writer Stephen T. Colbert, Written by Delmonte Bent, Written by Michael Brumm, Written by River Clegg, Written by 

Aaron Cohen, Written by
Nicole Conlan, Written by
Paul Dinello, Written by
Glenn Eichler, Written by Django Gold, Written by
Gabe Gronli, Written by
Barry Julien, Written by
Michael Cruz Kayne, Written by Eliana Kwartler, Written by
Matt Lappin, Written by
Pratima Mani, Written by
Felipe Torres Medina, Written by Opus Moreschi, Written by Asher Perlman, Written by 

Tom Purcell, Written by Kate Sidley, Written by Brian Stack, Written by
John Thibodeaux, Written by Steve Waltien, Written by 

Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video 

Dan Bulla, Written by
Steven Castillo, Written by
Megan Callahan-Shah, Weekend Update Written by Michael Che, Head Writer
Anna Drezen, Head Writer
Alison Gates, Written by
Fran Gillespie, Writing Supervised By
Sudi Green, Writing Supervised By
Steve Higgins, Written by
Colin Jost, Head Writer
Erik Kenward, Written by
Dan Licata, Written by
Jasmine Pierce, Written by
Dennis McNicholas, Weekend Update Written By Lorne Michaels, Written by
Josh Patten, Weekend Update Written By
Gary Richardson, Written by
Pete Schultz, Weekend Update Head Writer Streeter Seidell, Writing Supervised By
Mark Steinbach, Weekend Update Written By
Will Stephen, Written by
Kent Sublette, Head Writer
Bryan Tucker, Senior Writer
Celeste Yim, Written by
Dave Sirus, Weekend Update Written by
Mike Lawrence, Weekend Update Written by
Emma Clark, Written by
Sam Jay, Written by 

Who will win: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Who should win: A Black Lady Sketch Show

Upset: Saturday Night Live

Lowdown: Last Week Tonight has won the last five Emmys in this category. Why would it lose now?

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series 

B Positive • Pilot • CBS • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television 

James Burrows, Directed by 

The Flight Attendant • In Case Of Emergency • HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Bros. Television
Susanna Fogel, Directed by 

Hacks • There Is No Line (Pilot) • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Lucia Aniello, Directed by 

Mom • Scooby-Doo Checks And Salisbury Steak • CBS • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television
James Widdoes, Directed by 

Ted Lasso • Biscuits • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
Zach Braff, Directed by 

Ted Lasso • The Hope That Kills You • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television
MJ Delaney, Directed by 

Ted Lasso • Make Rebecca Great Again • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television.
Declan Lowney, Directed by 

Who will win: Lucia Aniello, Hacks

Who should win: Susanna Fogel, The Flight Attendant

Upset: Susanna Fogel or Zack Braff, Ted Lasso

Lowdown: “Hacks” will get more love here, but Fogel has an excellent chance at putting “The Flight Attendant” on the board.

Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series 

Bridgerton • Diamond Of The First Water • Netflix • A Netflix Original Series in association with shondalandmedia 

Julie Anne Robinson, Directed by 

The Crown • Fairytale • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 

Benjamin Caron, Directed by 

The Crown • War • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 

Jessica Hobbs, Directed by 

The Handmaid’s Tale • The Wilderness • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures
Liz Garbus, Directed by 

The Mandalorian • Chapter 9: The Marshal • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd. 

Jon Favreau, Directed by 

Pose • Series Finale • FX Networks • FX Productions in association with 20th Century Television 

Steven Canals, Directed by 

Who will win: Jessica Hobbs, The Crown

Who should win: Jessica Hobbs, The Crown

Upset: Benjamin Caron, The Crown or Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian

Lowdown: Hobbs knocks the fourth season finale out of the park. Caron has done marvelous work in “The Crown,” but Hobbs should take it.

Outstanding Directing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie 

Hamilton • Disney+ • Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions LLC, Old 320 Sycamore, and RadicalMedia 

Thomas Kail, Directed by 

I May Destroy You • Ego Death • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA 

Sam Miller, Directed by Michaela Coel, Directed by 

I May Destroy You • Eyes Eyes Eyes Eyes • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA 

Sam Miller, Directed by 

Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects
Craig Zobel, Directed by 

The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix 

Scott Frank, Directed by 

The Underground Railroad • Prime Video • Plan B, PASTEL, Big Indie with Amazon Studios 

Barry Jenkins, Directed by 

WandaVision • Disney+ • Marvel Studios 

Matt Shakman, Directed by

Who will win: Scott Frank, The Queen’s Gambit

Who should win: Barry Jenkins, The Underground Railroad

Upset: Jenkins or Craig Zobel, Mare of Easttown

Lowdown: Jenkins deserves this so much, but after “Queen’s” tally at the Creative Arts, it just seems like Frank, a worthy winner, will get the spoils. At least the DGA Awards will just pit Jenkins vs. Zobel.

Bill Camp, Emmys 2021, Queen's Gambit, Emmys 2021

Outstanding Competition Program 

The Amazing Race • CBS • WorldRace Productions, Inc. 

Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer Bertram van Munster, Executive Producer Jonathan Littman, Executive Producer Elise Doganieri, Executive Producer 

Mark Vertullo, Executive Producer
Phil Keoghan, Co-Executive Producer Matt Schmidt, Co-Executive Producer Patrick Cariaga, Co-Executive Producer Darren Bunkley, Co-Executive Producer Micheal DiMaggio, Supervising Producer Neil Jahss, Supervising Producer Sydney Leier, Supervising Producer Jesse McDonald, Supervising Producer Ady Ryf, Supervising Producer
Steve Bae, Senior Producer
Sarah Stallard, Senior Producer
Eddie Garrick, Senior Producer 

Nailed It! • Netflix • Magical Elves for Netflix 

Casey Kriley, Executive Producer
Jo Sharon, Executive Producer
Patrick Doody, Executive Producer
Shea Spencer, Executive Producer
Nicole Byer, Executive Producer
Anika Guldstrand, Co-Executive Producer Hillary Olsen, Co-Executive Producer 

Cat M. Sullivan, Co-Executive Producer Samantha Hanks, Senior Producer 

RuPaul’s Drag Race • VH1 • World of Wonder 

Fenton Bailey, Executive Producer Randy Barbato, Executive Producer Tom Campbell, Executive Producer RuPaul Charles, Executive Producer Steven Corfe, Executive Producer Mandy Salangsang, Executive Producer Michele Mills, Executive Producer 

Tim Palazzola, Executive Producer Thairin Smothers, Senior Producer John Polly, Co-Executive Producer Zoe Jackson, Co-Executive Producer Lisa Steele, Co-Executive Producer Camilo Valdes, Co-Executive Producer Michelle Visage, Producer 

Alicia Gargaro-Magana, Producer Jen Passovoy, Supervising Producer 

Top Chef • Bravo • Magical Elves, LP 

Casey Kriley, Executive Producer
Jo Sharon, Executive Producer
Doneen Archives, Executive Producer
Tom Colicchio, Executive Producer
Padma Lakshmi, Executive Producer
Elida Carbajal Araiza, Co-Executive Producer Hunter Braun, Co-Executive Producer 

Thi Nguyen, Co-Executive Producer
Hillary Olsen, Co-Executive Producer
Patrick Schmedeman, Co-Executive Producer Wade Sheeler, Co-Executive Producer
Tracy Tong, Co-Executive Producer
Sandee Birdsong, Supervising Producer
Rich Brusa, Supervising Producer
Nora Cromwell, Supervising Producer
Eric Vier, Supervising Producer
Steve Lichtenstein, Senior Producer
Diana Schmedeman, Producer 

The Voice • NBC • MGM Television, Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television, ITV Studios The Voice USA, Inc. 

John De Mol, Executive Producer
Mark Burnett, Executive Producer
Audrey Morrissey, Executive Producer
Adam Sher, Executive Producer
Amanda Zucker, Executive Producer
Kyra Thompson, Executive Producer
Teddy Valenti, Co-Executive Producer
Kyley Tucker, Co-Executive Producer Anthea Bhargava, Supervising Producer Melysa Garratt, Supervising Producer
Clyde Lieberman, Supervising Producer Brittany Martin Porter, Supervising Producer Bart Kimball, Supervising Producer
Dan Paschen, Producer
Amanda Borden, Producer
Tod Schellinger, Producer
Carson Daly, Producer
Jared Wyso, Producer
Hayley Opalek McSherry, Producer 

Who will win: RuPaul’s Drag Race

Who should win: RuPaul’s Drag Race

Upset: The Amazing Race? The Voice?

Lowdown: I mean, “Drag Race’s” aftershow, “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked” won the Unstructured Reality Program Emmy for the first time, and RuPaul won his sixth (!) Outstanding Host Emmy (against tough competition) during the Creative Arts ceremonies this past weekend. Nothing lasts forever, but we’re nowhere close to Television Academy fatigue for “Drag Race.”

Jamal Sims, RuPaul, Drag Race

Outstanding Variety Talk Series

Conan • TBS • Conaco LLC
Conan O’Brien, Executive Producer/Host
Jeff Ross, Executive Producer
Frank Smiley, Supervising Producer
Rachel Witlieb Bernstein, Supervising Producer
J.P. Buck, Supervising Producer
Tracy King, Producer
Mike Sweeney, Producer
Matt O’Brien, Producer

The Daily Show With Trevor Noah • Comedy Central • Central Productions, LLC
Trevor Noah, Executive Producer/Host
Jennifer Flanz, Executive Producer
Jill Katz, Executive Producer
Justin Melkmann, Co-Executive Producer
Max Browning, Supervising Producer
Eric Davies, Supervising Producer
Pamela DePace, Supervising Producer
Ramin Hedayati, Supervising Producer
David Kibuuka, Supervising Producer
David Paul Meyer, Supervising Producer
Zhubin Parang, Supervising Producer
Elise Terrell, Supervising Producer
Dan Amira, Producer
Jocelyn Conn, Producer
Jeff Gussow, Producer
Shawna Shepherd, Producer
Beth Shorr, Producer

Jimmy Kimmel Live! • ABC • ABC Signature in association with Kimmelot
Jimmy Kimmel, Executive Producer/Host
Doug DeLuca, Co-Executive Producer
Erin Irwin, Co-Executive Producer
David Craig, Co-Executive Producer
Molly McNearney, Co-Executive Producer
Jennifer Sharron, Co-Executive Producer
Gary Greenberg, Supervising Producer
Tony Romero, Supervising Producer
Josh Weintraub, Supervising Producer
Seth Weidner, Supervising Producer
Danny Ricker, Producer
Ken Crosby, Producer
Josh Halloway, Producer

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver • HBO • HBO in association with Sixteen String Jack Productions and Avalon Television
John Oliver, Executive Producer/Host
Tim Carvell, Executive Producer
Liz Stanton, Executive Producer
Jeremy Tchaban, Co-Executive Producer
Christopher Werner, Supervising Producer
Laura L. Griffin, Producer
Kate Mullaney, Producer
Catherine Owens, Producer
Matt Passet, Producer
Marian Wang, Producer
Charles Wilson, Producer

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert • CBS • CBS Studios
Stephen T. Colbert, Executive Producer/Host
Chris Licht, Executive Producer
Tom Purcell, Executive Producer
Jon Stewart, Executive Producer
Tanya Michnevich Bracco, Co-Executive Producer
Barry Julien, Co-Executive Producer
Opus Moreschi, Co-Executive Producer
Denise Rehrig, Co-Executive Producer
Aaron Cohen, Supervising Producer
Paul Dinello, Supervising Producer
Emily Gertler, Supervising Producer
Jay Katsir, Supervising Producer
Matt Lappin, Supervising Producer
Bjoern Stejskal, Supervising Producer
Sara Vilkomerson, Supervising Producer
Ballard C. Boyd, Producer
Michael Brumm, Producer
Gabe Gronli, Producer
Paige Kendig, Producer
Jake Plunkett, Producer
Adam Wager, Producer

Who will win: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Who should win: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Upset: None

Lowdown: “Last Week Tonight” has won the last five years; why would it lose now?

Outstanding Comedy Series 


black-ish • ABC • ABC Signature 

Cobra Kai • Netflix • Sony Pictures Television for Netflix 

Emily In Paris • Netflix • MTV Entertainment Studios, Darren Star Productions, and Jax Media for Netflix 

The Flight Attendant • HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Bros. Television 

Hacks • HBO Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment 

The Kominsky Method • Netflix • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television

Pen15 • Hulu • Hulu, Awesomeness TV, Odenkirk Provissiero, Lonely Island Classics

Ted Lasso • Apple TV+ • Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television 

Who will win: Ted Lasso

Who should win: Pen15, Ted Lasso, or The Flight Attendant

Upset: Hacks

Lowdown: There is a very slim chance of “Hacks” upsetting here, but we’d be stunned if it happened. Apple TV+ gets its first Emmy crown with “Lasso.”

Outstanding Drama Series 

The Boys • Prime Video • Sony Pictures Television, Inc. and Amazon Studios

Bridgerton • Netflix • A Netflix Original Series in association with shondalandmedia

The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix

The Handmaid’s Tale • Hulu • Hulu, MGM, Daniel Wilson Productions, The Littlefield Company, White Oak Pictures Lovecraft Country • HBO • HBO in association with afemme, Monkeypaw, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television

The Mandalorian • Disney+ • Lucasfilm Ltd. 

Pose • FX Networks • FX Productions in association with 20th Century Television

Who will win: The Crown

Who should win: The Crown

Upset: Pose

Lowdown: “The Crown” will finally win in its fourth season, a deserving season, but “Pose” has a very slim shot at surprising.

Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series 


I May Destroy You • HBO • HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, FALKNA 

Mare Of Easttown • HBO • HBO in association with wiip Studios, The Low Dweller Productions, Juggle Productions, Mayhem, and Zobot Projects 

The Queen’s Gambit • Netflix • Netflix

The Underground Railroad • Prime Video • Plan B, PASTEL, Big Indie with Amazon Studios

WandaVision • Disney+ • Marvel Studios 

Who will win: The Queen’s Gambit

Who should win: The Underground Railroad

Upset: Mare of Easttown, WandaVision

Lowdown: “The Queen’s Gambit” absolutely destroyed the Creative Arts Emmys. The Netflix limited series has already won nine Emmys before the big show, including a few that it shouldn’t have. “Mare of Easttown”? Just one. Obviously, the entire membership gets to vote on this particular category instead of the Creative Arts ones, but “Gambit” is an effortless pick at this point.

The Primetime Emmy Awards will air on CBS this Sunday at 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET. Look for full coverage on The Playlist.