2015 Emmy Nominations Predictions

1.

The final season of the four-time winner here, Mad Men is as big a lock as you'll get this year, and seems like a strong bet to win.

2.

Even a so-so season won't stop House of Cards from making it into the final seven.

3.

Locked in, with arguably it's best shot ever at winning.

4.

Downton Abbey will never not be nominated, even though the quality's been waning for years.

5.

Switching from comedy to drama could prove to be to daunting of an impediment to overcome, but with so many question marks going down the rest of the list, Orange is the New Black appears to be a solid bet at the moment, even if it doesn't have the same momentum that the first season did.

6.

While not as critically acclaimed as some of the other shows on this list, it was a cultural phenomenon and a ratings juggernaut, something voters will in mind if they want more viewers.

7.

A first year hit; Better Call Saul received strong notices from fans and audiences alike and, coming from two-time winner Breaking Bad, could benefit from some welcome nepotism. Seems like a strong possibility here.

Other Possibilities

8.

It seems that The Americans is at the height of it's acclaim; recently winning the Critic's Choice Award for Best Drama, and topping many critic's best of the year (so far) lists. It's an underdog at the moment, but FX will likely pull out all the stops during campaigning. Likely the strongest shot it'll ever have.

9.

Had this category been open to seven nominees last year, The Good Wife would've no doubt made the cut. The show's fifth season stands as one of the finest achievements in recent television history. It's current sixth season, however, could not keep last season's momentum, and faltered as it went along. It's still a solid contender though, and could surprise.

10.

A newcomer to the field; The Affair had a critically acclaimed debut, and recently won two Golden Globes (though Globes/Emmy correlation is never 100%). It's close though; Showtime's hot newcomers usually have a presence here, but the show ended so long ago that it'll likely get passed over for more recent fair.

11.

Homeland found a renewed sense of purpose in it's fourth season, and could make a strong comeback here. Being a recent winner doesn't hurt either.

12.

While not as big of a hit as other Netflix series on this list, Bloodline had a strong opening season, and could also benefit from it's network's current popularity.

Result: 6/7

1.

The show's won five straight years; there's no way it misses here.

2.

Transparent has been one of the most widely discussed shows of the last year, as well as one of the most acclaimed. After winning two golden globes, it looks like a safe bet here.

3.

Veep has been nominated each of it's three seasons, and just keeps getting better. Safe.

4.

It doesn't seem to be generating the same response as it's previous seasons, but Louie continues conquering with it's singular brand of humor.

5.

Still a massive hit, seems safe.

6.

It was the surprise in this category last year and, with very few worthy spoilers this go around, looks to stay here.

7.

The final slot here is pretty much a toss up, with several different shows possible. There are several star-led comeback comedies with mixed responses, and a few smaller, adored ones that probably stand no chance. With all that in mind, I'm going with Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. It was the most well-received of the bunch, Netflix is incredibly strong right now, and Creator Tina Fey as had a lot of success here before (30 Rock).

Other Possibilities

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Result: 6/7

1.

HBO has had a chokehold on this category for years, and this appears to be their big play. In all honesty, I'm willing to go ahead and predict that this wins.

2.

HBO's other player in this category likely won't have the widespread support that Bessie will, Nightingale stars only one person and one setting, but will benefit from actually being a MOVIE.

3.

Ricky Gervais is pretty well liked by Emmy voters, and Derek has somehow caught on in recent years. With Gervais' last series, Extras, movie finale making the cut, this seems fairly probable.

4.

Last year's Killing Kennedy made it in without being very good; I assume it's young sibling Jesus will continue the trend.

5.

I think Salting the Battlefield is the Worricker episode they're putting here, but I'm not sure. In any regard, this method has worked for Sherlock the last couple goes out, so maybe here too?

Other Possibilities

6.

7.

From all I've heard, it's an atrocity, but the Weinsteins are backing it and it has an Oscar winning star front and center. Wow, this category sucks.

8.

What I said on #7.

Result: 3/6

1.

Another category where HBO has been strong in the past. The quality of the program, and the talent both in front of and behind the camera, guarantee that this makes the cut.

2.

It may not be the most well liked, but American Crime has garnered a lot of respect throughout the viewing community.

3.

A lot of people are underestimating this one, and they may be right, but Wolf Hall is the type of period-drama that usually does incredibly well with award shows. The fact that PBS has been pretty strong here in the past doesn't hurt.

4.

Even after another largely disappointing season, American Horror Story: Freak Show will likely make the cut over more deserving series because of a strong campaign by FX.

5.

The Missing has been operating under the radar for a while now, but with strong showings at both the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice TV awards, it's looking like a solid bet.

6.

Another under the radar pick; The Honourable Woman has received a fair amount of praise, and could just sneak in.

Other Possibilities

7.

It got pretty awful reviews, but The History Channel has been strong here in the past, so don't count it out.

8.

9.

10.

Result: 5/5

1.

The Colbert Report has won the past two years, and with this being the final year for it to compete, I assume it's a lock.

2.

Won for ten straight years before Colbert dethroned it, complete lock.

3.

Still a hit, looks pretty solid.

4.

Oliver's been knocking it out of the park this year, and even made nation headlines when he interviewed Edward Snowden. I think he'll break into the category.

5.

He's made it the last couple of years, and seems fairly well liked by voters. Seems somewhat safe.

6.

Letterman's a legend, and with this being his last season, I think they'll give him one last nomination.

Other Possibilities

7.

Been nominated for ten straight years, still a very strong threat.

8.

9.

10.

Result: 6/6

1.

It's made it into the overall variety category for years; probably the favorite in the category.

2.

Last year the show managed two acting nods; seems very likely here.

3.

Schumer has been breaking out this year, and seems to continue it here.

4.

Key & Peele have been pretty consistent, and with it scoring in the writing department last year, it looks pretty safe.

5.

After the top four, things get a bit speculative (even for a list of predictions). Bang! Bang! seems to have enough of a following to make it here, so I'll take it.

6.

This one seems to be my oddball pick, but considering it is really the only "sketch" left...

Other Possibilities

7.

8.

9.

Result: 4/5

1.

Viola Davis- How to Get Away with Murder
Highly respected Oscar-nominated actress in a hit show. She's locked in.

2.

Robin Wright- House of Cards
House of Cards' third season at times felt like Wright was the sole lead on the show, and she ran with it.

3.

Julianna Margulies- The Good Wife
Two time winner; the shows sixth season missteps won't hold her back from a nomination, though could hinder another win.

4.

Taraji P. Henson- Empire
She owned every scene she was in on television's biggest hit. While this is a crowed category, I think she'll make the cut.

5.

Claire Danes- Homeland
Homeland's fourth season was a huge improvement over it's critically divided third one. If she made it in for three, it would be surprising if she didn't here.

6.

Ruth Wilson- The Affair
The Affair is one of two hot, new potential nominees, and Wilson was a huge part of that. She won the Golden Globe in January, and seems solid here.

Other Possibilities

7.

Elisabeth Moss- Mad Men
Could she get a boost from the Mad Men goodbye to get a nod? Possibly.

8.

Kerry Washington- Scandal
She's been nominated the last two years but, from what I've read, Scandal's most recent season wasn't very good. With such a crowded field, that could definitely cost her her spot.

9.

Taylor Schilling- Orange is the New Black
Having been nominated in the comedy field last year, she's already at a disadvantage. Adding to that is the fact the Orange's second season was much more an ensemble show than it's first. It's possible, but it just doesn't look that probable.

10.

Michelle Dockery- Downton Abbey
She's been nominated the last three times, but the category just looks too crowded, and it seems that she really didn't have a standout year.

Result: 4/6

1.

Jeffrey Tambor- Transparent
Duh.

2.

Jim Parsons- The Big Bang Theory
Another duh.

3.

Louis C.K.- Louie
C.K.'s been here for a while and, with the noted lack of surprise here, seems quite likely.

4.

William H. Macy- Shameless
The switch stuck and Shameless was continued to be allowed to compete in the comedy category. Macy made it in last year, and won a SAG award earlier this year. Looks solid.

5.

Billy Crystal- The Comedians
Crystal is a highly respected comic figure and, despite the rather muted response to The Comedians, I think that'll be enough for him to make the cut in a down year in the category.

6.

Matt LeBlanc- Episodes
LeBlanc has been nominated numerous times and, with the show making it into the writing and directing categories last year, the show seems fairly well liked.

Other Possibilities

7.

Don Cheadle- House of Lies
To be honest, I wasn't aware that this show was still on. But because it is, and Cheadle is well-liked, and Showtime somehow keeps attracting good actors to their "comediess", I think he could make it in again.

8.

Will Forte- The Last Man on Earth
Had the show followed similarly after the pilot, then maybe it would've been a bigger hit here, but it pretty much meandered throughout the season. Still, Forte was excellent throughout, especially the pilot, and could possibly pull ahead.

9.

Thomas Middleditch- Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley stepped up in it second season, and a lot of that has to do with Middleditch's performance. He recently got a critic's choice nod, so he's on the map, and he's really HBO's only contender here, so he should get a sizable campaign. A strong dark-horse pick.

10.

Anthony Anderson- Black-ish
He's the lead in the most critically acclaimed new network sitcom this season, and could ride that support to the final six.

Result: 4/7

1.

Frances McDormand- Olive Kitteridge
Oscar winner in well-received miniseries. Done deal.

2.

Maggie Gyllenhaal- The Honourable Woman
Won a Golden Globe earlier in the year, and has been getting nominated at the other awards (SAGs, Critic's Choice). She seems pretty safe.

3.

Queen Latifah- Bessie
Playing a real-life figure in an HBO movie. Lock.

4.

Jessica Lange- American Horror Story: Freak Show
She won last year for a bad season; can she do it again? Possibly. Add in the fact that it's her last season, and she's totally locked in.

5.

Felicity Huffman- American Crime
She's a previous nominee in a critically acclaimed new show, in a category that's relatively slim. Seems like a strong bet.

6.

Frances O'Connor- The Missing
She scored Golden Globe and Critic's Choice Award nominations and, in a down year for the category, that seems like enough to go on for me.

Other Possibilities

7.

Nicole Kidman- Grace of Monaco
It's terrible, but she's a star. That may just be enough, though the Emmy's have been shunning star power for the last couple years.

8.

Helena Bonham Carter- Worricker: Salting the Battlefield

9.

Saoirse Ronan- Stockholm, Pennsylvania

10.

Aunjanue Ellis- The Book of Negroes

Result: 5/6

1.

Jon Hamm- Mad Men
Possibly his eighth nomination without a win. He's a lock for a nomination, and could definitely get the sympathy vote to finally win.

2.

Kevin Spacey- House of Cards
Complete lock.

3.

Bob Odenkirk- Better Call Saul
Saul's parent show Breaking Bad owned this category, and it appears to be going a similar route. He recently won the Critic's Choice award and, while there isn't a strong correlation, he's gotta be on the map.

4.

Terrence Howard- Empire
He's a commanding presence on a hit show. He's not favored here as some of the other possible nominees, but I think Empire's success and his solid work is strong enough to get him here.

5.

Clive Owen- The Knick
Oscar nominee starring in an acclaimed drama from an Oscar winning director. While The Knick didn't necessarily live up to the hype, it still had a strong season, and Owen has a strong shot.

6.

Dominic West- The Affair
Showtime lead actors usually do pretty well here (Michael C. Hall got six nods, Damien Lewis won once), and he was nominated for a Golden Globe earlier this year. Solid chance.

Other Possibilities

7.

Kyle Chandler- Bloodline
A recent winner for Friday Night Lights; Chandler did some strong work in the Bloodline. It all depends on how many people saw it, and if the show can keep up in Netflix's campaign.

8.

Jeff Daniels- The Newsroom
Nominated for both seasons of The Newsroom, and won once; Daniels seems well-liked by voters, but was six episodes enough to compete in such a crowded field? We'll see.

9.

Hugh Bonneville- Downton Abbey
Nominated twice before missing out last year. It would take a lot to make it back this year, especially with the excessive ensemble of Downton Abbey.

10.

Matthew Rhys- The Americans
The Americans has been an underdog for quite a while and, while it still is, it seems that this is the show's strongest bet. Considering Rhys has been lauded since the pilot, if the show can burst through this year, he'd likely be in the conversation.

Result: 3/6

1.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus- Veep
She's won for three straight years, and looking good for No. 4...

2.

Amy Poehler- Parks & Recreation
...unless they finally give it to Poehler. She should've won years ago and, with this being the last season, they might feel sympathetic. Though they never gave it to Steve Carell, for Parks and Rec's spiritual sibling The Office. Maybe there's a bias against mockumentaries?

3.

Edie Falco- Nurse Jackie
Falco won this award for the show's first season, and has been nominated every season since. She's a lock.

4.

Lily Tomlin- Grace & Frankie
Multiple Emmy winning legend in a Netflix show. From what I've read, she plays the zanier of the two title leads, and that should help her stand out.

5.

Jane Fonda- Grace & Frankie
The other half of the title pair; Fonda's a two time Oscar winner, and has been nominated the last two years for guest spots on The Newsroom. She's clearly respected, and I expect here to make the cut here.

6.

Ellie Kemper- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
There are a few potential nominees at six but, considering I'm going against the grain with my expectations of the show, I think Kemper takes it. She was wonderful throughout the series, Netflix is big, and Tina Fey's last lead female creation (Liz Lemon) made the cut seven times.

Other Possibilities

7.

Lisa Kudrow- The Comeback
She was nominated for the first season, but that was almost a decade ago. Still, she got nominated six times (and won once) for Friends. The only reason I didn't have her in the final six was the shows ratings, which were incredibly low. If not enough people saw it, she could get passed over for actresses in bigger shows.

8.

Gina Rodriguez- Jane the Virgin
She recently won a Golden Globe for her performance, which has been a breakout role for her. Unfortunately, I think there's a stigma with CW shows, and with so much competition, I think she'll miss out.

9.

Amy Schumer- Inside Amy Schumer
Like I said earlier, she's having a breakout year. This is such a loaded category, I have my doubts. It's still possible though.

10.

Lena Dunham- Girls
She was nominated for the first three seasons, but their wasn't as much fanfare for the fourth. With so many contenders in this field, she may be too much of yesterday's news.

Result: 4/6

1.

Richard Jenkins- Olive Kitteridge
Respected character actor in a hit HBO miniseries. Seems to be the safest here.

2.

David Oyelowo- Nightingale
Nightingale is a total showcase for Oyelowo's talent, as he's the character in the film. Everything I've read has said he's incredible in it and I can't imagine that the voters aren't mindful of his Oscar snub earlier this year. I think he's a solid bet.

3.

Ricky Gervais- Derek: The Final Chapter
Emmy voters love Gervais; he's been nominated several times, and won a couple of them. He'll be here

4.

Mark Rylance- Wolf Hall
Rylance commanded the screen with a subdued intensity on Wolf Hall that I think will be hard for voters to miss. Plus, it never hurts to be British with awards shows.

5.

Adrian Brody- Houdini
Oscar winners usually do pretty well when they come to television, and I expect that to continue with Brody. It wasn't very well received, but Brody got strong marks, and in a slighter field than usual, that's enough to go on.

6.

Timothy Hutton- American Crime
While his work was quieter than other's on this list, Hutton's ark on Crime was just as powerful, and easily the most heartbreaking. The #6 spot is close, but I'm going with Hutton.

Other Possibilities

7.

Keifer Sutherland- 24: Live Another Day
Sutherland was nominated several times (and won once) for the character of Jack Bauer, but it's been almost a year since Live Another Day wrapped almost a year ago. Just too long for me to go with.

8.

Bill Paxton- Texas Rising
He was nominated a few years back for The History Channel's last big hit Hatfields & McCoys, but the reviews for Texas Rising aren't very good, and this category is too strong for a middling production.

9.

David Suchet- Curtain: Poirot's Last Case
He played Hercule Poirot for 25 years before hanging it up with this one. He could pull a sympathy vote out for this.

Result: 6/6

1.

Peter Dinklage- Game of Thrones
He's the only one here who's won this category before, and he continues to give a strong performance.

2.

Jonathan Banks- Better Call Saul
He's a previous nominee for Breaking Bad playing the same character he did there. He did strong work throughout, but his performance in the episode "Five-O" was arguably the best of any performer this year. He'll get the nod, and possibly be the frontrunner to win.

3.

Mandy Patinkin- Homeland
He's been nominated the past two years, and he's a veteran actor. He's not going anywhere.

4.

Jon Voight- Ray Donovan
Oscar-winner on a decently reviewed show. He's in.

5.

Ben Mendelsohn- Bloodline
It would be a shame if the best performance of the year (in my opinion) missed out come awards season. Luckily, I think many people agree with me. It's close, but Netflix (as I've said thousands of times already) is very strong right now, and Mendelsohn's character was so important to the show that I think it would be hard for any viewer to ignore. Now watch me be wrong.

6.

Jim Carter- Downton Abbey
He's somehow made the cut in the last three (incredibly competitive) years, so he's obviously well liked. But, the show has been dipping in quality for a while, and with such a competitive category, it's really anyone's guess, though I'm sticking with him for now.

Other Possibilities

7.

John Slattery- Mad Men
He managed to get four nominations before missing out the last three years, so he's on the radar. Final seasons usually get a certain amount of goodbye sympathy when it comes to nominations (winning, on the other hand...) and that could certainly be the case for Mad Men. This is such a stacked category though, and MM has never had much luck when it comes to acting categories.

8.

Kit Harrington- Game of Thrones
Dinklage can't be the only GOT actor nominated forever, can he? If they finally do this year, Harrington would likely be the one. His arc has been much more prominent this year, and he's found a way to make a slightly boring character on paper much more complex. It's a longshot though.

9.

Alan Cumming- The Good Wife
He was nominated four years ago, and recently picked up another Golden Globe nod. From what I watched and read this season, he just wasn't on screen enough to make much of an impact though.

10.

Michael Kelly- House Of Cards
Kelly got a lot more screen time this season on House of Cards, and he rose to the challenge admirably, even if the material didn't. Cards has never been a real presence in the supporting categories though, and if Corey Stoll couldn't make it here a couple years ago for a stronger character, than I doubt Kelly can this time.

Result: 4/6

1.

Allison Janney- Mom
Won last year. Lock.

2.

Julie Bowen- Modern Family
Won this category twice. Also a lock.

3.

Judith Light- Transparent
Veteran actress on a hit new show. She's looking pretty good.

4.

Anna Chlumsky- Veep
While she's had less screentime this year, Chlumsky should be safe. She's been nominated the last couple of years, and Veep has continued to get stronger.

5.

Kate McKinnon- Saturday Night Live
McKinnon had another great season on SNL, and it would be quite surprising if she missed out.

6.

Mayim Bialik- The Big Bang Theory
She's been nominated for the last three years, and The Big Bang Theory is still on top in the ratings. She's likely, but there are a few other worth contenders...

Other Possibilities

7.

Jane Krakowski- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
She managed four nominations for playing a similar character on Tina Fey's last show 30 Rock and, with this being one of the duller categories this, could benefit from much needed shakeup here.

8.

Carol Kane- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Multiple Emmy winner in a new hit show. It's unlikely, but this category is pretty slim, so anything's possible.

9.

Betty White- Hot in Cleveland

10.

Eden Sher- The Middle

Result: 5/8

1.

Bill Murray- Olive Kitteridge
Because it's Bill fuckin' Murray.

2.

Stephen Rea- The Honourable Woman
Rea stole every scene he was in in The Honourable Woman and, considering the show is primed for several nods, that should be enough.

3.

Michael Chiklis- American Horror Story: Freak Show
Chiklis is a previous winner in a show the voters still seem to love. It doesn't hurt that the character was also gay, so, yeah. He'll be in.

4.

Jonathan Pryce- Wolf Hall
He had a solid, fun role on a miniseries that is primed to have a solid night. He's highly likely here.

5.

Damien Lewis- Wolf Hall
He's a recent winner making a return to TV. His role wasn't as prominent as most assumed it would be, but with this category being slighter than usual, he seems pretty safe here.

6.

Finn Wittrock- American Horror Story: Freak Show
Wittrock was probably the best part of Freak Show and this a category for scene-stealers, but he may get passed up for older, veteran actors instead.

Other Possibilities

7.

Michael Kenneth Williams- Bessie
A veteran HBO mainstay who's long overdue for a nomination, and being the networks strongest option here doesn't hurt. It's a competitive category though and, from what I've read, his role isn't as prominent as expected.

8.

Louis Gossett Jr.- The Book of Negroes
This is usually a category where older veteran actors are recognized, and he certainly fits the bill. The Book of Negroes is probably low on most voters lists, so it would be fairly surprising.

9.

Hugh Fraser- Curtain: Poirot's Last Case

10.

Michael Gambon- The Casual Vacancy

Result: 3/6

1.

Maggie Smith- Downton Abbey
Because she'll never not be nominated.

2.

Christina Hendricks- Mad Men
She's been here for the last five years and, with the all the love I predict will be leaped onto Mad Men's last season, she may be the show's strongest shot at an acting win.

3.

Christine Baranski- The Good Wife
She's been nominated in this category since the show's first season, and seems pretty locked in to pick up another.

4.

Uzo Aduba- Orange is the New Black
She won last year for this role in the Guest Actress in Comedy category, and appears solid this year in a totally different category. This isn't as strong of a category as most of the others, and considering her character has been the show's breakout, and she had an even stronger second second, Aduba seems safe.

5.

Lena Headey- Game of Thrones
For most of the season, I had mostly written off Headey's chance of going back-to-back with noms, but the finale, "Mother's Mercy", changed that. The walk of shame sequence was one of the most memorable of the television season, and she was excellent in it. All it takes is one standout episode to shine her, and she's certainly got one.

6.

Sissy Spacek- Bloodline
While she was never used as prominently as many had expected, when she was called upon to bring it, she stepped up. Throw in the fact that she's an Oscar-winning veteran in a subdued category, and she seems like a solid bet. Though...

Other Possibilities

7.

Joanne Froggatt- Downton Abbey
She's had two previous nominations (one last year) and recently won a Golden Globe. Most of those accolades had to do with her rape storyline though, and with that being mostly relegated to the background in season 5, it seems very uncertain that she can make it in above the aforementioned top six.

8.

Kate Mulgrew- Orange is the New Black
Mulgrew made the cut last year, but in the comedy category. With one Orange cast member already a likely nominee, and the fact that her character didn't have as strong of season as the first, I think that she's a bit of a long shot here.

9.

Lorraine Toussaint- Orange is the New Black
She was an imposing presence on the show's second season and recently snagged a Critic's Choice Award for it. This is a pretty tight category though, and with so many other options, she may just get edged out.

10.

January Jones- Mad Men
Jones hasn't been nominated since the show's third season, but with all the goodbye love going around, and a strong cancer storyline, she could surprise here.

Result: 4/6

1.

Ty Burrell- Modern Family
He's been nominated for every season so far, and won twice (including last year). Baring some Modern Family revolt, he's a total lock.

2.

Tony Hale- Veep
He's the only non-Modern Family actor to win this prize in the past five years. With Veep only getting better, I can't image him getting snubbed.

3.

Andre Braugher- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Seven time nominee looks likely to get his second straight for Nine-Nine. The only thing that could hurt his chances is the show's ratings, which slid in the second season.

4.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson- Modern Family
He's been nominated for the previous five seasons and, until I see otherwise, he'll be here for a sixth.

5.

Titus Burgess- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
He recently got a a Critic's Choice Award nod, and was the major breakout from Kimmy Schmidt's first season. Pinot Noir! Pinot Noir! Pinot Noir!

6.

Hugh Laurie- Veep
He was nominated six time without winning for House, so he's both on the voter's radar and due to win. Being on the (arguable) favorite to win certainly boosts his chances.

Other Possibilities

7.

Fred Armisen- Portlandia
A surprise nominee last year; Armisen is a strong candidate this year. The reason I left him out this year is do to the stronger field, and Portlandia be slightly overshadowed by other sketch series. He's the biggest threat to my predicted six.

8.

T.J. Miller- Silicon Valley
He's the biggest scene-stealer on a show likely making the overall cut, and he recently won the Critic's Choice Award for it. He's definitely a strong prospect (stronger than most are giving him credit for), but I just think the category is too stacked this time out.

9.

Eric Stonestreet- Modern Family
He's won the category twice, but he's missed the cut for the past two years, and with the show likely nearing the end of it's awards glory, it's unlikely he makes it back this year.

10.

Sam Waterston- Grace & Frankie

Result: 4/6

1.

Sarah Paulson- American Horror Story: Freak Show
She's been nominated for the past two AHS cycles, and a meaty dual role this time out probably makes her the frontrunner.

2.

MoNique- Bessie
An Oscar-winner with a standout part in an HBO biopic. She's a lock.

3.

Kathy Bates- American Horror Story: Freak Show
She won this category last year and, with another standout character, looks to be strong here again.

4.

Janet McTeer- The Honourable Woman
She was a very strong presence on a show that's likely to compete for the category's top prize. She's looking solid.

5.

Susan Sarandon- The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe
The series wasn't particularly well-received, but she's an Oscar-winner, and bigger names usually fill out the supporting categories.

6.

Zoe Kazan- Olive Kitteridge
It's a pretty thin line between #6 & #7, but I'm giving Kazan the edge. I'm banking on a hit HBO miniseries overpowering a little-seen Lifetime TV movie.

Other Possibilities

7.

Cynthia Nixon- Stockholm, Pennsylvania
Multiple nominees (and winners) usually make appearances here and, aided by her recent Critic's Choice nod, Nixon seems like a reasonable bet here.

8.

Angela Bassett- American Horror Story: Freak Show

9.

Claire Foy- Wolf Hall

10.

Judy Davis- Worricker: Salting the Battlefield

Result: 4/6

1.

Matthew Weiner- Mad Men: "Person to Person"
While's it been a couple of years since Mad Men cracked the writing category, it managed to rack up 13 nominations and 3 wins in it's first five season, and I can't imagine it walking away without at least one more nod. It could be any episode but, considering that it's the series finale, I expect to be "Person to Person".

2.

Vince Gilligan & Peter Gould- Better Call Saul: "Uno"
Breaking Bad was riding high in this category for the past couple of years, winning last year. With much of the same creative team intact, I'm guess that Better Call Saul shows up here. "Uno" seems the most primed for the category; Vince Gilligan co-wrote it, who's never been individually awarded, so he may be seen as being due, and Pilot episodes are usually the episodes of new shows that get recognized.

3.

David Benioff & D. B. Weiss- Game of Thrones: "Mother’s Mercy"
Game of Thrones has made the cut in this category three out of it's previous four seasons (it missed out for Season 2) and, after another solid season, I fully expect it to make it a fourth. "Mother's Mercy" is the only episode submitted for the category which, while narrowing voter's gazes, could backfire and miss out to show with numerous submissions.

4.

Jenji Kohan- Orange is the New Black: "We Have Manners. We're Polite."

Orange managed to get a writing nod last and with a somewhat mixed year for this category, will likely make it in. It could be any of the five episodes submitted, "You Also Have a Pizza" would be the next most likely, but my feeling is that they go with the show's creator.

5.

Joshua Brand- The Americans: "Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?"

This is likely my most out there pick, but The Americans has to be honored in some way, doesn't it? I wasn't ready enough to put it in any other category, but Writing is usually where adored, smaller shows get honored, and that definitely describes the show. Also, the episode's title is just too excellent to pass up.

Other Possibilities

6. Carly Wray and Matthew Weiner- Mad Men: "The Milk and Honey Route"
7. Gordon Smith- Better Call Saul: "Five-O"
8. Beau Willimon- House of Cards: "Chapter 39"
9. Julian Fellowes- Downton Abbey: "Episode Eight"
10. Todd A. Kessler & Glenn Kessler & Daniel Zelman- Bloodline: "Part 12"

Result: 3/5

1.

Louis C.K.- Louie: "Bobby's House"
C.K.'s been nominated for every previous season of Louie and won twice, including last year. I can't imagine him missing out here, and it would have to be "Bobby's House" because that was the only episode submitted.

2.

Jill Soloway- Transparent: "Pilot"
Transparent is the comedy category's hottest new show, and it would be fairly surprising not to see it here come nomination morning. Jill Soloway's "Pilot" is the only episode submitted here, and looks to be a strong contender.

3.

Simon Blackwell & Armando Iannucci & Tony Roche- Veep: "Election Night"
Yet another comedy favorite with only one submitted episode; Veep finally managed to crack this category last year, and looks to capitalize off of another banner season.

4.

Alec Berg- Silicon Valley: "Two Days of the Condor"

While it didn't anything that rivaled the epic dick joke of season one's finale "Optimal Tip-to-Tip Efficiency", "Two Days of the Condor" was an excellent capper to an improved second season. The season's premiere episode "Sand Hill Shuffle" was also submitted, and could very well make it in here, I think "Condor" was the stronger episode, so I'm taking it.

5.

Michael Schur & Amy Poehler- Parks and Recreation: "One Last Ride"
Another out-on-a-limb pick for number 5; Parks and Rec never really got the awards recognition it deserved, and I think the voters will give a sympathetic goodbye nod. Plus, both Schur and Poehler have been here before, for the show's 4th season, so there on the radar here.

Other Possibilities

6. Tina Fey & Robert Carlock- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: "Kimmy Goes Outside!"
7. David Crane & Jeffrey Klarik- Episodes: "Episode Nine"
8. Jennie Snyder Urman- Jane The Virgin: "Chapter One"
9. Danny Zuker- Modern Family: "The Day We Almost Died"
10. Clay Tarver- Silicon Valley: "Sand Hill Shuffle"

Result: 4/6

1.

Jane Anderson- Olive Kitteridge

2.

John Ridley- American Crime: "Episode One"

3.

Peter Straughan- Wolf Hall

4.

Hugo Blick- The Honourable Woman

5.

Ricky Gervais- Derek Special

Other Possibilities

6. Harry Williams & Jack Williams- The Missing
7. Dee Rees, Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois- Bessie
8. Kevin Elyot- Curtain, Poirot’s Last Case
9. Ryan Murphy & Brad Falchuk- American Horror Story: Freak Show: "Monsters Among Us"
10. David Hare- Worricker: Salting the Battlefield

Result: 4/6

1.

Gail Mancuso- Modern Family: "Won't You Be Our Neighbor"
Modern Family has won this category for the past four years, so I find it highly unlikely that it doesn't make it in. It could be any of the five episodes they submitted, or even a few of them, but Mancuso's won for the past two years and seems like the obvious pick.

2.

Jill Soloway- Transparent: "Best New Gir"
Essentially touches on what I said In the writing category, except with a new stat; Soloway won the DGA Award for "Best New Girl", which has a strong Emmy correlation rate for at least a nod. So, yeah?

3.

Louis C.K.- Louie: "Sleepover"
Louie has been here since it's second season, and it would be a huge shocker if it missed here.

4.

Mike Judge- Silicon Valley: "Sand Hill Shuffle"

Season 1 split the writing and directing categories (directing for the premiere, writing for the finale), and I'm guessing that it happens again.

5.

Armando Iannucci- Veep: "Testimony"
Veep has yet to crack the Directing category, but I think that'll change this year. It's been gaining in nominations for every new season (last year it finally cracked into writing), and it's got a lot of momentum, with many predicting it to unseat perennial winner Modern Family.

6.

Paris Barclay- Glee: "2009"
Barclay has been nominated three times for his work on Glee, including the last two years. While Glee is well past it's awards-prime, voters may decide to give it a parting gift, and Barclay would likely be the director to receive it.

Other Possibilities

7. Beth McCarthy-Miller- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: "Kimmy Goes On a Date!"
8. Iain B. MacDonald- Episodes: "Episode Nine"
9. Nisha Ganatra- Transparent: "Moppa"
10. Brad Silberling- Jane The Virgin: "Chapter One"
11. James Bagdonas- Modern Family: "The Day We Almost Died"
12. Alec Berg- Silicon Valley: "Two Days of the Condor"

Result: 4/5

1.

Miguel Sapochnik- Game of Thrones: "Hardhome"
"Hardhome" is arguably the most enthralling episode of an already incredibly thrilling series. I really can't imagine Sapochnik missing the mark here, and with any luck he'll win.

2.

Vince Gilligan- Better Call Saul: "Uno"
Read what I said about it in the Writing section.

3.

Lee Daniels- Empire: "Pilot"
Daniels is an Oscar nominated filmmaker, which always helps, who's crisp direction guided the hit series to what it would become.

4.

Steven Soderbergh- The Knick: "Method and Madness"

Oscar winners usually do pretty well when they come to television, just ask David Fincher and Martin Scorsese. Soderbergh went one step further though, he directed every episode of the show's first season, and that warrants a fair amount of respect.

5.

Tim Van Patten- Boardwalk Empire: "Eldorado"
He's been nominated for the last three years, winning one, even as the show has slipped out of Emmy-favor. With the show ending, I think Van Patten gets one for the road.

6.

Dan Attias- Homeland: "13 Hours in Islamabad"

Other Possibilities

7. Lesli Linka Glatter- Homeland: "From A to B and Back Again"
8. Minkie Spiro- Downton Abbey: "Episode Nine"
9. David Nutter- Game of Thrones: "Mother's Mercy"
10. Matthew Weiner- Mad Men: "Person to Person"
11. Jodie Foster- Orange is the New Black: "Thirsty Bird"
12. James Foley- House of Cards: "Chapter 39"

Result: 2/5

1.

Lisa Cholodenko- Olive Kitteridge

2.

Dee Rees- Bessie

3.

John Ridley- American Crime: "Episode One"

4.

Ryan Murphy- American Horror Story: Freak Show: "Monsters Among Us"

5.

Alfonso Gomez-Rejon- American Horror Story: Freak Show: "Massacres and Matinees"

6.

Roland Joffe- Texas Rising

Other Possibilities

7. Ricky Gervais- Derek Special
8. Hugo Blick- The Honourable Woman
9. Tom Shankland- The Missing
10. Elliot Lester- Nightingale

Result: 3/8