An Emmy-able position
'Hacks,' 'Widow's Bay' and 'The Pitt' have best chances for trophies
From left, Alexandra Metz, Patrick Ball, Noah Wyle, Gerran Howell and Amielynn Abellera in Season 2 of "The Pitt."
Hannah Einbinder, left, and Jean Smart are both nominated for the fifth and final season of "Hacks."
Matthew Rhys
Rhea Seehorn stars in "Pluribus," which received 18 Emmy nominations.
78TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS| PREDICTIONS
Will it be another "rinse, repeat" kind of year at the Emmys? Or will newcomers like "Wid-ow's Bay," "Task" or "Pluribus" sneak in?
Considering several series are marking their final seasons, it's likely to be a "business as usual" situation.
"The Pitt," for example, is likely to speed through the drama categories, and "Hacks" could say goodbye on a high note.
By category, here's how winners should shake down.
Comedy series
Outstanding comedy series: "Hacks" didn't win last year, but it's had a strong five-year run and should reign. Its biggest competition comes from "Widow's Bay," a dark, scary newcomer that doesn't fit the category. But this one goes to "Hacks." "Widow's Bay" can roar next year.
Lead actress in a comedy series: Five for five, baby. Jean Smart is still the gold standard and deserves to win for her final season on "Hacks." Her strongest competition comes from Lisa Kudrow, who returned with a winning season of "The Comeback." More than likely, Kudrow could win in the writing category.
Lead actor in a comedy series: This is one of those "anyone can take it" categories. But if the voters want to crack the door for "Widow's Bay," they'll give Matthew Rhys the prize. He's a dandy lead. Steve Carell ("Rooster") has a shot, but he never won for "The Office," so why would they toss him a trophy now?
Supporting actress in a comedy series: Hannah Einbinder ("Hacks") should get a second trophy. She and Smart are a superb tag team and both deserve the win. Janelle James ("Abbott Elementary") has been waiting for years and could be a spoiler. But Kate O'Flynn ("Widow's Bay") has momentum and would give the series a strong push for the future. Prediction: O'Flynn, by a hair.
Supporting actor in a comedy series: Harrison Ford ("Shrinking") has waited too long. It's his. Stephen Root ("Widow's Bay") could spoil.
Drama series
Outstanding drama series: "The Pitt." No question.
Lead actor in a drama series: Noah Wyle ("The Pitt"). No question.
Lead actress in a drama series: Rhea Seehorn ("Pluribus") was superb and, in past seasons of "Better Call Saul," was ignored. Now's her time. Keri Russell ("The Diplomat") is her biggest competition.
Supporting actor in a drama series: Patrick Ball ("The Pitt") is the strongest of that show's contenders, even though Shawn Hatosy won a Guest Actor Emmy last year. If "The Pitt" actors cancel each other out, Tom Pelphrey stands to benefit. He was stellar in "Task." Prediction: Pelphrey, then Ball.
Supporting actress in a drama series: This is another "Pitt"aganza. Four actresses are in the mix. Allison Janney ("The Diplomat") is here — and could set a trophy record with a win — but it seems Katherine LaNasa ("The Pitt") will repeat. She's the most memorable.
Limited series
Outstanding limited series: If you look at "for your consideration" ads in trade publications, "Love Story" (the John F. Kennedy Jr. miniseries) would seem like a likely winner. But "DTF St. Louis" and another season of "Beef" kept viewers guessing much more. It'll be a toss-up, but "DTF" was the most original.
Outstanding movie: "Remarkably Bright Creatures." Friends asked about this film repeatedly since it started airing and hasn't waned. The others didn't have the same staying power.
Lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie: Charlie Hunnam ("Monster: The Ed Gein Story") should win. He was extremely creepy and detailed. But few probably made it through the series and will toss their votes to Oscar Isaac ("Beef") or Matthew Rhys ("The Beast in Me"). Because Rhys could win in another category, this one goes to Isaac if not Hunnam.
Lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movie: Sally Field ("Remarkably Bright Creatures") would seem like the winner. But Carey Mulligan was so compelling in "Beef," she should win. Sarah Pidgeon ("Love Story") has that ad campaign in her favor. But we're going with Mulligan.
Supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie: Because he was key to getting his series made, David Harbour ("DTF St. Louis") is the front-runner. He has competition from Jason Bateman and Richard Jenkins, his co-stars, Richard Gadd ("Half Man") and Nick Offerman ("Death by Lightning"). Because the "DTF" guys are in the wrong category, they could be vulnerable. Still, prediction: Harbour.
Supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie: Linda Cardellini, "DTF St. Louis."
When to watch
The Emmy Awards air Monday on NBC with host Mariska Hargitay.
