Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

As I’ve done the past few years, I’m excited to present a detailed look at the Emmy race in each category with a spotlight on every sample episode submitted for consideration to voters. Click on episode titles to read reviews and offer your thoughts in the comments!


Jonathan Banks (Better Call Saul) – Bali Ha’i
Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) – No One
Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) – Battle of the Bastards
Michael Kelly (House of Cards) – Chapter 44
Ben Mendelsohn (Bloodline) – Part 23
Jon Voight (Ray Donovan) – The Kalamazoo

For the first time, we have two Game of Thrones actors in this race. Harington, who has a magnificent showcase in an episode where he leads his troops into epic battle, may well be able to beat the always terrific Dinklage, who has already won twice, including last year. His episode submission is also great, but it doesn’t compare to the spectacular nature of Harington’s, which of course isn’t all about his performance. Voight is back after a year hiatus from this category, and if he didn’t win for year one, I’m not sure I see it happening now, but his submitted episode does show him starting up a new operation and being generally likeable and charming to everyone around him, a good display of his charisma. I’m a little surprised that Kelly is still here, but it’s a phenomenon of this category since a onetime standout nomination often leads to repeated bids. Don’t count on him to take home the award. Banks, on the other hand, might, with a submission that isn’t as intense and awesome as last year’s but still finds him kicking and ensuring that his family stays safe after he makes a risky play. Mendelsohn had a better shot last year, since, as with costar Kyle Chandler, it’s hard to really get to know his character with just the season finale, and he’s just one actor among a big group of talented players sure to steal focus.

Who should win (based on entire season): Dinklage
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Dinklage
Who will win: It’s probably going to be Dinklage, but I’ll bet that Jon Snow lovers vote for Harington.

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