Emmy Winner Predictions: Lead Actress in a Drama Series

I had the chance to dive deep into this category for The Film Experience – head over there to read my analysis!

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Emmy Nominees: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

My predictions: 4/6

I should have listened to my own wisdom that statistics do matter, and Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) having been a stalwart of this category would mean that she would return for a final nomination along with the more expected Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), marking their show’s only two bids this year. I am very pleased to see Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show) nominated over costar Jennifer Aniston, a rare display of people actually watching a show to recognize the true talent in a particular season. While I’m sad that Mandy Moore isn’t here since her show was virtually shut out, it’s good to see previous winner Zendaya (Euphoria), whose show skyrocketed to sixteen total nominations, along with a fantastic newcomer, Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets), and one final nod for the great Laura Linney (Ozark) in this role.

Who should win? I do watch all these. I’d pick Lynskey though they’re all terrific.
Who will win? I think that, based on her show’s performance, Lynskey could actually win!

Emmy Predictions: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, July 12th. As always, chime in below in the comments with any thoughts of your own.

Last year’s nominees: Olivia Colman, Uzo Aduba, Jurnee Smollett, Emma Corrin, Elisabeth Moss, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

The competition: A grand total of zero of last year’s nominees are eligible this year, though it’s worth noting that Elisabeth Moss (Shining Girls) has another show in contention. There are a handful of actresses who were nominated last time their shows aired, including Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show), Laura Linney (Ozark), and Zendaya (Euphoria). While enthusiasm for their show has dampened, both Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) and Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) were nominated for their now-finished show’s previous season, even after other awards bodies abandoned Oh and embraced only Comer. Another past nominee, Mandy Moore (This Is Us), feels like a good bet for her show’s final season. It’s never smart to count out actresses like Christine Baranski (The Good Fight) and Nicole Kidman (Nine Perfect Strangers), even if their shows may not be warmly embraced. Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show), Winona Ryder (Stranger Things), and Kelly Reilly (Yellowstone) might be able to break through this year if their shows do well overall, and I’d love to see the same for Britt Lower (Severance) and Annie Murphy (Kevin Can F**k Himself), but I doubt it will happen. If the show’s fanbase includes enough Emmy voters, Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets) will be able to make the cut, and her costar Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets) might even get in too.

The predicted nominees: Aniston, Comer, Linney, Lynskey, Moore, Zendaya

The predicted winner: I think Linney can win this for her show’s final season.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

I've had the pleasure of covering some of the Emmy races for The Film Experience this year. Click here to read my detailed analysis and predictions for this category.

Emmy Nominees: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

My predictions: 5/6, missing Rodriguez

I couldn’t be happier that Mj Rodriguez (Pose) is finally an Emmy nominee! It’s fine with me that Sarah Paulson wasn’t nominated for “Ratched” since I know many don’t seem to like the show, and she’ll have plenty of opportunities to be honored again in the future. It’s good to see Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) back in the lineup after being snubbed last year, and it’s also great that Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country) made the cut! Uzo Aduba (In Treatment) got in despite her show being shut out in all other categories, joining the expected frontrunners from the juggernaut that is their regal series: Emma Corrin (The Crown) and Olivia Colman (The Crown).

Who should win? Rodriguez, though it’s a good bunch!
Who will win? I think this still goes to Corrin, but how incredible would it be if Rodriguez won?

Emmy Predictions: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, July 13th. As always, chime in below in the comments with any thoughts of your own.

Last year’s nominees: Jennifer Aniston, Jodie Comer, Olivia Colman, Laura Linney, Sandra Oh, Zendaya

The competition: I wrote about this category for The Film Experience, and I don’t think much has changed over the past month or so. Head over there to read my analysis. I’d love to see Mj Rodriguez (Pose) make the cut, but I just don’t think it’s going to happen.

The predicted nominees: Aduba, Colman, Corrin, Moss, Paulson, Smollett

The predicted winner: I see this going to Corrin.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

This is the second category of the 14th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2019-2020 season. This year, I’m including a shorter list, with just nominees and a few finalists, if applicable. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Jodie Comer, Diane Guerrero, Julia Roberts, Mj Rodriguez, Alfre Woodard

Emmy nominees: Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Colman, Jodie Comer, Laura Linney, Sandra Oh, Zendaya

Finalists: Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld), Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show), Laura Linney (Ozark), Joanne Froggatt (Liar)

The nominees:
Zendaya (Euphoria)
Olivia Colman (The Crown)
Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid's Tale)
Rosa Salazar (Undone)

The winner:

Mj Rodriguez (Pose) internalized the fierce determination Blanca had to be seen and taken seriously, fully aware of the uphill battles she would always face but set on achieving happiness nonetheless.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

I've had the pleasure of covering some of the Emmy races for The Film Experience this year. Click here to read my detailed analysis and predictions for this category.

Emmy Nominees: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

My predictions: 3/6, missing Comer, Oh, and Zendaya

I think I was still reeling from the shocking snub of past winner Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) to fully appreciate the wonderful and totally unexpected inclusion of Zendaya (Euphoria), whose show also earned a few technical bids. It’s nice to see her here, especially because her chances weren’t strong. I’m frustrated that, after I initially predicted them both, I decided in the end to take Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) and Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) out of my picks. They were both good but I don’t think they needed to be here this time (I thought Nicole Kidman would be, though she’s also absent). The rest of the field is expected, and, unless Zendaya surges, will battle it out for the win: Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show), Olivia Colman (The Crown), and Laura Linney (Ozark). There are so many more actresses that could have been nominated here, but this list does include some very impressive talent.

Who should win? I might actually pick Zendaya!
Who will win? I’ll give the edge to Linney right now.

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

This is the second category of the 13th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2018-2019 season. This year, I’m including a shorter list, with just nominees and a few finalists, if applicable. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Jodie Comer, Christina Hendricks, Tatiana Maslany, Elisabeth Moss, Krysten Ritter

Emmy nominees: Emilia Clarke, Jodie Comer, Viola Davis, Laura Linney, Mandy Moore, Sandra Oh, Robin Wright

Finalists: None

The nominees:
Mj Rodriguez (Pose)
Diane Guerrero (Doom Patrol)
Alfre Woodard (Luke Cage)
Julia Roberts (Homecoming)

The winner:

Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) dug into the rich craziness of her character, locating plenty of maniacal delight and even more twisted depth.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Game of Thrones (The Last of the Starks)
This is Clarke’s fourth nomination after bids in 2013, 2015, and 2016 in the supporting race. She wasn’t successful when she was first promoted to this category last year, but now she contends for the final season of her show, in which she played a huge part. She could have chosen any of the six eligible hours, and she opted for one in which she has to fight for her right to rule with words rather than with actions, which I think might have been a stronger bet. Her performance isn’t quite on the same level as most of the other nominees in this category, but enthusiasm for her show shouldn’t be counted out since it could most definitely lead to a win.

Jodie Comer as Villanelle, Killing Eve (I Hope You Like Missionary)
I’m thrilled that Comer finally managed to score her first major awards bid after her costar Sandra Oh had previously taken all of the acclaim. She also submitted a formidable hour that shows the range of her talents, creating a character to get close to a suspect and having fun with it in typical style. Oh isn’t featured extensively in this hour, while Comer does still play a substantial role in Oh’s. She’s a long shot at best, but anyone who watches her show should realize that she’s such a crucial part of it who absolutely deserves to win.

Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, How to Get Away with Murder (He Betrayed Us Both)
This is Davis’ fourth nomination in this category but her fifth overall. After winning for the freshman year of her show, she earned two more bids and then, last year, missed out in this race in favor of a guest bid for playing the same character on a “Scandal” crossover. It doesn’t feel like she should be in this race anymore, and even if Davis is good, her character is so poorly written and the show so terrible in comparison to everything else here. Spiraling out of control in her episode is far from compelling, and I’d be both shocked and disappointed if she won this year.

Laura Linney as Wendy Byrde, Ozark (One Way Out)
Linney has won four times out of five nominations, taking home trophies for TV movie “Wild Iris,” miniseries “John Adams” and “The Big C: Hereafter,” and comedy guest acting for “Frasier.” She’s nominated for the second season of her show, and in her submitted episode gets to show just how in control of a situation where she’s not objectively in charge she manages to be. It’s a good showcase that allows her to standout from costars Jason Bateman and Julia Garner, but I don’t think it’s enough to help her win.

Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson, This Is Us (The Graduates)
After turning in an incredible performance in her show’s second season that I thought would earn her a place on this last year, Moore is now nominated for the first time, joining returning nominees Sterling K. Brown and Milo Ventimiglia, and fellow newcomer Chris Sullivan. Moore manages to be very sympathetic in her submitted episode, which finds her having a tough time going through monumental life cycle moments without her husband. This is a competitive category, and I think she would have had an easier time pulling off a win last year.

Sandra Oh as Eve Polastri, Killing Eve (You’re Mine)
Oh, who has five previous nominations in the supporting category for “Grey’s Anatomy,” made history last year as the first Asian actress to be nominated in this field. She is also nominated for hosting SNL this year. She took home both the Golden Globe and the SAG Award this past year, and seems primed to win this prize too. Her submission of the season finale, in which she makes a crucial decision that proves to be very transformative is smart. Her biggest competition, honestly, comes from costar Jodie Comer, nominated now after being snubbed last year.

Robin Wright as Claire Underwood, House of Cards (Chapter 70)
This is the sixth nomination for Wright, who has now been nominated for every season of her show, returning to this lineup after her show took last season off. Being promoted to the only lead after Kevin Spacey was written out gives her a major showcase in a season that I personally hated, and her submitted episode epitomizes what I didn’t like about it. There’s supposed something clever about Claire playing into the role of the unstable, weak woman president, but I found this performance unbelievably irritating and I can’t imagine enough voters actually liked it to propel her to a win.

Who should win (based on entire season): Comer
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Comer
Who will win: Julia Roberts wasn’t nominated, and previous winners Claire Foy, Elisabeth Moss, and Tatiana Maslany aren’t in contention. This feels like Oh’s year, though costar Comer could snatch it away from her or Clarke could be rewarded if voters go nuts for her show.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Emmy Nominees: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

My predictions: 5/7, missing Davis and Moore

I realized after this list was announced that Julia Roberts was missing, but I had no idea that “Homecoming” got completely shut out aside from a cinematography bid. That’s disappointing, since even though it wasn’t perfect, it definitely had an appeal. Here, there was room for Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder) to sneak back in after a year off (though she did manage a guest acting bid for the same role last year), and, most excitingly, Mandy Moore (This Is Us) finally earned the nomination she richly deserved last year. I’m most excited about Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) joining costar and expected winner Sandra Oh (Killing Eve), getting recognition for the show that really blew up this year with nominations all over the place. Laura Linney (Ozark) also got nominated along with her very popular show. It seems unnecessary that Robin Wright (House of Cards) is here for the final season of her show, while I’m much more okay with Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) being honored for an intense and unforgettable turn in the final season of hers.

Who should win? I don’t watch Linney or Davis’ shows regularly, but I’m all in for Comer.
Who will win? I would love for Comer to upset, but I think Oh takes it.

Emmy Predictions: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, July 16th. As always, chime in below in the comments with any thoughts of your own.

Last year’s nominees: Claire Foy, Tatiana Maslany, Elisabeth Moss, Sandra Oh, Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood

The competition: This category is ripe for tremendous change this year, with just one nominee from last year in the running. That’s Sandra Oh (Killing Eve), who took home both the Golden Globe and SAG this past year for season one of her show. Claire Foy and Tatiana Maslany have both finished their runs, and have trophies to show for them, while Keri Russell’s series is also over. Elisabeth Moss’ show just returns, but not in time to be eligible, and Evan Rachel Wood’s series will be back sometime in 2020. Though Oh’s costar Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) seems like a shoo-in given her show’s popularity, I’m very concerned that the sensational actress will be left off the list given how Oh has achieved so much solo recognition thus far. Five past nominees could return to the fold, though their circumstances are all different. Robin Wright (House of Cards) was nominated the last time her show was eligible, and if voters were more impressed with the final season of her show than I was, she’ll likely be back. Though Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder) technically broke her three-nomination streak last year, she was nominated for guest-starring as the same character on “Scandal,” and she could be honored again in this category. Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) was nominated three times in the supporting race, and, if voters aren’t against the show, she’s very deserving of praise for its final season. Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story: Apocalypse) has been nominated five times for the anthology series, and it’s a question mark how the program will do now that it’s no longer considered a limited series. And then there’s Christine Baranski (The Good Fight), who earned six nominations for playing the same character on “The Good Wife,” and many think her CBS All Access spinoff will break through this year. This might be the year for four-time Globe honoree Caitriona Balfe (Outlander), two-time SAG nominee Laura Linney (Ozark), or past Globe nominee Mandy Moore (This Is Us), though if last year’s showcase wasn’t enough to get her in, I don’t think this year will be either. It’s fair to assume that Julia Roberts (Homecoming) will make the cut as long as voters don’t forget about her show. Mj Rodriguez (Pose) might also show up, as could any other number of freshman series stars.

The predicted nominees: Clarke, Comer, Linney, Oh, Roberts, Wright

The predicted winner: It seems like Oh has unparalleled momentum, though I’d be ecstatic if it went to Comer if she can get nominated.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

This is the second category of the 12th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2017-2018 season. This year, I’m including a shorter list, with just nominees and a few finalists, if applicable. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Michelle Dockery, Rachel Keller, Elisabeth Moss, Evan Rachel Wood, Robin Wright

Emmy nominees: Claire Foy, Tatiana Maslany, Sandra Oh, Elisabeth Moss, Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood

Finalists: Mandy Moore (This Is Us), Molly Parker (Lost in Space), Michelle Dockery (Good Behavior), Claire Foy (The Crown)

The nominees:
Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black)
Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones)
Jodie Comer (Killing Eve)
Christina Hendricks (Good Girls)

The winner:

Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) became even more determined to continue creating her own existence in a horrific world with no room for individuality and rebellion.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.

Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth, The Crown (Dear Mrs. Kennedy)
Foy was Emmy-nominated last year, won the Golden Globe last year, and took home the SAG Award two years in a row. This is her last opportunity to compete for this role since a new, older actress will be taking over the part. I thought that she could win if she had submitted the finale, but instead she opted for an installment that I don’t think is quite as strong, where she prepares for the visit of President Kennedy and his wife, navigating what she’s supposed to do and whether to pair with the country leader or with his spouse. She’s undeniably great, and it’s just a question of whether she can eclipse hotter shows.

Tatiana Maslany as Many Characters, Orphan Black (To Right the Wrongs of Many)
I’m so happy to see Maslany here. She was nominated for her show’s third season in 2015 then miraculously won the next year for its fourth. She made an unexpected return after her show took a year off before airing its final season. I’ve remarked before that’s unfathomable to me that Maslany could be nominated for this show and anyone else could end up winning, but it’s only worked half the time for her. The submission of the series finale is a very smart choice, though I don’t think her show has any buzz, and it’s a much more competitive category than last time.

Elisabeth Moss as Offred/June, The Handmaid’s Tale (The Last Ceremony)
Moss was nominated six times previously for “Mad Men” and won for the first time last year for this role. She’s back for the second season of her show, in which she gives an equally tremendous performance as the rebellious handmaid. Her episode submission is excellent, showing her expressing misery at the latest horrifying thing she’s subjected to and encountering a completely unexpected bit of hope. I think she’ll win again, though it might be someone else’s turn.

Sandra Oh as Eve Polastri, Killing Eve (I Have a Thing About Bathrooms)
Oh, who has five previous nominations in the supporting category for “Grey’s Anatomy,” makes history as the first Asian actress to be nominated in this field. I do like the show, though it’s not quite as fantastic as I had hoped. More importantly, I had hoped that Oh’s costar Jodie Comer would have been nominated instead. Fortunately, Oh’s submitted hour is strong, showing her taking a bold stand against a frightening enemy in its opening moments. She could very well upset in a heated race with three other frontrunners – watch out for it to happen.

Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings, The Americans (The Summit)
This is the third consecutive nomination for Russell, and her show is back in the running for Best Drama Series for its final season. Her submission of the series finale is a decent choice since it shows her in survival mode, but I probably would have picked one of the earlier episodes of the season that show her on her own and very angry at her husband for his diverging viewpoints on their work. While many prognosticators are predicting Rhys to take home the Emmy this year, Russell doesn’t seem to have the same support. It will be an uphill battle for her to defeat Moss and Foy, but it’s certainly possible.

Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores Abernathy, Westworld (Reunion)
Wood was up for this role last year and previously nominated for an Emmy in 2011 for “Mildred Pierce.” In season two, Dolores is a far more aggressive and determined presence, and Wood responds accordingly with a formidable and often frightening performance. I think there may be some ill will towards the show for a less even second season, and it’s hard to separate Wood from that. I don’t think she can stand out enough from the pack in this category.

Who should win (based on entire season): Moss, Maslany, or Foy
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Moss
Who will win: The smartest choice would be to assume that Moss repeats, but I think that Foy may take it instead. Watch out also for upsets by Russell or Oh.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Emmy Nominees: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

My predictions: 4/6, picking Mandy Moore and Emilia Clarke over Maslany and Oh

I cheered when I heard Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) announced as a nominee since I had figured that, even though she won the last time her show was eligible, she would be completely forgotten about. That made me very happy. I wasn’t quite as thrilled about the inclusion of Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) since I think her costar Jodie Comer would have been much more deserving of a nomination. It’s a shame that Mandy Moore got left out, especially since another costar of hers was surprisingly snubbed, leaving just four men as the acting nominees from their show. The other four are all back from last year, along with their series: Claire Foy (The Crown) and Keri Russell (The Americans), both competing for the last time, and Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld) and last year’s winner Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale).

Who should win? Maslany would be a great choice for a repeat win, and so would Moss.
Who will win? I’ll still go with Foy, whose show performed pretty well in other categories, though Moss is just as possible.

Emmy Predictions: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations will be announced on Thursday, July 12th. As always, chime in below in the comments with any thoughts of your own.

Last year’s nominees: Viola Davis, Claire Foy, Elisabeth Moss, Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood, Robin Wright

The competition: Just one of these nominees is guaranteed not to be in the running this year, and that’s Robin Wright, who, despite anchoring the final season of her show after the firing of costar Kevin Spacey, isn’t eligible since it hasn’t yet premiered. This is the last chance for Claire Foy (The Crown) to be nominated since another actress will be taking over the role next year, and she may even win as a result. Keri Russell (The Americans) is in contention for what would be her third consecutive and final possible nomination for her show, which ended earlier this year. After a win two years ago, Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder) is looking for a third nomination, the lone broadcast network representative whose show is hardly as beloved by Emmy voters, aside from her performance, as most others honored in this category. Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld) seems like a good bet to return given her enhanced role in season two, and the same goes for last year’s winner, Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale). The likeliest to join this race is Mandy Moore (This Is Us), who was left out last year but has a knockout of a showcase in her show’s Superbowl episode. Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) previously earned three nominations in the supporting category, and a promotion to the lead race may net her a spot here. Winona Ryder (Stranger Things), who missed out in the supporting category last year, might benefit from her own promotion to receive a nomination this year. Laura Linney (Ozark) earned a SAG bid and Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Deuce) picked up a Golden Globe nomination, both for freshman series, and so they might show up here. Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) is a possibility, though I’d actually give her costar Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) the edge, though I think the show is too weird for voters. Claire Danes (Homeland) missed out for the first time last year after two wins and five nominations and could be back. I’m rooting most for Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), who won the last time her show was eligible on her second nomination two years ago and contends this year for the final season of her show.

The predicted nominees: Clarke, Foy, Moore, Moss, Russell, Wood

The predicted winner: It could be Moss again, but I think Foy will take it for her last hurrah for this role.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

This is the second category of the 11th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2016-2017 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Carrie Coon, Melissa Benoist, Krysten Ritter, Tatiana Maslany, Ruth WIlson

Emmy nominees: Viola Davis, Claire Foy, Elisabeth Moss, Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood, Robin Wright

Semi-finalists: Abigail Spencer (Timeless), Brit Marling (The OA), Chloe Bennet (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Gemma Chan (Humans), Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex), Melissa O'Neil (Dark Matter), Ruth Wilson (The Affair)

Finalists: Elizabeth Henstridge (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) was the driving force for the sane and grounded in this season, always remembering that perception isn’t everything. Claire Foy (The Crown) was a compelling young figure thrust into a position of regal prominence singularly capable of understanding her new role. Amanda Schull (12 Monkeys) is now as comfortable a time-traveler as anyone from her future who managed to be even more on-mission than those initially sent to find her. Carrie Coon (The Leftovers) evolved to a new level of self-discovery, no longer content to just the let the world happen to her. Melissa Benoist (Supergirl) kept up her peppy spirit as she embarked upon a new career and continued to serve as a beacon of hope.

The nominees:

Rachel Keller (Legion) was possibly the subtlest element of her show, sent in on a mission and taken in by its subject, guided by a true sense of wonder. Michelle Dockery (Good Behavior) followed up a popular turn as a cruel heiress with an even more magnetic one as an equally desperate and daring con artist. Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld) was focused and formidable as a programmed robot coming to life. Robin Wright (House of Cards) took on a new importance in this season as she became more and more like her husband.

The winner:

Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) was a tremendous force for resilience as the central figure hanging on to some sense of sanity in a horrific nightmare of a world.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.

Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, How to Get Away with Murder (Wes)
Davis won this award two years ago and was nominated again last year. Since then, she picked up an Oscar for “Fences,” which should make anyone question why she bothers to star in this show and how the two performances possibly compare. The season finale gives Davis plenty of ammunition and over-the-top lines to utter, but I think that Davis’ time in this category is limited and she’s certainly not going to win again.

Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth, The Crown (Assassins)
First-time Emmy nominee Foy is off to a fantastic start with Golden Globe and SAG wins from earlier this season for her regal performance. I’ve been speedily catching up on this show after turning off the pilot just five minutes in, unaware of what this show’s future awards potential would be. Foy is certainly great, though I’m a bit puzzled by her episode submission. I would have gone with the second episode, “Hyde Park Corner,” or the eighth, “Pride and Joy,” but instead she chose the same one as costar John Lithgow, which delves into a lifelong friendship and features just one knockout scene at the end. She still has a great shot - awards bodies seem to love her.

Elisabeth Moss as Offred/June, The Handmaid’s Tale (Night)
Moss has been nominated previously six times, all for “Mad Men.” Now she’s back for her stunning turn as a young mother enslaved as a handmaid in a hellish society governed by religion. Moss, who is truly terrific, submitted the season finale, which should still be accessible for viewers since she has to deal with the agony of being separated from her daughter and finally decides to take action to defend herself. This is a crowded category, but it’s also a knockout submission.

Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings, The Americans (Dyatkovo)
This is the second consecutive nomination for Russell. Last year, her show was nominated for Best Drama Series, and this year it isn’t. She’s popular and might be able to win next year for the show’s final season with the right submission, but in a category filled with strong women forced to make tough ethical decisions, I just don’t think she’s sympathetic enough. Her episode paints her as cold and unforgiving, determined to kill a traitor even though she’s not completely sure of her identity.

Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores, Westworld (The Bicameral Mind)
Wood was previously nominated for an Emmy in 2011 for her supporting role in the miniseries “Mildred Pierce.” If you had to choose one person who’s really the lead of HBO’s head trip, it’s her. She’s terrific in every episode, playing someone who’s programmed to respond a certain way and who knows more than she should because of glitches in both the program and her environment. Her submission is the season finale, in which she takes action on what she’s learned. It’s a great episode for loyal viewers, but I’m not sure it will play as well for those who haven’t followed along. She’d be very deserving of a win but I don’t see it happening.

Robin Wright as Claire Underwood, House of Cards (Chapter 65)
This is the fifth consecutive nomination for Wright. She won a Golden Globe in 2014 but her show has yet to win a major Emmy despite many nominations each year for the past five years running. Just like her onscreen husband is being left behind and Claire is headed for the limelight, Wright is the likeliest member of her cast to eventually win an Emmy. I think her submission from last year was better, but there’s no denying her power shift in the season finale is an exceptional showcase of her skills.

Who should win (based on entire season): Moss
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Moss
Who will win: This seems to me to be a competition between Foy, the early awards favorite, and Moss, the new entry, who is so overdue and also so good in her show. I don’t think this is the year for Wright or Russell, and despite having so many nominations, Wood’s show seems destined to win only technical prizes.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Emmy Nominees: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

My predictions: 6/6

This was one of my only perfect scores this year, and I’m pretty proud of it even though it was because there were no surprises. Claire Danes finally got left off the list, and Taraji P. Henson also failed to make the cut after being nominated previously. Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder) and Robin Wright (House of Cards) return with similar support for their shows, and Keri Russell (The Americans) also made it back in despite her show missing the mark in the top race. I still have to watch – and will soon begin - Claire Foy (The Crown), but that wasn’t a surprise at all. Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld) wasn’t a lock, representing her very adored show, which scored in all four major acting categories. Best of all, Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) made it in for a superb turn, and her show did terrifically across all categories as well. I’m pretty happy with this list.

Who should win? I don’t watch Russell’s show or Davis’, and haven’t yet seen Foy’s. Out of the rest, Moss should win this.
Who will win? I’ll need to watch the episodes, but I’m actually going to guess that Moss manages to beat Foy since the two haven’t actually et faced each other.