On July 16th, 2016, the 68th Emmy nominations were unveiled. As has become the norm lately, cable was the big winner this time. “Game of Thrones” (23 nominations), “The People v. O.J. Simpson: An American Crime Story” (22 nominations),  and “Fargo” (18 nominations) led the pack. A collective of Filmcore staffers now offer your their prognoses for this year’s victors, ahead of the September 20th Emmy broadcast. We will discuss the 26 primetime Emmy nominees. We made picks for all 110 categories (which we definitely didn’t pick for gratuitous gambling purposes, if that’s what you’re thinking — that’d be illegal, you guys), and on September 21st we’ll release every Filmcore prognosticator’s tally of correct predictions. 

KEY (& no Peele):

AEB – Armani Ellyse Barron
AK – Alex Kirschenbaum
CM – Chris McKee
ET – Evan Twohy
GB – Greg Brecher
TJ – TJ Morrison

Programs

Outstanding Comedy Series

“black-ish” • ABC • ABC Studios
AEB: Not only is “Blackish” funny, but it’s also intelligent. In my opinion no other show is so accurately depicting the struggles of being black and middle class in America.

“Master Of None” • Netflix • Universal Television, Oh Brudder Productions, Alan Yang Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment

“Modern Family” • ABC • Picador Productions and Steven Levitan Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television

“Silicon Valley” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Judgemental Films, Alec Berg and 3 Arts Entertainment 
CM

“Transparent” • Amazon • Amazon Studios
AK: The Emmy’s love this show.

“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” • Netflix • Universal Television, Little Stranger, Inc., 3 Arts Entertainment and Bevel Gears for Netflix

“Veep” • HBO • HBO Entertainment
GB: Armani has a fair point about “black-ish,” but here’s the problem:  the people voting for this don’t care about the struggles of being black and middle class in America.  I do think we could see a lot of shows created by, or about black people as a reaction to what happened with the Oscars, but they won’t be the comedies.  My working theory is that culturally we’re looking at race in a tragic way.  Now I know “black-ish” is a surprisingly thoughtful family show for major network, but as a pure comedy it doesn’t hold a candle up to Veep, which has managed to survive Armando Iannucci’s departure as show runner, and deliver a stellar 5th season. 
TJ  ET

Outstanding Drama Series

“The Americans” • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions Better Call Saul • AMC • Sony Pictures Television / Gran Via Productions

“Downton Abbey” • PBS • A Carnival Films/MASTERPIECE co-production in association with NBCUniversal

“Game Of Thrones” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Bighead, Littlehead; 360 Television and Startling Television
AEB: Although I am a big “House of Cards” fan, “GoT” masterfully balances drama with fantasy. And the Emmy’s could tell this year.
AK: Possible upset would be flavor-of-the-week “Mr. Robot” (it won the Golden Globe in an equivalent category). But that possibility is quite slim.
GB: I’m ready to give “GoT” the award in every category it was nominated for.  At this point it feels like a fait accompli given the universal love for this past season.  Plot wise it was an incredibly important season, and the creators spared no expense to make sure that the reveals were given their due to an audience that has been patiently waiting for 6 seasons for this leviathan to start wrapping up.  “Mr. Robot” would be my dark horse candidate.
CM TJ ET

“Homeland” • Showtime • SHOWTIME Presents, Fox 21 Television Studios, Teakwood Lane Productions, Cherry Pie Productions, Keshet

“House Of Cards” • Netflix • Donen/Fincher/Roth and Trigger Street Productions, Inc. in association with Media Rights Capital for Netflix

“Mr. Robot” • USA • USA Network in association with Universal Cable Productions and Anonymous Content

Outstanding Limited Series

“American Crime” • ABC • ABC Studios 

“Fargo” • FX Networks • MGM Television, FX Productions The Night Manager • AMC • Ink Factory

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions  
GB: Who watched the “Roots” remake?  “People v. O.J.” is the clear winner of this category, you can’t have that much buzz, John Travolta actually acting again, and David Schwimmer saying “Juice!” that many times and not win an Emmy! In all seriousness though, the show is masterfully done, and I think it lets the Emmy’s award a show that they feel is entertaining and important.
AK: I originally put in my two cents for “American Crime,” because I thought that was the series sub-header for Ryan Murphy’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson.” It’s actually called “American Crime Story.” My faux pas.
TJ ET

“Roots” • HISTORY • An A+E Studios Production in association with Marc Toberoff Productions and The Wolper Organization
AEB: I’m (ahem) rooting for this one…get it? Get it? You get it.
CM

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program

“The Amazing Race” • CBS • World Race Productions, Inc.
Bertram van Munster, Executive Producer Elise Doganieri, Executive Producer
Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer Jonathan Littman, Executive Producer Mark Vertullo, Executive Producer Matt Schmidt, Co-Executive Producer
Patrick Cariaga, Co-Executive Producer Phil Keoghan, Co-Executive Producer Dan Coffie, Co-Executive Producer Darren Bunkley, Supervising Producer Neil Jahss, Supervising Producer Micheal DiMaggio, Supervising Producer Chad Baron, Senior Producer
Ady Ryf, Senior Producer

“American Ninja Warrior” • NBC • A. Smith & Co. Productions in association with Esquire Network
Arthur Smith, Executive Producer Kent Weed, Executive Producer Anthony Storm, Executive Producer Brian Richardson, Executive Producer Kristen Stabile, Co-Executive Producer Royce Toni, Supervising Producer
J.D. Pruess, Supervising Producer David Markus, Supervising Producer John Gunn, Supervising Producer
D. Max Poris, Supervising Producer Matt Silverberg, Supervising Producer Briana Vowels, Supervising Producer Mason Funk, Supervising Producer
AK: This show was a big deal for like three months. But during those three months, people were voting for the Emmy’s.
AEB: I second Alex’s opinion.. but give it six more months and it’s just going to turn into daytime background noise.
GB:  I chose this purely for the viral video of the streaker who crashed the competition and almost ripped through the whole course in record time.  If you haven’t seen it, you should remedy that immediately.
TJ

“Dancing With The Stars” • ABC • BBC Worldwide Productions
Rob Wade, Executive Producer
Ashley Edens-Shaffer, Executive Producer Joe Sungkur, Executive Producer
Angela Castro, Co-Executive Producer Daniel Martin, Co-Executive Producer Deena Katz, Co-Executive Producer
Tara West-Margolis, Supervising Producer Stacey Thomas-Muir, Supervising Producer Peter Hebri, Senior Producer
Megan Wade, Producer Shelby Wagner, Producer Chelsea Low, Producer Yasmin Rawji, Producer

“Project Runway” • Lifetime • The Weinstein Company, Bunim/Murray Productions and Full Picture Entertainment for Lifetime
Harvey Weinstein, Executive Producer Bob Weinstein, Executive Producer Jonathan Murray, Executive Producer Sara Rea, Executive Producer
Heidi Klum, Executive Producer Jane Cha, Executive Producer Desiree Gruber, Executive Producer Eli Lehrer, Executive Producer
Mary Donahue, Executive Producer David Hillman, Executive Producer Patrick Reardon, Executive Producer
Barbara Schneeweiss, Executive Producer Gil Goldschein, Co-Executive Producer Teri Weideman, Co-Executive Producer Cosmo De Ceglie, Supervising Producer Sue Kinkead, Supervising Producer Sasha Alpert, Producer
Tim Gunn, Producer

“Top Chef” • Bravo • Magical Elves Dan Cutforth, Executive Producer Jane Lipsitz, Executive Producer Doneen Arquines, Executive Producer Tara Siener, Executive Producer Casey Kriley, Executive Producer Padma Lakshmi, Executive Producer Tom Colicchio, Executive Producer Erica Ross, Co-Executive Producer
Patrick Schmedeman, Co-Executive Producer Wade Sheeler, Co-Executive Producer
Ellie Carbajal, Supervising Producer Blake Davis, Supervising Producer Justin Rae Barnes, Supervising Producer Daniel Calin, Supervising Producer Shannon Callaghan, Senior Producer
CM

“The Voice” • NBC • MGM Television, Talpa Media USA, Inc. and Warner Horizon Television
John De Mol, Executive Producer Mark Burnett, Executive Producer Audrey Morrissey, Executive Producer Jay Bienstock, Executive Producer Lee Metzger, Executive Producer Chad Hines, Executive Producer
Kyra Thompson, Co-Executive Producer Amanda Zucker, Co-Executive Producer Mike Yurchuk, Co-Executive Producer Anthea Bhargava, Supervising Producer Keith Dinielli, Supervising Producer May Johnson, Supervising Producer Clyde Lieberman, Supervising Producer Teddy Valenti, Supervising Producer
Ashley Baumann-Sylvester, Senior Producer Kyley Tucker, Senior Producer
Carson Daly, Producer Barton Kimball, Producer Michelle McNulty, Producer
Brittany Martin Porter, Producer
ET: Greg, hat streaker is so talented! But “The Voice” is a solid, well-structured competition show that mixes star power and talent. It’s not stale like “Amazing Race” or a flash in the pan like “ANW.”
AK: SO talented.

Outstanding Television Movie

“All The Way” • HBO • HBO Films in association with Amblin Television, Tale Told Productions, Moonshot Entertainment and Everyman Pictures
GB: This is another one where white voters get to feel good about choosing something that tackles race from a nice and comfortable place.  Also, it’s HBO.  Also, Bryan Cranston is really working in his wheelhouse here.  You know what I buy him as?  An old Southern grandpa “learnin’” the world about morality.  You know what I don’t buy him as?  An FBI narc.
ET: This category usually rewards “serious” movies, maybe to counteract the association with cheap Lifetime soaps. “All The Way,” which has a loftiness from its run on Broadway, has the same gravitas as past winners like “Temple Grandin,” “The Normal Heart,” “Bessie,” and “Behind the Candelabra.”

“Confirmation” • HBO • HBO Films in association with Groundswell Productions and Simpson Street Productions
CM

“Luther” • BBC America • A BBC America and BBC In-House Drama Production co-production
TJ

“Sherlock: The Abominable Bride (Masterpiece)” • PBS • Hartswood Films for BBC One in co-production with MASTERPIECE
AEB

“A Very Murray Christmas” • Netflix • American Zoetrope, South Beach Productions, Devoted Productions, JAX Media and Netflix
AK: Yes, “All The Way” has the moral high ground. But “Murray Christmas” was by far the most popular title (stateside) in this category, and old white people love Bill Murray. Well, as do young white people. A lot of Emmy voters are white, is what I’m saying.

Outstanding Variety Talk Series

“Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee” • Crackle • Embassy Row / Sony Pictures Television Jimmy Kimmel Live • ABC • ABC Studios in association with Jackhole Industries, Inc.

“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Sixteen String Jack Productions and Avalon Television 
GB: It would be good to give John Oliver some credit for the topics his show focuses on.  It’s really the only show of its nature that isn’t swimming in the wake of whatever shallow news stories are happening, and bothers to shine its light where others aren’t.  That being said I won’t be surprised if pandering Jimmy Fallon or precious James Corden take it.  Man people are gushing over Corden and all I feel when watching him is that I’m stuck in some college theatre party.
ET: “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report” have won this category every year since 2004. John Oliver is clearly picking up the mantle of those political comedy shows; Maher has been nominated for the past ten years and has never won.
CM TJ

“The Late Late Show With James Corden” • CBS • A Fulwell 73 production in association with CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

“Real Time With Bill Maher” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Bill Maher Productions and Brad Grey Television
AK: I have a different award earmarked for “Last Week Tonight.” I love both these shows and “Comedians In Cars” equally, and thus am biased because I don’t want the two network shows to win. That being said, “The Tonight Show” is wildly popular and, in a non-election year, would be the proverbial favorite. Unfortunately for Jimmy Fallon’s ego, it IS an election year. So… HBO for the win, be it Oliver or Maher.

“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” • NBC • Universal Television and Broadway Video
AEB

Directing

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series

“Master Of None” • Parents • Netflix • Universal Television, Oh Brudder Productions, Alan Yang Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Aziz Ansari, Directed by
AEB: Even though I thought Aziz was the worst thing about this show I’m pretty sure they are gonna throw him a bone on this one. They really need an Asian American to walk away with something this year.

“Silicon Valley” • Daily Active Users • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Judgemental Films, Alec Berg and 3 Arts Entertainment
Alec Berg, Directed by

“Silicon Valley” • Founder Friendly • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Judgemental Films, Alec Berg and 3 Arts Entertainment
Mike Judge, Directed by
CM

“Transparent” • Man On The Land • Amazon • Amazon Studios
Jill Soloway, Directed by
AK: The “Veep” episodes will cannibalize each other, ditto the multiple “Silicon Valley” installments.
ET

“Veep” • Kissing Your Sister • HBO • HBO Entertainment
Dave Mandel, Directed by

“Veep” • Morning After • HBO • HBO Entertainment
Chris Addison, Directed by

“Veep” • Mother • HBO • HBO Entertainment
Dale Stern, Directed by
TJ GB

Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series

“Downton Abbey” • Episode 9 • PBS • A Carnival Films/MASTERPIECE co-production in association with NBCUniversal
Michael Engler, Directed by

“Game Of Thrones” • Battle Of The Bastards • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Bighead, Littlehead; 360 Television and Startling Television
Miguel Sapochnik, Directed by
AEB: Shoutout to Greg! 
GB: People loved this episode, and technically it’s impressive enough where it’s a justifiable win beyond the politics of HBO always winning.
TJ  ET CM

“Game Of Thrones” • The Door • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Bighead, Littlehead; 360 Television and Startling Television
Jack Bender, Directed by

“Homeland” • The Tradition Of Hospitality • Showtime • SHOWTIME Presents, Fox 21 Television Studios, Teakwood Lane Productions, Cherry Pie Productions, Keshet
Lesli Linka Glatter, Directed by

“The Knick” • This Is All We Are • Cinemax • Cinemax Entertainment in association with Ambeg Screen Products, Anonymous Content and Extension 765
Steven Soderbergh, Directed by
AK: Everybody loves prestige movie directors, and Soderbergh’s the only Oscar winner of this bunch, so…

“Ray Donovan” • Exsuscito • Showtime • SHOWTIME Presents, The Mark Gordon Company, David Hollander  Productions
David Hollander, Directed by

Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special

“All The Way” • HBO • HBO Films in association with Amblin Television, Tale Told Productions, Moonshot Entertainment and Everyman Pictures
Jay Roach, Directed by

“Fargo” • Before The Law • FX Networks • MGM Television, FX Productions
Noah Hawley, Directed by
AK: “Fargo,” receiving the third-most nominations among any show this year (after “Game of Thrones” and “O.J.”), is going to get a little love at last. There are no competing “Fargo” episodes to take votes away from “Before The Law.” I know this is a direct counter to what I just said in the last category, because a win for Hawley would bypass prestige helmers Roach, Murphy and Singleton, but, you know, whatever.
TJ

“The Night Manager” • AMC • Ink Factory
Susanne Bier, Directed by

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • From The Ashes Of Tragedy • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Ryan Murphy, Directed by

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • Manna From Heaven • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Anthony Hemingway, Directed by
AEB CM

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • The Race Card • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
John Singleton, Directed by
ET GB

Outstanding Directing For A Variety Series

“Inside Amy Schumer” • Madonna/Whore • Comedy Central • JAX Media Ryan McFaul, Directed by
GB: This will be how they award Amy Schumer and stay clean of any anti-feminist accusations.  I honestly can’t judge who should win this category, so why not give it to the popular and most culturally potent choice.
ET: Also, the other nominees are more feats of technical direction than artistry. This is the only one that feels like “directing.”
AEB  CM

“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” • Episode 303 • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Sixteen String Jack Productions and Avalon Television
Paul Pennolino, Directed by
AK: I’m biased because I love this show. But nobody in late night television had their pulse on the world more accurately than John Oliver.
TJ

“The Late Late Show With James Corden” • Post-Super Bowl Episode • CBS • A Fulwell 73 production in association with CBS Broadcasting, Inc.
Tim Mancinelli, Directed by

“Saturday Night Live” • Hosts: Tina Fey & Amy Poehler • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video
Don Roy King, Directed by

“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” • Episode 325 • NBC • Universal Television and Broadway Video
Dave Diomedi, Directed by

Acting

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

“black-ish” • ABC • ABC Studios
Anthony Anderson as Andre Johnson
AEB: My vote goes to Anthony because he has been holding it down as “that one black actor” since he starred in Jerry Bruckheimer’s immortal “Kangaroo Jack.” If Aziz gets this imma be furious. He was actually my least favorite thing about “Master of None.”
GB: My least favorite thing about “Master of None” was EVERYTHING about “Master of None.”

“The Last Man On Earth” • FOX • 20th Century Fox Television
Will Forte as Phil Miller

“Master Of None” • Netflix • Universal Television, Oh Brudder Productions, Alan Yang Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Aziz Ansari as Dev
GB: Really tough role for Aziz to play… Dev is a positive, likable, attractive, successful New York City actor who always learns his lesson by the end of every episode, and is able to verbalize that lesson in a clear and pseudo-eloquent way to those around him. If he wins this it’s 100% for diversity’s sake.  He lacks Middleditch’s comic neuroses, Macy’s shamelessness, Tambor’s nuance, Forte’s absurdism, and Anderson’s warmth.  I’ve felt this show was undeserved of its acclaim from the beginning. [Greg is not voting for this, merely commenting.]
ET: I can’t stand when he talks like a child or like, calls his shoes like “sneakies.” Ugh. [Evan is not voting for this, merely commenting.]

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

“Silicon Valley” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Judgemental Films, Alec Berg and 3 Arts Entertainment
Thomas Middleditch as Richard

“Transparent” • Amazon • Amazon Studios
Jeffrey Tambor as Maura Pfefferman
ET: My pick. It’s just such a beautiful, nuanced performance. Sometimes I feel deep sympathy for Maura, sometimes she’s funny and loving, sometimes she behaves badly, sometimes I can’t stand her. The other nominees play one note.
AK: Again, the Emmy’s love this show.
TJ: I agree, Alex. Hoping for a “Silicon Valley” upset.
CM GB 

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

“The Americans” • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Matthew Rhys as Philip Jennings

“Better Call Saul” • AMC • Sony Pictures Television / Gran Via Productions
Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill
CM GB

“Bloodline” • Netflix • Sony Pictures Television in association with KZK Productions for Netflix
Kyle Chandler as John Rayburn

“House Of Cards” • Netflix • Donen/Fincher/Roth and Trigger Street Productions, Inc. in association with Media Rights Capital for Netflix
Kevin Spacey as Francis Underwood
AEB: I’m surprised that Iwan Rheon didn’t get nominated for his portrayal of Ramsey. Butttt still Kevin Spacey is an amazing TV villain.

“Mr. Robot” • USA • USA Network in association with Universal Cable Productions and Anonymous Content
Rami Malek as Elliot
AK: UPSET CITY. Wouldn’t it be hilarious if Schreiber somehow snagged this for nobody’s favorite show, “Ray Donovan?”
ET: Kevin Spacey has a good chance to take this, but “Mr. Robot” needs to be rewarded somewhere, and the show has nothing without Malek.
AK: Hey, what’s Christian Slater, chopped liver?
TJ

“Ray Donovan” • Showtime • SHOWTIME Presents, The Mark Gordon Company, David Hollander Productions
Liev Schreiber as Ray Donovan

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie

“All The Way” • HBO • HBO Films in association with Amblin Television, Tale Told Productions, Moonshot Entertainment and Everyman Pictures
Bryan Cranston as Lyndon B. Johnson

“Luther” • BBC America • A BBC America and BBC In-House Drama Production co-production
Idris Elba as DCI John Luther
AEB: I’m just here for Idris.

“The Night Manager” • AMC • Ink Factory
Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran
AK: Vance was so much better than Gooding that I don’t even think the latter is going to eat into the former’s voting tally too much, despite them starring on the same show.
CM GB ET TJ 

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Cuba Gooding, Jr. as O.J. Simpson

“Sherlock: The Abominable Bride (Masterpiece)” • PBS • Hartswood Films for BBC One in co-production with MASTERPIECE
Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

“black-ish” • ABC • ABC Studios
Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson
TJ 

“Getting On” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Anima Sola Productions and BBC Worldwide  Productions
Laurie Metcalf as Dr. Jenna James

“Grace And Frankie” • Netflix • Skydance Productions for Netflix
Lily Tomlin as Frankie
CM

“Inside Amy Schumer” • Comedy Central • JAX Media
Amy Schumer as Amy

“The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” • Netflix • Universal Television, Little Stranger, Inc., 3 Arts Entertainment and Bevel Gears for Netflix
Ellie Kemper as Kimmy Schmidt
AEB

“Veep” • HBO • HBO Entertainment
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer
AK: Last year’s victor gets it again. Also, she’s one of the greatest comedians working in TV today, so I’m pretty down for her to get it. Tomlin has an outside shot as an old person in line for a SAG Lifetime Achievement Award.
GB ET

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

“The Americans” • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings
TJ

“Empire” • FOX • Imagine Entertainment in association with 20th Century Fox Television
Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon
AK: “Empire” has to get some love here, no? Henson is the show’s signature player, and it’s one of the biggest things on network TV — old-school appointment television, that audiences actually tune in for in real time.
GB

“Homeland” • Showtime • SHOWTIME Presents, Fox 21 Television Studios, Teakwood Lane Productions, Cherry Pie Productions, Keshet
Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison

“House Of Cards” • Netflix • Donen/Fincher/Roth and Trigger Street Productions, Inc. in association with Media Rights Capital for Netflix
Robin Wright as Claire Underwood
ET: It would be great to see Maslany get this for once, but “House of Cards” relies on Wright’s performance. 

“How To Get Away With Murder” • ABC • ABC Studios
Viola Davis as Annalise Keating
AEB

“Orphan Black” • BBC America • Temple Street Productions in association with BBC America and Bell Media’s SPACE
Tatiana Maslany as Sarah, Alison, Cosima, Helena, Rachel, M.K., Krystal
CM

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie

“American Crime” • ABC • ABC Studios
Felicity Huffman as Leslie Graham

“American Crime” • ABC • ABC Studios
Lili Taylor as Anne Blaine

“Confirmation” • HBO • HBO Films in association with Groundswell Productions and Simpson Street Productions
Kerry Washington as Anita Hill

“Fargo” • FX Networks • MGM Television, FX Productions
Kirsten Dunst as Peggy Blumquist

“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Nutthouse Moving Pictures Company and Two Hands Entertainment
Audra McDonald as Billie Holiday

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark
AK: That perm did most of the work for her, honestly.
CM GB ET TJ AEB 

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

“Baskets” • FX Networks • FX Productions
Louie Anderson as Christine Baskets
TJ

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” • FOX • Universal Television, Fremulon, Dr. Goor Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment
Andre Braugher as Captain Ray Holt

“Key & Peele” • Comedy Central • Cindylou, Monkeypaw Productions, Martel & Roberts Productions, Principato-Young Entertainment, Central Productions
Keegan-Michael Key as Various characters

“Modern Family” • ABC • Picador Productions and Steven Levitan Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television
Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy

“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” • Netflix • Universal Television, Little Stranger, Inc., 3 Arts Entertainment and Bevel Gears for Netflix
Tituss Burgess as Titus Andromedon
AEB

“Veep” • HBO • HBO Entertainment
Tony Hale as Gary Walsh
AK: The Emmy’s love “Veep.” Also, I didn’t realize Louie Anderson was still alive until I saw him in “Baskets.” Playing… Zach Galifianakis’s mom.
ET: Burgess was the breakout star of his show, but I don’t think enough people love “Kimmy Schmidt” to push him through.
GB

“Veep” • HBO • HBO Entertainment
Matt Walsh as Mike McLintock

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

“Better Call Saul” • AMC • Sony Pictures Television / Gran Via Productions
Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut  CM

“Bloodline” • Netflix • Sony Pictures Television in association with KZK Productions for Netflix
Ben Mendelsohn as Danny Rayburn

“Game Of Thrones” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Bighead, Littlehead; 360 Television and Startling Television
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister
AK: TYRION. I also didn’t realize Jon Voight was still alive. You learn something new every day.
GB TJ

“Game Of Thrones” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Bighead, Littlehead; 360 Television and Startling Television
Kit Harington as Jon Snow
AEB  ET

“House Of Cards” • Netflix • Donen/Fincher/Roth and Trigger Street Productions, Inc. in association with Media Rights Capital for Netflix
Michael Kelly as Doug Stamper

“Ray Donovan” • Showtime • SHOWTIME Presents, The Mark Gordon Company, David Hollander Productions
Jon Voight as Mickey Donovan

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie

“Fargo” • FX Networks • MGM Television, FX Productions
Jesse Plemons as Ed Blumquist
AK: Fucking Todd killed that kid, man. Still not over it.

“Fargo” • FX Networks • MGM Television, FX Productions
Bokeem Woodbine as Mike Milligan  
CM

“The Night Manager” • AMC • Ink Factory
Hugh Laurie as Richard Roper

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden  
ET

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
David Schwimmer as Robert Kardashian

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
John Travolta as Robert Shapiro
AEB GB TJ

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

“Getting On” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Anima Sola Productions and BBC Worldwide  Productions
Niecy Nash as Didi Ortley
AEB

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

“Saturday Night Live” • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video  
Kate McKinnon as Various characters  
CM

“Transparent” • Amazon • Amazon Studios
Judith Light as Shelly Pfefferman

“Transparent” • Amazon • Amazon Studios
Gaby Hoffmann as Ali Pfefferman
AK: Again, the Emmy’s are all over this show.
GB TJ

“Veep” • HBO • HBO Entertainment
Anna Chlumsky as Amy Brookheimer

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

“The Affair” • Showtime • SHOWTIME Presents, Higlewater, Sheleg
Maura Tierney as Helen Solloway
AK: The three “GoT” actresses will cancel each other out (although Headey for sure has garnered the most critical and fan buzz), and everyone’s favorite latter-day “ER” doctor Maura Tierney will take home the gold.

“Downton Abbey” • PBS • A Carnival Films/MASTERPIECE co-production in association with NBCUniversal
Maggie Smith as Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
AEB

“Game Of Thrones” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Bighead, Littlehead; 360 Television and Startling Television
Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
CM TJ  ET

“Game Of Thrones” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Bighead, Littlehead; 360 Television and Startling Television
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen

“Game Of Thrones” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Bighead, Littlehead; 360 Television and Startling Television
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark
GB

“UnREAL” • Lifetime • A+E Studios
Constance Zimmer as Quinn King

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie

“All The Way” • HBO • HBO Films in association with Amblin Television, Tale Told Productions, Moonshot Entertainment and Everyman Pictures
Melissa Leo as Lady Bird Johnson
TJ

“American Crime” • ABC • ABC Studios
Regina King as Terri Lacroix
AEB GB

“American Horror Story: Hotel” • FX Networks • 20th Century Fox Television, FX Productions
Sarah Paulson as Hypodermic Sally / Billie Dean Howard

“American Horror Story: Hotel” • FX Networks • 20th Century Fox Television, FX Productions
Kathy Bates as Iris

“Fargo” • FX Networks • MGM Television, FX Productions
Jean Smart as Floyd Gerhardt
AK: Who doesn’t love Jean Smart? CM  ET: This is where Fargo gets its reward for an amazing but muted season of TV. 

“The Night Manager” • AMC • Ink Factory
Olivia Colman as Angela Burr

Writing

Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series

“Catastrophe” • Episode 1 • Amazon • Amazon Studios / Avalon Television
Rob Delaney, Written by Sharon Horgan, Written by 
GB

“Master Of None” • Parents • Netflix • Universal Television, Oh Brudder Productions, Alan Yang Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Aziz Ansari, Written by Alan Yang, Written by

“Silicon Valley” • Founder Friendly • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Judgemental Films, Alec Berg and 3 Arts Entertainment
Dan O’Keefe, Written by
CM

“Silicon Valley” • The Uptick • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Judgemental Films, Alec Berg and 3 Arts Entertainment
Alec Berg, Written by
AK: The hip choice.
TJ

“Veep” • Morning After • HBO • HBO Entertainment
David Mandel, Written by 

“Veep” • Mother • HBO • HBO Entertainment
Alex Gregory, Written by Peter Huyck, Written by
AEB  ET

Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series

“The Americans” • Persona Non Grata • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Joel Fields, Written by Joe Weisberg, Written by
Downton Abbey • Episode 8 • PBS • A Carnival Films/MASTERPIECE co-production in association with NBCUniversal
Julian Fellowes, Written by

“Game Of Thrones” • Battle Of The Bastards • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Bighead, Littlehead; 360 Television and Startling Television
David Benioff, Written by 
D.B. Weiss, Written by
AK: See my comment for “Silicon Valley,” above. “The Good Wife” has a shot at it because it just wrapped a massively successful network run, and a win here would honor its finale (and thus the whole show).
TJ GB AEB 

“The Good Wife” • End • CBS • Eye Productions in association with Scott Free Productions and King Size Productions
Robert King, Written by Michelle King, Written by

“Mr. Robot” • eps1.0_hellofriend.mov (Pilot) • USA • USA Network in association with Universal Cable Productions and Anonymous Content
Sam Esmail, Written by
ET: Game of Thrones will win for its technical feats, but this is a category that can reward some quieter, more original storytelling. “The Americans” is my runner-up.
CM

“UnREAL” • Return • Lifetime • A+E Studios
Marti Noxon, Written by
Sarah Gertrude Shapiro, Written by

Outstanding Writing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special

“Fargo” • Loplop • FX Networks • MGM Television, FX Productions
Bob DeLaurentis, Written by 

“Fargo” • Palindrome • FX Networks • MGM Television, FX Productions
Noah Hawley, Written by

“The Night Manager” • AMC • Ink Factory
David Farr, Written by

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • From The Ashes Of Tragedy • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Scott Alexander, Written by Larry Karaszewski, Written by

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • Marcia, Marcia, Marcia • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
D.V. DeVincentis, Written by
AEB TJ CM 

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” • The Race Card • FX Networks • Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions
Joe Robert Cole, Written by
AK: A big, socially conscious moment on a big, socially conscious show. Easy choice.
GB ET

Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series

“Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” • TBS • JAX Media
Jo Miller, Writer Samantha Bee, Writer
Ashley Nicole Black, Writer Pat Cassels, Writer Mathan Erhardt, Writer Joe Grossman, Writer Jason Reich, Writer Melinda Taub, Writer
Eric Drysdale, Writer
TJ GB

“Inside Amy Schumer” • Comedy Central • JAX Media 
Michael Lawrence, Writer Amy Schumer, Writer Jessi Klein, Writer
Daniel Powell, Writer Christine Nangle, Writer Kim Caramele, Writer Kyle Dunnigan, Writer Tami Sagher, Writer Kurt Metzger, Writer
Claudia O’Doherty, Writer

“Key & Peele” • Comedy Central • Cindylou, Monkeypaw Productions, Martel & Roberts Productions, Principato-Young Entertainment, Central Productions
Jay Martel, Writer Alex Rubens, Writer
Rebecca Drysdale, Writer Colton Dunn, Writer
Phil Augusta Jackson, Writer Ian Roberts, Writer
Charlie Sanders, Writer Rich Talarico, Writer Jordan Peele, Writer
Keegan-Michael Key, Writer
AK: This is a crazy-loaded category, and my preference for the victor would be “Last Week Tonight,” by a hair. That being said, “Key & Peele” was a great show, and it’s over now. This will be a tributary posthumous award.

“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with Sixteen String Jack Productions and Avalon Television
Kevin Avery, Writer Tim Carvell, Writer
Josh Gondelman, Writer Dan Gurewitch, Writer Geoff Haggerty, Writer Jeff Maurer, Writer John Oliver, Writer Scott Sherman, Writer Will Tracy, Writer
Jill Twiss, Writer Juli Weiner, Writer  
CM ET

“Portlandia” • IFC • Broadway Video for IFC
Fred Armisen, Writer Carrie Brownstein, Writer Jonathan Krisel, Writer Graham Wagner, Writer Karey Dornetto, Writer
AEB

“Saturday Night Live” • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video
Rob Klein, Head Writer Bryan Tucker, Head Writer James Anderson, Writer Jeremy Beiler, Writer Chris Belair, Writer
Megan Callahan, Writer Michael Che, Writer Mikey Day, Writer
Fran Gillespie, Writer Sudi Green, Writer Steve Higgins, Writer Colin Jost, Writer Zach Kanin, Writer Chris Kelly, Writer Erik Kenward, Writer Paul Masella, Writer Dave McCary, Writer
Dennis McNicholas, Writer Seth Meyers, Writer Lorne Michaels, Writer Josh Patten, Writer
Katie Rich, Writer Tim Robinson, Writer
Sarah Schneider, Writer Pete Schultz, Writer Streeter Seidell, Writer Dave Sirus, Writer
Will Stephen, Writer Kent Sublette, Writer Julio Torres, Writer