First up is Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
My Predictions for Who Should Win for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
- Jonathan Banks in AMC's Better Call Saul - "Five-O": Banks should have won a few years ago for his final episode on Breaking Bad. The prequel series gave him a truly powerful episode. The intense focus on Mike and his tragic backstory was the highlight of the first season. Banks' delivery of the line "I broke my boy" was some of the most powerful acting of the entire year.
- Ben Mendelsohn in Netflix's Bloodline - "Part 12": In an all-star cast, Mendelsohn was able to stand out from the very beginning. His dark turn as the black sheep brother of this incredibly messed up family was a compelling story arc that only grew in intensity the deeper into the season it went. He definitely had the strongest overall season of the six nominees.
- Alan Cumming in CBS' The Good Wife - "Undisclosed Recipients": Cumming has always been great on the CBS drama. His nomination was a bit of a surprise but this was also a big enough season for him on the show. His episode doesn't immediately make me think he's the winner though.
- Peter Dinklage in HBO's Game of Thrones - "Hardhome": The epic fantasy series is still a show I have yet to watch. I don't know how good Dinklage was this season and that's why he is ranked so low.
- Michael Kelly in Netflix's House of Cards - "Chapter 27": I had to quit House of Cards halfway through Season 2 because the storytelling just continued to be so aggravating. So I have no idea if he is deserving for this season.
- Jim Carter in PBS' Downton Abbey - "A Moorland Holiday": The period drama is yet another show in this category I don't watch. It's surprising that he is still getting nominated when others like Maggie Smith are not.
My Predictions for Who Will Win for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
- Jonathan Banks in AMC's Better Call Saul - "Five-O": Again, this is just a phenomenal episode for Banks. Emmy voters have been known to reward the best episode submission in the past. Even if I don't know what half of these nominees have in their corner, I'm fairly confident in saying that Banks will win.
- Peter Dinklage in HBO's Game of Thrones - "Hardhome": Reaction to his episode submission was rousingly supportive. Again, I can't speak to his individual story and how he is. But he's also the only former winner in this category. Plus, this is a year where the show has received across the board support from the voters.
- Michael Kelly in Netflix's House of Cards - "Chapter 27": People who still watch this show insist that Kelly is the true dark horse spoiler in this race. Because of that, I'm not counting him out.
- Ben Mendelsohn in Netflix's Bloodline - "Part 12": As great as he was throughout the season, I couldn't pinpoint one exact episode that showcases his phenomenal talents between than the rest. That likely will hurt him here even though it is a powerful performance - and one that has a tragic end in his submission.
- Alan Cumming in CBS' The Good Wife - "Undisclosed Recipients": I just think there are too many bigger and shinier options in this race. The voters are slowly moving away from The Good Wife in most categories. It would be strange if he pulled out a victory.
- Jim Carter in PBS' Downton Abbey - "A Moorland Holiday": He always gets nominated but no one ever considers him an actual contender for the trophy. That trend seems to be continuing this year.
Do you agree or disagree with my reasonings? Who do you think should and will win in this category? Speculate below in the comments!
