The Nominees Ranked By Which Actor Should Win:
- David Harbour for Netflix's Stranger Things - "Chapter Four: Will the Wise"
- Peter Dinklage for HBO's Game of Thrones - "The Dragon and the Wolf"
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau for HBO's Game of Thrones - "The Spoils of War"
- Matt Smith for Netflix's The Crown - "Mystery Man"
- Mandy Patinkin for Showtime's Homeland - "Species Jump"
- Joseph Fiennes for Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale - "First Blood"
David Harbour is the glue that holds Stranger Things together. That may seem like lackluster praise. But it's such a vital performance. The show would absolutely fall apart if Hopper wasn't there to bring some legitimacy to the entire story. He is a necessary component but Harbour infuses the character with charm and spirit to the point where the audience may just want to spend more time with him as he investigates the supernatural happening in his town. Elsewhere, this is the first year of doing Emmy analysis that I have actually seen Game of Thrones. As such, I can actually comment on the performances from the actors nominated here. And yes, both Peter Dinklage and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau were as great as advertised. In fact, it's so rewarding that Coster-Waldau finally got into this race after years of constantly being snubbed. Elsewhere, it's notable that Mandy Patinkin keeps getting nominated for Homeland. But that's a show passed its prime and probably won't get an Emmy victory again until whatever happens in its final season next year. And finally, Joseph Fiennes is such a perplexing nomination because it's actually a pretty monotonous performance that only asks for him to be casually menacing. There is nothing all that special about it from a show that is packed with incredible performances.
The Nominees Ranked by Which Actor Will Win:
- David Harbour for Netflix's Stranger Things - "Chapter Four: Will the Wise"
- Peter Dinklage for HBO's Game of Thrones - "The Dragon and the Wolf"
- Joseph Fiennes for Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale - "First Blood"
- Matt Smith for Netflix's The Crown - "Mystery Man"
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau for HBO's Game of Thrones - "The Spoils of War"
- Mandy Patinkin for Showtime's Homeland - "Species Jump"
Peter Dinklage has more nominations in this category than any other actor in the history of the Emmys. He has been nominated for every season of Game of Thrones. He has won twice. Another win and he would tie the record for most wins - alongside Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul. With two nominees from the HBO drama in the category, Dinklage could certainly pull off another victory because the tape-based system ensures that he and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau are seen more than their fellow nominees. Dinklage has the edge only because he has won before and this is Coster-Waldau's first nomination despite a terrific performance. Meanwhile, Joseph Fiennes got in because of increased buzz and respect for The Handmaid's Tale. That could sail him through to a surprise victory as well. And then, this is the final opportunity to recognize Matt Smith for his role as Prince Philip with the role being recast for the next season of The Crown. That could be a narrative the voters get behind. And yet, it seems likely that Harbour might prevail. It may just be a gut feeling at this point. He could understandably make the move up to lead actor as well. But he is just so focal and important to the show. That could easily lead to victory for him this year.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my predictions? Let me know in the comments below!
