Emmy Predictions 2026 - Who Will and Should Win for Lead Actress in a Drama Series?

The nominations have been announced for The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. So now, it's time to speculate on which nominees will and should win in each major category. Next up for analysis is Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

The Nominees Ranked By Which Should Win:

1. Rhea Seehorn for Apple TV's Pluribus - "We Is Us"
2. Carrie Coon for HBO's The Gilded Age - "My Mind Is Made Up"
3. Chase Infiniti for Hulu's The Testaments - "Secateurs"
4. Zendaya for HBO's Euphoria - "In God We Trust"
5. Keri Russell for Netflix's The Diplomat - "Schrodinger's Wife"

The Nominees Ranked by Which Will Win:

1. Zendaya for HBO's Euphoria - "In God We Trust"
2. Rhea Seehorn for Apple TV's Pluribus - "We Is Us"
3. Chase Infiniti for Hulu's The Testaments - "Secateurs"
4. Carrie Coon for HBO's The Gilded Age - "My Mind Is Made Up"
5. Keri Russell for Netflix's The Diplomat - "Schrodinger's Wife"

The ceremony in which the winners of The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be revealed will air Monday, September 14 at 8/7c. on NBC and Peacock hosted by Emmy Award winner Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU). Technical awards will be announced during the Creative Arts ceremonies on September 5 and 6.