Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Emmys ceremonies from film awards editor Clayton Davis. Following history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Emmy predictions are updated regularly with the current year's list of contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. The eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and is subject to change.
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2021 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES
UPDATED: Aug 26, 2021
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY: Paapa Essiedu was bubbling under for much of awards season and picked up his first major nom at the BAFTAs, with this one to follow soon after. He also earned a Film Independent Spirit Awards win as part of the HBO series’ ensemble. Now, he may be able to pick up votes from the pocket of the TV Academy that isn’t on board with “Hamilton.” But whether those prove to be enough to take the trophy may depend on if members go down the line on his show, “Queen’s Gambit” or “Mare of Easttown.”
Dual roles are always popular, and Daveed Diggs took on some of the most memorable ones in Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. He previously won a Tony for the stage production, a Grammy for the album and then picked up a SAG nom for the filmed version. Of the three “Hamilton” men on this ballot, Diggs is the front-runner and could be a front-runner overall for name recognition and sheer industry love alone. If he wins, he’ll be three-fourths of the way to EGOT status.
After memorable performances in multiple seasons of “American Horror Story,” Evan Peters finally nabbed an Emmy nom for a different limited series. His role as Detective Colin Zabel in HBO’s hit was the talk of social media, and his final episode was one of the most shocking of the entire run. As the category ended up devoid of all the assumed front-runners including John Boyega and Bill Camp, Peters could be a surefire way to reward his show in a major way.
The comic relief isn’t always recognized, but Jonathan Groff’s scene-stealing turn as King George was. He showcased perfect timing and commitment and proved to be extremely memorable. As a recent pillar of Broadway, he may also draw votes from those feeling the excitement about live productions starting up again. However, it is tough to tell if he has enough support to best his co-stars.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster became one of the surprise Emmy noms of this year, mostly because he was celebrated while his co-star Bill Camp was not. Although he could technically benefit a bit from vote-splitting of the “Hamilton” co-stars, the odds of him winning the category are only high if a “Queen’s Gambit” sweep is coming. And this many months after the limited series launched, that seems unlikely
Anthony Ramos, the only actor from the stage show who was not Tony-nominated, still grabbed a nom from the TV Academy, which was surprising given that many (rightfully) assumed he would be nommed in the supporting drama actor race for “In Treatment” instead. He could pick up a few extra votes from those who are mad he did not make that other final-round ballot, but it won’t be enough; this nomination will likely just be a ticket into even bigger roles going forward.
The viewing platform for Emmy nominees opens on Aug. 13, with final-round voting, beginning on Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. PT until Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. PT.
Check out the full rankings of the category’s nominees in the chart below.
ALL SUBMISSIONS & RANKINGS:
AWARDS CATEGORY HISTORY (Supporting Actor in a Limited Series)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known simply as the Emmys, is television's most prestigious artistic award. There are many records held for both wins and nominations in the near eight decades.
For wins: The rules for this category has changed many times over the years, but as it stands, Beau Bridges is the only actor ever to win this race more than once - "The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom" (1993) and "The Second Civil War" (1997).
For nominations: The late Brian Dennehy is the most nominated actor in this category with four nods, followed by Beau Bridges, John Gielgud, John Malkovich, Joe Mantegna and Michael K. Williams with three apiece.
2021 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions
- Outstanding Drama Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Television Movie
- Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Anthology Series or Movie
- Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special
- Outstanding Casting for a Limited, Anthology or TV Movie
- Outstanding Competition Program
- Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
- Outstanding Variety Talk Series
- Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
- Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)
- Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Animated Program
- Outstanding Short Form Animated Program
About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, is given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards recognize excellence in American primetime television programming. They are divided into three classes - Primetime Emmy Awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (honors artisan achievements) and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards (recognizes significant engineering and technological contributions). The typical eligibility period is between June 1 and May 31 of any given year. The Television Academy comprises over 25,000 members, representing 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors and various artisans and executives.
- The 73rd Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 8:00 pm est on CBS and on-demand on sister streamer Paramount Plus.