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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Visit each individual category, according to the awards show from THE EMMYS HUB
Link to film awards hub THE OSCARS HUB
(DRAFT>>>PRE-SEASON>>>REGULAR SEASON>>>POST SEASON)
2021 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING UNSTRUCTURED PROGRAM
UPDATED: Aug 26, 2021
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY: A good old-fashioned reflection on some of our industry’s most beloved celebrities is typically popular, especially when it features the likes of NBA star Anthony Davis, actor Caleb McLaughlin and comedian Nick Kroll. “Becoming‘s” inspiring subject matter might go a long way with voters and the star power of executive producer and current L.A. Laker LeBron James only increases the show’s overall profile.
The sheer audacity of nominating such a populist choice as “Below Deck” makes this nomination one of the coolest the Television Academy has made in quite some time. The show has been on the air since 2013 and ignored by awards committees, though it scoops up social media attention on a weekly basis. Given that it was such a surprise addition to this ballot, it’s hard to tell if that means voters will feel inclined to select it for the win in the end. Regardless, its place here gives credibility to the Bravo network brand and its rising domination in the reality space.
Dating competitions are common, but matchmaking is a whole other beast, and “Indian Matchmaking” hooked viewers from the second it premiered in summer 2020. It wasn’t only entertaining, but it was also nuanced in its depictions of people’s fears about happiness and their requirements for relationships. It also likely educated a lot of viewers about the cultural traditions that would lead one to use such a service in the first place. Still, it faces stiff competition from the other entries and its early premiere date may have it a bit distant in voters’ minds.
Flagship series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has been a default competition program favorite over the past few years, being nominated in that category four times, winning three. Its behind-the-scenes spinoff “Untucked” is just as popular when it comes to noms (it, too, has been on this ballot every year since 2017), but it has yet to win. While it has thus far been only a bridesmaid, this could be the year it finally walks down the aisle to accept the prize.
Academy voters often love to reward series set in Hollywood’s own backyard, and “Selling Sunset” is that. The second season of this real estate series finally mustered recognition from its peers to secure a spot on this ballot. Maybe it was assisted by the boosted profile of Chrishell Stause and Christine Quinn, who won for unscripted fight at the last MTV Movie + TV Awards. (OK that’s a joke.) Or maybe it was aided by people living vicariously while being stuck in their own homes. Whatever the reason the show made it, now that it’s here, its streamer must balance focus between two series in the race, which could complicate things.
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:
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 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 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, Movie, or Dramatic Special
- Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special
- Outstanding Casting for a Limited, Anthology or TV Movie
- Outstanding Variety Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Competition Program
- Outstanding Structured Program
- Outstanding Unstructured Program
- Outstanding Reality Host
- Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program
- Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
- Outstanding Documentary Special
- Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program
- 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.