Sandra Oh vs. Claire Foy vs. Elisabeth Moss [Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series]
After seven previous nominations, Elisabeth Moss finally broke her Emmy curse in 2017 and took home the Emmy in this category for “The Handmaid’s Tale.” And while we’ll never know the voting totals, in the eyes of critics and fans it wasn’t even close. A year later, that might not be the case. Moss is arguably just as good or better the second time around in “Handmaid’s,” but it’s hard to go to an industry event and discover someone who stopped watching the show in season two because it just became too much to take. In theory, that could open up a window for two other potential winners: “The Crown’s” Claire Foy and “Killing Eve’s” Sandra Oh. This is the second and last go around for Foy who will be replaced in the Netflix series’ third season by Olivia Colman as their character, Queen Elisabeth II, continues to age throughout the decades. Foy was arguably just as brilliant this past season and Emmy voters could reward her for her impressive body of work that gives a unique perspective on England’s monarch. Oh, on the other hand, is the underdog who almost came out of nowhere to land a nomination, but has been a respected actor in the business spending nine season on “Grey’s Anatomy” earning five nominations for her work but never winning. Now, she could make history as the first Asian-American actress to win this category (she’s already the first to be nominated). That narrative helps Oh especially since it’s unclear how many members of the acting branch have actually seen the BBC America program. The smart money is still probably on Moss, but Oh or Foy winning would not surprise.
Ann Dowd vs. Yvonne Strahovski vs. Thandie Newton [Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series]
This is another category where last year’s winner may not repeat. Hearing Ann Dowd’s name was actually a joyous “surprise” as many believed “Stranger Thing’s” Millie Bobby Brown, “This Is Us'” Crissy Metz or “Westworld’s” Thandie Newton would take the honor. Brown is back, but hardly perceived as a contender while Metz was effectively “snubbed” this year. Newton has also returned and considering she gave the best performance on the second season of HBO’s polarizing sci-fi series she could easily take it. Dowd was very good on her second go around as Aunt Lydia, but there was something about the character that didn’t resonate as powerfully. That could be the result of her two co-stars in this category’s work, Yvonne Strahovski and Alexis Bledel. The former won the Guest Actress in a Drama Series last year but qualified for Supporting 12 months later. That being said, as fantastic as she is, her role does not provide as much screen time this season as either Strahovski or Dowd’s. The fact there are three “Handmaid’s Tale” nominees who could split the vote is also a reason Newton could triumph. Our personal pickwould be for Strahovski, but we’re not ready to predict her winning. It’s simply too close to call.
What races intrigue you the most this Emmy season? Share your thoughts below.
Emmy nomination voting ends on August 27. The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on Sept. 17.
Outstanding Drama Series
Outstanding Comedy Series
Outstanding Limited Series
Outstanding Reality-Competition Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie
