The 2024 Emmys BuzzMeter predicts key races

Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga sitting with his fist out in front of a flag bearing a family crest

By Tracy BrownStaff Writer

June 1, 2024 3 AM PT

The sun has been scorching during these California heat waves and it’s almost like mother nature knows the 2024 Emmys race has been heating up (just kidding, it’s climate change). While preparing their Round 2 picks, at least one Emmys BuzzMeter panelist noted being happy that watching television is an indoor activity.

This second round is all about anticipating the Emmy nominations. Rather than making a case for our favorite contenders, this is about assessing the buzz. My fellow panelists have picked out the shows and the performers we think are most likely to get their names read by Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tony Hale when they announce the nominations on July 17. The six of us have ranked our picks in 14 of the main categories, with our top choices earning the most points. In Round 3, we’ll predict the winners ahead of the Sept. 15 ceremony.

Headshots of three women and three men arranged in a grid.

Drama series

1. “Shōgun”
2. “The Crown”
3. “Fallout”
4. “The Gilded Age”
5. “The Morning Show”
6. “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”
7. “Slow Horses”
8. “The Curse”
9. “3 Body Problem”
10. “Elsbeth”

Nearly every series nominated last year is nowhere to be found for the 2024 race — reigning winner “Succession” and perennial nominee “Better Call Saul” concluded their runs last year and new seasons of “Andor,” “The Last of Us,” “The White Lotus” and “Yellowjackets” have yet to air (“House of the Dragon” Season 2 premiered after the eligibility window).

With the race seemingly wide open, many panelists have thrown their weight behind new shows. The unanimous frontrunner is “Shōgun,” FX’s historical drama that many had initially presumed would be competing in the limited series categories until FX made the Season 2 (and 3) renewal official. That shakeup reverberated throughout all the drama categories. “It deserves to win everything,” says Times columnist Glenn Whipp.

Other new shows the panelists are enthusiastic about include Prime Video’s stylish postapocalyptic video game adaptation “Fallout” and its character-driven spy thriller “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”

Two different sorts of period dramas, HBO’s frivolously fun “The Gilded Age” and Netflix’s past winner and perennial favorite “The Crown” are also expected to make the cut come nomination morning. Those two series, as well as “‘The Morning Show’ and ‘The Curse’ check the known-quantity box for content and celebrity,” notes Times columnist Lorraine Ali.

While panelist Matt Roush says he is “very much hoping this is the year that the terrific British spy dramedy ‘Slow Horses’ makes it out of the gate,” I have my fingers crossed for the charming broadcast procedural “Elsbeth” to squeak in. Rounding out the shortlist of panelists’ predicted nominees is Netflix’s sci-fi epic “3 Body Problem.”

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. “Shōgun”
2. “Fallout”
3. “The Crown”
4. “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”
5. “The Gilded Age”
6. (tie)“The Curse”
6. (tie) “The Morning Show”
6. (tie) “Slow Horses”

Round two of Buzzmeter means it’s time to put aside foolish dreams that our obscure favorites will be nominated and concede that familiarity often takes precedent over excellence and innovation. “The Crown” “The Gilded Age,” “The Morning Show” and “The Curse” check the known-quantity box for content and celebrity. Safe-ish choices for risk-averse voters: “Shogun” and “Slow Horses.” Living on the edge? “Mr & Mrs Smith” and “Fallout.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. “Shōgun”
2. “The Crown”
3. “Fallout”
4. “The Gilded Age”
5. “The Curse”
6. “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”
7. “Slow Horses”
8. “3 Body Problem”

This could be the season’s most exciting race, since so many repeat contenders (“Succession,” “Better Call Saul,” “The White Lotus,” “The Last of Us,” “Yellowjackets”) aren’t eligible this year. And “Shōgun’s” last-minute switch from limited series to drama will shake up many of the acting categories as well.

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. “Shōgun”
2. “Fallout”
3. “The Crown”
4. “The Gilded Age”
5. “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”
6. “The Morning Show”
7. “3 Body Problem”
8. “Elsbeth”

With so many of last year’s nominees out of contention this year, the drama race seemed wide open until “Shōgun’s” last minute switch out of the limited series category. FX’s jidaigeki should (deservedly) clean house in a field that will undoubtedly also include returning favorites like “The Crown” and “The Morning Show.” Likely a long shot but I’m hoping charming broadcast procedural “Elsbeth” can squeak in.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. “Shōgun”
2. “Fallout”
3. “The Crown”
4. “The Gilded Age”
5. “The Morning Show”
6. “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”
7. “Slow Horses”
8. “Elsbeth”

“Fallout” would be a very strong contender here, with “The Morning Show,” “The Crown” and more returning shows proving a huge threat. However, seeing that a second season of “Shōgun” has been announced, this category has been completely upended. For me, two shows that are looking more and more likely as potentially getting into this race are “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” for Prime Video and “Slow Horses” for Apple TV+.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. “Shōgun”
2. “The Crown”
3. “The Gilded Age”
4. “Slow Horses”
5. “The Morning Show”
6. “Fallout”
7. “The Curse”
8. “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”

“Shōgun’s” late-in-the-game move into this category spices up what was an intriguing if not particularly thrilling year for TV drama. I’m curious how the underwhelming final season of “The Crown” will fare, given the timing after the queen’s passing. And very much hoping this is the year that the terrific British spy dramedy “Slow Horses” makes it out of the gate.

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. “Shōgun”
2. “The Crown”
3. “The Morning Show”
4. “Slow Horses”
5. “The Gilded Age”
6. “Fallout”
7. “The Curse”
8. “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”

Between the strikes and shows like “Succession” and “Better Call Saul” leaving the airwaves, the drama series cupboard is pretty bare this year, making it a relief that “Shōgun” moved here from limited series. It deserves to win everything.

Lead actress in a drama series

1. Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”)
2. Emma Stone (“The Curse”)
3. (tie) Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”)
3. (tie) Imelda Staunton (“The Crown”)
5. Maya Erskine (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”)
6. Ella Purnell (“Fallout”)
7. Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show”)
8. Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”)
9. Carrie Preston (“Elsbeth”)

Nobody from last year’s class of nominees is eligible this time, which leaves the field wide open for new faces. Getting the top vote from most panelists is Anna Sawai, whose nomination should be a lock. Also among the frontrunners is Emma Stone. “‘The Curse’ was polarizing, but there’s no denying Emma Stone nailed her excruciating character,” says panelist Matt Roush. Times columnist Glenn Whipp concurs, saying of Stone “were it not for Anna Sawai (‘Shōgun’), I wouldn’t begrudge her winning an Emmy for expertly playing the least self-aware person in the history of the world in ‘The Curse.’”

Also high on the panelists’ lists are Carrie Coon for her turn as the ambitious new-money socialite in “The Gilded Age” and Imelda Staunton for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II on “The Crown.”

Panelist Kristen Baldwin says, “Maya Erskine deserves her first acting nod for her delightfully deadpan turn in ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith“ and Trey Mangum believes that “if ‘Fallout’ gets nominations in other categories ... Ella Purnell could come along with it.” Both are among the performances Times columnist Lorraine Ali calls “excellent.”

Also making the panelists’ short list this round is “The Morning Show” duo Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon — both previous nominees — and Carrie Preston, who previously won a guest actress Emmy for playing the character that now headlines the spinoff series “Elsbeth.”

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”)
2. Emma Stone (“The Curse”)
3. (tie) Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”)
3. (tie) Ella Purnell (“Fallout”)
3. (tie) Imelda Staunton (“The Crown”)
6. Maya Erskine (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”)

Imelda Staunton played the Queen in “The Crown” so she’ll make it in, even if the final season of the long-running Netflix series wasn’t the drama’s strongest. Likely too is Emma Stone for “The Curse” because, well, she’s Emma Stone. Excellent performances that should make the cut? Anna Sawai of “Shōgun,” Ella Purnell of “Fallout” and Maya Erskine of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Imelda Staunton (“The Crown”)
2. Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”)
3. Emma Stone (“The Curse”)
4. Maya Erskine (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”)
5. Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”)
6. Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show”)

With only one repeat nominee (Jennifer Aniston) likely, this category will be refreshingly unpredictable. Imelda Staunton, passed over in this category for Season 5 of “The Crown,” will get a farewell nomination for her final turn as Queen Elizabeth, and Maya Erskine deserves her first acting nod for her delightfully deadpan turn in “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”)
2. Imelda Staunton (“The Crown”)
3. Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”)
4. Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show”)
5. Ella Purnell (“Fallout”)
6. Maya Erskine (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”)

There is no “Shōgun” without Anna Sawai’s quietly masterful performance so she should be a lock for this. Ella Purnell (“Fallout”) and Maya Erskine (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”) are among my other freshman series favorites, but I wouldn’t be completely surprised if a recent multi-Oscar winner or a previous nominee get nods instead.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”)
2. Ella Purnell (“Fallout”)
3. Emma Stone (“The Curse”)
4. Maya Erskine (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”)
5. Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”)
6. Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show”)

It’s still really looking like Carrie Coon could be coming for an Emmy for “The Gilded Age,” and if “Fallout” gets nominations in other categories, I still think that Ella Purnell could come along with it. Otherwise, Emma Stone, who recently won an Oscar, seems like this is her time to get recognized on the TV front with a project.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Emma Stone (“The Curse”)
2. Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”)
3. Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”)
4. Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show”)
5. Carrie Preston (“Elsbeth”)
6. Maya Erskine (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”)

“The Curse” was polarizing, but there’s no denying Emma Stone nailed her excruciating character, another triumph in a banner year for the star. Anna Sawai as “Shōgun’s” enigmatic interpreter also deserves notice, along with Carrie Coon rising above the fluff of “The Gilded Age.” I’m going out on a limb by predicting Carrie Preston (a former guest actress winner) will get noticed on an actual BROADCAST NETWORK show as the fabulously quirky “Elsbeth.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”)
2. Emma Stone (“The Curse”)
3. Imelda Staunton (“The Crown”)
4. Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”)
5. Maya Erskine (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”)
6. Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show”)

Emma Stone just won a second Oscar and were it not for Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”), I wouldn’t begrudge her winning an Emmy for expertly playing the least self-aware person in the history of the world in “The Curse.”

Lead actor in a drama series

1. Hiroyuki Sanada (“Shōgun”)
2. Walton Goggins (“Fallout”)
3. Gary Oldman (“Slow Horses”)
4. (tie) Donald Glover (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”)
4. (tie) Dominic West (“The Crown”)
6. Cosmo Jarvis (“Shōgun”)
7. Idris Elba (“Hijack”)
8. (tie) Colin Farrell (“Sugar”)
8. (tie) Morgan Spector (“The Gilded Age”)
10. Tom Hiddleston (“Loki”)

Much like drama lead actress, the lead actor category will see a new slate of names compared to last year’s nominees. The overwhelming front-runner in this round is Hiroyuki Sanada, the shōgun of “Shōgun,” who placed high on most panelists’ ballots. As the quietly ambitious Lord Toranaga, “the Japanese martial arts star has room to stretch beyond impressive swordfighting scenes … and he slays,” says Lorraine Ali.

Coming in second is Walton Goggins, whose string of “morally ambiguous characters that you can’t help but love,” as panelist Glenn Whipp puts it, continues with his role on “Fallout.” Kristen Baldwin echoes the sentiment, insisting, “This is the year that Emmy voters shall rain down accolades on Walton Goggins, who commands the screen as the fearsome and funny Ghoul.”

Besides these buzziest newcomers, panelists are looking forward to actors with previously overlooked performances finally getting their due. Matt Roush is “rooting for Gary Oldman to finally be recognized for bringing ‘Slow Horses’’ Jackson Lamb to curmudgeonly life.” Trey Mangum thinks “Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s” Donald Glover could be due for a post-”Atlanta” nomination.

More towards the middle of the pack are “The Crown’s” Dominic West, who portrayed Charles, Prince of Wales, and Cosmo Jarvis, the shipwrecked Englishman experiencing culture shock in “Shōgun.” Also making the Round 2 shortlist are Idris Elba (“Hijack”), Colin Farrell (“Sugar”), Morgan Spector (“The Gilded Age”) and Tom Hiddleston.

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Hiroyuki Sanada (“Shōgun”)
2. (tie) Donald Glover (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”)
2. (tie) Gary Oldman (“Slow Horses”)
4. (tie) Walton Goggins (“Fallout”)
4. (tie) Dominic West (“The Crown”)
6. Cosmo Jarvis (“Shōgun”)

Hiroyuki Sanada was one of the only reasons I stuck with “Westworld” after the first season. As the lovelorn samurai Musashi, he was a grounding presence inside a confusing-as-hell narrative. Now as “Shōgun’s” Lord Toranaga, the Japanese martial arts star has room to stretch beyond impressive sword fighting scenes … and he slays.

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Hiroyuki Sanada (“Shōgun”)
2. Walton Goggins (“Fallout”)
3. Donald Glover (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”)
4. Gary Oldman (“Slow Horses”)
5. Dominic West (“The Crown”)
6. Tom Hiddleston (“Loki”)

Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known throughout the land: This is the year that Emmy voters shall rain down accolades on Walton Goggins, who commands the screen as the fearsome and funny Ghoul in Prime Video’s hit adaptation of “Fallout.” Formerly a frontrunner for lead actor in a limited series, “Shōgun’s” Hiroyuki Sanada should have strong momentum in this category as well.

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Hiroyuki Sanada (“Shōgun”)
2. Walton Goggins (“Fallout”)
3. Cosmo Jarvis (Shōgun”)
4. Dominic West (“The Crown”)
5. Morgan Spector (“The Gilded Age”)
6. Donald Glover (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”)

Hiroyuki Sanada is a shoo-in as the Shōgun (to be) of “Shōgun” and I can’t imagine Emmy voters overlooking his costar Cosmo Jarvis. Walton Goggins as “Fallout’s” charismatic but ruthless Ghoul should make the cut as well. And “The Crown” continuing to get love is another safe bet. I also think there’s enough buzz out there for “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” for Donald Glover to nab an acting nod.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Hiroyuki Sanada (“Shōgun”)
2. Walton Goggins (“Fallout”)
3. Gary Oldman (“Slow Horses”)
4. Idris Elba (“Hijack”)
5. Colin Farrell (“Sugar”)
6. Donald Glover (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”)

If you’re talking about “Fallout,” you’re definitely mentioning Walton Goggins’ performance, but right now it is still definitely all about Hiroyuki Sanada for “Shōgun,” and I don’t really see any other option happening. With postseason buzz continuing to come for “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” is Donald Glover due for a post-”Atlanta” nomination?

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Hiroyuki Sanada (“Shōgun”)
2. Gary Oldman (“Slow Horses”)
3. Dominic West (“The Crown”)
4. Walton Goggins (“Fallout”)
5. Donald Glover (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”)
6. Cosmo Jarvis (“Shōgun”)

Lee Jung-jae’s “Squid Game” win provides precedent for a lead actor to win for a non-English language performance. Sanada’s majestic Lord Toranaga surely qualifies, though I’m also rooting for Gary Oldman to finally be recognized for bringing “Slow Horses’” Jackson Lamb to curmudgeonly life. Walton Goggins, TV’s ultimate scene-stealer, also earns his way onto this too-short list.

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Hiroyuki Sanada (“Shōgun”)
2. Gary Oldman (“Slow Horses”)
3. Cosmo Jarvis (“Shōgun”)
4. Walton Goggins (“Fallout”)
5. Dominic West (“The Crown”)
6. Donald Glover (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”)

Is there a better actor than Walton Goggins when it comes to playing morally ambiguous characters that you can’t help but love? If you’ve seen the postapocalyptic “Fallout” (or “Justified” or “The Hateful Eight” or … well, it’s a long list), you know that’s a rhetorical question.

Supporting actress in a drama series

1. Elizabeth Debicki (“The Crown”)
2. Moeka Hoshi (“Shōgun”)
3. Lesley Manville (“The Crown”)
4. Christine Baranski (“The Gilded Age”)
5. Cynthia Nixon (“The Gilded Age”)
6. Holland Taylor (“The Morning Show”)
7. Fumi Nikaido (“Shōgun”)
8. Nicole Beharie (“The Morning Show”)
9. Kristen Scott Thomas (“Slow Horses”)
10. (tie) Sarita Choudhury (“Fallout”)
10. (tie) Greta Lee (“The Morning Show”)
12. (tie) Audra McDonald (“The Gilded Age”)
12. (tie) Karen Pittman (“The Morning Show”)
14. (tie) Amy Ryan (“Sugar”)
14. (tie) Leslie Uggams (“Fallout”)

The ongoing theme in the drama races is that there will be very little overlap with last year’s nominees because most of those are not eligible this year. “The Crown’s” Elizabeth Debicki, who plays Diana, the doomed people’s princess, in the royal historical drama, is one of the few exceptions.

Frontrunners also include “Shōgun” scene stealer Moeka Hoshi, who portrayed the mourning young mother-turned-consort Usami Fuji, Debiki’s “Crown” cast mate Lesley Manville, who plays Princess Margaret, and “The Gilded Age’s” old-money socialite Christine Baranski.

“There is literally no reason to believe that Christine Baranski — snubbed six times over for ‘The Good Fight’ — won’t get back in the race this year,” says panelist Kristen Baldwin. “Do not make me fight you, Emmy voters!”

After the top four vote-getters, there was less of a consensus, resulting in the Round 2 short list still being pretty long. But Times columnist Lorraine Ali predicts “numerous players from ‘The Crown’ and ‘The Gilded Age’ [to] rule this category” and indeed, Cynthia Nixon and Audra McDonald also made the cut.

The supporting cast of “The Morning Show” also make a strong showing in our BuzzMeter rankings. “Nicole Beharie’s tour de force in Season 3 has not left my mind,” says Trey Mangum. Among the performances Matt Roush was fond of is “Holland Taylor raging against ageism and sexism.” Greta Lee and Karen Pittman also got some votes.

Glenn Whipp shouts out Amy Ryan for being “terrific in ‘Sugar,’ playing a one-time rock singer who can’t hide her tenderness behind a tough exterior.”

The post-apocalyptic “Fallout” also has a pair of actresses in the running. To avoid spoilers, let’s just say Sarita Choudhury’s and Leslie Uggams’ characters are both much more than they initially seem. Also in the mix are Fumi Nikaido (“Shōgun”) and Kristen Scott Thomas (“Slow Horses”).

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Lesley Manville (“The Crown”)
2. Christine Baranski (“The Gilded Age”)
3. (tie) Elizabeth Debicki (“The Crown”)
3. (tie) Moeka Hoshi (“Shōgun”)
5. Cynthia Nixon (“The Gilded Age”)
6. Fumi Nikaido (“Shōgun”)
7. Holland Taylor (“The Morning Show”)

Television Academy voters love royalty and rich folks. Think repeat winners like “Game of Thrones,” “Downton Abbey,” “Succession,” “White Lotus.” Lesley Manville, Christine Baranski and other numerous players from “The Crown” and “The Gilded Age” (respectively) will rule this category. “Shogun’s” Moeke Hoshi deserves to make the cut, but will she?

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Elizabeth Debicki (“The Crown”)
2. Christine Baranski (“The Gilded Age”)
3. Lesley Manville (“The Crown”)
4. Moeka Hoshi (“Shōgun”)
5. Cynthia Nixon (“The Gilded Age”)
6. Holland Taylor (“The Morning Show”)
7. Kristen Scott Thomas (“Slow Horses”)
8. Greta Lee (“The Morning Show”)

There is literally no reason to believe that Christine Baranski — snubbed six times over for “The Good Fight” — won’t get back in the race this year for “The Gilded Age.” Literally. No. Reason. Do not make me fight you, Emmy voters!

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Moeka Hoshi (“Shōgun”)
2. Fumi Nikaido (“Shōgun”)
3. Elizabeth Debicki (“The Crown”)
4. Lesley Manville (“The Crown”)
5. Christine Baranski (“The Gilded Age”)
6. Cynthia Nixon (“The Gilded Age”)
7. Audra McDonald (“The Gilded Age”)
8. Leslie Uggams (“Fallout”)

I’m usually an advocate of spreading the love in the supporting acting categories but both Fumi Nikaido and Moeka Hoshi were outstanding in “Shōgun.” And “The Crown” nominations are a given. Christine Baranski was criminally overlooked for her work on “The Good Fight” but she should be back in the mix with “The Gilded Age” along with some of her castmates.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Nicole Beharie (“The Morning Show”)
2. Elizabeth Debicki (“The Crown”)
3. Moeka Hoshi (“Shōgun”)
4. Lesley Manville (“The Crown”)
5. Sarita Choudhury (“Fallout”)
6. Christine Baranski (“The Gilded Age”)
7. Greta Lee (“The Morning Show”)
8. Cynthia Nixon (“The Gilded Age”)

Since “The Morning Show” was released pretty early in the cycle, many may have moved on, but Nicole Beharie’s tour de force in Season 3 has not left my mind. Y’all may have left, but I’m still here. But as time goes on, this category gets stiffer and stiffer…I mean you’ve got Elizabeth Debicki, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Moeka Hoshi… the list goes on and on.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Elizabeth Debicki (“The Crown”)
2. Christine Baranski (“The Gilded Age”)
3. Holland Taylor (“The Morning Show”)
4. Moeka Hoshi (“Shōgun”)
5. Kristen Scott Thomas (“Slow Horses”)
6. Lesley Manville (“The Crown”)
7. Cynthia Nixon (“The Gilded Age”)
8. Greta Lee (“The Morning Show”)

While their seasons left much to be desired, “The Morning Show,” “The Crown” and “The Gilded Age” provided plenty of opportunity for juicy scene-stealing. Elizabeth Debicki could easily repeat as the doomed Princess Diana, but I’m fond of Christine Baranski’s Gilded dragon lady and “Morning Show’s” Holland Taylor raging against ageism and sexism.

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Lesley Manville (“The Crown”)
2. Elizabeth Debicki (“The Crown”)
3. Moeka Hoshi (“Shōgun”)
4. Christine Baranski (“The Gilded Age”)
5. Cynthia Nixon (“The Gilded Age”)
6. Holland Taylor (“The Morning Show”)
7. Karen Pittman (“The Morning Show”)
8. Amy Ryan (“Sugar”)

I’m still holding a grudge against Emmy voters for overlooking Amy Ryan’s brilliant turn in the first season of “Only Murders in the Building.” She’s terrific in “Sugar,” playing a one-time rock singer who can’t hide her tenderness behind a tough exterior.

Supporting actor in a drama series

1. Tadanobu Asano (“Shōgun”)
2. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
3. Jon Hamm (“The Morning Show”)
4. Jonathan Pryce (“The Crown”)
5. Nathan Lane (“The Gilded Age”)
6. Ke Huy Quan (“Loki”)
7. Khalid Abdalla (“The Crown”)
8. (tie) Jovan Adepo (“3 Body Problem”)
8. (tie) Mark Duplass (“The Morning Show”)
8. (tie) Benny Safdie (“The Curse”)
8. (tie) Benedict Wong (“3 Body Problem”)
12. Takehiro Hira (“Shōgun”)
13. Barkhad Abdi (“The Curse”)
14. Aaron Moten (“Fallout”)

The overwhelming front-runner in this early round is Tadanobu Asano, who charms as “Shōgun’s” wily and opportunistic Yabushige. Asano, as Glenn Whipp notes, is “a legit movie star in Japan” and he “brings a boisterous joy, bracing intelligence and rock-star presence to the role.”

Also with strong showings are “The Morning Show” boss Billy Crudup and his tech mogul costar Jon Hamm who, as panelists Kristen Baldwin notes, “is probably going to be a double nominee this year” with an expected nod for lead actor in a limited series. Front-runners for this category also include “The Crown’s” royal consort Jonathan Price and Nathan Lane, who portrays the snobbish arbiter of who and what are considered elite in the glitzy “The Gilded Age.”

But if a clear consensus of the expected nominees is what you were looking for, you might be out of luck. Round 2 saw the long list of contenders shrink only minimally from 19 to 14 names.

A pair from “3 Body Problem” were among those that made the short-ish list. “Jovan Adepo is one of the best parts, if not the best part of ‘3 Body Problem,’” says Trey Mangum. Matt Roush shouts out Benedict Wong for “bringing some welcome humanity and humor as the [show’s] beleaguered detective.”

Also earning some votes was “The Crown’s” Khalid Abdalla, “The Morning Show’s” Mark Duplass, “The Curse’s” Benny Safdie and Barkhad Abdi, “Shōgun’s” Takehiro Hira and “Fallout’s” Aaron Moten.

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Tadanobu Asano (“Shōgun”)
2. (tie) Jon Hamm (“The Morning Show”)
2. (tie) Jonathan Pryce (“The Crown”)
4. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
5. Nathan Lane (“The Gilded Age”)
6. (tie) Mark Duplass (“The Morning Show”)
6. (tie) Benedict Wong (“3 Body Problem”)

Tadanobu Asano’s nuanced portrayal of the charismatic yet traitorous Kashigi Yabushige delivered the year’s best performance so if it was my call, this celebrated Japanese actor would bring home the prize. Strong contenders are Jonathan Pryce of “The Crown,” Billy Crudup of “The Morning Show” and Nathan Lane of “The Gilded Age.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Tadanobu Asano (“Shōgun”)
2. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
3. Jon Hamm (“The Morning Show”)
4. Nathan Lane (“The Gilded Age”)
5. Ke Huy Quan (“Loki”)
6. Benny Safdie (“The Curse”)
7. Jonathan Pryce (“The Crown”)
8. Khalid Abdalla (“The Crown”)

Thanks to “The Morning Show,” Jon Hamm is probably going to be a double nominee this year. (See lead actor in a limited series.) And thanks to his standout performance as “Shōgun’s” (somewhat) unhinged Yabushige, Tadanobu Asano should be enjoying his first-ever Emmy nomination come July 17.

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Tadanobu Asano (“Shōgun”)
2. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
3. Jon Hamm (“The Morning Show”)
4. Nathan Lane (“The Gilded Age”)
5. Jonathan Pryce (“The Crown”)
6. Khalid Abdalla (“The Crown”)
7. Takehiro Hira (“Shōgun”)
8. Ke Huy Quan (“Loki”)

“Shōgun’s” Tadanobu Asano got to show off why he’s a star in Japan as the charismatic Yabushige, a lord happy to play whatever cards he needs to to get ahead. Nathan Lane’s accent in “The Gilded Age” deserves its own category. And who doesn’t want Ke Huy Quan’s comeback story to continue with an Emmy nod?

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Tadanobu Asano (“Shōgun”)
2. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
3. Jonathan Pryce (“The Crown”)
4. Ke Huy Quan (“Loki”)
5. Jovan Adepo (“3 Body Problem”)
6. Jon Hamm (“The Morning Show”)
7. Barkhad Abdi (“The Curse”)
8. Aaron Moten (“Fallout”)

Jovan Adepo is one of the best parts, if not the best part of “3 Body Problem,” and if you’re talking about the show, you have to be talking about his performance. Same thing could be said for Oscar winner Barkhad Abdi for “The Curse.” Billy Crudup is just as stellar as he’s ever been in “The Morning Show,” but another “The Morning Show” performance, that is seemingly getting better with time, is Jon Hamm. Don’t sleep on him in this category.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
2. Tadanobu Asano (“Shōgun”)
3. Jon Hamm (“The Morning Show”)
4. Ke Huy Quan (“Loki”)
5. Jonathan Pryce (“The Crown”)
6. Nathan Lane (“The Gilded Age”)
7. Benedict Wong (“3 Body Problem”)
8. Benny Safdie (“The Curse”)

Don’t be surprised if Jon Hamm double-dips this year as “Fargo’s” evil sheriff and “The Morning Show’s” duplicitous mogul. “Shōgun’s” Tadanobu Asano could upstage his better-known rivals as the wily Yabushige. Dark horse: Benedict Wong, bringing some welcome humanity and humor as the beleaguered detective in Netflix’s “3 Body Problem.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Tadanobu Asano (“Shōgun”)
2. Jon Hamm (“The Morning Show”)
3. Jonathan Pryce (“The Crown”)
4. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
5. Nathan Lane (“The Gilded Age”)
7. Khalid Abdalla (“The Crown”)
8. Takehiro Hira (“Shōgun”)

Tadanobu Asano is a legit movie star in Japan, and anyone making his acquaintance for the first time in “Shogun” can now understand why. Playing the charismatic, opportunistic Lord Kashigi Yabushige, Asano brings a boisterous joy, bracing intelligence and rock-star presence to the role.

Two men and a woman walk down a school hallway in "Abbott Elementary."

Comedy series

1. “The Bear”
2. “Abbott Elementary”
3. “Hacks”
4. “Reservation Dogs”
5. “Only Murders in the Building”
6. (tie) “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
6. (tie) “What We Do in the Shadows”
8. “I’m a Virgo”
9. “Palm Royale”
10. “Ghosts”
11. “Diarra From Detroit”
12. (tie) “Gen V”
12. (tie) “The Gentlemen”

Comedy series is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races. Among the front-runners is “The Bear,” which cleaned house at last year’s ceremony even as it was bombarded with questions about its status as a comedy; broadcast TV favorite “Abbott Elementary,” which always has a strong showing; and “Hacks,” which somehow continues to get better.

Times columnist Lorraine Ali describes “The Bear” as “a drama dressed as a comedy for awards season,” but Glenn Whipp argues that it doesn’t matter. “I’m fine with another Emmy sweep for ‘The Bear,’” he says.

Elbowing its way into the conversation is “Reservation Dogs,” the heartfelt coming-of-age series about teens growing up on the Muscogee Nation in Oklahoma, which has yet to receive any love from Emmy voters. Its “third and final season was its best,” says Ali. I agree! Meanwhile, panelist Matt Roush is pushing for “Ghosts” to finally get some attention for its “great ensemble cast and clever humor that used to score before network TV became invisible.”

Among the shows that panelists are urging Emmy voters to notice are “I’m a Virgo,” “Boots Riley’s searing social satire about the evils of capitalism,” says Kristen Baldwin. Trey Mangum is throwing his support behind contemporary whodunit “Diarra From Detroit,” which he calls “one of the best comedies on television that fully needs to be on everyone’s watchlist.”

Also making the list are past nominees “Only Murders in the Building,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “What We Do in the Shadows,” as well as new series “Palm Royale,” “Gen V” and “The Gentlemen.”

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. (tie) “The Bear”
1. (tie) “Reservation Dogs”
3. “Abbott Elementary”
4. “Hacks”
5. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
6. (tie) “Only Murders in the Building”
6. (tie) “Palm Royale”
6. (tie) “What We Do in the Shadows”

Making us laugh in dark times is an invaluable service, and comedy series have been there to help us through an election year that started two years ago. “Reservation Dogs” third and final season was its best. “The Bear” — a drama dressed as a comedy for awards season — is also a strong contender. It’ll share the space with previous nominees “Abbott Elementary,” “Hacks” and “Only Murders in the Building.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. “The Bear”
2. “Abbott Elementary”
3. “Hacks”
4. “Reservation Dogs”
5. “What We Do in the Shadows”
6. “Only Murders in the Building”
7. “I’m a Virgo”
8. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

Last year, two freshman series, “Wednesday” and “Jury Duty,” made the cut along with regulars like “The Bear,” “Only Murders in the Building” and “Abbott Elementary.” This year, that newcomer slot needs to go to “I’m a Virgo,” Boots Riley’s searing social satire about the evils of capitalism. And it streamed on Prime Video, owned by Amazon! Mmmm … that irony is delicious.

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. “The Bear”
2. “Abbott Elementary”
3. “Hacks”
4. “Reservation Dogs”
5. “Only Murders in the Building”
6. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
7. “What We Do in the Shadows”
8. “Gen V”

There is only one thing I need the Emmy voters to get right this year: Finally give “Reservation Dogs” the recognition it deserves. The show was fantastic throughout its entire run but its third and final season, which saw its young characters grow toward the adults they’ll become, really nailed it. But last year’s winner “The Bear” is going to be tough to beat.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. “Abbott Elementary”
2. “Hacks”
3. “The Bear”
4. “I’m a Virgo”
5. “Only Murders in the Building”
6. “Palm Royale”
7. “Diarra From Detroit”
8. “Ghosts”

In our early thoughts, it’s looking like the battle of two juggernauts, “Abbott Elementary” and “The Bear.” But one of the best comedies on television that fully needs to be on everyone’s watchlist is BET+’s “Diarra From Detroit,” and everyone needs to get on board. Once again “Hacks” stuck the landing and will for sure be in contention, and though it was released so much earlier in this cycle, “I’m a Virgo” still has folks talking.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. “The Bear”
2. “Hacks”
3. “Abbott Elementary”
4. “Reservation Dogs”
5. “Only Murders in the Building”
6. “Ghosts”
7. “What We Do in the Shadows”
8. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

Put aside the drama-vs-comedy debate regarding “The Bear,“ which would dominate in any field. Hoping that “Reservation Dogs” finally gets attention in its final year, but the comedy I’d love to see break through after three seasons is CBS’s delightful “Ghosts,” with the sort of great ensemble cast and clever humor that used to score before network TV became invisible.

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. “The Bear”
2. “Hacks”
3. “Abbott Elementary”
4. “Only Murders in the Building”
5. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
6. “Reservation Dogs”
7. “What We Do in the Shadows”
8. “The Gentlemen”

Is a series a comedy if you’re in tears at the end of nearly every episode? Not the “I laughed so hard, I cried” kind of tears but honest-to-God weeping at the emotional heartbreak unfolding before your eyes. Does the answer even matter? No. I’m fine with another Emmy sweep for “The Bear.”

Lead actress in a comedy series

1. Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”)
2. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
4. Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”)
5. Devery Jacobs (“Reservation Dogs”)
6. Kristen Wiig (“Palm Royale”)
7. Maya Rudolph (“Loot”)
8. Diarra Kilpatrick (“Diarra From Detroit”)

Lead actress in a comedy series is another competitive category, with the top three front-runners already separating themselves from the rest of the pack. Last year’s supporting actress winner, Ayo Edebiri, who plays ambitious young chef Sydney in “The Bear,” has been promoted to lead for this second campaign and currently holds the lead in this race.

The field also includes last year’s category winner, Quinta Brunson, the multihyphenate “Abbott Elementary” star, as well as Jean Smart of “Hacks,” who won back-to-back before the show’s health- and strike-related hiatus. Back as legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance, Smart “remains divine — funny, real and raw in conveying vulnerability and intelligence,” says Glenn Whipp.

A number of panelists believe the TV academy will finally recognize Devery Jacobs for her portrayal of Elora Danan, the moral and emotional center of the close-knit teens at the center of “Reservation Dogs.” “This WILL be the year that ‘Reservation Dogs’ gets its shamefully overdue recognition from Emmy voters,” says Kristen Baldwin.

Trey Mangum makes the case for Diarra Kilpatrick, who “wears multiple hats on ‘Diarra From Detroit’ and knocks all of them out of the park, not only anchoring the creative behind the show but fronting it as the lead actress as well.” Lorraine Ali says “in a perfect world, Kristen Wiig of ‘Palm Royale’ also makes the cut.”

Also on the the list are “Only Murders in the Building’s” Selena Gomez and “Loot’s” Maya Rudolph.

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”)
2. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
4. Kristen Wiig (“Palm Royale”)
5. Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”)
6. Devery Jacobs (“Reservation Dogs”)

Again, “The Bear” is not a comedy, but that won’t stop the FX series from competing against previous powerhouse winners in this category. “The Bear’s” Ayo Edebiri is poised to go up against Quinta Brunson of “Abbott Elementary” and Jean Smart of “Hacks.” And in a perfect world, Kristen Wiig of “Palm Royale” also makes the cut.

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”)
3. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
4. Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”)
5. Devery Jacobs (“Reservation Dogs”)
6. Kristen Wiig (“Palm Royale”)

Ayo Edebiri could very well follow her January win as supporting actress with a frontrunner spot in the lead category, where she probably should have been all along. And this WILL be the year that “Reservation Dogs” gets its shamefully overdue recognition from Emmy voters — both here and in the comedy series category.

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”)
2. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
4. Maya Rudolph (“Loot”)
5. Devery Jacobs (“Reservation Dogs”)
6. Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”)

This competitive category will be rightfully loaded with past winners Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Jean Smart (“Hacks”) and supporting-turned-lead Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”). It’s wild but not quite surprising that the only lead “Only Murders in the Building” performances the Emmy voters have recognized have been the men, but it’s about time Selena Gomez gets a nod alongside her costars.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”)
2. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
4. Diarra Kilpatrick (“Diarra From Detroit”)
5. Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”)
6. Devery Jacobs (“Reservation Dogs”)

Just like its “Abbott Elementary” vs. “The Bear,” it seems like Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri will be neck and neck. Diarra Kilpatrick wears multiple hats on “Diarra from Detroit,” and knocks all of them out of the park, not only anchoring the creative behind the show but fronting it as the lead actress as well.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”)
2. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
3. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Devery Jacobs (“Reservation Dogs”)
5. Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”)
6. Kristen Wiig (“Palm Royale”)

One of the tougher toss-ups will be choosing among several Emmy winners: “Hacks’” transcendent Jean Smart, “Bear’s” Edebiri promoted to lead, and lauded “Abbott” creator Brunson. Devery Jacobs as “Reservation Dogs’” heart and soul is so deserving of a nomination, ditto Gomez as “Murders’” underappreciated third wheel.

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”)
2. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
3. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”)
5. Kristen Wiig (“Palm Royale”)
6. Maya Rudolph (“Loot”)

Between the strikes and a heart procedure for star Jean Smart, we had to wait a while for “Hacks” to return for its third season. But it’s back and Smart, fully recovered, remains divine — funny, real and raw in conveying vulnerability and intelligence.

Lead actor in a comedy series

1. Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”)
2. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
5. Jharrel Jerome (“I’m a Virgo”)
6. Theo James (“The Gentlemen”)
7. Kelsey Grammer (“Frasier”)
8. D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (“Reservation Dogs”)

Just two of last year’s nominees are eligible this time out: Jeremy Allen White, who won for his portrayal of Carmy, a classically trained chef who took over his late brother’s sandwich shop before transforming it into the restaurant of their dreams in “The Bear,” and “Only Murders in the Building’s” Martin Short, who plays the self-obsessed, over-the-top director Oliver Putnam.

Among those the panelists think will join this list is Short’s “Murders” counterpart Steve Martin, who was nominated for his work in the show’s first season. Glenn Whipp says nominating just one half of the power couple is an “omission [that] can’t happen again.” Matt Roush agrees, saying, “Watching a panicked Steve Martin try to master a tongue-twisting musical theater song was a comedy highlight of the year.”

Trey Mangum is among the panelists heaping praise on Jharrel Jerome — a past winner for “When They See Us” — for his portrayal of a very tall, sheltered teen in “I’m a Virgo.” “If we’re talking about sheer performance, this one should be his,” says Mangum. Kristen Baldwin also expects Jerome to “earn another nod here for his hilariously earnest performance.”

Also making the panelists’ list are “Reservation Dog’s” D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, “Curb Your Enthusiasm’s” Larry David, “The Gentlemen’s” Theo James and “Frasier’s” Kelsey Grammer.

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”)
2. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
5. Theo James (“The Gentlemen”)
6. Jharrel Jerome (“I’m a Virgo”)

How annoying is too annoying? Larry David will be this year’s barometer. Academy voters could nominate the “Seinfeld” creator for “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” the HBO series about a fictional guy named Larry who peeves everyone in his orbit. And the show just celebrated its 12th and final season. Also, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai of “Reservation Dogs,” Martin Short for “Only Murders in the Building” and Jeremy Allen White for “The Bear.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”)
2. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Jharrel Jerome (“I’m a Virgo”)
5. Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
6. Theo James (“The Gentlemen”)

Welcome back to the Old White Guy trifecta (Steve Martin, Martin Short, Larry David), sigh. Honestly, even if Kelsey Grammer slips in here for the lackluster “Frasier” reboot, I won’t be angry — provided Emmy winner Jharrel Jerome earns another nod for his hilariously earnest performance in “I’m a Virgo.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”)
2. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
5. Jharrel Jerome (“I’m a Virgo”)
6. D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (“Reservation Dogs”)

Returning contenders include last year’s winner Jeremy Allen White of “The Bear,” two-thirds of the “Only Murders in the Building” power throuple, Martin Short and Steve Martin, and “Curb Your Enthusiasm’s” Larry David, who has never won an acting Emmy. I’m hoping Jharrel Jerome’s earnest performance in “I’m a Virgo” can break into the mix.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”)
2. Jharrel Jerome (“I’m a Virgo”)
3. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
5. Kelsey Grammer (“Frasier”)
6. Theo James (“The Gentlemen”)

It’s time to polish off another Emmy for Jharrel Jerome, because if we’re talking about sheer performance, then this one should be his. But, of course, there’s Jeremy Allen White in this category and overcoming “The Bear” is not going to be an easy task, but only time will tell.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”)
2. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
5. Jharrel Jerome (“I’m a Virgo”)
6. Kelsey Grammer (“Frasier”)

Watching a panicked Steve Martin try to master a tongue-twisting musical-theater song was a comedy highlight of the year, and it’s too easy to take for granted the mastery of veteran talents like the “Only Murders in the Building” stars and, in the so-so reboot of a classic, “Frasier’s” Kelsey Grammer.

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”)
2. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
5. Theo James (“The Gentlemen”)
6. Kelsey Grammer (“Frasier”)

I still don’t understand how voters nominated Martin Short for the second season of “Only Murders in the Building” but left Steve Martin out in the cold. They’re a team, like PB&J, mac and cheese, SpongeBob and Patrick. That omission can’t happen again.

Supporting actress in a comedy series

1. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
2. (tie) Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. (tie) Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
5. Liza Colón-Zayas (“The Bear”)
6. Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”)
7. Abby Elliott (“The Bear”)
8. Carol Burnett (“Palm Royale”)
9. Paulina Alexis (“Reservation Dogs”)

With previous winner Ayo Edebiri getting promoted to lead, “Abbott Elementary” duo Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James are the only remaining contenders from last year’s batch of nominees. Ralph won in 2022 for her portrayal of the faithful veteran kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard. James is a fan favorite for her portrayal of outrageous principal Ava Coleman. Both are expected to be nominated again.

Fellow “Abbott” cast member Lisa Ann Walters also made the panelists’ shortlist. “Any ranking of these talented women is silly,” says Glenn Whipp. “They’re all superb in the series and deserving of the love sure to come their way.”

Back in contention this year is “Hacks’” Hannah Einbinder, who has been nominated twice before for her portrayal of the Max series’ young comedy writer Ava Daniels. Einbinder “is at the top of everyone’s mind and it is hard to deny that she killed the season and then some,” says Trey Mangum. “She is now the favorite in the category for sure.”

Matt Roush says “most anyone from ‘The Bear’ appear to be locks” to land nominations, with Liza Colón-Zayas and Abby Elliott leading the charge. Also in the mix are a pair of Hollywood legends, Meryl Streep for her star turn in “Only Murders in the Building” and Carol Burnett for “Palm Royale.” “Even though Carol Burnett rarely speaks in ‘Palm Royale,’ with just one eye roll or grunt her comedic genius shines through,” says Lorraine Ali. Rounding out the Round 2 predictions list is “Reservation Dogs’” Paulina Alexis.

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. (tie) Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
1. (tie) Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. (tie) Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. (tie) Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
5. (tie) Liza Colón-Zayas (“The Bear”)
5. (tie) Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”)
7. (tie) Abby Elliott (“The Bear”)
7. (tie) Carol Burnett (“Palm Royale”)

No brainers include “Abbott Elementary’s” Janelle James and former winner Sheryl Lee Ralph and awards-magnet Meryl Streep for her work in “Only Murders in the Building.” “Hack’s” Hannah Einbinder is also a strong possibility. And even though Carol Burnett rarely speaks in “Palm Royale,” with just one eye roll or grunt her comedic genius shines through.

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
2. Liza Colón-Zayas (“The Bear”)
3. Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”)
5. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
6. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
7. Abby Elliott (“The Bear”)
8. Carol Burnett (“Palm Royale”)

The absence of “Ted Lasso” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” frees up several slots in the category, which will be good news for the supporting players in “Abbott Elementary” and The Bear.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
2. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Liza Colón-Zayas (“The Bear”)
5. Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”)
6. Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”)
7. Abby Elliott (“The Bear”)
8. Paulina Alexis (“Reservation Dogs”)

“Abbott Elementary” favorites Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James will be among the returning nominees but I think it’s time Lisa Ann Walter joins them for portraying the no-nonsense Melissa Schemmenti. I’m also still rooting for “Reservation Dogs’” Paulina Alexis, whose Willie Jack had one of my favorite arcs in the series as the teen who finds her way through tradition and community.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
2. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Liza Colón-Zayas (“The Bear”)
5. Carol Burnett (“Palm Royale”)
6. Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”)
7. (tie) Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”)
8. Abby Elliott (“The Bear”)

At first it was just the “Abbott Elementary” trifecta of Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Lisa Ann Walter being the ones at the top, but now, Hannah Einbinder from “Hacks” is at the top of everyone’s mind and it is hard to deny that she killed the season and then some. She is now the favorite in the category for sure.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”)
2. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
3. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
5. Carol Burnett (“Palm Royale”)
6. Liza Colón-Zayas (“The Bear”)
7. Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”)
8. Abby Elliott (“The Bear”)

You know a show missed its mark when you have to think twice about whether to include a comedy legend like “Palm Royale’s” poorly used Carol Burnett. No such hesitation for “Only Murders in the Building’s” sublime Meryl Streep. “Hacks’” Hannah Einbinder and most anyone from “The Bear” appear to be locks.

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
2. Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Abby Elliott (“The Bear”)
5. Liza Colón-Zayas (“The Bear”)
6. Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”)
7. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
8. Carol Burnett (“Palm Royale”)

Sheryl Lee Ralph won an Emmy for the first season of “Abbott Elementary,” and she’s sure to be nominated here again, along with castmates Lisa Ann Walter and Janelle James. Any ranking of these talented women is silly. They’re all superb in the series and deserving of the love sure to come their way.

Supporting actor in a comedy series

1. Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”)
2. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Paul Rudd (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Oliver Platt (“The Bear”)
5. Lionel Boyce (“The Bear”)
6. Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)
7. (tie) Paul W. Downs (“Hacks”)
7. (tie) Matty Matheson (“The Bear”)
9. (tie) Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows”)
9. (tie) Chris Perfetti (“Abbott Elementary”)
11. Richard Lewis (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
12. J.B. Smoove (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
13. Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”)
14. (tie) William Stanford Davis (“Abbott Elementary”)
14. (tie) Lane Factor (“Reservation Dogs”)

With the conclusion of such shows as “Ted Lasso” and “Barry,” this is another race where only two nominees from last year are eligible: “Abbott Elementary’s” Tyler James Williams, who has been nominated twice for his portrayal of substitute-turned-full-time first-grade teacher Gregory Eddie, and “The Bear’s” Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who won last year for his portrayal of the abrasive but faithful Richie.

“Moss-Bachrach invests so much of himself into this flawed, loyal, loving character,” says Glenn Whipp. Matt Roush asks, “Can anything stop a second sweep of ‘The Bear’?”

While Moss-Bachrach is the frontrunner, panelists expect a number of fellow “The Bear” actors to also nab nominations this year. “‘The Bear’ is coming up everywhere, and though many supporting actors could land here, my personal favorite would be Lionel Boyce,” says panelist Trey Mangum. The show’s veteran all-star Oliver Platt and real-life chef Matty Matheson also made the Round 2 cut.

Also among the expected nominees is Paul Rudd, who Roush describes as the “deliciously deserving ‘Murders’ victim.”

Beyond the front-runners, the panelists reached little consensus on who else might join them when nominations are announced. Among the other actors who landed on the 15 person-long short list are “Curb Your Enthusiasm’s” Richard Lewis and J.B. Smoove. “A posthumous nomination for ‘Curb’s’ Richard Lewis as Larry David’s best friend and foil would be a memorable tribute to a terrific talent,” says Roush.

“Abbott Elementary’s” Chris Perfetti and William Stanford Davis, “SNL’s” Bowen Yang and Kenan Thompson, “Hacks’“ Paul W. Downs, “What We Do in the Shadows’” Harvey Guillén and “Reservation Dogs’” Lane Factor also made the shortlist.

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”)
2. Oliver Platt (“The Bear”)
3. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Lionel Boyce (“The Bear”)
5. (tie) Matty Matheson (“The Bear”)
5. (tie) Paul Rudd (“Only Murders in the Building”)
5. (tie) Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)
8. Richard Lewis (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)

One of the more understated performances of the year came from Lane Factor of “Reservation Dogs.” As Cheese, he embodied the hopes and aspirations of the teens we followed from high school to the brink of adulthood, anchoring the crew with empathy, humor and depth. Bowen Yang of “SNL” also deserves some love.

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”)
2. Paul Rudd (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Oliver Platt (“The Bear”)
4. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
5. Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)
6. Lionel Boyce (“The Bear”)
7. Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”)
8. J.B. Smoove (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)

Out: Every supporting actor on “Ted Lasso.” In: More of “The Bear’s” fantabulous extended ensemble, from frontrunner Ebon Moss-Bachrach to veteran all-star Oliver Platt to (soon-to-be) first-time nominee Lionel Boyce.

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”)
2. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Oliver Platt (“The Bear”)
4. Lionel Boyce (“The Bear”)
5. Paul W. Downs (“Hacks”)
6. Paul Rudd (“Only Murders in the Building”)
7. Chris Perfetti (“Abbott Elementary”)
8. Lane Factor (“Reservation Dogs”)

The big question for this category is: How many actors from “The Bear” will be recognized? The frontrunner is last year’s winner Ebon Moss-Bachrach, but Lionel Boyce should definitely be in contention too. And I have to give one last shoutout to one of my favorite performances — Lane Factor as the lovable elder whisperer Cheese in “Reservation Dogs.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. Paul Rudd (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Lionel Boyce (“The Bear”)
4. Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”)
5. Chris Perfetti (“Abbott Elementary”)
6. J.B. Smoove (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
7. Oliver Platt (“The Bear”)
8. William Stanford Davis (“Abbott Elementary”)

“The Bear” is coming up everywhere, and though many supporting actors could land here, my personal favorite would be Lionel Boyce. Tyler James Williams’ performance in “Abbott Elementary” this season was as great as ever, so if we don’t think about “The Bear” of it all, he has a strong case.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”)
2. Paul Rudd (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows”)
4. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
5. Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)
6. Richard Lewis (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
7. Lionel Boyce (“The Bear”)
8. Oliver Platt (“The Bear”)

Can anything stop a second sweep of “The Bear”? Probably not, but Harvey Guillén as “Shadows’” not-quite-vampire deserves notice, as does Paul Rudd’s deliciously deserving “Murders” victim. And a posthumous nomination for “Curb’s” Richard Lewis as Larry David’s best friend and foil would be a memorable tribute to a terrific talent.

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”)
2. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Oliver Platt (“The Bear”)
4. Lionel Boyce (“The Bear”)
5. Matty Matheson (“The Bear”)
6. Paul W. Downs (“Hacks”)
7. Paul Rudd (“Only Murders in the Building”)
8. Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)

My favorite episode of “The Bear” is, hands-down, “Forks,” in which we follow Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s impulsive Richie to a fancy restaurant where he learns the value of showing up, as well as a well-timed slice of deep-dish Pequod’s Pizza. Moss-Bachrach invests so much of himself into this flawed, loyal, loving character. I was spellbound watching.

Two law enforcement officers in heavy parkas shine flashlights into an encampment

Limited or anthology series

1. “True Detective: Night Country”
2. “Fargo”
3. “Baby Reindeer”
4. “Ripley”
5. “Fellow Travelers”
6. “Lessons in Chemistry”
7. “Expats”

The great “Shōgun” switcheroo also rocked the limited-series race, but with only five nomination slots available, the field remains competitive. “Of all categories to limit to five picks, this is the worst,” says panelist Matt Roush.

Showrunner Issá Lopez’s Alaska-set “True Detective: Night Country,” starring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, has been hailed as one of the anthology series’ best seasons (sorry, Nic Pizzolatto) and is among the front-runners. The latest installment of “Fargo” has been similarly praised as a “comeback season.” “Fargo” previously won this category in 2014 for its first season (its second and third seasons also earned nods), while the first season of “True Detective” was nominated as a drama series the same year.

Multiple panelists also rallied behind a pair of literary adaptations. One is “Ripley,” based on the 1955 Patricia Highsmith novel, starring Andrew Scott as the eponymous sociopath who takes over the life of a trust-fund kid. Glenn Whipp says the “riveting” show is “gorgeous to behold and a marvel in its plotting.”

The other is “Fellow Travelers,” based on Thomas Mallon’s 2007 novel about two men who meet at the height of the McCarthy era and their secret, decades-long romance. The series “deserves to break through for its fascinating window into America’s troubled and closeted past,” says Roush.

Trey Mangum notes that the buzzy and unsettling “Baby Reindeer,” based on creator Richard Gadd’s one-man autobiographical show, “has been racking up the attention for some time now,” which could translate to some love from Emmy voters. “Lessons in Chemistry” and “Expats” also have the potential to squeak in come nomination morning.

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. “Ripley”
2. “True Detective: Night Country”
3. “Fargo”
4. “Baby Reindeer”
5. “Fellow Travelers”

It’s another strong year for Limited Series. Netflix series adaptation “Ripley” is certain to be nominated as is “True Detective: Night Country,” and not just because it’s my favorite installation of the creepy HBO anthology series. Also notable is “Fellow Travelers,” Showtime’s political saga that follows a clandestine romance between two men from the height of the McCarthy era to the 1980s AIDs crisis.

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. “Fargo”
2. “Baby Reindeer”
3. “True Detective: Night Country”
4. “Ripley”
5. “Lessons in Chemistry”

With “Shōgun” graduating to drama series, Netflix now has the top two contenders: Richard Gadd’s word-of-mouth hit “Baby Reindeer,” and Steven Zallian’s slow-burn noir, “Ripley.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. “True Detective: Night Country”
2. “Ripley”
3. “Baby Reindeer”
4. “Fargo”
5. “Fellow Travelers”

This is always a tough category to narrow down to five. “True Detective: Night Country” was my favorite of the series. “Ripley” and “Baby Reindeer” were among the buzziest of the field. “Fellow Travelers” is on that prestige end of queer storytelling that draws on the devastating reality that LGBTQ+ people have had to live through in this country and I hope it makes the cut.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. “Fellow Travelers”
2. “True Detective: Night Country”
3. “Baby Reindeer”
4. “Expats”
5. “Fargo”

“Baby Reindeer” has been racking up the attention for some time now, but we aren’t really sure if it’ll translate into awards love just yet. Until then, it’s “Fellow Travelers” for me, especially if “Shōgun” is now in the drama series category.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. “Fargo”
2. “Fellow Travelers”
3. “True Detective: Night Country”
4. “Lessons in Chemistry”
5. “Baby Reindeer”

Of all categories to limit to five picks, this is the worst. The limited series is where much of TV’s best work is being produced, and in a crowded field, Showtime’s Peabody-winning “Fellow Travelers” deserves to break through for its fascinating window into America’s troubled and closeted past. “Fargo” and “True Detective” each enjoyed comeback seasons. Netflix’s disturbing “Baby Reindeer” is a late-arriving spoiler, possibly pushing out deserving candidates including “Ripley,” “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans,” “Masters of the Air” and “The Sympathizer.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. “Fargo”
2. “True Detective: Night Country”
3. “Baby Reindeer”
4. “Ripley”
5. “Lessons in Chemistry”

“Ripley” is riveting in delivering slow-burn suspense, following its titular sociopath on a quest to extend his European vacation and live a life of luxury. Gorgeous to behold and a marvel in its plotting, I can only hope it makes good on its open-ended promise to return for another season.

Television movie

1. “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”
2. “Quiz Lady”
3. “Red, White and Royal Blue”
4. “Scoop”
5. “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial”
6. “The Great Lillian Hall”
7. “No One Will Save You”

Can Mr. Monk solve the mystery of what killed the television movie? Never mind, I say the TV movie category is still kicking and may outlive us all. But some panelists made their usual grumblings about the category. “Honestly, I just can’t get excited about this category,” says Kristen Baldwin.

Sidestepping the question of what a television movie even is, one consensus among the panelists is that “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie” will definitely be among the TV movies nominated. “‘Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie’ should absolutely be seen as a title that could come through and take it,” says Trey Mangum. Adds Times columnist Lorraine Ali, “Everyone loves the uber talented Tony Shaloub. His return to the role of the obsessive compulsive crime-solver Adrian Monk is a top choice for this year’s nominee pool.”

Other front-runners for Round 2 include “Red, White and Royal Blue,” a frothy gay rom-com involving the son of a U.S. president and a British prince, and “Quiz Lady,” a road-trip buddy comedy about a pair of estranged sisters. Rounding out the top five are “Scoop,” which tells the story of how Prince Andrew’s interview about his associations with Jeffrey Epstein came together, and “The Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” about whether a Navy lieutenant relieving his captain of command was an act of mutiny or bravery.

Matt Roush, meanwhile, “wish[es] there was room [in the category] for the riveting ‘No One Will Save You’ and its creative use of suspenseful silence” to get a nod. “The Great Lillian Hall” is a late arrival, but the Jessica Lange starer also notched some votes.

(And for the record, according to the Television Academy’s rules, “A television movie is defined as an original program, which tells a story with a beginning, middle and end, and is broadcast/streamed in one part with a minimum running time of 75 minutes.”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”
2. “Quiz Lady”
3. (tie) “Red, White and Royal Blue”
3. (tie) “Scoop”
3. (tie) “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial”

TV Movie should win the contest for Least Buzzy Emmy category, but since that’s not a viable option we’ll focus on the actual contest at hand. Everyone loves the uber talented Tony Shaloub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”). His return to the role of the obsessive compulsive crime-solver Adrian Monk is a top choice for this year’s nominee pool.

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”
2. “Quiz Lady”
3. “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial”
4. “Scoop”
5. “Red, White and Royal Blue”

Honestly, I just can’t get excited about this category. Wouldn’t it be way more interesting (and timely) if the Emmys chose to recognize the very specific art of naming basic-cable holiday movies? So many contenders from the 2023 season alone: “Never Been Chris’d”! “Catch Me If You Claus”! “We’re Scrooged”! “Yuletide the Knot”! “Twas the Text Before Christmas”!

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. “Red, White and Royal Blue”
2. “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”
3. “Quiz Lady”
4. “Scoop”
5. “The Great Lillian Hall”

This category is always the hardest for me to wrap my head around and I miss the made-for-TV movies of a bygone era.. “Quiz Lady” is fun and funny, particularly the always terrific Sandra Oh. And who doesn’t love a frothy gay rom-com? (Don’t answer that.) “Red, White and Royal Blue” doesn’t break any new ground, but that’s profound in its own way.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”
2. “Red, White and Royal Blue”
3. “Scoop”
4. “Quiz Lady”
5. “No One Will Save You”

The television movie category is always the one that could truly go either way, and this year that sentiment couldn’t be any stronger. “Red, White and Royal Blue” is the pic that seems to have both critic and viewer love, so it has a huge advantage on that end. “Quiz Lady” could also provide some competition, but “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie” should absolutely be seen as a title that could come through and take it.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”
2. “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial”
3. “Quiz Lady”
4. “Scoop”
5. “Red, White and Royal Blue”

As usual, not much to say about the anemic crop of made-for-TV movies. Given its Emmy history, the final (so they say) “Monk” movie is a sure bet to be nominated and possibly win. The other front runners are entertaining enough, but I wish there was room for the riveting “No One Will Save You” and its creative use of suspenseful silence.

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”
2. “Quiz Lady”
3. “Red, White and Royal Blue”
4. “Scoop”
5. “The Great Lillian Hall”

“Red, White & Royal Blue” is sweet, funny froth, a rom-com about a love affair between the son of an American president (Uma Thurman, sporting a gloriously awful Southern accent) and a British prince. Talk about a fantasy! And people were talking about this fantasy all through the end of last summer. Hey, sometimes beach reads deserve awards too.

Lead actress in a limited series or movie

1. Jodie Foster (“True Detective: Night Country”)
2. Juno Temple (“Fargo”)
3. Brie Larson (“Lessons in Chemistry”)
4. Naomi Watts (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)
5. (tie) Nicole Kidman (“Expats”)
5. (tie) Sofia Vergara (“Griselda”)
7. Jessica Lange (“The Great Lillian Hall”)
8. Kate Winslet (“The Regime”)

Academy Award winners and nominees account for a majority of those who made the panel’s cut for lead actress in a limited series or movie, and the current front-runner is Jodie Foster, who portrays the tough police chief investigating the disappearance of a group of scientists in “True Detective: Night Country.”

Also ahead of the pack is Juno Temple, who was nominated for three acting Emmys over the course of “Ted Lasso’s” run. In “Fargo,” Temple plays a Midwestern housewife with a secret past, and “she’s never been better,” says Glenn Whipp.

No matter your feelings on “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans,” “Naomi Watts was fantastic,” says Lorraine Ali. Watts portrayed Babe Paley, a socialite who had been friends with Truman Capote, and her performance “was close to perfection,” says Kristen Baldwin. Trey Mangum, on the other hand, says “one performance that people should not discount is Nicole Kidman in ‘Expats.’”

For Matt Roush, the front-runners also include Brie Larson, who portrays a scientist turned cooking show host on “Lessons in Chemistry,” and “Jessica Lange, a late arrival with her anguished portrayal of an actress struggling with dementia” in “The Great Lillian Hall.”

Also making the panelists’ Round 2 cut are Sofia Vergara of “Giselda” and Kate Winslet of “The Ragime.”

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Jodie Foster (“True Detective: Night Country”)
2. Juno Temple (“Fargo”)
3. Naomi Watts (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)
4. (tie) Nicole Kidman (“Expats”)
4. (tie) Jessica Lange (“The Great Lillian Hall”)

Jodie Foster as the emotionally-stunted detective Liz Danvers in “True Detective: Night Country” is true perfection. A close second is Juno Temple for her stellar performance as a mild-mannered soccer mom with a deadly secret in “Fargo.” And as a New York socialite in “Feud: Capote v The Swans” Naomi Watts is fantastic, even if the series wasn’t.

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Jodie Foster (“True Detective: Night Country”)
2. Naomi Watts (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)
3. Juno Temple (“Fargo”)
4. Sofia Vergara (“Griselda”)
5. Kate Winslet (“The Regime”)

“Feud” was flawed but Naomi Watts’ take on Babe Paley was close to perfection, and though “The Regime” was a big old mess, Kate Winslet was not the problem — and voters (understandably) love her.

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Jodie Foster (“True Detective: Night Country”)
2. Brie Larson (“Lessons in Chemistry”)
3. Juno Temple (“Fargo”)
4. Sofia Vergara (“Griselda”)
5. Naomi Watts (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)

Jodie Foster is Jodie Foster, and the latest “True Detective,” in which she played a police chief in Alaska, is the best the anthology series has been in a while. Sofia Vergara and Juno Temple are both previous Emmy nominees for their comedy series performances who showcased their range on their new shows. And rounding out the field will probably be a couple other Oscar nominees and winners.

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Jodie Foster (“True Detective: Night Country”)
2. Brie Larson (“Lessons in Chemistry”)
3. Nicole Kidman (“Expats”)
4. Juno Temple (“Fargo”)
5. Sofia Vergara (“Griselda”)

Is this Jodie Foster’s category to run away with? I think so, as the ‘True Detective: Night Country’ is one of the performances that is stirring discussion more than any other performance in this category. However, I think one performance that people should not discount is Nicole Kidman in ‘Expats.’

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Jodie Foster (“True Detective: Night Country”)
2. Juno Temple (“Fargo”)
3. Brie Larson (“Lessons in Chemistry”)
4. Jessica Lange (“The Great Lillian Hall”)
5. Naomi Watts (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)

Some heavy hitters in this field, with Oscar winners Jodie Foster (‘True Detective’) and Brie Larson (‘Lessons in Chemistry’) among the presumed front-runners and Jessica Lange a late arrival with her anguished portrayal of an actress struggling with dementia. Juno Temple was a delight as ‘Fargo’s’ resourceful heroine. This category’s a toss-up.

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Jodie Foster (“True Detective: Night Country”)
2. Juno Temple (“Fargo”)
3. Naomi Watts (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)
4. Brie Larson (“Lessons in Chemistry”)
5. Nicole Kidman (“Expats”)

I’m quite familiar with Juno Temple, having watched her since she began her career as a teenager and, of course, captured everyone’s hearts in ‘Ted Lasso.’ And yet, it took me a minute watching the new season of ‘Fargo’ to clock it was indeed Temple playing this cheery Midwestern woman hiding a secret past. She’s never been better.

Lead actor in a limited series or movie

1. (tie) Jon Hamm (“Fargo”)
1. (tie) Andrew Scott (“Ripley”)
3. Matt Bomer (“Fellow Travelers”)
4. Tom Hollander (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)
5. Richard Gadd (“Baby Reindeer”)
6. Tony Shalhoub (“Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”)
7. David Oyelowo (“Lawmen: Bass Reeves”)

Round 2 sees the lead actor in a limited series or movie race tighten up with two front-runners according to panelists. One is Jon Hamm, who plays “Fargo’s” creepy, villainous sheriff. “It’s scary how convincing Jon Hamm is as a cult leader (remember him in “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt?”),” says Lorraine Ali. “He does it again with “Fargo,” but this time around he’s not funny — he’s terrifying.” But speaking of wonderfully terrifying, Ali also notes that Andrew Scott — the other leading contender who plays “Ripley’s” creepy eponymous conman — “is the one to beat.”

Also making the panelists’ Round 2 cut is Matt Bomer, with a number of panelists noting that his portrayal of a closeted bureaucrat in “Fellow Travelers” is a career high. A past Emmy nominee, Bomer already was nominated for a SAG Award for this performance.

Glenn Whipp commends Tom Hollander for pulling off the near impossible: “escap[ing] the shadow of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Truman Capote [and] capturing the writer’s tragic flaws and winning charm.” And despite not being an avid “Monk” fan, Kristen Baldwin, notes that “when voters have an opportunity to nominate the wonderful Tony Shalhoub for something, they should.”

“Baby Reindeer’s” Richard Gadd and “Lawmen: Bass Reeves’” David Oyelowo round out the panelists Round 2 picks.

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. (tie) Jon Hamm (“Fargo”)
1. (tie) Andrew Scott (“Ripley”)
3. Tom Hollander (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)
4. (tie) Matt Bomer (“Fellow Travelers”)
4. (tie) Richard Gadd (“Baby Reindeer”)
4. (tie) Tony Shalhoub (“Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”)

It’s scary how convincing Jon Hamm is as a cult leader (remember him in “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt?”). He does it again with “Fargo,” but this time around he’s not funny – he’s terrifying. Matt Bomer exudes the suave sexiness and bottled dysfunction of Don Draper in “Fellow Travelers.” But Andrew Scott of “Ripley” is the one to beat.

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Andrew Scott (“Ripley”)
2. Jon Hamm (“Fargo”)
3. Richard Gadd (“Baby Reindeer”)
4. Tom Hollander (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)
5. Tony Shalhoub (“Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”)

Honestly, I never watched “Monk” or “Mr. Monk’s Last Case,” but when voters have an opportunity to nominate the wonderful Tony Shalhoub for something, they should. Can you even imagine an Emmy ballot without him? (Don’t answer that.)

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Andrew Scott (“Ripley”)
2. Matt Bomer (“Fellow Travelers”)
3. Jon Hamm (“Fargo”)
4. Tom Hollander (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)
5. David Oyelowo (“Lawmen: Bass Reeves”)

Andrew Scott as the eponymous creepy con man of “Ripley” is the presumed frontrunner here, though Jon Hamm makes a strong case with his villainous turn in “Fargo.” Matt Bomer should definitely be recognized for some career-best work as the closeted bureaucrat in “Fellow Travelers.” And I left him off my list but I wouldn’t be surprised if Tony Shalhoub got yet another nod for “Monk.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Matt Bomer (“Fellow Travelers”)
2. David Oyelowo (“Lawmen: Bass Reeves”)
3. Andrew Scott (“Ripley”)
4. Jon Hamm (“Fargo”)
5. Tony Shalhoub (“Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”)

Matt Bomer does some career-best work in “Fellow Travelers,” and for now, that is my winning performance, but Andrew Scott is gaining a ton of steam for “Ripley.” Also there is huge potential for Jon Hamm being a double nominee as he could clock in for both “The Morning Show” and “Fargo,” and right now, “Fargo” would probably be the likelier nomination of the two.

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Jon Hamm (“Fargo”)
2. Matt Bomer (“Fellow Travelers”)
3. Tony Shalhoub (“Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”)
4. Tom Hollander (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)
5. Richard Gadd (“Baby Reindeer”)

This is one of the toughest fields to narrow down. Good luck choosing among “Fellow Travelers’” Matt Bomer doing career-high work, Jon Hamm’s menacing “Fargo” sheriff and Tom Hollander’s convincing impersonation of the self-destructive Truman Capote. Never count out the love for Tony Shalhoub’s Mr. Monk. Richard Gadd’s out-of-nowhere turn in “Baby Reindeer” will probably bump someone from this list. (I reluctantly chose Andrew Scott’s charismatic “Ripley” as the odd man out. I’m probably wrong.)

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Andrew Scott (“Ripley”)
2. Jon Hamm (“Fargo”)
3. Richard Gadd (“Baby Reindeer”)
4. Tom Hollander (“Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”)
5. Tony Shalhoub (“Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”)

It’s hard to escape the shadow of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Truman Capote, but Tom Hollander did just that in “Feud,” capturing the writer’s tragic flaws and winning charm.