Emmys guide: TND’s predictions and favourites

Susannah Guthrie
Aug 24, 2014, updated Aug 24, 2014

Something exciting is happening in television. Years of bad soap operas and lackluster performances have given way to a slew of captivating dramas, genuinely hilarious sitcoms and unique leading ladies and men.

In 2014, American television giant HBO is once again dominating the Emmy’s, with 99 different nomination, and for good reason. It’s almost singlehandedly responsible for the rebirth of television thanks to shows like Game of Thrones (19 nominations), True Detective, Boardwalk Empire and Girls.

CBS is next in line with 47 nods, followed closely by NBC with 46.

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The awards, hosted by late night talkshow star Seth Meyers, are also expected to pay tribute to late two-time Emmy winner Robin Williams. It will be the first big Hollywood event since his passing and executive producer Don Mischer has assured fans he will not go unmentioned.

“Plans for the In Memoriam segment are in discussion,” Mr Mischer told People after his death. “While we are all still coming to terms with this week’s tragic news, we are working to give Robin Williams the proper and meaningful remembrance he so well deserves.”

But who, and what, else will be feted on the big night? Here are our predictions for the actors and shows who will walk away with a winged woman statuette.

Outstanding Drama Series

Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad. Photo: Supplied

The nominees

Breaking Bad 

Downton Abbey 

Game of Thrones 

House of Cards 

Mad Men 

True Detective

What will win: Breaking Bad. The drama has a league of loyal fans and no one can deny it ended its five-season run with a bang. Critical and popular acclaim make it a strong contender.

What should win: True Detective. HBO made an unusual decision to enter the show in the drama category rather than the miniseries section. The move may confuse voters and viewers, although this unique show is utterly captivating.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Laura Prepon and Taylor Schilling in Orange is the New Black. Photo: Supplied

The nominees

The Big Bang Theory

Louie 

Modern Family

Orange Is the New Black 

Silicon Valley 

Veep

What will win: Orange is the New Black is the hot favourite to dethrone Modern Family after its four-year winning streak. The Netflix original series about a female prison has a sassy script, powerhouse acting performances and industry buzz to give it a boost.

What should win: Veep. An underdog in the category, this show is downright hilarious. Brilliantly written and acted by the hilarious Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the political sitcom should get a shout-out at the very least.

Lead actress in a drama series

Robin Wright in House of Cards. Photo: Suppled

The nominees

Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey

Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in Homeland

Robin Wright as Claire Underwood in House of Cards

Lizzy Caplan as Virginia Johnson in Masters of Sex

Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope in Scandal

Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick in The Good Wife

Who will win: Wright as the wife of a scheming Democrat is cool, calculated perfection.

Who should win: Caplan has amassed so much critical acclaim as a forward-thinking single mother in the 1950s you’d think she’d be a shoo-in. However, Masters of Sex doesn’t yet have the huge profile it deserves. Regardless, Caplan’s performance is an exemplar of period acting.

Lead actor in a drama series

Matthew McConaughey in True Detective. Photo: Supplied

The nominees

Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad

Kevin Spacey as Francis Underwood in House of Cards

Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men

Jeff Daniels as Will McAvoy in The Newsroom

Matthew McConaughey as Rustin Cohle in True Detective

Woody Harrelson as Martin Hart in True Detective

Who will win: It’s a Wild West showdown between Cranston and McConaughey. Breaking Bad fans could decide to exert their sentimentality on the voting front, or McConaughey’s star turn could be too strong to ignore.

Who should win: McConaughey. Sorry Walt, you’ve had your moment.

Lead Actor in a Comedy

Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory. Photo: Supplied

The nominees

Louis C.K. as Louie Louie

Don Cheadle as Marty Kaan in House of Lies

Ricky Gervais as Derek in Derek

Matt LeBlanc as himself in Episodes

William H. Macy as Frank Gallagher in Shameless

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory

Who will win: In what will most likely be a shameless popularity contest, The Big Bang Theory’s million-plus fan base will carry Jim Parsons to his fourth win.

Who should win: While there are no true standouts this year, Louis C.K. put in a valiant effort in his eponymous series. Writing, directing and starring as a hopeless divorced dad, he adds some edge to the comedy category.