Sunday’s 2017 Emmy Awards ceremony is likely to include its share of upsets. Here are 10 categories where that could happen.
Drama Series: “Stranger Things”
This is among the toughest categories to predict, so it’s hard to say which is really the frontrunner. But given the more awards-friendly nature of “This Is Us” and “The Handmaid’s Tale,” it’s safe to say that “Stranger Things” is a bit of an outsider in a category not known for honoring sci-fi.
Comedy Series: “Atlanta”
The FX series snagged the comedy-series Golden Globe, so it’s hard to call it an underdog. But in a world where “Veep” still exists, the rest of the nominees are presumably prepared to settle for second-best.
Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Claire Foy (“The Crown”)
Here’s another 2017 Golden Globe victor who’s likely to be sitting on the sidelines, as most pundits see Elisabeth Moss (“Handmaid’s”) as likely to prevail.
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)
Donald Glover might very well be considered to be in the lead here. But his victory would be considered a bit of an upset against a number of mainstays in the category, particularly Jeffrey Tambor (“Transparent”).
Variety Talk Series: “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee”
“Last Week Tonight” appears poised to repeat in the category, but Samantha Bee still has a shot at riding her post-Trump buzz to victory.
Television Movie: “Black Mirror: San Junipero”
“Sherlock” won last year, and HBO’s “Wizard of Lies” has a ton of star power, so although “Black Mirror” isn’t exactly flying under the radar — and also isn’t really a movie — it’s likely that a victory here would surprise more than a few people.
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Jeffrey Wright (“Westworld”)
John Lithgow (“The Crown”) is widely seen as having this category on lockdown. But if voters decide to sway toward “Westworld,” which led the way with 22 nominations, Wright’s heralded performance could be a beneficiary.
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Thandie Newton (“Westworld”)
It’s odd to consider Thandie Newton an underdog, but that may be the case here, given fierce competition from awards-friendly “This Is Us” (Chrissy Metz) and “Handmaid’s” (Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd).
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Anna Chlumsky (“Veep”)
It’s tough to compete against the “SNL” stars in such an up year for the venerable sketch show, but if voters are feeling particularly pro-“Veep,” Chlumsky could make her way to the podium.
Actor in a Limited Series or a Television Movie: Riz Ahmed (“The Night Of”)
Riz Ahmed faces tough foes in the form of Robert De Niro (“Wizard”) and Ewan McGregor (“Fargo”).
