Our expert predictions for the 2022 Emmy winners

Michael Keaton, Ben Foster, Christina Ricci and Quinta Brunson are all in top Emmy contenders this year.

Published May 12, 2022 Updated Sept. 6, 2022 5 AM PT

The 2022 Primetime Emmy ceremony is just around the corner — here’s your chance to make your picks in every category our BuzzMeter experts predict!

Our six veteran TV journalists have patiently put aside personal preferences to properly prognosticate. They’ve ranked the nominees in each of 14 categories, giving the ones they think most likely to win the most points and the least likely, the fewest. The result is a fair picture of the favorites in their eyes, with only two consensus picks in the entire BuzzMeter.

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

You can pick along with them (or against them) in our online polls. Ahead of Sunday’s ceremony, all polls are open.

Drama series

A businessman walks through a crowd of reporters; faceless guards in pink jumpsuits stand together

If the show with the most nominations is the big fish (or water mammal), this fight is between the squid and the whale.

In this ballyhooed field of water-cooler hits, only “Succession,” with its field-leading 25 nominations, is a previous winner. Three of the other series are in their freshman seasons and one (“Euphoria”) is in its sophomore year. Considering how frequently the TV academy repeats winners (“The Emmys love reruns,” says panelist Glenn Whipp), that would seem to make the terrifically written HBO chronicle of terrible people being awful to each other the prohibitive favorite … but Red Light! The hugely successful Korean import “Squid Game” gets our panel of experts’ green light by the barest of margins.

The most-streamed show in Netflix history finishes half a point ahead of “Succession” in our Round 3 voting. Perhaps surprisingly, the superb first half of the final season of “Better Call Saul” slips all the way to fifth, with the (ahem) buzzy “Yellowjackets” third and the panel finding “Severance” memorable enough for fourth.

Tracy Brown says, “ ‘Squid Game’s’ searing commentary about the brutality of capitalism through its unflinching violence feels even more relevant now than it did when the show premiered.”

Count Trey Mangum, Matt Roush and Kristen Baldwin among those calling “Succession” the favorite but leaving the door open for “Squid Game” to pull (as Roush puts it) a “Parasite”-like surprise. But as Baldwin says, “That Roy family finale meltdown is going to be very tough to beat.”

For another perspective, Lorraine Ali says, “Showtime’s psychological survival drama ‘Yellowjackets’ tops my list for its twist on a ‘Lord of the Flies’ theme. 1990’s girl power meets the Donner Party.”

Among the notable omissions from the field of nominees: Newcomer “Bel-Air,” the massively popular “Yellowstone,” the controversial “Winning Time,” fan favorite “Pachinko” and the hit network show and perennial nominee in its final season, “This Is Us.” “The Boys” just missed the eligibility window.

1. “Squid Game”
2. “Succession”
3. “Yellowjackets”
4. “Severance”
5. “Better Call Saul”
6. “Ozark”
7. “Euphoria”
8. “Stranger Things”

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. “Yellowjackets”
2. “Severance”
3. “Squid Game”
4. “Better Call Saul”
5. “Stranger Things”
6. “Euphoria”
7. (tie) “Ozark”
7. (tie) “Succession””

“Dystopian angst is rife among the drama nominees this year. Go figure. My favorite world-gone-awry nightmares include AppleTV+’s ‘Severance’ and Netflix’s ‘Squid Game.’ But Showtime’s psychological survival drama ‘Yellowjackets’ tops my list for its twist on a ‘Lord of the Flies’ theme. 1990’s girl power meets the Donner Party. The series moves between the ‘90s and present day, which allows for a fantastic cast on both sides of the timeline.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. “Succession”
2. “Better Call Saul”
3. “Squid Game”
4. “Yellowjackets”
5. “Ozark”
6. “Severance”
7. “Euphoria”
8. “Stranger Things”

“With 25 nominations across the board, voters have already identified ‘Succession’ as their lead contender. (Runner up: ‘Euphoria,’ with 16 nods.) The most likely chance for an upset comes from global phenomenon ‘Squid Game’ (14 total noms), but that Roy family finale meltdown is going to be very tough to beat.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. “Squid Game”
2. “Succession”
3. “Yellowjackets”
4. “Severance”
5. “Better Call Saul”
6. “Ozark”
7. “Euphoria”
8. “Stranger Things”

“It’s been a minute since ‘Squid Game’ was all everyone was talking about, so I’ve wondered whether voters might gravitate back towards something more familiar like ‘Succession.’ But ‘Squid Game’s’ searing commentary about the brutality of capitalism through its unflinching violence feels even more relevant now than it did when the show premiered. It seems likely that its historic awards season run is going to continue.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. “Succession”
2. “Squid Game”
3. “Yellowjackets”
4. “Severance”
5. “Ozark”
6. “Euphoria”
7. “Better Call Saul”
8. “Stranger Things”

“The zeitgeist is all about ‘Squid Game,’ but the phenomenon of ‘Succession’ and the way it dominated the nominations overall may propel the HBO show to the finish line on this one. However, I still wouldn’t be surprised (or would mind) if one of the two stellar newbies ‘Yellowjackets’ or ‘Severance’ came through.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. “Succession”
2. “Squid Game”
3. “Severance”
4. “Yellowjackets”
5. “Better Call Saul”
6. “Ozark”
7. “Euphoria”
8. “Stranger Things”

“ ‘Succession’ has the momentum for a probable repeat win, but I won’t be surprised if ‘Squid Game’ pulls a ‘Parasite’ and delivers an upset. The other most likely spoiler: Apple’s stealth cult hit ‘Severance.’ It’s a travesty that the bloated ‘Stranger Things’ season shut out the final episodes of the last (for now) great network drama, ‘This Is Us.’ ”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. “Succession”
2. “Squid Game”
3. “Severance”
4. “Better Call Saul”
5. “Yellowjackets”
6. “Stranger Things”
7. “Euphoria”
8. “Ozark”

“‘Succession’ scored a leading 25 nominations, far outpacing its competition. I got caught up in ‘Squid Game’ like everyone else (and I have the logged nightmares in my dream journal to prove it), but ‘Succession’ is the best show on television, hands down.”

online polls

Lead actress in a drama series

A woman in a zip-up sweatshirt and blue T-shirt

In another nail-biter, Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”) finishes a mere two points ahead of previous winner Zendaya (“Euphoria”).

Panelist Glenn Whipp, giving the slightest edge to Lynskey, said he wouldn’t be surprised if Zendaya repeated “as these are the Emmys, an awards show that values reruns above all else.”

Kristen Baldwin said, “I’ll give Melanie Lynskey the slight edge here over the incumbent, Zendaya — she’s a universally beloved character actress who absolutely killed it (heh heh) ... Plus, she’s hilarious, and her acceptance speech would be amazing.”

It’s quite a dropoff in points to the next nominee, Laura Linney (“Ozark”), but Matt Roush says, “It’s time for Laura Linney’s chilling portrayal of ‘Ozark’ villainess Wendy Byrde to be recognized.”

1. Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”)
2. Zendaya (“Euphoria”)
3. Laura Linney (“Ozark”)
4. Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”)
5. (tie) Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”)
5. (tie) Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”)
2. Zendaya (“Euphoria”)
3. (tie) Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”)
3. (tie) Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”)
3. (tie) Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”)
5. Laura Linney (“Ozark”)

“‘Yellowjackets’ ’ Melanie Lynskey deserves to win for her portrayal of Shauna, a depressed suburban soccer mom with a dark past and excellent slicing and dicing skills. Lynskey had a lot of competition alongside co-stars Christina Ricci and Juliette Lewis. Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh of ‘Killing Eve’ and Reese Witherspoon of ‘The Morning Show’ are formidable talents, but their respective shows have seen better seasons and that may hurt their chances.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”)
2. Zendaya (“Euphoria”)
3. Laura Linney (“Ozark”)
4. Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”)
5. Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”)
6. Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”)

“I’ll give Melanie Lynskey the slight edge here over the incumbent, Zendaya — she’s a universally-beloved character actress who absolutely killed it (heh heh) as an adult survivor of a horrific plane crash ordeal in Showtime’s ‘Yellowjackets.’ Plus, she’s hilarious, and her acceptance speech would be amazing. Side note: Like the voters, I, too, was happy to see Reese Witherspoon’s ‘Morning Show’ character go back to blonde.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”)
2. Zendaya (“Euphoria”)
3. Laura Linney (“Ozark”)
4. Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”)
5. Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”)
6. Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”)

“There is definitely a chance that voters will lean towards finally giving Laura Linney her flowers for ‘Ozark’s’ final season, but the only two outcomes I can see are Zendaya winning again for ‘Euphoria’ or Melanie Lynskey grabbing her first win for ‘Yellowjackets.’ If ‘Yellowjackets’ can break through in any category, I think it’s this one, so I’m giving the edge to Lynskey..”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Zendaya (“Euphoria”)
2. Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”)
3. Laura Linney (“Ozark”)
4. Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”)
5. Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”)
6. Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”)

“This one is still Zendaya’s to lose and it’s likely she’ll make history again. Laura Linney’s performance in Ozark’s final season will be a very stiff competitor though. But is there a scenario where first-time nominee Melanie Lynskey would get the Cinderella moment? This could very well be the case.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Laura Linney (“Ozark”)
2. Zendaya (“Euphoria”)
3. Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”)
4. Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”)
5. Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”)
6. Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”)

“It’s time for Laura Linney’s chilling portrayal of ‘Ozark’ villainess Wendy Byrde to be recognized, though it’s possible Zendaya could repeat (it’s the Emmys’ way). Possible spoiler: Melanie Lynskey, ‘Yellowjackets’ ’ subtly disturbing secret weapon. Both ‘Killing Eve’ stars being nominated for that mess of a final season is a prime example of Emmy entropy (once nominated, always nominated).”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”)
2. Zendaya (“Euphoria”)
3. Laura Linney (“Ozark”)
4. Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”)
5. Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”)
6. Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”)

“Zendaya will probably win again, as these are the Emmys, an awards show that values reruns above all else. And after that emotional rollercoaster of ‘Euphoria’s’ season, who could begrudge her another trophy. And yet … I’d lean toward Melanie Lynskey for the simmering rage she brought to ‘Yellowjackets.’ ”

online polls

Lead actor in a drama series

A man screams in frustration in an arcade in a scene from "Squid Game."

With vote-splitting for the “Succession” boys and awards-season momentum figuring into their calculations, the panel has Lee Jung-jae of “Squid Game” surprisingly far ahead of the competition. The show has already made Emmy history several times with its nominations despite not being in the English language; Lee would be the first winner in this category whose performance was not in English.

“If ‘Squid Game’ is the frontrunner in any category, it’s this one. The series could not have worked without Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun,” says panelist Tracy Brown.

Kristen Baldwin warns: “Never count out ‘Succession’ patriarch Brian Cox — ba-da-ba-ba-ba, they’re lovin’ him.”

Beyond that fray, Lorraine Ali and Trey Mangum stan for Adam Scott. Mangum says, “The Emmys blanking the final season of ‘This Is Us’ made things a bit easier and opened room for Adam Scott’s terrific ‘Severance’ performance, which is my personal pick.”

Notable omissions include John C. Reilly of “Winning Time” and previous winner Sterling K. Brown of “This Is Us,” who were probably their respective shows’ best chances of avoiding shutouts in the BuzzMeter-monitored categories.

1. Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”)
2. Brian Cox (“Succession”)
3. Adam Scott (“Severance”)
4. Jeremy Strong (“Succession”)
5. Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)
6. Jason Bateman (“Ozark”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Adam Scott (“Severance”)
2. (tie) Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”)
2. (tie) Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)
4. (tie) Jason Bateman (“Ozark”)
4. (tie) Brian Cox (“Succession”)
4. (tie) Jeremy Strong (“Succession”)

“It should be no surprise two of the six nominees are from HBO’s ‘Succession.’ The Academy loves former winners and it’s very possible risk-averse voters will lean that way again. But the go-for-what-you-know method of honoring the best in television is not only boring and predictable, it’s a shame when there were so many strong new dramas to consider. Adam Scott should be recognized for ‘Severance,’ as should Lee Jung-jae for ‘Squid Game.’ Both actors humanized fantastical storylines and make the impossible seem plausible.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”)
2. Brian Cox (“Succession”)
3. Jeremy Strong (“Succession”)
4. Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)
5. Adam Scott (“Severance”)
6. Jason Bateman (“Ozark”)

“With HBO’s ‘Succession’ likely to beat Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ in the drama category, voters could very well choose to reward the Netflix thriller by honoring its leading man, Lee Jung-jae, who balanced humor, horror and heart as Gi-hun. But never count out ‘Succession’ patriarch Brian Cox — ba-da-ba-ba-ba, they’re lovin’ him.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”)
2. Brian Cox (“Succession”)
3. Adam Scott (“Severance”)
4. Jeremy Strong (“Succession”)
5. Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)
6. Jason Bateman (“Ozark”)

“If ‘Squid Game’ is the frontrunner in any category, it’s this one. The series could not have worked without Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun — this unreliable, debt-ridden goof of a father and son who wavers across that difficult line between desperate and decent. I think Lee will be adding an Emmy to the collection of other awards he’s already won for his performance.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”)
2. Brian Cox (“Succession”)
3. Adam Scott (“Severance”)
4. Jeremy Strong (“Succession”)
5. Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)
6. Jason Bateman (“Ozark”)

“It’s ‘Squid Game’ or ‘Succession,’ with Lee Jung-jae the frontrunner and Brian Cox looking a little bit better than Jeremy Strong at the moment. The Emmys blanking the final season of this is ‘This Is Us’ made things a bit easier and opened room for Adam Scott’s terrific ‘Severance’ performance, which is my personal pick.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”)
2. Brian Cox (“Succession”)
3. Jeremy Strong (“Succession”)
4. Adam Scott (“Severance”)
5. Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)
6. Jason Bateman (“Ozark”)

“The heart, soul and sinew of ‘Squid Game,’ Lee Jung-Jae pulled off a surprise SAG win and could easily do so again in this strong category, especially if the ‘Succession’ leads split that vote. While I’m glad to see Adam Scott get his first nomination for the buzzy ‘Severance,’ I wonder if Bob Odenkirk will ever get his due for ‘Better Call Saul.’ ”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”)
2. Brian Cox (“Succession”)
3. Jeremy Strong (“Succession”)
4. Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)
5. Adam Scott (“Severance”)
6. Jason Bateman (“Ozark”)

“Jeremy Strong won last year for ‘Succession’ when I thought the Emmy would go to the actor playing the Roy family patriarch, Brian Cox. The trophy could stay in the family this year, but the vote could also split, opening the door to Lee Jung-jae, who brought a haunting humanity to the brutal world of ‘Squid Game.’ ”

online polls

Supporting actress in a drama series

A woman sitting in a parked car looking serious

Crisis averted: Rhea Seehorn finally received her first Emmy nomination, for Part I of the final season of “Better Call Saul.” It’s a good thing, too, because some of the BuzzMeter panelists were dipping their rag-bound wood in fat and getting ready to storm the castle. By the way, she also received her second this year, as actress in a short-form comedy or drama series (“Cooper’s Bar”).

Despite Seehorn leading the Round 3 pack, however, panelist Glenn Whipp picks another nominee: two-time winner Julia Garner, for the final season of “Ozark”: “Emmy voters finally saw the light and nominated Rhea Seehorn. Could she actually win ‘Better Call Saul’ its first Emmy? Probably not … but the nod could at least lay the groundwork for next year ... I’d guess voters will want to give ‘Ozark’s’ Julia Garner a proper sendoff. Nominated also for ‘Inventing Anna,’ she’s adored, and rightly so.”

Trey Mangum has quite a different take: “It’s all about ‘Succession’ and ‘Squid Game’ as I see it: a race between HoYeon Jung and Sarah Snook. But I’m telling you right now … do not underestimate newbie and double nominee Sydney Sweeney.”

Perhaps the most surprising omission: Oscar winner Yuh-Jung Youn, for her beautiful, layered performance in “Pachinko.”

1. Rhea Seehorn (“Better Call Saul”)
2. HoYeon Jung (“Squid Game”)
3. Julia Garner (“Ozark”)
4. Sarah Snook (“Succession”)
5. Christina Ricci (“Yellowjackets”)
6. Sydney Sweeney (“Euphoria”)
7. Patricia Arquette (“Severance”)
8. J. Smith-Cameron (“Succession”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Christina Ricci (“Yellowjackets”)
2. (tie) Patricia Arquette (“Severance”)
2. (tie) Rhea Seehorn (“Better Call Saul”)
4. HoYeon Jung (“Squid Game”)
5. Sydney Sweeney (“Euphoria”)
6. Julia Garner (“Ozark”)
7. (tie) J. Smith-Cameron (“Succession”)
7. (tie) Sarah Snook (“Succession”)

“Let’s face it: There are no easy choices because there are so many great candidates in this category. Seehorn is long overdue for an Emmy in ‘Better Call Saul’ (there will be just one more chance, with Part II of the show’s final season qualifying for next year’s awards). But Ricci is a cult favorite thanks to her chilling portrayal of nerdy sociopath Misty in ‘Yellowjackets.’ ”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Rhea Seehorn (“Better Call Saul”)
2. Sydney Sweeney (“Euphoria”)
3. HoYeon Jung (“Squid Game”)
4. Julia Garner (“Ozark”)
5. Christina Ricci (“Yellowjackets”)
6. Sarah Snook (“Succession”)
7. Patricia Arquette (“Severance”)
8. J. Smith-Cameron (“Succession”)

“This category is packed wall-to-wall with deserving actresses. Still, timing is everything. The ‘Better Call Saul’ series finale — in which we will finally learn what happens to Rhea Seehorn’s Kim Wexler — airs on August 15 ... just three days after final-round Emmy voting begins. It simply couldn’t be more perfect. Seehorn for the win!”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. HoYeon Jung (“Squid Game”)
2. Rhea Seehorn (“Better Call Saul”)
3. Sydney Sweeney (“Euphoria”)
4. Christina Ricci (“Yellowjackets”)
5. Sarah Snook (“Succession”)
6. Julia Garner (“Ozark”)
7. Patricia Arquette (“Severance”)
8. J. Smith-Cameron (“Succession”)

“Rhea Seehorn winning an Emmy after she was finally nominated for the first time for her consistently stellar work in ‘Better Call Saul’ is a story I can get behind. But the Emmys have tended to rally behind one show to repeatedly award into sweeps of the top categories recently, so I think the edge goes to Jung Ho-yeon for her fantastic portrayal of a scrappy pickpocket who is desperate to reunite her family.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. HoYeon Jung (“Squid Game”)
2. Sarah Snook (“Succession”)
3. Sydney Sweeney (“Euphoria”)
4. Julia Garner (“Ozark”)
5. Patricia Arquette (“Severance”)
6. Christina Ricci (“Yellowjackets”)
7. Rhea Seehorn (“Better Call Saul”)
8. J. Smith-Cameron (“Succession”)

“Rhea Seehorn finally got honored for ‘Better Call Saul’ and fans of the show would definitely love to see her take the trophy as the series gets ready to bid adieu with Part II next year. But it’s all about ‘Succession’ and ‘Squid Game’ as I see it: a race between HoYeon Jung and Sarah Snook. But I’m telling you right now … do not underestimate newbie and double nominee Sydney Sweeney.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Julia Garner (“Ozark”)
2. Rhea Seehorn (“Better Call Saul”)
3. Sarah Snook (“Succession”)
4. HoYeon Jung (“Squid Game”)
5. Patricia Arquette (“Severance”)
6. Christina Ricci (“Yellowjackets”)
7. Sydney Sweeney (“Euphoria”)
8. J. Smith-Cameron (“Succession”)

“The tremendous Julia Garner went out with a bang in the Ozark finale, and I’m betting she’ll go three-for-three. But my heart belongs to ‘Better Call Saul’ ’s overdue Rhea Seehorn, and if the voters rally to her as they should, she’ll win – although a ‘Succession’ sweep could put Sarah Snook (also deserving) in the winner’s circle.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Julia Garner (“Ozark”)
2. Rhea Seehorn (“Better Call Saul”)
3. Sarah Snook (“Succession”)
4. HoYeon Jung (“Squid Game”)
5. Christina Ricci (“Yellowjackets”)
6. Patricia Arquette (“Severance”)
7. J. Smith-Cameron (“Succession”)
8. Sydney Sweeney (“Euphoria”)

“Emmy voters finally saw the light and nominated Rhea Seehorn. Could she actually win ‘Better Call Saul’ its first Emmy? Probably not … but the nod could at least lay the groundwork for next year. As for shows bowing out this year, I’d guess voters will want to give ‘Ozark’s’ Julia Garner a proper sendoff. Nominated also for ‘Inventing Anna,’ she’s adored, and rightly so.”

online polls

Supporting actor in a drama series

A man in a linen suit talks on the phone at a Tuscan villa wedding in a scene from "Succession."

Three shows, seven nominations. Heck, in the limited series supporting actor and actress categories, one show got eight nominations (“The White Lotus”).

“754 programs were submitted for Emmy consideration this year. 754! How many do you think Academy voters actually watched before choosing this year’s contenders? Not many, judging by the multiple nominations for the same shows,” says panelist Lorraine Ali. She goes on to make some radical suggestions: “The Academy needs to seriously consider instituting new rules to cover the expanding world they honor: more slots and only one nominee per show in each category.”

Leave it to Tracy Brown to make sense of it all: “Statistically, someone from a show with a title starting with the letter S is all-but guaranteed to win this category.”

This densely packed field was sure to leave out some very deserving contenders even without leaning so heavily on just a few shows, and boy, did it. Among those with strong cases for not only inclusion, but perhaps winning the whole thing: Olly Sholotan, the oily engine of “Bel-Air”; Tramell Tillman, the creepily upbeat company man of “Severance”; Lee Minho as the dashing, wealthy, mystery man with a traumatic past in “Pachinko”; and a quintet of performers from “Better Call Saul”: previous nominees Giancarlo Esposito and Jonathan Banks, never-nominated mainstays Patrick Fabian and Michael Mando and as perhaps the year’s most memorable villain, Tony Dalton.

In the meantime, the panel picks Wambsgans over Roys: “I’ll keep predicting ‘Succession’s’ brilliant Matthew Macfadyen in this jam-packed category until he finally wins,” says Matt Roush, “although his co-stars Kieran Culkin (who had a great season) and Nicholas Braun are just as viable.”

1. Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”)
2. Kieran Culkin (“Succession”)
3. O Yeong-su (“Squid Game”)
4. John Turturro (“Severance”)
5. Park Hae-soo (“Squid Game”)
6. Nicholas Braun (“Succession”)
7. Christopher Walken (“Severance”)
8. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Park Hae-soo (“Squid Game”)
2. John Turturro (“Severance”)
3. Christopher Walken (“Severance”)
4. O Yeong-su (“Squid Game”)
5. (tie) Nicholas Braun (“Succession”)
5. (tie) Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
5. (tie) Kieran Culkin (“Succession”)
5. (tie) Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”)

“754 programs were submitted for Emmy consideration this year. 754! How many do you think Academy voters actually watched before choosing this year’s contenders? Not many, judging by the multiple nominations for the same shows. ‘Succession’ has three performers in the race, ‘Severance’ has two, and both shows are familiar to voters who may not have otherwise done their homework. ‘Squid Game’ also has two. The Academy needs to seriously consider instituting new rules to cover the expanding world they honor: more slots and only one nominee per show in each category.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”)
2. Kieran Culkin (“Succession”)
3. O Yeong-su (“Squid Game”)
4. John Turturro (“Severance”)
5. Park Hae-soo (“Squid Game”)
6. Nicholas Braun (“Succession”)
7. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
8. Christopher Walken (“Severance”)

“It’s ‘spicy pillow talk’ versus ‘accidental penis pic’ — a Roy family showdown for the ages. That said, maybe we’ll have a repeat of 2020, when all the ‘Succession’ men split the vote and Billy Crudup walked away with the win for his expertly unhinged performance as a network exec on ‘The Morning Show.’

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. O Yeong-su (“Squid Game”)
2. Park Hae-soo (“Squid Game”)
3. Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”)
4. Kieran Culkin (“Succession”)
5. John Turturro (“Severance”)
6. Christopher Walken (“Severance”)
7. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
8. Nicholas Braun (“Succession”)

“Statistically, someone from a show with a title starting with the letter S is all-but guaranteed to win this category. But all joking aside, Oh Yeong-su’s portrayal of an elderly man who has chosen to compete in the deadly contests in ‘Squid Game’ because he is dying from a brain tumor is one of the performances that has stuck with me since I’ve seen it.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”)
2. Park Hae-soo (“Squid Game”)
3. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
4. O Yeong-su (“Squid Game”)
5. John Turturro (“Severance”)
6. Christopher Walken (“Severance”)
7. Kieran Culkin (“Succession”)
8. Nicholas Braun (“Succession”)

“My gut tells me the ‘Succession’ men — Nicholas Braun, Kieran Culkin and Matthew Mcfadyen could cancel each other out, even though the latter’s performance is probably the performance of this crop. Park Hae-soo is likely to come out on top along with ‘Squid Game’s’ predicted dominance, with John Turturro and his reserved-yet-impactful ‘Severance’ performance a dark horse. “

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”)
2. Park Hae-soo (“Squid Game”)
3. Kieran Culkin (“Succession”)
4. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
5. John Turturro (“Severance”)
6. Nicholas Braun (“Succession”)
7. O Yeong-su (“Squid Game”)
8. Christopher Walken (“Severance”)

“I’ll keep predicting ‘Succession’s’ brilliant Matthew Macfadyen in this jam-packed category until he finally wins, although his co-stars Kieran Culkin (who had a great season) and Nicholas Braun are just as viable. It’s a toss-up between the ‘Succession’ guys, the ‘Squid Game’ scene stealers and ‘Severance’s’ moving John Turturro-Christopher Walken tag team. And Billy Crudup could always walk away with a repeat win.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”)
2. Kieran Culkin (“Succession”)
3. O Yeong-su (“Squid Game”)
4. John Turturro (“Severance”)
5. Park Hae-soo (“Squid Game”)
6. Nicholas Braun (“Succession”)
7. Christopher Walken (“Severance”)
8. Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)

“So … many … ‘Succession’ actors. As much as I love Kieran Culkin for the snark and wounded daddy issues he brings to Roman, this season (certainly the finale) belonged to Matthew Macfadyen. The way he completed Tom’s journey from punching bag to the great betrayer was shocking and sublime.”

online polls

Comedy series

Actors playing a group of smiling teachers at a big-city elementary school.

Quinta Brunson‘s “Abbott Elementary” leads by a solid margin over a field including two past winners. It’s a freshman series. And perhaps most remarkably, it’s a network show.

No network show has won this category since “Modern Family’s” run of dominance ended in 2014. In fact, in the last four years, only two network shows (“The Good Place” and “black-ish”) have even been nominated, accounting for only four of the 31 total nods during that time.

“ ‘Abbott Elementary’ has brought new excitement and energy into the broadcast TV comedy space and deserves all the accolades,” says panelist Tracy Brown.

And it’s not generating buzz because the field is weak: Glenn Whipp says, “ ‘Barry,’ ‘Hacks,’ ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘Abbott Elementary,’ ‘Only Murders in the Building’ … this is one of the best comedy classes in Emmy history. You could make a case for any one of these five shows and not be wrong.”

Lorraine Ali, meanwhile, lamented the missing: “So many inventive, diverse comedies … and none made the cut. Coveted spots instead went to weak second and third seasons of former winners (‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘The Marvelous Ms. Maisel’).”

Among the daring titles left off in favor of, for instance, some of the perennial nominees at the end of the BuzzMeter list: “PEN15,” “We Are Lady Parts,” “Our Flag Means Death,” “Julia” (which had received passionate support from the panel) and the wonderful, unique “Reservation Dogs.”

1. “Abbott Elementary”
2. “Hacks”
3. “Barry”
4. “Ted Lasso”
5. “Only Murders in the Building”
6. “What We Do in the Shadows”
7. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
8. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. “Abbott Elementary”
2. (tie) “Hacks”
2. (tie) “Only Murders in the Building”
4. “Barry”
5. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
6. “What We Do in the Shadows”
7. (tie) “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
7. (tie) “Ted Lasso”

“It was an exceptional year for comedy. We celebrated and mourned the last season of ‘black-ish,’ discovered ‘Reservation Dogs’ and ‘We Are Lady Parts,’ cooked with ‘Julia’ and swashbuckled with the sensitive pirate crew of ‘Our Flag Means Death.’ So many inventive, diverse comedies … and none made the cut. Coveted spots instead went to weak second and third seasons of former winners (‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’). But assuming those safe choices cancel each other out, ‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘Only Murders’ actually stand a chance.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. “Abbott Elementary”
2. “Barry”
3. “Ted Lasso”
4. “Hacks”
5. “Only Murders in the Building”
6. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
7. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
8. “What We Do in the Shadows”

“Yes, ‘Ted Lasso’ got more nominations than any other comedy, but ‘Abbott Elementary’ is good enough — and liked enough — to stand out in a very, very crowded field despite being on (gasp) broadcast television. (Do you see any other broadcast TV series in the main categories? No, no you do not.) Attention must be paid!”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. “Abbott Elementary”
2. “Hacks”
3. “Barry”
4. “Ted Lasso”
5. “Only Murders in the Building”
6. “What We Do in the Shadows”
7. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
8. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

“Can we admit that reigning winner ‘Ted Lasso’s’ second season wasn’t as strong as its first? ‘Abbott Elementary’ has brought new excitement and energy into the broadcast TV comedy space and deserves all the accolades. Even in a field with other critical favorites like ‘Hacks’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ I think ‘Abbott’ comes out on top.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. “Abbott Elementary”
2. “Hacks”
3. “Ted Lasso”
4. “Barry”
5. “Only Murders in the Building”
6. “What We Do in the Shadows”
7. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
8. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

“‘ Abbott Elementary’ has so much buzz, and it is all well-deserved. It looks like the broadcast comedy should be able to handily take a win, but with ‘Hacks’ forgoing a sophomore slump, it could have a good shot as well. And of course, by now, we should all know to not doubt ‘Ted Lasso.’ ”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. “Abbott Elementary”
2. “Ted Lasso”
3. “Hacks”
4. “Barry”
5. “Atlanta”
6. “Reservation Dogs”
7. “Only Murders in the Building”
8. “What We Do in the Shadows”

“Hard to bet against a repeat win for the culturally dominant ‘Ted Lasso,’ but how great if a fabulous and relevant network breakout like ‘Abbott Elementary’ were to take the prize. This could also be ‘Hacks’’ year to shine, and while ‘Barry’ was astonishing, it feels more drama than comedy this year.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. “Ted Lasso”
2. “Barry”
3. “Hacks”
4. “Only Murders in the Building”
5. “Abbott Elementary”
6. “What We Do in the Shadows”
7. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
8. “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

“ ‘Barry,’ ‘Hacks,’ ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘Abbott Elementary,’ ‘Only Murders in the Building’ … this is one of the best comedy classes in Emmy history. You could make a case for any one of these five shows and not be wrong. As for what will win, it’s hard to bet against ‘Ted Lasso’ and its 20 nominations, more than any of its competitors.”

online polls

Lead actress in a comedy series

A well-dressed woman laughs in a scene from the HBO Max comedy “Hacks.”

This category gave the panelists fits, as many of their most ardently championed performers didn’t make the cut. Sarah Lancashire (“Julia”) probably led that pack, with Maya Erskine (“PEN15”) and Pamela Adlon (“Better Things”) not earning noms for their shows’ final seasons — same with Tracee Ellis Ross, who surprised the experts by not being named for the swan song of “black-ish” despite five previous nominations for the role.

Panelist Lorraine Ali had advocated for Anjana Vasan of “We Are Lady Parts” and Tracy Brown was among those voicing her displeasure over Selena Gomez‘s omission while her two male costars were honored for “Only Murders in the Building”: “I’m also not over the fact that Selena Gomez — who plays just as key of a role in the show’s true crime obsessed trio — was overlooked.”

Among those nominated, it’s a close-ish race at the top between comic legend Jean Smart and triple nominee Quinta Brunson. In fact, the panel sees the category as a two-woman race.

“Brunson and her show are the talk of the town and she’s the biggest threat to Jean Smart repeating in this category,” says Trey Mangum.

Matt Roush says, “Jean Smart reigns supreme again ... [but] Brunson is just as deserving for her heartfelt masterpiece. I can’t imagine any other alternative.”

1. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
2. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
4. Elle Fanning (“The Great”)
5. Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
6. Kaley Cuoco (“The Flight Attendant”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
3. Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
4. (tie) Kaley Cuoco (“The Flight Attendant”)
4. (tie) Elle Fanning (“The Great”)
6. Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)

“Quinta Brunson. I’d simply end my commentary right there, with her name alone, but I’m required to fill this space with more words. Jean Smart is also fantastic in ‘Hacks,’ but she won last year and it just seems right that Brunson should be honored for her wonderful performance in a fantastic show that she created. And she’s already made history as the first Black woman to earn three nominations in the comedy categories in the same year (she’s also up for writing).”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
2. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
4. Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
5. Kaley Cuoco (“The Flight Attendant”)
6. Elle Fanning (“The Great”)

“While I absolutely love ‘Abbott Elementary’ star-creator Quinta Brunson, I think we should probably just call this the Outstanding Jean Smart in a Comedy Series Award for as long as ‘Hacks’ is around, thank you very much. (Oh, and congrats to Hulu for getting ‘The Great’s’ leads on the Emmy map.)”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
2. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
4. Elle Fanning (“The Great”)
5. Kaley Cuoco (“The Flight Attendant”)
6. Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)

“Jean Smart made a very strong case for a back-to-back win with her work in the second season of ‘Hacks.’ That said, the ‘Abbott Elementary’ cast has been clear that it would not be wise to underestimate Quinta Brunson, who has been nominated for all of the different hats she wears as the creator-star of the acclaimed freshman series.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
2. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
4. Kaley Cuoco (“The Flight Attendant”)
5. Elle Fanning (“The Great”)
6. Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)

“History-making triple nominee Quinta Brunson and her show are the talk of the town and she’s the biggest threat to Jean Smart repeating in this category. Issa Rae’s the only main-category nomination for ‘Insecure’ in its final season — could she get her flowers? Any of these three would be a swell choice.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
2. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
4. Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
5. Elle Fanning (“The Great”)
6. Kaley Cuoco (“The Flight Attendant”)

“Jean Smart reigns supreme again for another brilliant season in ‘Hacks,’ nailing a role any veteran character actress would kill for, so will likely triumph over TV’s other fictional female stand-up star, Rachel Brosnahan’s ‘Mrs. Maisel’ (not her finest season). ‘Abbott Elementary’s’ auteur/star Quinta Brunson is just as deserving for her heartfelt masterpiece. I can’t imagine any other alternative.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Jean Smart (“Hacks”)
2. Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
4. Elle Fanning (“The Great”)
5. Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
6. Kaley Cuoco (“The Flight Attendant”)

“Jean Smart won last year and was greeted with a rousing standing ovation. There was no dip in quality for the second season of ‘Hacks,’ so this feels like a repeat victory that is earned. Quinta Brunson, who earned noms for writing, producing and acting, figures to be Smart’s closest competitor.”

online polls

Lead actor in a comedy series

Two older men and a young woman peer out of an elevator in a scene from "Only Murders in the Building."

Two comedy legends land atop a tight race due to their master-class displays of comic timing and delivery in “Only Murders in the Building,” with Steve Martin barely outpointing Martin Short in the battle of the Martins. But panelists also make strong cases for a Jason Sudeikis “Ted Lasso” repeat or for Bill Hader’s assassin in “Barry” to leap from the shadows.

Kristen Baldwin said, “One: ‘Only Murders in the Building’ is perfectly fine... but is it 17 Emmy nominations fine? Debatable. And 2: No one on TV gave a more soul-shattering performance this year than Bill Hader in ‘Barry’s’ phenomenal third season. The season was so dark that at this point the show should probably compete as a drama, but this year, the award is Hader’s.”

Matt Roush said, “I may be going out on a limb by predicting that living comedy legend Steve Martin will buck the ‘Ted Lasso’ sweep ... [though] Emmy tradition favors a repeat win by Jason Sudeikis or ‘Barry’s’ Bill Hader.”

Glenn Whipp said, “Bill Hader picked up four Emmy nominations — three for ‘Barry’ (writing, directing and acting) and another for a guest spot on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm.’ He won the lead actor Emmy for the first two seasons of ‘Barry,’ and there’s no reason to believe he won’t collect another one for the anguished fury he brought to the title character’s quest for redemption.”

1. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
2. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Bill Hader (“Barry”)
4. Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”)
5. Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)
6. Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
2. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. (tie )Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)
3. (tie) Bill Hader (“Barry”)
5. (tie) Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”)
5. (tie) Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”)

“Taika Waititi is my pick for ‘Our Flag Means Death,’ but since he wasn’t nominated, I’d be just fine with Steve Martin or Martin Short winning as amateur podcasters/crime sleuths in ‘Only Murders in the Building.’ Bill Hader, Donald Glover and Jason Sudeikis have already won for their respective roles in ‘Barry,’ ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Ted Lasso,’ though it’s possible Sudeikis will prevail since the Apple+ show is a warm, fuzzy Emmy darling.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Bill Hader (“Barry”)
2. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”)
4. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
5. Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)
6. Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”)

“A few thoughts. One: ‘Only Murders in the Building’ is perfectly fine... but is it 17 Emmy nominations fine? Debatable. And 2: No one on TV gave a more soul-shattering performance this year than Bill Hader in ‘Barry’s’ phenomenal third season. The season was so dark that at this point the show should probably compete as a drama, but this year, the award is Hader’s.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
2. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Bill Hader (“Barry”)
4. Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”)
5. Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)
6. Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”)

“I’m not sure how you can pick between the powerhouse duo of Steve Martin and Martin Short in ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ and I’m also not over the fact that Selena Gomez — who plays just as key of a role in the show’s true crime obsessed trio — was overlooked. But I will table my complaints and give Martin the edge as one of the show’s co-creators.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
2. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
3. Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”)
4. Bill Hader (“Barry”)
5. Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)
6. Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”)

“The best shot for ‘Only Murders in the Building’ to win an Emmy is likely through one of its leading men. But this category could easily go to Bill Hader for ‘Barry’ or Jason Sudeikis for ‘Ted Lasso,’ depending on how voters are feeling toward these projects overall as they go down the ballot.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
2. Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”)
3. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Bill Hader (“Barry”)
5. Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)
6. Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”)

“I may be going out on a limb by predicting that living comedy legend Steve Martin will buck the ‘Ted Lasso’ sweep and get his due for starring and co-writing ‘Only Murders in the Building’ (his costar Martin Short would be equally appropriate). Emmy tradition favors a repeat win by Jason Sudeikis or ‘Barry’s’ Bill Hader.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Bill Hader (“Barry”)
2. Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”)
3. Steve Martin (“Only Murders in the Building”)
4. Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”)
5. Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”)
6. Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)

“Bill Hader picked up four Emmy nominations – three for ‘Barry’ (writing, directing and acting) and another for a guest spot on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm.’ He won the lead actor Emmy for the first two seasons of ‘Barry,’ and there’s no reason to believe he won’t collect another one for the anguished fury he brought to the title character’s quest for redemption.”

online polls

Supporting actress in a comedy series

A school principal dressed as a DJ, asleep at her desk in a scene from "Abbott Elementary."

Janelle James of “Abbott Elementary” dominated each of the previous two rounds of voting, and in Round 3 she is one of only two consensus picks in the BuzzMeter.

Tracy Brown calls her work “the breakout comedy performance of the year.”

“There is just something about James’ run right now that says she has it in the can,” says Trey Mangum.

Lorraine Ali says, “ ‘Ted Lasso’ hogs three slots in the supporting actress comedy category while Bebe Neuwirth of ‘Julia’ gets snubbed. Sigh. The saving grace in this breach of justice is Janelle James of ABC’s ‘Abbott Elementary.’ ”

Among the notable omissions: Paulina Alexis (“Reservation Dogs”), Renée Elise Goldsberry (“Girls5eva”), Rosie Perez (“The Flight Attendant”) and Cecily Strong (“Saturday Night Live”), who delivered the season’s most arresting moment with her clown/abortion monologue.

1. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
4. Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”)
5. Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
6. Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)
7. Juno Temple (“Ted Lasso”)
8. Sarah Niles (“Ted Lasso”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. (tie) Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
2. (tie) Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)
5. Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
6. Juno Temple (“Ted Lasso”)
7. (tie) Sarah Niles (“Ted Lasso”)
7. (tie) Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”)

“‘Ted Lasso’ hogs three slots in the supporting actress comedy category while Bebe Neuwirth of ‘Julia’ gets snubbed. Sigh. The saving grace in this breach of justice is Janelle James of ABC’s ‘Abbott Elementary.’ As complacent and self-centered principal Ava Coleman in an underserved public grade school, she embodies the essence of a terrible boss. Her castmate Sheryl Lee Ralph also shines in the hit sitcom.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
4. Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”)
5. Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)
6. Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
7. Juno Temple (“Ted Lasso”)
8. Sarah Niles (“Ted Lasso”)

“Just as last year’s winner, Hannah Waddingham, was the breakout star of the ‘20-‘21 TV season, ‘Abbott Elementary’s’ Janelle James is the critical darling of the current eligibility era. There’s a chance voters will get nostalgic for Kate McKinnon, given her sweet and teary ‘SNL’ farewell this year, but it’s a long shot. “

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
4. Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”)
5. Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)
6. Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
7. Juno Temple (“Ted Lasso”)
8. Sarah Niles (“Ted Lasso”)

“Janelle James’ performance as the hilariously inept, self-absorbed ‘Abbot Elementary’ principal Ava Coleman has really been the breakout comedy performance of the year. As the type of educator you hope only exists on a fictional TV show, I think she’ll prevail when the Emmys are presented. That said, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s buttoned-up, veteran teacher Mrs. Howard is also an important piece of the show’s magic.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
4. Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”)
5. Sarah Niles (“Ted Lasso”)
6. Juno Temple (“Ted Lasso”)
7. Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)
8. Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)

“It’s between Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph for ‘Abbott Elementary.’ Ralph has a magical moment with her well-deserved first nomination and there is just something about James’ run right now that says she has it in the can. There’s no ‘Saturday Night Live’ upset in sight, because if an ‘Abbott’ star doesn’t take it, it’ll be one of the Hannahs.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”)
3. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
5. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
6. Sarah Niles (“Ted Lasso”)
7. Juno Temple (“Ted Lasso”)
8. Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)

“In another time—before the ascent of streaming and premium cable—Janelle Jones as ‘Abbott Elementary’s’ outrageous principal would have been a lock. I still believe in miracles, so I’m favoring her over a crowded field of ‘Ted Lasso’ co-stars and several past winners. (I’d be thrilled for Sheryl Lee Ralph as ‘Abbott’s’ formidable kindergarten teacher as well.)”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”)
2. Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”)
3. Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”)
4. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
5. Juno Temple (“Ted Lasso”)
6. Sarah Niles (“Ted Lasso”)
7. Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
8. Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)

“‘Abbott Elementary’ earned seven nominations, and this might be the spot where voters honor the show for Janelle James’ turn as the opportunistic and thoroughly incompetent school principal. She’s the bad boss you can laugh at, with some degree of knowing recognition.”

online polls

Supporting actor in a comedy series

A white-haired man leans back in a chair in a scene from "Barry."

For incumbent Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso’s” Roy Kent) to repeat would be a Herculean task, especially with previous winner Henry Winkler returning with a ferocious performance in Season 3 of “Barry.”

“Winkler dug even deeper ... a man transformed by grief and rage and a desire to make amends for his past mistakes. It might be the year’s best performance,” says Glenn Whipp.

Matt Roush describes this race as “One of the tougher calls. The beloved Henry Winkler was outstanding again in ‘Barry,’ so he’d be my first choice, though costar Anthony Carrigan was never less than riveting.”

Still, Tracy Brown is among those who see a path for Roy Kent: “Despite my personal feelings, I’m actually not sure how likely it is ‘Ted Lasso’ will be completely shut out, so I don’t think we can count out a repeat win for Brett Goldstein.”

Trey Mangum likes Goldstein’s chances but says, “If we see an ‘Abbott Elementary’ slay, Tyler James Williams could emerge as the favorite.”

Among the notable omissions: Brandon Scott Jones (“Ghosts”), Vico Ortiz (“Our Flag Means Death”), Ben Schwartz (“The Afterparty”), Owen Daniels (“Upload”), David Hyde Pierce (“Julia”) and the cast of “What We Do in the Shadows.”

1. Henry Winkler (“Barry”)
2. Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso”)
3. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Tony Shalhoub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
5. Anthony Carrigan (“Barry’)
6. Nick Mohammed (“Ted Lasso”)
7. Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)
8. Toheeb Jimoh (“Ted Lasso”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Anthony Carrigan (“Barry’)
2. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Henry Winkler (“Barry”)
4. (tie) Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso”)
4. (tie) Nick Mohammed (“Ted Lasso”)
4. (tie) Tony Shalhoub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
7. (tie) Toheeb Jimoh (“Ted Lasso”)
7. (tie) Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)

“Three shows dominate. I’m pulling for Anthony Carrigan of ‘Barry’ as one of my favorite characters in recent memory: sensitive Chechnyan gangster NoHo Hank. Tyler James Williams (formerly of ‘Everybody Hates Chris’) is stealthily great as substitute teacher Gregory in the workplace mockumentary ‘Abbot Elementary’ and though I’m not a ‘Ted Lasso’ fan (cue the outrage), Brett Goldstein as cranky ex-footballer Roy Kent is the best thing about the show.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Henry Winkler (“Barry”)
2. Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso”)
3. Anthony Carrigan (“Barry’)
4. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
5. Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)
6. Nick Mohammed (“Ted Lasso”)
7. Tony Shalhoub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
8. Toheeb Jimoh (“Ted Lasso”)

“Of the three ‘Ted Lasso’ nominees, Brett Goldstein deserves it the most — but my lord did Henry Winkler earn the right to a second Emmy for his performance as Gene Cousineau, broken man and reformed a-hole, in this season of ‘Barry.’ (And I was thrilled to see ‘Abbott’s’ deliciously deadpan Tyler James Williams make the cut.)”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Henry Winkler (“Barry”)
2. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Anthony Carrigan (“Barry’)
4. Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso”)
5. Nick Mohammed (“Ted Lasso”)
6. Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)
7. Tony Shalhoub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
8. Toheeb Jimoh (“Ted Lasso”)

“Despite my personal feelings, I’m actually not sure how likely it is ‘Ted Lasso’ will be completely shut out, so I don’t think we can count out a repeat win for Brett Goldstein. But just as unimaginable is ‘Barry’ coming up empty-handed after its long anticipated return, and both Henry Winkler and Anthony Carrigan have made strong cases with their performances this season.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso”)
2. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
3. Toheeb Jimoh (“Ted Lasso”)
4. Nick Mohammed (“Ted Lasso”)
5. Anthony Carrigan (“Barry’)
6. Henry Winkler (“Barry”)
7. Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)
8. Tony Shalhoub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)

“The stock for ‘Ted Lasso’ may not be as high as it was last year, but Brett Goldstein is still solid to repeat. But if we see an ‘Abbott Elementary’ slay, Tyler James Williams could emerge as the favorite. However, don’t count out Anthony Carrigan or previous winner Henry Winkler for ‘Barry.’”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Henry Winkler (“Barry”)
2. Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso”)
3. Nick Mohammed (“Ted Lasso”)
4. Anthony Carrigan (“Barry’)
5. Tony Shalhoub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
6. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
7. Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)
8. Toheeb Jimoh (“Ted Lasso”)

“One of the tougher calls. The beloved Henry Winkler was outstanding again in ‘Barry,’ so he’d be my first choice, though costar Anthony Carrigan was never less than riveting. And how to choose among ‘Ted Lasso’s’ incredible bench? They’re all terrific, but Nick Mohammed’s transition from nice-guy milquetoast to burgeoning supervillain is certainly worth celebrating.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Henry Winkler (“Barry”)
2. Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso”)
3. Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”)
4. Anthony Carrigan (“Barry’)
5. Nick Mohammed (“Ted Lasso”)
6. Tony Shalhoub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
7. Toheeb Jimoh (“Ted Lasso”)
8. Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”)

“Henry Winkler won his first Emmy for the debut season of ‘Barry,’ and I didn’t think he could get any better. But for the show’s third season, Winkler dug even deeper, as his vain acting teacher became a man transformed by grief and rage and a desire to make amends for his past mistakes. It might be the year’s best performance.”

online polls

Limited or anthology series

A woman looks on uncomfortably as her husband rages; a man looks down as his wife sees their daughter's plight.

Hulu’s “Dopesick” remains on top but, partly due to the category-leading 20 nominations for HBO’s “The White Lotus,” it’s no longer a consensus pick.

Sometimes loads of nominations can be deceptive — witness “The Mandalorian” tying for most nominations last year (24), with “WandaVision” right behind at 23. The two shows collected 10 well-earned trophies, but none in acting, writing, directing or series categories. That said, the show that “Mandalorian” tied with its 24 noms, “The Crown,” won everything in sight, including becoming the first show ever to sweep all seven drama categories (not counting guest acting, though Claire Foy took one of those two as well for “The Crown”). The upshot is, having the most nominations is obviously a sign of ardent love from the academy (see “Game of Thrones”) but not necessarily a lock for the series win (see “Westworld”).

While “Dopesick” (14 nominations) does sport one of the only two consensus BuzzMeter picks — for Michael Keaton’s lead performance — “Lotus’ ” staggering eight supporting acting nods (not tracked by the BuzzMeter) can’t be ignored. Still, “Dopesick” did receive six acting nods of its own and both series received writing and directing noms as well. The precursor awards are of no help: The Critics’ Choice Awards didn’t nominate “Lotus” and because of different eligibility windows than the Emmys’, “Dopesick” was up against “Mare of Easttown,” which won. A similar situation at the (yep) Golden Globes found “The Underground Railroad” winning over “Mare” and “Dopesick,” with “Lotus” not nominated. “Dopesick” did, however, collect a Peabody, so there is that.

What do the experts say? Tracy Brown takes “Dopesick”: “It tells an important story and boasts some powerful performances, so even with what felt like an omnipresent buzz around ‘White Lotus’ as it was airing, I can’t imagine anything but ‘Dopesick’ winning at this point.”

Glenn Whipp takes “Lotus”: “With 20 nominations, including a whopping eight for its acting ensemble, ‘The White Lotus’ really separated itself from the pack.”

Perhaps the most surprising omissions from the field of nominees are “Maid” and “Station Eleven.” Matt Roush laments the omission of Starz’ clever and surprising “Gaslit” and Lorraine Ali touts “Pam & Tommy’s” virtues. However, she writes while that show “is so much better than it should be ... surprisingly topical and entertaining ... this award is going to ‘Dopesick.’ ”

1. “Dopesick”
2. “The White Lotus”
3. “The Dropout”
4. “Pam & Tommy”
5. “Inventing Anna”

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. “Dopesick”
2. “Pam & Tommy”
3. (tie) “The Dropout”
3. (tie) “White Lotus”
5. “Inventing Anna”

“There have been more exciting years for the category, but ‘Dopesick’ is such a strong entry, it makes up for some of the weaker choices (such as ‘Inventing Anna’). The powerful series tackles Big Pharma’s role in the opioid crisis and OxyContin’s infiltration of rural America through personal stories of those who pushed the drug and those who became addicted. Then there’s ‘Pam & Tommy,’ which is so much better than it should be, considering the subject matter. The story of rocker Tommy Lee and ‘90s pin up Pam Anderson’s leaked sex tape is surprisingly topical and entertaining. But this award is going to ‘Dopesick.’ ”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. “White Lotus”
2. “Dopesick”
3. “The Dropout”
4. “Pam & Tommy”
5. “Inventing Anna”

“The 20 nominations for HBO’s ‘The White Lotus’ prove that voters didn’t forget how much they loved it even though it’s over a year old. ‘Dopesick’ is hot on its heels, but here’s hoping voters spread the love and give ‘Lotus’ this and reward Hulu’s series in the acting categories.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. “Dopesick”
2. “White Lotus”
3. “The Dropout”
4. “Pam & Tommy”
5. “Inventing Anna”

“‘Dopesick,’ which looks at Purdue Pharma’s role in our devastating opioid crisis, appears to be the limited series to beat this year. It tells an important story and boasts some powerful performances, so even with what felt like an omnipresent buzz around ‘White Lotus’ as it was airing, I can’t imagine anything but ‘Dopesick’ winning at this point.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. “Dopesick”
2. “White Lotus”
3. “The Dropout”
4. “Inventing Anna”
5. “Pam & Tommy”

“ ‘Dopesick’ still looks good, but ‘The White Lotus’ has a good showing all down the nominations, which means that we shouldn’t think it couldn’t pull a surprise here. Similarly, if Amanda Seyfried gets more steam, that could boost ‘The Dropout.’ The category will probably come down to those three, but out of them, ‘Dopesick’ is the true contender.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. “Dopesick”
2. “White Lotus”
3. “The Dropout”
4. “Pam & Tommy”
5. “Inventing Anna”

“Hulu’s excellent ‘Dopesick’ is the most urgent of the nominated docudramas — where, though, is Starz’ underrated ‘Gaslit’? — and its tragic relevance will likely propel it into the winner’s circle. But most everyone would agree that HBO’s ‘The White Lotus’ is the most entertaining choice, and nearly everyone who checked in got a supporting nomination, so either win would be satisfying.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. “White Lotus”
2. “Dopesick”
3. “The Dropout”
4. “Pam & Tommy”
5. “Inventing Anna”

“With 20 nominations, including a whopping eight for its acting ensemble, ‘The White Lotus’ really separated itself from the pack. Now it’s just a matter of seeing how many trophies it will haul in and whether the second season, now filming, can possibly recapture the magic of its first.”

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Television movie

An emaciated prisoner boxes in a Nazi concentration camp in a scene from "The Survivor."

If the TV movie category seems to have lost its shine (can you name last year’s winner, or 2020’s?), the panel wonders why it even exists anymore.

Panelist Glenn Whipp summed up the predictions thus: “Let’s see … cartoon chipmunks, a ‘Ray Donovan’ movie, a ‘Reno 911!’ movie, a ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ movie … and a film about an Auschwitz prison inmate forced to box fellow inmates to the death. Safe to say ‘The Survivor’ is the easy pick here.”

But most of the panelists had more to say about the category itself, than about the nominees:

Lorraine Ali wrote, “Seriously? Why are we still going through the motions of awarding a TV movie as if it’s still 1985? And what is the definition of a TV movie in the streaming age? ... This category needs to be scrapped so others can be expanded.”

Trey Mangum said, “First off, what a really weird category. What to even do here?”

Tracy Brown also picked “Survivor,” but added, “This is a confusing category, so maybe the unexpectedly fun and self-aware ‘Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers’ has a shot, too.”

Matt Roush called “Survivor” “the only conceivable choice in this dismally underpopulated category.”

Kristen Baldwin said, “Idea for next year: Make this the Outstanding Made for TV Christmas Movie and let Hallmark Channel, Netflix, UPtv etc. duke it out.”

Alternately, as Ali summed up: “Kill this damn category.”

Perhaps the two most enthusiastically endorsed TV movies in the BuzzMeter’s Round 2, “Metal Lords” and “The Fallout,” didn’t receive nominations. “Metal” is a Netflix offering, so fell into that netherworld of ineligibility. (“Note to streamers: Not all of your original movies are Oscar-worthy,” said Roush. “Let them compete here.”)

The frontrunner among the nominees, “The Survivor,” scored a good 85% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer (compiling reviews by professional critics) and a sort-of surprisingly lower 79% from audiences. Perhaps more surprising was a key snub, as panelist Matt Roush said: “Shame on the Emmy voters for not acknowledging its star, Ben Foster.”

Meanwhile, “Ray Donovan: The Movie” scored a higher 87%, but on the strength of only 15 critics’ reviews. Its more-than 100 audience responses yielded a very low 55% rating. “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas” enjoys an audience rating in the 90s, but sports only one professional review (it’s positive). “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” seems to have solid support on the site (both scores of 80% from substantial numbers), due in part to sporting John Mulaney and Andy Samberg among its voice talent. The meandering “Reno 911: The Hunt for QAnon” has only four critics’ reviews and a dismal 41% audience score.

Your 2022 Emmy nominees for outstanding movie made for television, folks!

1. “The Survivor”
2. “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas”
3. “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers”
4. “Ray Donovan: The Movie”
5. “Reno 911: The Hunt for QAnon”

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. “The Survivor”
2. “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas”
3. “Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers”
4. “Reno 911: The Hunt for QAnon”
5. “Ray Donovan: The Movie”

“Seriously? Why are we still going through the motions of awarding a TV movie as if it’s still 1985? And what is the definition of a TV movie in the streaming age? Given how crowded the world of television has become, this category needs to be scrapped so others can be expanded. But because I had to initially pick something for BuzzMeter, D.B. Weiss’ ‘Metal Lords’ was my top choice. It didn’t make the cut … but ‘Chip n Dale: Rescue Rangers’ did. Kill this damn category.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas”
2. “The Survivor”
3. “Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers”
4. “Reno 911: The Hunt for QAnon”
5. “Ray Donovan: The Movie”

“Honestly, no idea. But I’m giving ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas’ the edge because it received two overall nominations (the second was for choreography) while the other projects received one. Idea for next year: Make this the Outstanding Made for TV Christmas Movie and let Hallmark Channel, Netflix, UPtv etc. duke it out.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. “The Survivor”
2. “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas”
3. “Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers”
4. “Reno 911: The Hunt for QAnon”
5. “Ray Donovan: The Movie”

“The frontrunner among these nominees is probably ‘The Survivor,’ the boxing biopic about an Auschwitz concentration camp survivor (especially since no Netflix title is in the running this year). But this is a confusing category ,so maybe the unexpectedly fun and self-aware ‘Chip ’N Dale: Rescue Rangers’ has a shot, too.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. “The Survivor”
2. “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas”
3. “Ray Donovan: The Movie”
4. “Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers”
5. “Reno 911: The Hunt for QAnon”

“First off, what a really weird category. What to even do here? Obviously, the choice would be ‘The Survivor,’ the one pick that looks different from the rest. But there’s just something about ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas’ that won’t leave my mind. And if you want a safe option, ‘Ray Donovan: The Movie’ likely can’t steer you wrong.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. “The Survivor”
2. “Ray Donovan: The Movie”
3. “Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers”
4. “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas”
5. “Reno 911: The Hunt for QAnon”

“Sequels to prematurely canceled series (‘Ray Donovan,’ ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’) are nice, but HBO’s harrowing Holocaust drama ‘The Survivor’ is the only conceivable choice in this dismally underpopulated category. And shame on the Emmy voters for not acknowledging its star, Ben Foster. Also, note to streamers: Not all of your original movies are Oscar-worthy. Let them compete here.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. “The Survivor”
2. “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas”
3. “Ray Donovan: The Movie”
4. “Reno 911: The Hunt for QAnon”
5. “Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers”

“Let’s see … cartoon chipmunks, a ‘Ray Donovan’ movie, a ‘Reno 911!’ movie, a ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ movie … and a film about an Auschwitz prison inmate forced to box fellow inmates to the death. Safe to say ‘The Survivor’ is the easy pick here.”

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Lead actress in a limited series or movie

A woman with a child on her shoulders and a woman dressed sharply and professionally in scenes from "Maid" and "The Dropout."

It’s Theranos by a snap.

Amanda Seyfried’s take on Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes (“The Dropout”) edges Margaret Qualley’s struggling “Maid” by one measly point. Each actress earns eager endorsements from the panelists; perhaps the final vote was swayed by “Maid” not making the limited series cut for nominations.

Kristen Baldwin wrote, “There is only one right answer here: Margaret Qualley in Netflix’s ‘Maid.’ No transformations, no indistinguishable accents or vocal fry, no wigs or prosthetic breasts — just incredibly powerful and authentic acting. “

Tracy Brown loved Qualley’s work, but took Seyfried: “Amanda Seyfried’s portrayal of Theranos fraud Elizabeth Holmes is what was most fascinating to me about ‘The Dropout.’ ”

Lily James’ transformative, heartfelt performance as Pamela Anderson in “Pam & Tommy” is only three and a half points behind them, so don’t count her out, either, as Gelnn Whipp noted: “ ‘Pam & Tommy’ earned more nominations than ‘The Dropout,’ and it’s possible voters go with Lily James’ empathetic turn as Pam Anderson.”

Alternately, while Trey Mangum praised Toni Collette’s “Staircase” work despite limited screen time, Lorraine Ali said, “Toni Collette had less to do ... because her character was dead for most of the show, but she killed when she was on screen.”

Some huge names were left out, including the “First Lady” trio (Gillian Anderson, Oscar winner Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer). Oscar winners Anne Hathaway (“WeCrashed”) and Julia Roberts (the underseen “Gaslit”) also didn’t make the cut, along with two-time Emmy winner Claire Foy (“A Very British Scandal”). And Beanie Feldstein’s omission is somewhat unexpected, especially with costar Sarah Paulson landing a nom — though Paulson is a bona fide Emmy darling (eight nominations, one win).

1. Amanda Seyfried (“The Dropout”)
2. Margaret Qualley (“Maid”)
3. Lily James (“Pam & Tommy”)
4. Toni Collette (‘The Staircase”)
5. Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”)
6. Sarah Paulson (“Impeachment: American Crime Story”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Lily James (“Pam & Tommy”)
2. (tie) Toni Collette (‘The Staircase)
2. (tie) Sarah Paulson (“Impeachment”)
4. (tie) Margaret Qualley (“Maid”)
4. (tie) Amanda Seyfried (“The Dropout”)
6. Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”)

“The strongest performances for an actress in a limited series were delivered by Lily James, who plays Pamela Anderson in ‘Pam & Tommy,’ and Sarah Paulson as Linda Tripp in FX’s ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story.’ Toni Collette had less to do in HBO Max’s ‘The Staircase’ because her character was dead for most of the show, but she killed when she was on screen.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Margaret Qualley (“Maid”)
2. Amanda Seyfried (“The Dropout”)
3. Lily James (“Pam & Tommy”)
4. Toni Collette (‘The Staircase)
5. Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”)
6. Sarah Paulson (“Impeachment”)

“This category represents six excellent actresses who gave good performances playing real people in their respective series, but there is only one right answer here: Margaret Qualley in Netflix’s ‘Maid.’ No transformations, no indistinguishable accents or vocal fry, no wigs or prosthetic breasts — just incredibly powerful and authentic acting. “

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Amanda Seyfried (“The Dropout”)
2. Margaret Qualley (“Maid”)
3. Lily James (“Pam & Tommy”)
4. Toni Collette (‘The Staircase)
5. Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”)
6. Sarah Paulson (“Impeachment”)

“Not to sound like a broken record, but Amanda Seyfried’s portrayal of Theranos fraud Elizabeth Holmes is what was most fascinating to me about ‘The Dropout.’ But the competition is stiff because Margaret Qualley’s performance as a mother trying to make it through difficult circumstances in ‘Maid’ was among the most complex and moving.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Margaret Qualley (“Maid”)
2. Amanda Seyfried (“The Dropout”)
3. Toni Collette (‘The Staircase)
4. Lily James (“Pam & Tommy”)
5. Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”)
6. Sarah Paulson (“Impeachment”)

“Toni Collette’s strong performance in ‘The Staircase’ didn’t have a huge amount of screen time, which may be a reason why she won’t snag this one. Margaret Qualley has remained the one to beat here for some time, though an Amanda Seyfried win would not be totally surprising in this category. “

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Margaret Qualley (“Maid”)
2. Amanda Seyfried (“The Dropout”)
3. Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”)
4. Lily James (“Pam & Tommy”)
5. Toni Collette (‘The Staircase)
6. Sarah Paulson (“Impeachment”)

“So many outstanding performances in this category that the likes of Julia Roberts, Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson didn’t even get nominated. Lily James brought unexpected depth to her portrayal of Pamela Anderson, and Amanda Seyfried was mesmerizing as ‘The Dropout’s’ Elizabeth Holmes, but Margaret Qualley’s long-suffering ‘Maid’ feels the most memorable of this impressive lot.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Amanda Seyfried (“The Dropout”)
2. Lily James (“Pam & Tommy”)
3. Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”)
4. Margaret Qualley (“Maid”)
5. Toni Collette (‘The Staircase)
6. Sarah Paulson (“Impeachment”)

“I’d guess that Amanda Seyfried is out front here for her portrayal of the awkward, driven, Lil Wayne-loving Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. But ‘Pam & Tommy’ earned more nominations than ‘The Dropout,’ and it’s possible voters go with Lily James’ empathetic turn as Pam Anderson.”

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Lead actor in a limited series or movie

A man sits in an outdoor space looking contemplative in a scene from "Dopesick."

As in previous rounds, Michael Keaton is way out in front in Round 3. He’s one of only two consensus picks in any category (Janelle James of “Abbott Elementary” being the other).

Glenn Whipp sums up the panel’s sentiments: “The best thing he has ever done. Keaton picked up a SAG Awards honor earlier this year. An Emmy will soon sit next to it.”

Matt Roush notes, “Should have been nominated: ‘The Survivor’s’ Ben Foster and especially a heartbreaking Samuel L. Jackson in Apple’s ‘The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.’ ”

1. Michael Keaton (“Dopesick”)
2. Colin Firth (“The Staircase”)
3. Andrew Garfield (“Under the Banner of Heaven”)
4. Oscar Isaac (“Scenes From a Marriage”)
5. Sebastian Stan (“Pam & Tommy”)
6. Himesh Patel (“Station Eleven”)

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

1. Michael Keaton (“Dopesick”)
2. (tie) Colin Firth (“The Staircase”)
2. (tie) Sebastian Stan (“Pam & Tommy”)
4. Oscar Isaac (“Scenes From a Marriage”)
5. Himesh Patel (“Station Eleven”)
6. Andrew Garfield (“Under the Banner of Heaven”)

“As Dr. Samuel Finnix in ‘Dopesick’, Michael Keaton brings to life the story of a family physician in small Appalachian town who falls prey to Purdue Pharma’s deceptive marketing around its highly addictive painkiller, Oxycontin. Keaton’s performance is the backbone of this powerful limited series and he’s highly favored to win. But Colin Firth also delivered a hauntingly good performance as Michael Peterson, the eccentric widower accused of murdering his wife in the true-crime drama ‘The Staircase.’ ”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

1. Michael Keaton (“Dopesick”)
2. Colin Firth (“The Staircase”)
3. Andrew Garfield (“Under the Banner of Heaven”)
4. Oscar Isaac (“Scenes From a Marriage”)
5. Sebastian Stan (“Pam & Tommy”)
6. Himesh Patel (“Station Eleven”)

“Who would have thought that Michael Keaton would win an Emmy before he won an Oscar? Crazy times, man. Earlier this year he took home the Golden Globe for his heartbreaking turn in Hulu’s devastating opioid drama ‘Dopesick,’ and that little gold statue will have a companion come September 12.”

Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times

1. Michael Keaton (“Dopesick”)
2. Andrew Garfield (“Under the Banner of Heaven”)
3. Colin Firth (“The Staircase”)
4. Oscar Isaac (“Scenes From a Marriage”)
5. Himesh Patel (“Station Eleven”)
6. Sebastian Stan (“Pam & Tommy”)

“ ‘Station Eleven’ was among my favorite miniseries of the year, so I’m happy that Himesh Patel was recognized, but this category has long had Michael Keaton written all over it. Keaton’s compelling performance as a physician doubly ensnared in the opioid crisis has already garnered awards recognition and it’s almost inevitable he will be adding an Emmy to his haul.”

Trey Mangum
Shadow and Act

1. Michael Keaton (“Dopesick”)
2. Colin Firth (“The Staircase”)
3. Andrew Garfield (“Under the Banner of Heaven”)
4. Oscar Isaac (“Scenes From a Marriage”)
5. Himesh Patel (“Station Eleven”)
6. Sebastian Stan (“Pam & Tommy”)

“Colin Firth is peaking at the right time for ‘The Staircase,’ but there isn’t a world, really, where Michael Keaton doesn’t take this for ‘Dopesick.’ Oscar Issac would probably be the only other realistic choice, but if voters really wanted to shake it up, Himesh Patel is right there for ’Station Eleven.’ ”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

1. Michael Keaton (“Dopesick”)
2. Andrew Garfield (“Under the Banner of Heaven”)
3. Oscar Isaac (“Scenes From a Marriage”)
4. Sebastian Stan (“Pam & Tommy”)
5. Colin Firth (“The Staircase”)
6. Himesh Patel (“Station Eleven”)

“Michael Keaton as ‘Dopesick’s’ embattled, addicted town doctor is hard to bet against, though there’s considerable star power in the soulful, complex performances of Andrew Garfield and Oscar Isaac. Should have been nominated: ‘The Survivor’s’ Ben Foster and especially a heartbreaking Samuel L. Jackson in Apple’s ‘The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.’ ”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

1. Michael Keaton (“Dopesick”)
2. Andrew Garfield (“Under the Banner of Heaven”)
3. Colin Firth (“The Staircase”)
4. Oscar Isaac (“Scenes From a Marriage”)
5. Himesh Patel (“Station Eleven”)
6. Sebastian Stan (“Pam & Tommy”)

“Michael Keaton has had quite a career, but his harrowing, heartbreaking and, ultimately, inspiring work as a doctor who becomes addicted to opioids in ‘Dopesick’ ranks as the best thing he has ever done. Keaton picked up a SAG Awards honor earlier this year. An Emmy will soon sit next to it.”

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