Emmys 2024: Who will (and should) get nominations this year?

Let the predicting begin! Strap in as we break down the TV awards show's 16 biggest categories.

By Saloni Gajjar | June 12, 2024 | 1:00pm

TV Features Greta Lee

Emmys 2024: Who will (and should) get nominations this year?

Clockwise from bottom left: Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in Mr. & Mrs. Smith; Anna Sawai in Shōgun; Devery Jacobs, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Lane Factor, and Paulina Alexis in Reservation Dogs; Hannah Einbinder in Hacks Photo: Prime Video; Katie Yu/FX; FX; Jake Giles Netter/Max

For the second time this year, we’re in the Emmy Awards grind. The delayed 2023 ceremony took place just this January, with the regularly scheduled one occurring in the fall. As for the latter, the 2024 Emmys have some stiff competition thanks to returning favorites such as Hacks, Abbott Elementary, and The Crown, as well as new hits like Shōgun and Fallout.

A few notes for those keeping score: FX might just make history if its originals win in the three top categories: Outstanding Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series. Will Shōgun, The Bear, and Fargo lead the cable network to glory? Or will Reservation Dogs do it instead? (Please, TV gods, don’t let that beautiful show go off into the sunset without getting the recognition it deserves.) Also, it’s not the strongest year for network TV, a common recent trend. And Netflix has some strong odds this time around because of Baby Reindeer and the excellent Ripley.

Before we get into it, here are the housekeeping details: The 76th Primetime Emmys are scheduled for September 15 on ABC. The eligibility period is for TV shows that aired from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, voting for nominations is from June 13 to 24, with the announcement following on July 17.

Drama Series

, you are missed. In the absence of last year’s winner along with no , , and , the door is open for new entrants like the delightful cringefest and Prime Video’s retooled . Fallout could fill the video-game adaptation void without The Last Of Us, too. And if you thought Game Of Thrones creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff were goners, think again: is a major contender as well.They’ll have to battle Emmy favorite ’s final season. Netflix’s royal drama has swept the category before and is a certain lock for one of the eight slots. It was probably favored to win before FX’s Shōgun switched from Limited Series to Drama. They’re now the big shows to reckon with. Among other possibilities lie the juicy The Gilded Age season two and The Morning Show season three. If there were a surprise, though, it would be a big franchise like Loki, Ahsoka, or Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, if voters want to branch out before casting ballots, as they desperately need to, it’s time to reward underrated gems like AMC’s Dark Winds, Max’s Tokyo Vice, FX’s Justified: City Primeval, and Apple TV+’s Silo (each far superior to The Morning Show). Predicted nominees: 3 Body ProblemThe CrownThe CurseFalloutThe Gilded AgeThe Morning ShowMr. & Mrs. SmithShōgunWild card: Slow Horses. Unless Loki sneaks in, this British spy thriller might just get its due. Should be a contender: Dark Winds

Actress in a Drama Series

The Academy loves nominating big stars. The Morning Show’s Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon fit the bill, plus their over-the-top storylines and performances are definitely Emmy bait. The Crown’s Imelda Staunton shockingly didn’t get a nod for season five but that will be rectified now—gain, the lack of Sarah Snook and Melanie Lynskey helps—so she can follow the tradition of previous Queen Elizabeth portrayers Claire Foy and Olivia Colman. The knockout turns of and Emma Stone in The Curse will get well-deserved recognition as well. The final spot is a gamble. The chances of HBO’s The Gilded Age doing well this year are high so Carrie Coon, who frustratingly didn’t get a single nomination for The Leftovers, could earn it. Other terrific performances that could beat the odds are Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s Maya Erskine, Fallout’s Ella Purnell, or The New Look’s Juliette Binoche. As always, some terrific ones will slip under the radar like Rebecca Ferguson in Silo, and Jess Hong in 3 Body Problem, whose outstanding work grounds a labyrinthine series.Predicted nominees:Jennifer Aniston, The Morning ShowCarrie Coon, The Gilded AgeAnna Sawai, ShōgunImelda Staunton, The CrownEmma Stone, The CurseReese Witherspoon, The Morning ShowWild card: Maya Erskine, Mr. & Mrs. Smith Should be a contender: Jess Hong, 3 Body Problem

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Actor in a Drama Series

Succession has ruled over this category recently, so it’s a field day for the rest of the drama actors. If good sense prevailed, would be a top contender for his sublime work in season two. Ditto for Timothy Olyphant for bringing Raylan Givens back in But it’s a competitive lineup this year with and Cosmo Jarvis in the running along with The Crown’s Dominic West. This also might be the year for Slow Horses’ Gary Oldman unless Loki’s Tom Hiddleston is favored. It’s fair to bet on Fallout’s Walton Goggins and Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s Donald Glover as well in a strong showing from Prime Video. Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about Nathan Fielder’s bizarre turn in The Curse, and we hope the voters don’t either. And a few high-profile names who may find a way into the mix are Colin Farrell in Sugar, Ben Mendelsohn in The New Look, and Morgan Spector in The Gilded Age. Predicted nominees:Donald Glover, Mr. & Mrs. Smith Walton Goggins, FalloutCosmo Jarvis, ShōgunGary Oldman, Slow HorsesHiroyuki Sanada, Shōgun Dominic West, The Crown Wild card: Nathan Fielder, The Curse Should be a contender: Zahn McClarnon, Dark Winds

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

With eight nominees allowed in this category per Emmy rules, expect a bunch of repetitions from the Drama Series picks: The Morning Show’s Greta Lee and Nicole Beharie, The Gilded Age’s Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon, Shōgun’s Moeka Hoshi and Fumi Nikaodo, and The Crown’s Elizabeth Debicki and Lesley Manville. Yes, the lineup sounds boring, but most are worth the recognition, especially Debicki, Lee, and Hoshi. TMS also has Karen Pittman, Holland Taylor, and Juliana Marguiles if voters want to go all out for it (let’s pray they don’t), and TGA boasts a terrific Audra McDonald performance. But who else could find their way in? If Slow Horses does well with voters, Kristin Scott Thomas, who plays the icy Diana Taverner, is our bet. Fallout’s success could bode well for Leslie Uggams. 3 Body Problem could swoop in with Rosalind Chao, plus there’s Loki’s Sophia di Martino and Sugar’s Amy Ryan. And we’ll be left wondering whom to beg to recognize all things Dark Winds and Jessica Matten in season two. Predicted nominees:Christine Baranski, The Gilded AgeNicole Beharie, The Morning ShowElizabeth Debicki, The CrownMoeka Hoshi, ShōgunGreta Lee, The Morning ShowLesley Manville, The CrownFumi Nikaodo, ShōgunCynthia Nixon, The Gilded AgeWild card: Kristin Scott Thomas, Slow HorsesShould be a contender: Jessica Matten, Dark Winds

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Once again, multiple entrants from the same shows will make their presence felt here. The Morning Show’s past winner Billy Crudup will likely get a nod alongside by Mark Duplass and Jon Hamm, who joined season three. The Crown’s Khalid Abdala and Jonathan Pryce, who played Dodi Fayed and King Philip, are favorites, too. (Perhaps Salim Daw will bring another nom for the show’s final run?) Meanwhile, Shōgun’s Tadanobu Asano is a lock, and his co-star Takehiro Hira has a strong chance. As for the rest, The Gilded Age’s Nathan Lane, Loki’s Ke Huy Quan, and The Curse’s Benny Safdie feel promising. This means the chances of 3 Body Problem’s Benedict Wong or Liam Cunningham are pretty low. And forget about the fun performances from . Plus, although we think Vondie Hall-Curtis and Boyd Holbrook were excellent in Justified: City Primeval, voters might not have paid attention to that revival. Predicted nominees:Khalid Abdalla, The CrownTadanobu Asano, Shōgun Billy Crudup, The Morning Show Jon Hamm, The Morning ShowNathan Lane, The Gilded Age Jonathan Pryce, The Crown Benny Safdie, The Curse Ke Huy Quan, Loki Wild card: Jack Lowden, Slow Horses Should be a contender: Vondie Hall-Curtis, Justified: City Primeval

Comedy Series

What constitutes a comedy at the Emmys has been a hot debate. If it’s TV shows with substance that elicit non-stop laughter, then Girls5eva and The Other Two should be top choices. But they’ll be left behind due to intense competition from other returning favorites like Abbott Elementary, The Bear, and Hacks. But remember: This is the last time Reservation Dogs can be nominated, so the voters had better act wisely in the interest of FX’s extraordinary series. Let’s go back to that comedy debate because Netflix’s Guy Ritchie dramedy The Gentlemen is a hot contender along with Prime Video’s Gen V. You’re right to be suspicious because these 40-minute shows aren’t necessarily the right fit alongside What We Do In The Shadows or Curb Your Enthusiasm. A more long-term solution is necessary, as underrated comedies like We Are Lady Parts, I’m A Virgo, Ghosts, The Righteous Gemstones, and Colin From Accounts deserve a spotlight. Predicted nominees:Abbott Elementary The BearCurb Your EnthusiasmThe Gentlemen HacksOnly Murders In The BuildingReservation DogsWhat We Do In The ShadowsWild card: I’m A VirgoShould be a contender: We Are Lady Parts and The Other Two

Actress in a Comedy Series

Previous winners Jean Smart, Quinta Brunson, and Ayo Edebiri (who moves from supporting to lead) are bound to get nods. That said, Res Dogs’ Devery Jacobs, who has been snubbed so far, is a strong contender unless voters go for SNL alums Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig. Their respective Apple TV+ shows, Loot and Palm Royale, aren’t critically acclaimed, but they’re both talented and famous, so…you know. If they both make it in, they might edge out Only Murders In The Building’s Selena Gomez and WWDITS’ , not to to mention The Other Two’s Helene Yorke, Girls5eva’s Renée Elise Goldsberry, Never Have I Ever’s Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, We Are Lady Parts’ Anjana Vasan, The Righteous Gemstones’ Edi Patterson. Yorke and Goldsberry have, in particular, made us laugh out loud the most, which would make them frontrunnes for a comedy category in an ideal word. Predicted nominees:Quinta Brunson, Abbott ElementaryAyo Edebiri, The BearDevery Jacobs, Reservation DogsMaya Rudolph, LootJean Smart, HacksWild card: Kristen Wiig, Palm RoyaleShould be a contender: Renée Elise Goldsberry, Girls5eva

Actor in a Comedy Series

Like the previous category, Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series is packed mostly with repeats. OMITB’s Steve Martin and Martin Short, The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White, and Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Larry David are favorites. The fifth pick may well go to The Gentlemen’s Theo James. Or voters could have a soft spot for Kelsey Grammar and Frasier nostalgia. It vastly reduces the chances of I’m A Virgo’s Jharrel Jerome, whose astounding performance shouldn’t go unnoticed. His won’t be the only one because the Academy should frustratingly overlook The Other Two’s Drew Tarver, Res Dogs’ D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, and WWDITS’ Kayvan Novak and Matt Berry. We must also give an honorable mention to Resident Alien’s Alan Tudyk. We haven’t seen a commitment to physical comedy like that on TV in a long time. Predicted nominees:Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm Theo James, The GentlemenSteve Martin, Only Murders In The BuildingMartin Short, Only Murders In The BuildingJeremy Allen White, The BearWild card: Jharrel Jerome, I’m A Virgo Should be a contender: Drew Tarver, The Other Two

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Hannah Einbinder’s stunning turn in Hacks season three makes her the one to watch out for. She’s rivaled by three talented Abbott Elementary stars and Abby Elliott and Lisa Colon-Zayas, who will join the rest of The Bear’s ensemble for Emmy bragging rights. They’re all deserving of merit but focusing on the same TV shows annoyingly ices out other worthy performers. For one, Paulina Alexis has been a Res Dogs MVP throughout without any recognition. For another, Rebecca Wisocky and Danielle Pinnock elevate Ghosts’ ensemble. And Michaela Jaé Rodriguez nicely shows off her comedic chops in Loot after a drama like Pose. Lastly, Busy Phillipps and Paula Pell severely upped their game in Girls5eva’s new episodes. But those slots will most likely go to OMITB’s Meryl Streep and Palm Royale’s Alison Janney or one of the breakout SNL stars like Ego Nwodim, Chloe Fineman, and Sarah Sherman.Predicted nominees:Hannah Einbinder, Hacks Abby Elliott, The BearJanelle James, Abbott Elementary Alison Janney, Palm RoyaleSheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary Meryl Streep, Only Murders In The BuildingLisa Ann Walter, Abbott Elementary Lisa Colon-Zayas, The BearWild card: Ego Nwodim, Saturday Night Live Should be a contender: Paulina Alexis, Reservation Dogs

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

This one’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s for the taking. If season one earned him a win, . His co-stars Lionel Boyce and Oliver Platt (maybe even Matty Matheson?) should join him along with stars from shows you’ve been reading about here, including Abbott Elementary, Hacks, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and SNL. Not to keep repeating the same thing, but Res Dogs’ Lane Factor perfectly rounds out that YA ensemble, and Zahn McClarnon displays some great range here (and in Dark Winds). Plus, Harvey Guillen excelled in bringing Guillermo’s vampiric challenges to life in WWDITS season five. And the slept-on gem This Fool features tremendously funny turns from Michael Imperioli and Frankie Quiñones. Predicted nominees:Lionel Boyce, The BearPaul W. Downs, HacksEbon Moss-Bachrach, The BearChris Perfetti, Abbott ElementaryOliver Platt, The BearPaul Rudd, Only Murders In The BuildingTyler James Williams, Abbott ElementaryBowen Yang, Saturday Night LiveWild card: Richard Lewis or J.B. Smoove, Curb Your Enthusiasm Should be a contender: Lane Factor, Reservation Dogs

Limited Series or TV Movie

In an already crowded year of excellent limited TV shows, Baby Reindeer upended everything with its late-season release. It’s a frontrunner now alongside FX’s Fargo, HBO’s latest True Detective chapter, and newcomers Ripley and Lessons In Chemistry. Look, they’re all fantastic, so we’re just here to mourn other worthy contenders like Prime Video’s Expats. An affecting Lulu Wang-helmed drama with a prominently Asian cast should’ve dominated the conversation. Similarly, HBO’s The Sympathizer from Park Chan-wook is going unnoticed overall. Can Ryan Murphy’s new Feud season make noise here, or perhaps Apple TV+’s Masters Of The Air and Starz’s Mary & George? They won’t do well in this category but expect to see the actors nab some nominations. Although Showtime’s Fellow Travelers might just stake its claim.Predicted nominees:Baby ReindeerFargoLessons In ChemistryRipleyTrue Detective: Night CountryWild card: Fellow TravelersShould be a contender: Expats

Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie

Griselda and The Regime didn’t land as expected but Sofia Vergara and Kate Winslet turned in undeniably electric performances in their respective shows. It doesn’t hurt that they have enough goodwill thank to Modern Family and Mare Of Eastown. Another big star returned to the small screen this year: Julianne Moore via Mary & George, but she might miss her turn because Jodie Foster’s TV run in True Detective isn’t going to go unnoticed. Nicole Kidman is a TV staple at this point and could bring Expats the attention it deserves. Brie Larson’s Lessons In Chemistry is hitting well with audiences (both she and Vergara have been doing proper FYC rounds, too). And Fargo’s fifth season featured terrific performances, none better than Juno Temple. It was a cool change of pace for the Ted Lasso actor and former nominee. Others in contention include The Fall Of The House Of Usher’s Carla Gugino, who did a stunning balancing act, A Murder At The End Of The World’s Emma Corrin, and One Day’s Ambika Mod.Predicted nominees:Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night CountryBrie Larson, Lessons In ChemistryNicole Kidman, ExpatsJuno Temple, FargoSofia Vergara, GriseldaKate Winslet, The Regime Wild card: Naomi Watts, Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans or Julianne Moore, Mary & George Should be a contender: Carla Gugino, Fall Of The House Of Usher

Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie

To no one’s surprise, Richard Gadd is a frontrunner for his unflinching work in Baby Reindeer, which he based on his personal experience. His strongest competitor is fellow Netflix star Andrew Scott for Ripley. The other two certainties are Fellow Travelers’ Matt Bomer and Fargo’s Jon Hamm. (For those keeping score, yes, the latter is a potential double nominee.) The fun lies in which actors get the remaining two spots. For our money, one of those should go to Monsieur Spade’s Clive Owen. But he’s sadly not on the radar as much as Feud’s Tom Hollander, Mr. Monk’s Last Case’s Tony Shalhoub, Franklin’s Michael Douglas, and A Gentleman In Moscow’s Ewan McGregor. Also, The Sympathizer’s Hoa Xuande makes a strong case for a nod, as does Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ David Oyelowo. Predicted nominees:Matt Bomer, Fellow TravelersRichard Gadd, Baby ReindeerJon Hamm, FargoTom Hollander, Feud: Capote Vs. The SwansEwan McGregor, A Gentleman In Moscow Andrew Scott, Ripley Wild card: Hoa Xuande, The SympathizerShould be a contender: Clive Owen, Monsieur Spade

Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie

Jessica Gunning’s unforgettably terrifying Baby Reindeer performance has struck a chord. And with the show’s power rising, there’s a good chance Nava Mau gets a nomination too. Or will voters recognize Ripley’s Dakota Fanning instead? It’s also been a huge year for Lily Gladstone with her historic Oscar nomination. That could sway voters to put her up for Hulu’s Under The Bridge, with or without her co-star, Riley Keough (who was nominated for 2023's Limited Series lead actress category for Daisy Jones & The Six).If Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans cuts through the noise, there could be multiple nods: Diane Lane, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore, Chloë Sevigny, and Molly Ringwald. The chances are slim because Fargo’s Jennifer Jason Leigh and True Detectives’ Kali Reis are locks. And Lessons In Chemistry’s Aja Naomi King is a frontrunner because, based on previous award shows, voters love the Apple TV+ miniseries. Predicted nominees:Lily Gladstone, Under The BridgeJessica Gunning, Baby ReindeerJennifer Jason Leigh, Fargo Aja Naomi King, Lessons In ChemistryNava Mau, Baby ReindeerKali Reis, True Detective: Night CountryWild card: Dakota Fanning, Ripley Should be a contender: Sarayu Blue, Expats and

Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie

Is this the category that gives Masters Of The Air some love? Apple TV+’s World War II miniseries has been missing from our predictions (even if it’s pretty damn great), which is a sign of how cutthroat the competition is this year. But with contenders like Barry Keoghan and Anthony Boyle, hopefully Academy voters put it in the spotlight. Most of the wealth could also spread amongst the cast of True Detective: Night Country, including John Hawkes, Christopher Eccleston, and Finn Bennett. Recent Oscar winner Robert Downey Jr.’s shapeshifting The Sympathizer role is making it in, as is Ripley’s Johnny Flynn. Fargo’s fifth season presents a few options like Joe Keery, Sam Spruell, and Lamorne Morris—all great choices in our book. Shows like The Regime and All The Light We Cannot See came and went, but there could be a surprise if voters go for Hugh Grant and Mark Ruffalo, respectively. Predicted nominees:Jonathan Bailey, Fellow TravelersRobert Downey Jr., The Sympathizer Johnny Flynn, Ripley John Hawkes, True Detective: Night Country Joe Keery, Fargo Lewis Pullman, Lessons In ChemistryTreat Williams, Feud: Capote Vs. The SwansWild card: Finn Bennett, True Detective: Night Country Should be a contender: Anthony Boyle, Masters Of The Air