2022 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions

So as it turns out, I am genuinely excited for this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards. Unfortunately, that has not been the case in recent years. Last year was understandably not the fault of the Academy or the various networks and streaming companies, as the pandemic wreaked havoc on the filming schedule for many shows. 

As a result, the categories perhaps weren’t as competitive. Not the case this year, where many of the races, particularly Drama and Comedy, are stacked. That also means that most of my predictions may turn out wrong. However, I’m still willing to sift through the tea leaves and give it the ‘old college try. So without further ado, here are my predictions for this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards. 

Best Drama Series 

• Better Call Saul 
• Euphoria 
• Ozark  
• Severance
• Squid Game
• Stranger Things
• Succession  
• Yellowjackets

Will Win – There’s been a lot of buzz in recent months that we’re likely to see history made at this year’s Primetime Emmys when the first non-English speaking series wins Best Drama. I am, of course, referring to Squid Game. However, call me stubborn, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. Not least of all that I think the days of Squid Game mania have died down significantly. Not surprising, as the show came out almost a year ago. I believe the Television Academy voters will play it safe, and Succession will repeat its 2020 win in this category. 

Could Win – Squid Game, for obvious reasons. I would also throw in Severance as a potential dark horse. 

Lead Actor in a Drama Series 

• Jason Bateman (Ozark) 
• Brian Cox (Succession)  
• Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game)   
• Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul)  
• Adam Scott (Severance)  
• Jeremy Strong (Succession) 

Will Win – Much like the Drama Series category, there is a lot of talk about the possibility of Lee Jung-jae repeating his SAG and Critics Choice successes in this category. The other heavy favorite is Bob Odenkirk for Better Call Saul’s final season, a show that’s consistently nominated but has never won. Regarding the latter, Academy voters aren’t always susceptible to “it’s the last season, so let’s vote for him or her.” See Steve Carrell for The Office. So I’m not entirely sold on Odenkirk being a sure thing just because Better Call Saul has ended. Television Academy voters have shown many times that they’re not opposed to repeating winners, which is why I think Jeremy Strong will win. 

Could Win – Lee Jung-jae or Bob Odenkirk. And, in fairness, this is just one of the many categories this year where as many as four of the nominees would be more than deserving. 

Lead Actress in a Drama Series 

• Jodie Comer (Killing Eve)
• Laura Linney (Ozark)  
• Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets)  
• Sandra Oh (Killing Eve)  
• Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show)   
• Zendaya (Euphoria) 

Will Win – This is a potential three-way race between Zendaya, Melanie Lynskey, and Laura Linney. The latter is the least likely to win of the three. Most critics and pundits seem to agree that based purely on the nominees’ submitted performances, Zendaya should win this award. However, we all know award shows are as much about the intangibles as they are about the actual performances. And some of the intangibles here are that Zendaya’s already won. Will the Academy vote to award her again, so soon? There’s also been very vocal grassroots support for Lynskey. All that said, I still think Zendaya’s going to win. And yes, I realize that means I think the Drama categories will be a repeat of 2020. Euphoria’s inclusion in the Drama Series category, coupled with the numerous other nominations it received, I believe shows that the Academy has great respect for the show overall. And it’s universally acknowledged that Zendaya’s performance this past season was stellar. 

Could Win – Melanie Lynskey, of course. But don’t sleep on Laura Linney who is an industry veteran with three previous Emmy wins. This is also her final chance to win for her role on Ozark. 

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series 

• Nicholas Braun (Succession)
• Billy Crudup (The Morning Show)
• Kieran Culkin (Succession)
• Park Hae-soo (Squid Game)
• Matthew Macfadyen (Succession)
• John Turturro (Severance)
• Christopher Walken (Severance)
• Oh Yeong-su (Squid Game)

Will Win – The consensus appears to be that this is a fight between the Succession guys – well, two of them (no offense Nicholas Braun – but the nomination was the win here). That is, Kieran Culkin and Matthew Macfadyen, with many pundits predicting Macfadyen to take it. However, I think this is finally Kieran Culkin’s time. He’s been a standout on the show from the start but has yet to get Emmy glory. I believe it’ll happen this year. 

Could Win – Matthew Macfadyen. However, I wouldn’t completely discount the Severance actors, as we saw Billy Crudup sweep in and win for The Morning Show two years ago. Turturro and Walken are both legendary, well-respected actors on a critically acclaimed show. That’s always a great recipe for a win. 

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series 

• Patricia Arquette (Severance)
• Julia Garner (Ozark)
• Jung Ho-yeon (Squid Game)
• Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets)
• Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul)
• J. Smith-Cameron (Succession)
• Sarah Snook (Succession)
• Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria)

Will Win – I admit I’m the most unsure with this category. So I’ll defer to the critics, and go with Rhea Seehorn. 

Could Win – It’d certainly be silly to bet entirely against someone who’s won this category multiple times. And for that reason, I have to say Julia Garner is a strong possibility to win.

Best Limited Series 

• Dopesick 
• The Dropout 
• Inventing Anna 
• Pam and Tommy 
• The White Lotus 

Will Win – Contrary to the above, I’m going to go against the popular opinion, which predicts a win for The White Lotus, and say Dopesick is going to win. It’s my belief that everything about Dopesick is perfect for a win in this category – great acting, an important story that explores a very real and complex issue, character-driven, etc. 

Could Win – This is a two-way race between Dopesick and The White Lotus. So if the former doesn’t win, it’ll be the latter. 

Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie 

• Colin Firth (The Staircase) 
• Andrew Garfield (Under the Banner of Heaven)
• Oscar Isaac (Scenes From a Marriage)  
• Michael Keaton (Dopesick)  
• Himesh Patel (Station Eleven)  
• Sebastian Stan (Pam and Tommy) 

Will Win – This may be the most sewn-up category of the night. It’s going to be Michael Keaton for Dopesick, without question. 

Could Win – Michael Keaton. Okay, yes, I should acknowledge the buzz around Himesh Patel’s performance in Station Eleven. But I don’t think voters will switch from Keaton in this category. 

Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie 

• Toni Collette (The Staircase) 
• Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”)  
• Lily James (“Pam and Tommy”)  
• Sarah Paulson (“Impeachment: American Crime Story”)
• Margaret Qualley (“Maid”)  
• Amanda Seyfried (“The Dropout”) 

Will Win – This is a tough category because at least four of these women gave stellar performances. That said, it’s still mostly a one-woman race, and that’s Amanda Seyfried. She gave herself completely over to embody every facet of Elizabeth Holmes. 

Could Win – I think both Margaret Qualley and Toni Collette are significant threats in this category. I’ve heard the talk about Lily James possibly winning. However, I don’t see it happening. 

Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie 

• Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus) 
• Jake Lacy (The White Lotus)
• Will Poulter (Dopesick)
• Seth Rogen (Pam & Tommy)
• Peter Sarsgaard (Dopesick)
• Michael Stuhlbarg (Dopesick)
• Steve Zahn (The White Lotus)

Will Win – Another category I’m not as confident about, so I’ll defer to the pundits, who all appear to believe it’s a slam-dunk for Murray Bartlett. 

Could Win – There’s been a lot of talk about Seth Rogen’s performance in Pam & Tommy. So a possible win here would not be that shocking. 

Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie 

• Connie Britton (The White Lotus)
• Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus)
• Alexandra Daddario (The White Lotus)
• Kaitlyn Dever (Dopesick)
• Natasha Rothwell (The White Lotus)
• Sydney Sweeney (The White Lotus)
• Mare Winningham (Dopesick)

Will Win – Putting aside that the Television Academy apparently didn’t think any actress outside of The White Lotus and Dopesick gave a strong supporting performance, this is a likely sure thing for Jennifer Coolidge. 

Could Win – Mare Winningham gave the type of performance in Dopesick that voters love – emotional, heart-wrenching, and deeply internalized. 

Outstanding Comedy Series 

• Abbott Elementary 
• Barry
• Curb Your Enthusiasm 
• Hacks 
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel 
• Only Murders In the Building 
• Ted Lasso
• What We Do In the Shadows 

Will Win – Whoo boy the comedy categories are a doozy this year. For most of the categories, there are at least three or four potential winners. And the Comedy Series category is no different. Ted Lasso still has a lot of buzz around it, Hacks has only gone from strength to strength, Barry is back after a long wait, Only Murders in the Building is in the mix for the first time, and of course, there’s the network darling, Abbott Elementary. So which one will take it? I am genuinely torn on this one and so I’m going with my gut and picking Abbot Elementary. 

Could Win – Ted Lasso or Only Murders in the Building. I don’t think it will be Hacks or Barry, great as they are. 

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series 

• Donald Glover (Atlanta) 
• Bill Hader (Barry)  
• Nicholas Hoult (The Great)
• Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building)   
• Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building)  
• Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso) 

Will Win – As I said, the comedy categories are a doozy. Either of the four of Bill Hader, Jason Sudeikis, Steve Martin, and Martin Short could win here. That said, I will go against the consensus that seems to believe Bill Hader is the likely winner and pick Jason Sudeikis. 

Can Win – Bill Hader or Steve Martin. Martin may win just for that brilliant elevator scene alone. And it would be well-deserved. 

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series 

• Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
• Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary)  
• Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant)  
• Elle Fanning (The Great)  
• Issa Rae (Insecure)
• Jean Smart (Hacks)

Will Win – Unlike Comedy Series and Lead Actor, this category is less competitive, with the winner likely coming down to just two women – Jean Smart and Quinta Brunson. My gut says it will be the former. I believe Brunson’s glory will come for writing for a Comedy Series, for which she’s nominated. 

Could Win – Quinta Brunson. 

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series 

• Anthony Carrigan (Barry)
• Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso)
• Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso)
• Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso)
• Tony Shalhoub (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
• Tyler James Williams (Abbott Elementary)
• Henry Winkler (Barry)
• Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live)

Will Win – There’s been a lot of talk that this category will likely come down to the Ted Lasso actors, with Toheeb Jimoh edging out last year’s winner, Brett Goldstein. I don’t think that will be the case. I think Goldstein, like Sudeikis, will repeat. 

Could Win – Toheeb Jimoh and Henry Winkler. I wouldn’t count Henry Winkler out here. 

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series 

• Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) 
• Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
• Janelle James (Abbott Elementary)
• Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live)
• Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso)
• Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary)
• Juno Temple (Ted Lasso)
• Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso)

Will Win – Many pundits believe this will be a battle of the two Hannahs, with Hannah Waddingham edging out the win. Not a wild prediction as Waddingham has been on a roll, winning everything last year, including the Emmy. And she had another stellar performance this past season of Ted Lasso. However, I’m going to swerve away from the consensus and say Janelle James will win for Abbott Elementary. While the entire cast of Abbott Elementary is amazing, and it would be nice to see an industry vet like Sheryl Lee Ralph get her flowers, James’ Ava was the true scene stealer of the season.

Could Win – Hannah Waddingham or Hannah Einbinder. Unfortunately, I don’t think Ralph has a real shot in this category. If the voters stick to the predictable choices, the winner will likely be one of the Hannahs.

Top 10 Favorite MET Gala Looks

The 2018 MET Gala is officially in the bag. And with a theme like, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”, it was no surprise that the red carpet was littered with the color white, literal crosses and of course, a lot of dramatic religious imagery.

As always, there were some who had fun with theme and got it so right, others who might as well have been walking any old red carpet and those who just seemed confused.

Sifting through all the madness, here are my top ten looks from this year’s Gala. In case you’re wondering what my criteria was in choosing these looks, it was simple – did it reflect the theme and it was fun and interesting. So here we go.

Rihanna (Maison Margiela) – Well, of course. You knew that BadGalRiRi was going to shut it down as she does almost every year. Especially considering she was a co-chair of this year’s Gala, which meant all eyes were on her even more than usual. And boy did she deliver. I wasn’t absolutely in love with the dress itself but the attention to detail with all the intricate beading and stitching was absolutely impeccable. And that coat was just all kinds of fierce. All hail the Queen!

 

Cardi B (Moschino) – I have to give Cardi B. props for serving up this look while heavily pregnant because that thing looked heavy. It was worth it though. Serving serious “Virgin Mary” (and I know some religious zealots were really uncomfortable with that imagery) vibe, the rapper delivered a perfectly dramatic, over the top and on theme look for her first MET Gala.

 

Zendaya (Versace) – What I love the most about this was that Zendaya thought outside of the box. It would have been so easy to just automatically cling to something white and church-like, as many others did. However, Zendaya expanded the theme to more than just a church service and paid homage to Catholic saint, Joan of Arc. It was a bold and powerful look and gave us all kinds of Girl Power! feels.

 

Ariana Grande (Vera Wang) – I’ll be honest. Watching pictures online and some of the coverage the night of the Gala, I completely dismissed this number nice as enough but nothing special. That was until I saw a high quality, high-resolution picture of it and saw the incredible detailing of the Sistine Chapel. I immediately fell madly in love with the whole look – beautiful and ethereal as only Vera Wang can do it.

 

Darren Criss (Dolce & Gabbana) – I like but don’t love this look and I’m so disappointed about the reason I’m not in love with it. It’s because the fit is off, which surprises me greatly because if there is one thing I have always loved about Darren Criss’ fashion sense, is how impeccably tailored his looks often are. And I feel like this look missed the mark by a smidgeon, just because of the tailoring. That said, I couldn’t in all good conscience keep it off this list with that amazing and gorgeous detailing on the jacket, down to the shoes. The color is stunning as well.

 

Kate Bosworth (Oscar de la Renta) – Heavenly indeed. This look is the definition of soft and ethereal. It’s like she’s floating. I saw many comments about the look giving some “wedding day” vibes but I actually think First Communion or Confirmation. That veil just screams receiving the sacrament to me.

 

Chadwick Boseman (Versace) – I imagine that events like these are particularly difficult for the male celebrities, as they are so used to getting away with a simple black tux at 90 percent of Hollywood events. But when they’re willing to embrace their inner fashion diva, they can hit out the park, like Boseman did this in this “Sunday priest meets Shaft” Versace number.

 

Migos (Gucci) – Again, it’s all in the details. This is how you stick to the theme while not becoming a complete caricature (looking at you Katy Perry). Those jackets are just simply fierce. The colors are gorgeous, the details impeccable and kudos to all three guys for ensuring that they were all well tailored and properly fitted.

 

Greta Gerwig (The Row) – The hills are alive with the sound of music! Okay, I could not be the only one who felt the need to break out into this number when I saw this look. Ms. Gerwig serving us all kinds of nunnery chic. I will admit I had thoughts of how hot was she during the night and how difficult was it to use the bathroom but hey, you know what they say, “Fashion is Pain”.

 

Jared Leto (Gucci) – And drumroll…my final favorite look from this year’s MET Gala, of course goes to “Jesus Christ Superstar” himself, Jared Leto. I almost feel like it’s a bit of a cheat though, to include Jared on this list and hell the MET even having this theme because let’s face it, Jared would probably wear this look in his everyday life. So he probably didn’t have to step too far outside his comfort zone on this one. But you still have to give the guy props for committing so fully to his look. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s still so pretty.

*Images Courtesy Google Images*

Pop Culture Rewind

Comic-Con 2015

Arguably the biggest event currently occurring in the world of Hollywood and pop culture this week, is the annual San Diego Comic-Con convention. The four-day festival, held in San Diego, California, originally began as an avenue for showcasing films, television shows and popular arts within the comic book and science fiction/fantasy genre. It has since evolved to include a wide range of pop culture and entertainment elements including, anime, manga, horror, animation and more.

Every year, the event is met with great anticipation from fans who are excited to witness the panels dedicated to their favorite television show, comic book, superhero franchise and more, as well as the many Hollywood stars who show up, promoting their movies and shows. And this year’s event has been no different. Some of the most anticipated panels this year include: Hannibal, Heroes: Reborn, Supergirl, The Hunger Games: MockingJay Part 2, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and more.

If I’m being completely honest, as someone who has never been particularly enamored by the comic book and sci-fi/fantasy genres, Comic-Con’s appeal to me revolves mostly around the celebrity watching and gossip. That said, I was particularly interested in two panels – The Hunger Games: MockingJay Part 2 and Hannibal. With regards to the former, as a huge fan of the book series and film adaptations, I was excited to get some tidbits and insights into the franchise’s final film. And as an avid fan of Hannibal since the pilot, who like other fans, was disappointed, though not surprised, at NBC’s decision to cancel it, I was excited to gain some insight into how Bryan Fuller and company plan to wrap up the series.

The Hunger Games: MockingJay Part 2 Comic-Con Panel

As I noted above, I was really excited about this panel because as a huge fan of the book series, as well as the film franchise, I am excited to see how it all ends. That said, I have to say I was a little disappointed. As a fan of the book series, I already know how the story ends and I naturally assumed that the cast and crew would not give away any major spoilers at the panel, for the benefit of the fans of the film who haven’t read the series. That being said, I expected to get something concrete and I didn’t feel like I did.

There was a lot of Jennifer Lawrence being slightly over the top and a little spastic but we get that all the time. Most of the cast talked only in very vague terms about the film and much of the panel revolved around what filming the movies meant to them and how they felt about it coming to an end. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind that kind of stuff but I just feel like there will be plenty of time for the weepy good-byes during the promo leading to the film’s premiere in November. For Comic-Con, I wanted more discussion about the actual filming of the last movie, the story, how the characters evolved in that last film and more.

I was glad to hear Francis Lawrence state that if one liked how the book ended, they would love the end of the film, because I personally loved how the series ended. There was also a longer full length trailer shown but unfortunately it was not released online, so only those in attendance at the panel got to see it. Instead, those not in attendance were gifted with the following teaser trailer that looks more like a rip-off of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation video than The Hunger Games:

Giuliana Rancic Exits E! News

It hasn’t been the greatest first half of the year for Giuliana Rancic, at least professionally. First there was the social media reaction and mockery over her Golden Globes red carpet behavior, particularly her attempts to get the celebrities to take shots with her and many, notably George Clooney and wife Amal, refusing. Incidentally, many believe her Golden Globes snafu was what led to viewers having to deal with the duller than dirt Maria Menounos at the SAG Awards red carpet, who gave new meaning to the word awkward and had many of the celebrities looking bored while talking to her.

Then there was the chatter about Rancic’s weight and how scarily thin she looked, eventually prompting her to speak exclusively to People Magazine, denying she has an eating disorder and instead claiming that she’s incapable of gaining weight due to the hormone treatments from her battle with breast cancer. And then came the Fashion Police nightmare, post-Joan Rivers’ death. The show, which brought on Kathy Griffin as Rivers’ replacement and replaced George Kotsiopoulos with Brad Goreski, was an unmitigated disaster right from the start. Many found Griffin unfunny and Goreski, painfully boring.

And then came the Zendaya comment (if you don’t know what I’m referring to, one, where have you been and two, you can read all about it here). In the immediate aftermath of the controversy, co-host Kelly Osborne publicly took shots at Rancic on social media and eventually quit Fashion Police. Kotsiopoulos also took aim at Rancic for her comment. Griffin eventually quit the show as well, leaving with some not so nice parting shots. And now comes the news of Rancic no longer being the lead anchor on E! News.

Rancic has hosted the show for more than ten years and while reports quickly claimed that she’d more or less been fired, she insists it was her decision to leave. And in the interest of fairness, she is staying on to co-host Live From The Red Carpet, while Fashion Police is still hanging on, which means she and the E! network haven’t severed all ties. Still, with everything that has happened in recent months, it’s hard for many to believe that this truly was solely her decision and not some combination of push back from the network, in the wake of the negative public reaction with regards to her weight, the Zendaya comment, Fashion Police and more.

A Piece of My Childhood Dies

This week, former Hollywood actress Amanda Peterson, passed away at the age of 43. Peterson had all but abandoned Hollywood decades ago, settling in Colorado, where she lived until her death. Peterson was known to many as Cindy Mancini, the dream girl and subsequent love interest to dorky Ronald Miller, played by a very young Patrick Dempsey, in the film Can’t Buy Me Love.

The movie was a hit and later became a cult classic for many generations of teenagers, including myself. While Dempsey would become McDreamy to a new generation, he was always adorkable Ronald to me. And so, hearing about Peterson’s death was like having a piece of my childhood die. Like many, I thought she was one of the most beautiful girls I’d ever seen when I first watched the film. And the final scene is still one of my favorite movie moments.

Sadly, like many young Hollywood stars, Peterson had her troubles with drugs and alcohol, resulting in multiple arrests over the years. There has been no official word on her cause of death and her mother insists the former actress was clean at the time of the death. Whatever the cause, it is a sad ending for an actress whose star once shone so brightly. Patrick Dempsey tweeted his condolences, as did other celebrities, who like me, grew up watching Can’t Buy Me Love.

In my memory, she will always be vibrant and young. Gone too soon. Sending my thoughts and prayers to Amanda’s family.

— Patrick Dempsey (@PatrickDempsey) July 7, 2015

When I was younger, I used to want to be #AmandaPeterson. I even asked my mom for a white leather fringe jacket #RipAmandaPeterson
— Sarah Michelle (@SarahMGellar) July 7, 2015

Say it ain’t so! Cindy Mancini has passed away! ; ( RIP Amanda Peterson / #CantBuyMeLove

— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) July 7, 2015

Cindy Mancini was my first crush. RIP Amanda Peterson.
— Donald Faison (@donald_faison) July 6, 2015

RIP Amanda Peterson. The teen in me is heartbroken.

— scott foley (@scottkfoley) July 7, 2015