2015 Emmy Predictions: Our final picks on who will win

Drama Series
Better Call Saul
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones***
Homeland
House of Cards
Mad Men

This is probably one of the toughest races of the night, especially with the new voting system, it’s really a race between two beloved series. Mad Men received critical raves for its final season and remains one of Hollywood’s one of most beloved series. It helps that the show hasn’t won a single Emmy in nearly two years and still has yet to win an acting award, which is widely known. The other is not only a beloved series, but also the biggest series in the world. Game of Thrones received more than any other nominee this year, which is a feat in itself. It also won 8 awards at the Creative Arts Emmys this past weekend, which is one away from tying The West Wing’s record for the most awards won in a single year of 9. While I think it’s going to be close, I’m going to call the race for Game of Thrones.

Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Dominic West, The Affair
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Kyle Chandler, Bloodline
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards
Jon Hamm, Mad Men***
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom
Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan

I think it’s a pretty well known fact that Mad Men never won an acting Emmy. However, the most egregious of those snubs comes from their leading man. Jon Hamm has a HUGE Emmy IOU that I think they’re likely to pay this year. However, he has to look out for Kevin Spacey, who is a well liked industry actor, Bob Odenkirk, who has a strong episode submission, and Kyle Chandler, the man who beat Hamm the year he should have been unbeatable. Hamm should have this one locked up pretty tight, but one of the 3 men mentioned could surprise.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Taraji P. Henson, Empire
Claire Danes, Homeland
Robin Wright, House of Cards
Viola Davis, How to Get Away with Murder***
Elizabeth Moss, Mad Men
Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black

This is a race between two huge performances by two actors who are extremely respected in the industry. Viola Davis has been in the conversation for the Emmy before her show even premiered. The two-time Oscar nominee gives a passionate performance in How to Get Away with Murder that in any other year would win in a walk. However, this year she has to contend with Taraji P. Henson whose larger than life performance in Empire won her raves and propelled her to become a pop culture icon. It’s going to be a close race, however I think Davis has too much momentum behind her for her not to lose.

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul***
Ben Mendohlson, Bloodline
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Alan Cumming, The Good Wife
Michael Kelly, House of Cards

Jonathan Banks has this race locked up for his surprisingly heartbreaking portrayal of Mike. If he gets any challenge, it would come from Michael Kelly or Ben Mendohlson, but don’t count on it.

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey
Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones***
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men
Uzo Aduba, Orange is the New Black

This is probably one of the most competitive acting races this year, with 4 contenders having legitimate shots at winning the Emmy. Lena Headey was the early favorite to win for the “Mother’s Mercy” episode of the show. However, with the new popular vote and the controversy over her body double, she is going to get strong competition from more popular choices like Christina Hendricks or Christina Baranski, who are both overdue for their roles or Uzo Aduba, who is an industry it-girl and current Emmy champ. I think Headey maintains her edge from early momentum, but Hendricks is going to give her a hell of a fight.