Isn’t it refreshing to have a year where an actress category is actually competitive? Lead Actress in a Drama Series was won by the same two women for the past 4 years, but with Homeland on the downswing and last year’s winner Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife) having to rely on submissions tapes, this year is especially open for a new winner.
That new winner is looking to be SAG winner Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder). Her performance pretty much speaks for itself (Plus, she has the fake cry face down. Take notes Kerry Washington and ugly crying champion Claire Danes), but on top of that, she has the buzz, the episodes, and the respect of the industry. She is the solid frontrunner.
Taraji P. Henson (Empire) has the monster hit of Empire behind her, plus the same buzz, episodes, and respect of the industry as Davis. The only difference here is that Davis had the luxury of competing in the precursors of the Globes and SAG. Henson is still a strong frontrunner, I think her biggest hurdle might be getting nominated depending on how the voters respond to the show.
After the three frontrunners, we have two strong returners in the mix. Robin Wright (House of Cards) was a frontrunner last year before the messed up her episode submission, however she should still safely return. Kerry Washington (Scandal) is losing a lot of buzz, so I’m thinking she drops out this year, however with a solid episode submission in “Run” if she is nominated I can say her making a run (pun intended) for the crown.
The last spot is going to be tough call. Three-time Emmy winner Claire Danes (Homeland) is losing a lot of steam with Homeland dropping out of the conversation like a rock. This year’s Globe winner Ruth Wilson (The Affair) should be able to slip in, however her globe win isn’t going to help her much here.
I’m playing it very conservatively here. A lot of contenders like Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men), Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel), and Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) can still slip in.
I think the most notable part of this category would be to see three women of color be nominated. Not only would it be a first, it would be a wonderful note to the changing landscape of television. Take note Oscars.
1. Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder
2. Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
3. Taraji P. Henson, Empire
4. Robin Wright, House of Cards
5. Claire Danes, Homeland
6. Ruth Wilson, The Affair
Check out our complete list of 2015 Emmy Predictions HERE!
Hey, I'm Karl, founder and film critic at Smash Cut. I started Smash Cut in 2014 to share my love of movies and give a perspective I haven't yet seen represented. I'm also an editor at The New York Times, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, and a member of the Online Film Critics Society.