2016 Emmy Predictions: Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie

Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie is a very strong category led by two strong contenders. The first is four-time Emmy winner Bryan Cranston (All the Way). While the TV movie wasn't as well received as HBO might have hoped, Cranston still got his usual strong notices and has already won a Tony for this role. In any other year he'd be the slam dunk winner. But not every year has a juggernaut quite as big as what FX has on their hands.

Courtney B. Vance (The People v. O.J. Simpson) is arguably the most lauded part of the miniseries other than Sarah Paulson. Plus, similarly to Cranston, he's playing a well-known historical figure. However, unlike Cranston, he has a lot of heat behind him. He's also bolstered by the new rule stating that Limited Series performers can submit a single episode for consideration. This focuses his material and gives him an even stronger fight against Cranston.

Outside these two top contenders, I think Idris Elba (Luther) will definitely return for his banner year. After a controversial Oscar snub and two wins at the SAG awards, he's front and center. I don't think he'll have enough to win, but he's at least good for a nomination.

Also good for a nomination is Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock: The Abominable Bride). While the TV movie hasn't received the nominations that other installments of the series have received, Cumberbatch has become a name and even won in the category two years ago.

That leaves three more spots. I think I'm a lot more optimistic than most that Oscar Isaac (Show Me A Hero) will be nominated. I understand that it's a little far removed from the fantastic year he had last year, but like Cumberbatch and Elba his name means a lot and I don't think Emmy voters will pass up the opportunity to nominate him.

I think at least one of the two actors from The Dresser will get in. Ian McKellan has kept up a higher profile than Anthony Hopkins, so I'm inclined to include him. But it also seems like the movie has no buzz around it. That's why I'm worried that name recognition won't be enough. Instead I think it's going to a more high profile project.

That leaves one last spot. It could either be Cuba Gooding Jr. (The People v. O.J. Simpson) who could get swept up along with the rest of the show. After all, he is play the juice himself. But I actually think it's going to be Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager). I feel like this show got so much buzz and Hiddleston has raised his profile recently.

However, you can't count our other contenders like Patrick Wilson (Fargo) or Bill Murray (A Very Murray Christmas). It feels odd not including Murray in a category when the movie was so buzzed about, but it feels just too far away.

Check out my 2016 Emmy Predictions!

My Predictions:

Bryan Cranston (All the Way)
Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock: The Abominable Bride)
Idris Elba (Luther)
Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager)
Oscar Isaac (Show Me A Hero)
Courtney B. Vance (The People v. O.J. Simpson)***

***Predicted winner