Our experts - and you - predict the 2020 Emmy winners

Published Feb. 3, 2020 Updated Sept. 16, 2020 10 AM PT

Armchair Emmy prognosticators, this is your time! Our Buzzmeter panel of experts has made its predictions for the winners in 14 categories; this week, we feature these five veteran TV journalists’ picks to take home the trophy for lead actor in a limited series or TV movie. But not only can you check out all their Emmy predictions below; you can vote for your favorites in the polls for every one of those categories. Remember, the Emmy ceremony – which promises to be like no other – will be held Sunday, September 20, starting at 5 p.m. Pacific time. The polls are open — don’t forget to vote!

Lead actor in a limited series or movie

Two Oscar nominees and an Oscar winner made the cut, with Wolverine and the Hulk battling at the top. But if they fight to a standstill as they did in the comics, might that open the door for an actual comic-book character, Jeremy Irons’ Ozymandias, to ride the coattails of a “Watchmen” sweep? Or something completely different: Jeremy Pope’s gay, Black screenwriter in the postwar days of “Hollywood” - or Paul Mescal’s quietly affecting work in the deeply emotional “Normal People”?

1. Hugh Jackman, “Bad Education”
2. Mark Ruffalo, “I Know This Much Is True”
Jeremy Irons, “Watchmen”
Paul Mescal, “Normal People”
Jeremy Pope, “Hollywood”

survey hosting

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

Hugh Jackman, “Bad Education”

“Were there men in any of the female-centric limited series this year? Oh right, Jeremy Irons (‘Watchmen’)! Here’s one area where HBO could make up for Netflix besting the cable Network in Emmy noms for the first time ever. Irons has a good chance as does Hugh Jackman for ‘Bad Education.’ Mark Ruffalo also did an impressive job playing twins in the intense drama about coping with mental illness, ‘I Know This Much Is True.’ ”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

Mark Ruffalo, “I Know This Much Is True”

“‘Bad Education’ relied on Jackman’s considerable charm, but tough to pick against Ruffalo’s difficult, dual turn.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

Hugh Jackman, “Bad Education”

“Hugh Jackman for the win, always!”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

Hugh Jackman, “Bad Education”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

Mark Ruffalo, “I Know This Much Is True”

“The only prediction this year I consider a slam dunk is a win for Mark Ruffalo for his uncompromising dual performance as tragically disparate twin brothers in ‘I Know This Much Is True.’ ”

Drama series

You’ll win nothing, Jon Snow: With “Game of Thrones” fading into the mist, the field is wide open for drama series. Our panel sees a couple of shows about The Haves and their kingdoms as the favorites, with HBO’s “Succession” out in front and “The Crown” in swinging scepter range.

The highly respected “Better Call Saul” looked like the favorite early on, but has “Saul” stalled? Its lack of acting nominees (just one) might indicate some more heavily nominated shows (“Ozark,” even the surprise nominee “The Mandalorian”) have stolen its thunder. But maybe “Saul” will pick up its first Emmy of any kind — the show garnered 32 nominations before this year, with zero wins.

1. “Succession”
2. “The Crown”
“Better Call Saul”
“The Handmaid’s Tale”
“Killing Eve”
“The Mandalorian”
“Ozark”
“Stranger Things”

image polls

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

“The Crown”

“Series featuring the dysfunctional lives of white, entitled families face off this year as ‘The Crown’ Season 3 vs ‘Succession,’ Season 2. It’s also a battle between Netflix and HBO after the streaming service bested the cable network for the first time ever in the sheer number of Emmy nominations garnered by Netflix shows: 160 vs HBO’s 107! I’m rooting for the Netflix royal drama because Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, yorkies and none of it reminds me of Rupert Murdoch.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

“Succession”

“ ‘Ozark’ could benefit from recency bias, as everyone watched it during quarantine. But ‘Succession’ is clearly the better series.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

“Succession”

“ ‘Better Call Saul’ should win. ‘Succession’ probably will win. Then again, given how terrible 2020 has been so far, maybe we should all just plan on ‘The Mandalorian’ walking away with the trophy.”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

“Succession”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

“Succession”

“Even with no episodes airing for nearly a year, the momentum stays strong for HBO’s devastating drama of power plays within a media family. Also the year’s best cliffhanger.”

Lead actress in a drama series

Apart from the dueling queens (of England and morning television, respectively) at the top are the vinegar and sodium bicarbonate (you pick who is which) of “Killing Eve’s” central love-hate relationship. Laura Linney has gotten a lot of attention for her character’s arc this season on “Ozark” - if not a rollercoaster, than Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. And while the reigning champ, Jodie Comer of “Killing Eve,” is the record holder for the youngest to win the trophy (she was 26 at the time), current nominee Zendaya (“Euphoria”) just turned 24.

1. Olivia Colman, “The Crown”
2. Jennifer Aniston, “The Morning Show”
Jodie Comer, “Killing Eve”
Laura Linney, “Ozark”
Sandra Oh, “Killing Eve”
Zendaya, “Euphoria”

bike trails

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

Jennifer Aniston, “The Morning Show”

“Jennifer Aniston of ‘The Morning Show’ deserves the award for her performance as a TV anchor left holding the bag after a Matt Lauer-like #MeToo implodes her show. But who can ignore Olivia Colman’s stunning performance as stage 2 Queen Elizabeth in ‘The Crown’? The Television Academy, that’s who, especially since Claire Foy already won for the same role in 2018 playing a younger version of the royal, and John Lithgow won the previous year’s prize for his depiction of Winston Churchill. Which brings us back to Aniston ...”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

Olivia Colman, “The Crown”

“Aniston should win for her career-best turn in ‘The Morning Show,’ but I’d never bet against an actress playing the queen.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

Olivia Colman, “The Crown”

“The always-excellent Olivia Colman is going to be hard to beat, though there’s an immense amount of industry goodwill for Aniston … so perhaps voters will be there for her? (I hate myself.)”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

Jennifer Aniston, “The Morning Show”

“Jennifer Aniston’s victory at the SAG Awards earlier this year proved how much her peers are thrilled by her big career comeback in ‘The Morning Show.’ Next up: her Emmy TV peers.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

Jennifer Aniston, “The Morning Show”

“Jennifer Aniston’s glittery TV comeback was tailor-made for the Globes, but will the Emmy voters kowtow to her or to the British queen with Oscar cred? I still think TV royalty will win out.”

Lead actor in a drama series

One of the more surprising omissions among the nominations has to be Bob Odenkirk of “Better Call Saul” ... does that make this category wide open? Will Billy Porter “Pose” on the winners’ stand again or is it time for succession? Our panel has made Brian Cox the favorite, with on-screen son Jeremy Strong battling him for the crown and Emmy darling Jason Bateman (10 nominations, one win) right there with them.

1. Brian Cox, “Succession”
2. (tie) Jason Bateman, “Ozark”
2. (tie) Jeremy Strong, “Succession”
Sterling K. Brown, “This Is Us”
Steve Carell, “The Morning Show”
Billy Porter, “Pose”

picture polls

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

Jason Bateman, “Ozark”

“Bets are on Jason Bateman of ‘Ozark’ because it’s a tradition to award performances from shows that no one has seen. As for Steve Carell, Brian Cox and Billy Porter, one’s been there/done that, the other has a supporting Emmy somewhere in their vast home. As for Carell? He has practice smashing things when disappointed ala his role as Mitch Kessler on ‘The Moring Show,’ so at least he’ll know how to channel his disappointment when Bateman wins.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

Brian Cox, “Succession”

“Someone other than Brian Cox winning? ‘F—off!’ ”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

Brian Cox, “Succession”

“HOW IS ‘BETTER CALL SAUL’ ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS OF THE YEAR BUT BOB ODENKIRK, THE THESPIAN HEART AND SOUL OF AMC’S PREQUEL, IS NOT ON THIS LIST? NO I WILL NOT STOP YELLING!”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

Jeremy Strong, “Succession”

“After clashing ruthlessly over two seasons of ‘Succession,’ Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong now take their father/son throwdown to the Emmy stage. Which one will be left standing?”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

Brian Cox, “Succession”

“I’m torn between ‘Succession’s’ father (Brian Cox) and son (Jeremy Strong) tag team of malice. I’d vote for the son, but the veteran Cox may win as a career prize. If they cancel each other out, it’s Jason Bateman’s turn.”

Supporting actress in a drama series

Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep continue to lead the pack in a very close race at the top.

1. Meryl Streep, “Big Little Lies”
2. Helena Bonham Carter, “The Crown”
Laura Dern, “Big Little Lies”
Julia Garner, “Ozark”
Thandie Newton, “Westworld”
Fiona Shaw, “Killing Eve”
Sarah Snook, “Succession”
Samira Wiley, “The Handmaid’s Tale”

bike trail guide

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

Meryl Streep, “Big Little Lies”

“Humankind is fragile right now and may not be able to take anymore unprecedented events, so it’s best just to deliver this award to the place where awards always go, Meryl Streep (‘Big Little Lies). But rich ladies with big problems also make the world go round, so Helena Bonham Carter (‘The Crown’) and Sarah Snook (‘Succession’) are possibilities.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

Helena Bonham Carter, “The Crown”

“Bonham Carter was brilliant as the flamboyant Princess Margaret – and she’s never won an Emmy. She deserves to be crowned.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

Meryl Streep, “Big Little Lies”

“As much as I’d love to see Helena Bonham Carter take the (virtual) stage for her delightful performance as Princess Margaret, voters won’t pass up a chance to celebrate Queen Meryl.”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

Helena Bonham Carter, “The Crown”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

Meryl Streep, “Big Little Lies”

“Meryl Streep gives a master class of sly passive aggression as the mother-in-law from hell in ‘Big Little Lies.’ She has strong competition from past winners (Laura Dern, Julia Garner, Thandie Newton), but the next best choice is ‘The Crown’s’ Helena Bonham Carter as a ravishing Princess Margaret.”

Supporting actor in a drama series

“Succession” dominates the category with three nominees, but will voters split among them and the “Morning Show” duo to open the door for someone else? Perhaps as a precursor to Emmy voting, our panel spread its votes all over the field. Or maybe they’ll give it to the guy who made one of the best coronvirus songs during the pandemic so far.

1. Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”
2. (tie) Keiran Culkin, “Succession”
2. (tie) Giancarlo Esposito, “Better Call Saul”
2. (tie) Matthew Macfadyen, “Succession”
Nicholas Braun, “Succession”
Mark Duplass, “The Morning Show”
Bradley Whitford, “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Jeffrey Wright, “Westworld”

free polls

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

Giancarlo Esposito, “Better Call Saul”

“Giancarlo Esposito (‘Better Call Saul’) is always a winner in my book. His performances in the ‘Breaking Bad’ spin off and in EPIX’s ‘Godfather of Harlem’ (which was not nominated) are stellar. And Bob Odenkirk was snubbed in the lead category for ‘Saul,’ so it’s only right for someone from one of the best dramas on TV to nab the damn prize.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”

“Voters loved ‘Succession’ enough to nominate three of its actors. But how to choose? That opens the door for Crudup, so good as the charismatic network exec on ‘The Morning Show.’ ”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

Keiran Culkin, “Succession”

“There’s a slight chance the ‘Succession’ bros will all cancel each other out, but it’s more likely that Kieran Culkin will inherit Peter Dinklage’s ‘scene-stealing wiseacre’ mantle.”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

Matthew Macfadyen, “Succession”

“Hard to choose among three ‘Succession’ scene-stealers, but no one endured humiliation as memorably as Matthew Macfadyen (bonus points for also starring in AMC’s ‘Quiz’ this year).”

Comedy series

Returning favorites (“The Kominsky Method,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) and the dearly departed (the final seasons of “The Good Place” and “Schitt’s Creek”) rule the roost, with the omission of “Ramy” being possibly the most surprising of the season. Meanwhile, the droll and hilariously violent vampire mockumentary “What We Do in the Shadows” flies in the window, along with three writing nominations.

Our panel thinks goodwill for the good-hearted “Schitt’s Creek” will overcome “Maisel’s” Emmy history and less-adored third season (its 82 on Rotten Tomatoes is by 10 points its lowest score yet).

1. “Schitt’s Creek”
2. (tie) “Dead to Me”
2. (tie) “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
“Curb Your Enthusiasm”
“The Good Place”
“Insecure”
“The Kominsky Method”
“What We Do in the Shadows”

survey services

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

“Dead to Me”

“The category was expanded to eight slots this year, yet voters curiously used the extra space for the vampire comedy ‘What We Do in the Shadows.’ So odd. But let’s get back to comedies that stand a chance. Netflix’s ‘Dead to Me’ arguably had a stronger second season than the final runs of ‘The Good Place’ or ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ but the latter – which has a rabid following – is overdue for some sort of recognition. Maybe it’ll be the top honor? Unless the middling ‘Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ gets it (again), causing every other show to wonder why they even bothered lining up this Charlie Brown football again.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

“Schitt’s Creek”

“ ‘Schitt’s Creek’ makes people feel good. These days, that counts for a lot.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

“Schitt’s Creek”

“I don’t get ‘Schitt’s Creek.’ ”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

“Recent champ ‘Mrs. Maisel’ (2018) vs. that little, quirky critical darling ‘Schitt’s Creek.’ Last year it was that lil darlin’ ‘Fleabag’ that pulled off a big win.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

“Schitt’s Creek”

“Many are betting that adored cult comedy ‘Schitt’s Creek’ will pull off an upset in its final season against past winner ‘Mrs. Maisel.’ It feels like a toss-up. (And yet I love that ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ is even nominated!)”

Lead actress in a comedy series

Still one of the closest races in our panel’s estimation, with votes spread around. Catherine O’Hara, as one of her funniest characters in a long career full of them, holds a slender lead for the trophy over previous winner Rachel Brosnahan. Tracee Ellis Ross’ nomination is her fourth in her role; Issa Rae’s is her second. Notably, Emmy voters recognized that Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini are equal partners in the highly acclaimed “Dead to Me.”

1. Catherine O’Hara, “Schitt’s Creek”
2. Rachel Brosnahan, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Christina Applegate, “Dead to Me”
Linda Cardellini, “Dead to Me”
Issa Rae, “Insecure”
Tracee Ellis Ross, “black-ish”

survey solutions

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

Catherine O’Hara, “Schitt’s Creek”

“Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini (‘Dead to Me’) are the best odd couple since that other mismatched pair from a TV comedy whose name escapes me. But since they’re both up for awards they may cancel each other out. That leaves Catherine O’Hara (‘Schitt’s Creek’), who’s a force in her own right. Issa Rae (‘Insecure’) and Tracee Ellis Ross (‘Black-ish’) have had better seasons to choose from, but that’s never stopped voters before. It’s anyone’s guess. Definitely maybe O’Hara.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

Catherine O’Hara, “Schitt’s Creek”

“Catherine O’Hara plays a queen in all but title.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

Catherine O’Hara, “Schitt’s Creek”

“I don’t get ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ but Catherine O’Hara is a national treasure who hasn’t won an Emmy since 1982, and that ain’t right.”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

Catherine O’Hara, “Schitt’s Creek”

“Considering that voters are workaday TV actors, how can they resist Catherine O’Hara’s savagely hilarious spoof of those nutty, entitled divas who love to wreak havoc?”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

Rachel Brosnahan, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

“The odds on a seasoned pro like ‘Creek’s’ Catherine O’Hara besting ‘Mrs. Maisel’s’ former winner Rachel Brosnahan are strong. But I’m standing by the stand-up.”

Lead actor in a comedy series

The names have pretty much been the same all Emmy season long, with young Golden Globe winner Ramy Youssef (“Ramy”) against a field of veterans. Among the well-established names are an Oscar winner (Michael Douglas), a six-time acting Emmy nominee (Anthony Anderson), a 10-time acting Emmy nominee and Oscar nominee (Don Cheadle) and two comic acting legends in the final seasons of their well-liked shows (Eugene Levy and Ted Danson). Danson, a two-time winner, holds the record for the category with 14 nominations. But despite Youssef’s show’s shocking snub (“Ramy” was the Buzzmeter’s top selection before the nominations), the 29-year-old creator of the first sitcom about a Muslim-American family is the panel’s consensus pick to win.

1. Ramy Youssef, “Ramy”
Anthony Anderson, “Black-ish”
Don Cheadle, “Black Monday”
Ted Danson, “The Good Place”
Michael Douglas, “The Kominsky Method”
Eugene Levy, “Schitt’s Creek”

panel management

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

Ramy Youssef, “Ramy”

“ ‘Ramy’ was surprisingly passed over for a comedy series nomination, even though the Hulu comedy about an underachieving Muslim Millennial had all the requisites to wow – a Golden Globe acting prize, a Peabody. But the series’ creator Ramy Youssef is in the running for his Season 2 performance, and he held his own opposite supporting actor Mahershala Ali. But Eugene Levy is also a strong possibility. ‘Ramy’ has a Season 3 to potentially award; ‘Schitt’s Creek’ does not. A nostalgic Academy may favor a going-away gift over a newcomer prize.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

Ramy Youssef, “Ramy”

“Levy is beloved and could benefit if voters decide to check off all the ‘Schitt’s Creek’ boxes. My hunch though is they go with Youssef, who won the Golden Globe earlier this year.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

Ramy Youssef, “Ramy”

“With his Golden Globe win in January and a wealth of buzz for Season 2, Ramy is on a roll.”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

Ramy Youssef, “Ramy”

“Watch out for a potential upset by Ted Danson, who pulled off a notorious jawdropper in this race back in 1993, late in the run of ‘Cheers.’ ”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

Ramy Youssef, “Ramy”

“In a year where diversity and inclusion are so important, I’m going out on a limb to believe that Ramy Youssef will win out over a living legend like Ted Danson for his terrific final season on ‘The Good Place.’ ”

Supporting actress in a comedy series

Alex Borstein is the reigning champ of both best supporting actress in a comedy and best speech from the Emmy stage; she holds the lead in a very competitive race. Annie Murphy finally earned a nod in her show’s final season, as did D’Arcy Carden, after shockingly being passed over last year.

1. Alex Borstein, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
2. (tie) Betty Gilpin, “GLOW”
2. (tie) Yvonne Orji, “Insecure”
D’Arcy Carden, “The Good Place”
Marin Hinkle, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Kate McKinnon, “Saturday Night Live”
Annie Murphy, “Schitt’s Creek”
Cecily Strong, “Saturday Night Live”

survey solution

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

Yvonne Orji, “Insecure”

“Personal favorites are Yvonne Orji (‘Insecure’) or D’Arcy Carden (‘The Good Place’), which means someone entirely different will win -- Marin Hinkle (‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’), Kate McKinnon (‘Saturday Night Live’) -- and I will sulk like a child. TV = big feelings.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

Alex Borstein, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

“Borstein has won this for each of ‘Maisel’s’ first two seasons, and there’s no clear-cut challenger to prevent her from pulling off the hat trick.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

Betty Gilpin, “GLOW”

“This one’s a total toss-up, but after Betty Gilpin’s sublime Emmy nomination statement, I’m rooting for her to win.”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

Alex Borstein, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

Alex Borstein, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

“So many good choices, but I won’t be surprised if the Emmy voters don’t succumb for the third consecutive year to the caustic charms of ‘Mrs. Maisel’s’ lovably gruff Alex Borstein.”

Supporting actor in a comedy series

Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali (“Ramy”) apparently can do anything. Daniel Levy not only gets Emmy love as showrunner of the departing, well-liked “Schitt’s Creek,” but for creating a character whose arc developed beautifully over the run of the show. Andre Braugher returns to contention for perhaps his funniest season so far as taciturn Capt. Holt.

1. Daniel Levy, “Schitt’s Creek”
2. Mahershala Ali, “Ramy”
Alan Arkin, “The Kominsky Method”
Andre Braugher, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Sterling K. Brown, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
William Jackson Harper, “The Good Place”
Tony Shalhoub, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Kenan Thompson, “Saturday Night Live”

survey service

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

Mahershala Ali, “Ramy”

“Mahershala Ali, like Meryl Streep, needs another award, even if it’s in a genre that seems utterly out of character for this accomplished ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Green Book’ winner. For those who cannot picture Ali cracking funny, you must see him as Sheikh Ali in ‘Ramy.’

“The Islamic Center was never this fun.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

Daniel Levy, “Schitt’s Creek”

“Levy became captain of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ as the show progressed, and voters will take this opportunity to reward him for steering the series to its satisfying end.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

Mahershala Ali, “Ramy”

“The third nomination will probably be the charm for Mr. Ali.”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

Daniel Levy, “Schitt’s Creek”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

Daniel Levy, “Schitt’s Creek”

“We should know better than to bet against Emmy fave Tony Shalhoub, but Dan Levy was the heart and soul of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and deserves a win for going out on top.”

Limited series

Three starkly different limited series received near-universal critical acclaim (each scoring 95 or above on Rotten Tomatoes). However, “Unbelievable” may be wounded by one of the bigger omissions among the nominations: widely praised leading lady Merritt Wever. Gloria Steinem has publicly condemned the reportage of “Mrs. America.” Meanwhile, “Watchmen” not only adapted, but built on one of the most revered graphic novels ever and led the Emmy field with 26 nominations. Damon Lindelof’s triumph is the panel’s consensus pick in what has become one of the Emmys’ glamour categories.

1. “Watchmen”
“Little Fires Everywhere”
“Mrs. America”
“Unbelievable”
“Unorthodox”

online survey

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

“Watchmen”

“ ‘Watchmen.’ Nothing else stands a chance. Period.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

“Watchmen”

“The audacious ‘Watchmen’ was the best television series from the past year, and voters agreed, giving it a leading 26 nominations. It most assuredly will win.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

“Watchmen”

“Tick tock, it’s only a matter of time before ‘Watchmen’ takes the win”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

“Watchmen”

“ ‘Watchmen’ is a popular pick to win, but that may be a minus. Its DC Comics roots may ding its requisite snob appeal.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

“Watchmen”

“For a fantasy to be as provocative, timely and topical as ‘Watchmen’ ensures it will rule, even against the feminist firestorm of FX’s exemplary ‘Mrs. America.’ ”

Television movie

HBO’s victory in the Toronto International Film Festival bidding war for “Bad Education” just might pay off. Then again, never count out Dolly Parton!

1. “Bad Education”
2. “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie”
“American Son”
“Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: These Old Bones”
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend”

bike tracks

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

“Bad Education”

“ ‘Bad Education,’ though I desperately want it to be ‘Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: These Old Bones’ because she’s Dolly and no one else is.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

“Bad Education”

“The incisive, entertaining ‘Bad Education’ also earned a nom for its leading man, Hugh Jackman, while Aaron Paul was overlooked for ‘El Camino.’ Edge: ‘Bad Education.’ ”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

“Bad Education”

“Hugh Jackman for the win, always!”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

“Bad Education”

“ ‘Bad Education’ sparked major Emmy buzz when it debuted in late April, full of the kind of big star names who voters adore.”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

“El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie”

“Although Aaron Paul shockingly was shut out of the acting race, residual ‘Breaking Bad’ affection will carry the ‘El Camino’ sequel across the finish line.”

Lead actress in a limited series or movie

A heavyweight duel at the top between Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Regina King, with Oscar winner Octavia Spencer right there with them ... and the winner is, according to our experts: King, by knockout. The panel has her scoring her fourth Emmy title belt.

1. Regina King, “Watchmen”
2. Cate Blanchett, “Mrs. America”
Shira Haas, “Unorthodox”
Octavia Spencer, “Self Made”
Kerry Washington, “Little Fires Everywhere”
Remember, the ceremony - with c

Lorraine Ali
Los Angeles Times

Regina King, “Watchmen”

“Regina King (‘Watchmen’) vs. Cate Blanchett (‘Mrs. America’). One plays a hero, one plays a villain. Hero always wins.”

Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times

Regina King, “Watchmen”

“King will win her fourth Emmy as the face of the most-nominated show.”

Kristen Baldwin
Entertainment Weekly

Regina King, “Watchmen”

“This is really a battle between the very deserving Cate Blanchett and Regina King, but my money’s on Sister Night.”

Tom O’Neil
Gold Derby

Cate Blanchett, “Mrs. America”

“Admit it. You didn’t believe that the elegant, superglam Cate Blanchett could pull off portraying America’s #1 pop-eyed housewife of the 1970s, Phyllis Schlafly. But she delivers!”

Matt Roush
TV Guide

Regina King, “Watchmen”

“A killer category, but for the physical as well as emotional demands, Regina King should make room for a fourth Emmy as ‘Watchmen’s’ conflicted crime-fighter. A close call with Cate Blanchett’s monstrously composed Phyllis Schlafly, and newcomer Shira Haas could be a sleeper for the compelling ‘Unorthodox.’ ”

The Buzzmeter: Our experts predict the 2020 Emmy winners - and so can you