It’s September, and that means only one thing: Emmy season. The awards show that honors the best in television is just around the corner, and while there were many snubs this season, there were still plenty of surprises and the competition is as fierce as ever. It’s hard to determine who could win in any category, as there have been many surprises in the past, but here are my predictions for the 2013 Emmy’s.
Outstanding Comedy Series: (“30 Rock,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Girls,” “Louie,” “Modern Family,” “Veep”).
This category has a great amount of competition, with at least three brilliant series getting nominations. “30 Rock” had its final season this year, which might put it on top for winning out of sentimentality and the fact that it will never have a chance to win this award again. However, this past season wasn’t particularly strong, thus putting it in an awkward position. “The Big Bang Theory” has never been a great series, and has only relied on a funny cast to keep it going, so the chances of it winning are very slim. “Girls” had a great first season, but this past season seemed to enter a slump, even if the performances of Lena Dunham and her supporting cast were stellar as always. “Veep” has the problem of being an HBO show, which hasn’t won the award since 2001. However, it is still a tremendously funny and biting political satire, which could put it in the running. Then there’s “Louie” and “Modern Family,” both of which had tremendous seasons. What helps the latter is that it has won three years in a row, giving the impression that it might make it to four. However, it tends to drag at certain points throughout the season, while “Louie” is consistently funny with an awkward charm that seems to win over a lot of people. Therefore, I believe “Louie” might be the winner at this awards show.
Winner: “Louie”
Surprise: “Veep”
Outstanding Drama Series: (“Breaking Bad,” “Downton Abbey,” “Game Of Thrones,” “Homeland,” “House Of Cards,” “Mad Men”).
This category really only has two shows competing for the award; the rest are lucky to be nominated (especially Netflix’s “House of Cards”). “Breaking Bad” and “Homeland” are the two critical darlings that have been raved about this past TV season. “Homeland” got a deserved win at the last Emmy’s ceremony, so for the show to win again wouldn’t be a shocker. However, “Breaking Bad” has been having a consistently good final season, and many believe the show is overdue. However, the final eight episodes seem to be what’s driving this season, not the first eight for which this show is nominated. “Homeland” had a great second season, minus a few bumps, and stayed consistently gripping throughout its run. Plus you can’t beat an episode as good as “Q&A.” I give “Homeland” the win for this category.
Winner: “Homeland”
Surprise: “House Of Cards”
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: (Alec Baldwin, Jason Bateman, Louis C.K., Don Cheadle, Matt LeBlanc, Jim Parsons).
Here we have an extremely tough choice, as the award could really go to anyone. Baldwin and Parsons are of course the critical darlings, as both have won before for “30 Rock” and “The Big Bang Theory,” respectively. But this award also has room for surprises. Last year Jon Cryer surprised everyone with his win, so why not have one this year? Louis C.K. is overdue for a win; his deadpan delivery on “Louie” is killer. Matt LeBlanc was also stellar on this past season of “Episodes,” bringing his always-charming personality. Jason Bateman has been long overdue for a win since “Arrested Development” began. So who will win? I’ll actually give it to Baldwin since it’s his last season, and he’s usually consistently funny, even when the show is not.
Winner: Alec Baldwin
Surprise: Jason Bateman
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: (Laura Dern, Lena Dunham, Edie Falco, Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Poehler).
The real competition I see here is between Fey, Dreyfus, and Poehler. Each brought their A-game this past season, and it’ll be a tough call. Fey could win because of “30 Rock” being on its last season, as a sentimental goodbye, but Poehler has been consistently funny on “Parks and Recreation,” and is long overdue. Dreyfus won last year for “Veep,” so she could easily win again this year. She is my personal choice, for her always-funny performance as Vice President on the show.
Winner: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Surprise: Amy Poehler
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: (Hugh Bonneville, Bryan Cranston, Jeff Daniels, Jon Hamm, Damien Lewis, Kevin Spacey).
Like the Outstanding Drama Series category, this award is down to “Breaking Bad” (Cranston) and “Homeland” (Lewis). While Cranston’s performance as drug-lord Walter White is one of the best things on TV, Lewis’ Nick Brody is absolutely riveting. The episode he is nominated for (“Q&A”) was the best episode of TV last year, and his performance made it so. While Walter White may be “the danger,” he’ll have to wait until next year to get another Emmy.
Winner: Damien Lewis
Surprise: The long overdue Jon Hamm
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: (Connie Britton, Claire Danes, Michelle Dockery, Vera Farmiga, Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, Robin Wright).
There are seven nominees this year; however there isn’t much competition. Claire Danes’ performance on “Homeland” was as good as, if not better than, last year. She seems to have this award on lock.
Winner: Claire Danes
Surprise: Elisabeth Moss, also long overdue
We’ll see who really wins at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards Sept. 25 .