The Emmy Awards are coming! But don’t be surprised if you don’t recognize the names.
The nominations were released in July and, six months later, they’re finally giving them out.
The strikes, of course, delayed the ceremony, but it is odd to salute shows that were on so long ago you may not remember who stood out.
For starters, there are several series that are saying goodbye – “Succession,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Ted Lasso,” “Better Call Saul” and “Barry.” That means they could get a parting gift if the Academy is so inclined (and, yes, it has been).
Some newcomers (like “The Bear") have already aired a second season. Ones you’re currently talking about (like the fifth iteration of “Fargo”) won’t be in contention until next year.
That means the 2023 Emmy Awards could go to just about anyone. Among the most likely? Our picks.
BEST DRAMA SERIES: This is a slam-dunk for “Succession.” The HBO drama rules in a number of categories and had a great exit. “Better Call Saul” is in the same boat, but it would have had a stronger shot last year. If it’s going to get anything, it’s Best Actor for Bob Odenkirk.
BEST ACTOR/DRAMA SERIES: Three actors from “Succession” are in contention. Kieran Culkin had the best scenes (unless you consider Brian Cox’s death more potent) and seems likely to win. If there’s a spoiler, it’s Pedro Pascal for “The Last of Us.”
BEST ACTRESS/DRAMA SERIES: Sarah Snook, “Succession.” Last chance for this glory. Spoiler: Melanie Lynskey, a perennial bridesmaid, for “Yellowjackets.”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR/DRAMA: It’s “The White Lotus” versus “Succession.” The battle comes down to Matthew Macfadyen and Alexander Skarsgard, both from “Succession.” Go with Macfadyen.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS/DRAMA: Five from “The White Lotus” (doesn’t anyone watch other shows?), one each from “The Crown,” “Better Call Saul” and “Succession.” If Jennifer Coolidge doesn’t win (come on, she’s a meme), then Rhea Seehorn (“Saul”) could slip in.
BEST COMEDY SERIES: This category has so many dark dramas it’s amazing they can get away with calling it “comedy.” The leader for more than a year: “The Bear.” “Jury Duty” has a slight chance but its improvisational nature suggests it should have been in a different category. “Abbott Elementary” could sneak in but it looks like “The Bear” roars.
BEST ACTOR/COMEDY SERIES: Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear.” No spoilers.
BEST ACTRESS/COMEDY SERIES: Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”) is due, but Rachel Brosnahan and Christina Applegate are saying goodbye to their series. Natasha Lyonne (“Poker Face”) is the bright newcomer; Jenna Ortega has left “Wednesday.” That means: Brunson wins.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR/COMEDY: Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso”) is a tough hurdle but either Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”) or James Marsden (“Jury Duty”) could jump ahead. Henry Winkler (“Barry”) is here, too, for the last time. Still, we’re going with Moss-Bachrach with Marsden on the side.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS/COMEDY: We’re still in the Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”) camp. The “Ted Lasso” women didn’t have as much to do and Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”) has been submitting her name in the Best Actress category. We’re going with our gut: Ralph. But Edebiri might have gained traction from a Golden Globe win.
BEST LIMITED SERIES: “Beef,” yet any of the five is strong enough to win.
BEST ACTRESS/LIMITED SERIES/MOVIE: Ali Wong, “Beef.” Jessica Chastain (“George & Tammy”) has the star power to win but the series wasn’t all that.
BEST ACTOR/LIMITED SERIES/MOVIE: Evan Peters, “Dahmer—Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”). In the rear view: Daniel Radcliffe, “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.” Squeaker: Steven Yuen, "Beef."
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR/LIMITED/MOVIE: Paul Walter Hauser, “Black Bird.”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS/LIMITED/MOVIE: Niecy Nash-Betts, “Dahmer.”
BEST TALK SERIES: “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” deserves to win but “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” could be a way to salute Noah.
BEST SCRIPTED VARIETY: “Saturday Night Live”
BEST VARIETY SPECIAL: “Carol Burnett, 90 Years of Laughter"
The Emmy Awards ceremony airs at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 on Fox.
