Could history be made this Emmy season? Possibly and if so, it might just be in the Lead Actress in a Drama Series category. That is if M.J. Rodriguez earns a nomination. A recognition that would make her the first trans actor in a leading or supporting category in Emmy history. But while there is room in the six nominee field the “Pose” star does face some stiff competition to make the cut.
At this point, it goes without saying that Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman of “The Crown” will earn nominations. In fact, Corrin is the presumed frontrunner at the moment. Of course, once voters see Uzo Aduba’s impressive work in the return of HBO’s “In Treatment” that may change. Two other long-time Emmy favorites, “Ratched’s” Sarah Paulson and “The Handmaid’s Tale’s” Elisabeth Moss, are presumed nominees. Beyond that? Rodriguez’s toughest competition appears to be “Bridgerton’s” Phoebe Dynevor, “Lovecraft Country’s” Jurnee Smollet, and “This Is Us'” Mandy Moore. Place your bets now. [Posted May 4]
Likely
Emma Corrin, “The Crown”
Olivia Colman, “The Crown”
Uzo Aduba, “In Treatment”
Sarah Paulson, “Ratched”
Elisabeth Moss, “The Handmaid’s Tale”
MJ Rodriguez, “Pose”
Possible
Mandy Moore, “This Is Us”
Jurnee Smollett, “Lovecraft Country”
Phoebe Dynevor, “Bridgerton”
Melissa George, “The Mosquito Coast”
Brandee Evans, “P-Valley”
Aya Cash, “The Boys”
Editor-at-Large Gregory Ellwood is one of the entertainment industry's most respected journalists and critics. Based in Los Angeles, he's the only current awards expert who previously worked on Oscar campaigns at a major movie studio. Over the years, he has written for the LA Times, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Vox, among others. He also co-founded the entertainment news site HitFix, which spawned a legion of influential Emmy and WGA Award-winning alumni.
