“Louie” (FX)
Outstanding Comedy, Lead Actor in a Comedy, Casting, Writing and Directing
Louis CK’s genre-defying behemoth of a series (for which the comedian individually acts, writes and directs each episode) reached new heights with its latest season. It’s certainly the critics’ favorite going in, but critical darlings rarely win the comedy awards. Expect “Louie” to sweep in the directing/writing categories, but he could be a dark horse winner in a major category this year as well.
“Modern Family” (ABC)
Outstanding Comedy, Supporting Actor (2), Supporting Actress, Guest Actor, Art Direction, Casting, Editing, Sound Mixing and Directing
“Modern Family” enters this Emmy race like a teacher’s pet. The series has won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series for the past four years, and every year its ensemble cast fills up the majority of the Supporting Actor/Actress nomination pool. Nevertheless, I think “Modern Family” may finally be knocked off its throne thanks to some stiff competition from a certain Netflix original series. Look for “Modern Family” to take home some acting trophies but ultimately fall short of winning the big one.
“Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
Outstanding Comedy, Lead Actress, Supporting Actress, Guest Actress (3), Casting, Editing (3), Writing and Directing
In an interesting move, Netflix opted to submit “Orange is the New Black” as a comedy series rather than a drama. The move paid off — the show scored 12 nominations and has already won a pre-show Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress. If one comedy show is likely to stop the “Modern Family” reign of Emmy dominance, it could be Netflix’s female-prison powerhouse. With so many talented performances and excellent scripts, “Orange is the New Black” is my favorite to win big in this year’s comedy categories.
“Silicon Valley” (HBO)
Outstanding Comedy, Main Title Design, Art Direction, Writing and Directing
“Silicon Valley,” HBO’s hilarious breakout tech-comedy from the mind of Mike Judge (“Office Space,” “King of the Hill”), is the most surprising contender for the comedy crown. It was nominated after its first season, while veteran shows such as “Parks & Recreation” and “Girls” were dismissed. With no acting nominations on the table, it’s unlikely that “Silicon Valley” will walk away with any wins. If we’re lucky, the fantastic script for the season finale, “Tip-to-Tip Efficiency,” will take home an Emmy for writing the most scientifically researched dick joke ever written.
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
Outstanding Drama, Lead Actor, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Casting, Cinematography, Editing (3), Makeup (2), Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Writing and Directing
“Breaking Bad” seems like a clear-cut favorite to repeat its 2013 victory for Outstanding Drama Series. The final episodes of “Breaking Bad” are among the best episodes in TV history, and the Emmys will likely send the show off with a nice parting gift. The acting categories are less of a given, however, as “True Detective” and “House of Cards” present big-name movie stars providing some of the best performances of their careers. It’s a competitive year for a drama series, but “Breaking Bad” would make for a worthy winner.
“Game of Thrones” (HBO)
Outstanding Drama, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Guest Actress, Interactive Program, Art Direction, Casting, Cinematography (2), Costumes, Hairstyling, Makeup (2), Music Composition, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects, Stunt Coordination, Writing and Directing
Arguably TV’s most popular show at the moment, “Game of Thrones” provides the most mature, ruthless fantasy world ever crafted for television. However, the Emmys have rarely recognized it with a major win outside of technical awards, with the exception of Peter Dinklage’s Emmy win following season one. I imagine this year will be no different, with the show taking home bags of Emmys for its impressive technical effects and CGI-rendered battle landscapes but not much else. If only there was an award for Most Devastating Head Annihilation.
“True Detective” (HBO)
Outstanding Drama, Lead Actor (2), Art Direction, Casting, Cinematography, Editing, Main Title Design, Music Composition, Writing and Directing
In a gutsy move, “True Detective” chose to enter into the drama category for the Emmys rather than the miniseries category, which the show was in initially. It takes some confidence to pit yourself against “Breaking Bad” and “Game of Thrones” when you could take the much easier competition of “Treme” and “Fargo.” Yet, the HBO-series is already a favorite for the Lead Actor Emmy thanks to McConaughey’s go-for-broke performance. His star power, matched with the series’ philosophical dialogue and memorable camera work, makes it the stiffest competition in the drama categories.
“House of Cards” (Netflix)
Outstanding Drama, Lead Actor, Lead Actress, Guest Actor, Guest Actress, Art Direction, Casting, Cinematography, Editing, Music Composition, Sound Mixing, Writing and Directing
“House of Cards,” Netflix’s first step into original programming, made history last year by becoming the first online-only television program to be nominated for an Emmy. This year, the political drama returns with 12 nominations, spearheaded by Spacey’s and Wright’s sinister performances. It’s the perfect Emmy bait, but this year’s stiff competition has me thinking that its best shot is with Wright for Lead Actress.
“Mad Men” (AMC)
Outstanding Drama, Lead Actor, Supporting Actress, Guest Actor, Art Direction, Costumes, Hairstyling and Makeup
“Mad Men” was an award-winning institution in its early days, winning the Outstanding Drama Emmy for the first four seasons of the show. However, just like Don Draper, the lead character in the series’ 1960s advertising world, the show’s Emmy chances have been slowly circling the drain. The lack of writing or directing nominations is a shock for a show so driven by its visual aesthetic and quick dialogue. It’s looking like “Mad Men” will walk home empty-handed again this year, but fingers crossed for its chances next year after the series airs its final episodes.
“Fargo” (FX)
Outstanding Miniseries, Lead Actor (2), Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Casting, Cinematography (2), Editing (3), Makeup, Music Composition, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Writing and Directing (2)
Turning a well-known movie into a TV series almost never works, but somehow FX’s Coen Brothers send-up is as hilariously dark and suspenseful as the 1996 film of which it is based. Other miniseries such as “American Horror Story: Coven,” “Luther” and “Treme” could provide a close contest, but “Fargo” should have no problem winning due to its unrivaled cinematography and demented performance from Billy Bob Thornton.