The 76th Emmy Awards 2024 are soon approaching on September 15, and there is more excitement brewing now that the nominees have been announced. Again, it is going to be a pot of talent and innovative shows. Big contenders such as Shōgun and The Bear promise heavy action in this year's competition while putting the best of television in several genres into the spotlight.
This article reveals the topmost nominees for the 76th Emmy Awards 2024 who, in our opinion, will win and why. Among these nominees, each has something valuable to be treasured: great performances or new storytelling.
Please note that the opinions expressed are of the author and reflect personal insights into the 76th Emmy Awards 2024.
76th Emmy Awards 2024 nominees for all categories and winner predictions
So, let's look at the nominees running for top spots at the 76th Emmy Awards 2024.
Outstanding Drama Series
- The Crown (Netflix)
- Fallout (Prime Video)
- The Gilded Age (HBO)
- The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
- Shōgun (FX)
- Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
- 3 Body Problem (Netflix)
Our pick: Shōgun. This take on James Clavell's novel sticks to history, yet, tells a great story. It mixes period detail and realized characters that transport you into 17th-century Japan. Shōgun is amongst the best dramas this year.
Outstanding Comedy Series
- Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- The Bear (FX)
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
- Hacks (HBO)
- Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
- Reservation Dogs (FX)
- What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
Our pick: The Bear. The show gives a real feel of what life in the kitchen is like with humor, profound thoughts, and a twist on comedy. Jeremy Allen White's relatable performance as a chef going through mental and physical issues takes the series to another level from a typical sitcom.
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
- Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
- Fargo (FX)
- Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)
- Ripley (Netflix)
- True Detective: Night Country (HBO)
Our pick: Fargo. After being pegged as losing its noir vibe, the latest season brings back the offbeat storytelling that die-hard fans relish. This reminds everyone why Fargo stands as one of the fan-favorite anthologies, mainly because it's deep in character development and surprising twists.
Outstanding Television Movie
- Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie (Peacock)
- Quiz Lady (Hulu)
- Red, White & Royal Blue (Prime Video)
- Scoop (Netflix)
- Unfrosted (Netflix)
Our pick: Red, White & Royal Blue. The movie takes a fun romance and couples it with a very genuine look at relationships concerning the LGBTQ+, which puts it in a league of its own among other similar movies. The chemistry between the main characters connects with book fans and new viewers in general. This puts it in a strong position to win over audiences.
Outstanding Reality Competition Program
- The Amazing Race (CBS)
- RuPaul's Drag Race (MTV)
- Top Chef (Bravo)
- The Traitors (Peacock)
- The Voice (NBC)
Our pick: RuPaul's Drag Race. The show continues to break new ground each season as the diversity and self-expression culture help throw in creative and emotional challenges for contestants. It's one of the biggest contenders, given it influences culture and has high ratings across the board.
Outstanding Talk Series
- The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC)
- Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC)
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
Our pick: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. What distinguishes Colbert is that he is a master of handling political and social issues, not forgetting his sense of humor to give his show an edge. He shifts from in-depth interviews to brilliant monologues, making it quite interesting at night.
Outstanding Scripted Variety Series
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
- Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Our pick: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Oliver's research and his sharp observation of current events can be described as one in a class of its own. He is capable of making complex material seem accessible yet funny so he can keep his fans informed while at the same time entertaining them.
Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
- The Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show Starring Usher (CBS)
- The 66th Grammy Awards (CBS)
- The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady (Netflix)
- The Oscars (ABC)
- The 76th Annual Tony Awards (CBS)
Our pick: The Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show Starring Usher. Usher put on a fantastic performance that did justice to his singing and entertainment skills. The setup of the stage and setlist made it one of the best live shows of the year.
Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-recorded)
- Billy Joel: The 100th Live at Madison Square Garden (CBS)
- Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer (Netflix)
- Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic (CBS)
- Nikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die (HBO)
- Trevor Noah: Where Was I (Netflix)
Our pick: Trevor Noah: Where Was I? No one has this kind of view of global issues that is as refreshingly original as Noah. Neither do most people have the personal experiences that Noah's stand-up comedy relies on so effectively. Watching him do his storytelling while exhibiting a sense of timing is fun.
Outstanding Game Show
- Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
- Jeopardy! (ABC/syndicated)
- Password (NBC)
- The Price is Right at Night (CBS)
- Wheel of Fortune (ABC/syndicated)
Our pick: Jeopardy!. It has been a staple on the American airwaves for many years and remains one of the most intelligent and engaging programs on television today. Its format sets the standard for game shows.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
- Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show
- Carrie Coon, The Gilded Age
- Maya Erskine, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
- Anna Sawai, Shōgun
- Imelda Staunton, The Crown
- Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show
Our pick: Imelda Staunton, The Crown. Staunton's performance as Queen Elizabeth II contrasts being the queen, mom, and leader. With a mix of seriousness and a softer approach to being human, her performance stands out in the lineup of big names.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
- Idris Elba, Hijack
- Donald Glover, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
- Walton Goggins, Fallout
- Gary Oldman, Slow Horses
- Hiroyuki Sanada, Shōgun
- Dominic West, The Crown
Our pick: Hiroyuki Sanada, Shōgun. Sanada plays the samurai torn between his sense of duty and personal goals. However, so much depth without saying much is just a testament to how gifted he is as an actor.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
- Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
- Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
- Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building
- Maya Rudolph, Loot
- Jean Smart, Hacks
- Kristen Wiig, Palm Royale
Our pick: Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary. Brunson so flat-out nails the role of Janine Teagues in Abbott Elementary. She mixes humor, warmth, and a little vulnerability, making her performance relatable.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
- Matt Berry, What We Do in the Shadows
- Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building
- Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
- Jeremy Allen White, The Bear
- D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Reservation Dogs
Our pick: Jeremy Allen White, The Bear. The intense and raw performance White produced in this category of dealing with personal issues and pressures at work stands out. It is as apt to bring a smile to the face as it is to wring away tears, so it's easy to see why this chef stands out.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
- Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night Country
- Brie Larson, Lessons in Chemistry
- Juno Temple, Fargo
- Sofía Vergara, Griselda
- Naomi Watts, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans
Our pick: Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night Country. Foster crushes it with a performance that's raw and full of emotion. She's back on TV in a big way, taking on a role that tests her character's toughness and weaknesses.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
- Matt Bomer, Fellow Travelers
- Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer
- Jon Hamm, Fargo
- Tom Hollander, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans
- Andrew Scott, Ripley
Our pick: Jon Hamm, Fargo. It's great that Hamm merges dark humor with the intense vibe that the Fargo series is known for. His take on a character walking that tightrope of right and wrong is interesting yet scary.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- Christine Baranski, The Gilded Age
- Nicole Beharie, The Morning Show
- Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown
- Greta Lee, The Morning Show
- Lesley Manville, The Crown
- Karen Pittman, The Morning Show
- Holland Taylor, The Morning Show
Our pick: Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown. Debicki truly aces the role of Princess Diana in her later years. It's as if she brings out the sophistication and depth of this popular royal. Her performance is so touching yet powerful.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- Tadanobu Asano, Shōgun
- Billy Crudup, The Morning Show
- Mark Duplass, The Morning Show
- Jon Hamm, The Morning Show
- Takehiro Hira, Shōgun
- Jack Lowden, Slow Horses
- Jonathan Pryce, The Crown
Our pick: Tadanobu Asano, Shōgun. Asano gets the character of Lord Toranaga down to the letter - intense and controlled at once, so each scene he's involved in, is engaging. He shows the clash between tradition and modernity.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- Carol Burnett, Palm Royale
- Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear
- Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
- Janelle James, Abbott Elementary
- Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary
- Meryl Streep, Only Murders in the Building
Our pick: Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary. Ralph is magnificent as the no-nonsense Barbara Howard. She brings a mix of laughs and serious wisdom to the show. She keeps it grounded and gives it that blend of humor and heart.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- Lionel Boyce, The Bear
- Paul W. Downs, Hacks
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear
- Paul Rudd, Only Murders in the Building
- Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary
- Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live
Our pick: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear. Moss-Bachrach's portrayal of Richie is deepening the impact of the show. He is always at odds with himself and those around him, and his acting feels raw yet surprisingly heartfelt.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
- Dakota Fanning, Ripley
- Lily Gladstone, Under the Bridge
- Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer
- Aja Naomi King, Lessons in Chemistry
- Diane Lane, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans
- Nava Mau, Baby Reindeer
- Kali Reis, True Detective: Night Country
Our pick: Lily Gladstone, Under the Bridge. Gladstone gives an emotionally riveting performance in Under the Bridge. This complex character's struggles with loss and justice make her a forerunner in this category.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
- Jonathan Bailey, Fellow Travelers
- Robert Downey Jr., The Sympathizer
- Tom Goodman-Hill, Baby Reindeer
- John Hawkes, True Detective: Night Country
- Lamorne Morris, Fargo
- Lewis Pullman, Lessons in Chemistry
- Treat Williams, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans
Our pick: Robert Downey Jr., The Sympathizer. With The Sympathizer, Downey is showing off the full spectrum: multiple personas, and the talent to slip into them with ease. That alone would make this performance one of the best of the year.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
- Michaela Coel, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
- Claire Foy, The Crown
- Marcia Gay Harden, The Morning Show
- Sarah Paulson, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
- Parker Posey, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Our pick: Claire Foy, The Crown. Foy's brief, powerful return to The Crown reminded audiences of the mastery she brought to Queen Elizabeth. Her poise and depth of emotion make her stand out in this category for me for many.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
- Néstor Carbonell, Shōgun
- Paul Dano, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
- Tracy Letts, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty
- Jonathan Pryce, Slow Horses
- John Turturro, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Our pick: John Turturro, Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Versatility on-screen was displayed by Turturro during Mr. & Mrs. Smith, with gravitas and humor. He brings a special ability to combine the qualities of intensity and wit.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
- Olivia Colman, The Bear
- Jamie Lee Curtis, The Bear
- Kaitlin Olson, Hacks
- Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Only Murders in the Building
- Maya Rudolph, Saturday Night Live
- Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live
Our pick: Jamie Lee Curtis, The Bear. Curtis' guest starring in The Bear adds to the story. Sharp-witted and with great comedic timing, she stood out in her performance.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
- Jon Bernthal, The Bear
- Matthew Broderick, Only Murders in the Building
- Ryan Gosling, Saturday Night Live
- Christopher Lloyd, Hacks
- Bob Odenkirk, The Bear
- Will Poulter, The Bear
Our pick: Bob Odenkirk, The Bear. It is a short appearance in The Bear by Odenkirk, but memorable. It's composed, comedic-emotional, and hits a chord with the audience. Even though his screen time is minimal, the performance lingers.
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
- The Crown, Peter Morgan & Meriel Sheibani-Clare (episode: "Ritz")
- Fallout, Geneva Robertson-Dworet & Graham Wagner (episode: "The End")
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Francesca Sloane & Donald Glover (episode: "First Date")
- Shōgun, Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks (episode: "Anjin")
- Shōgun, Rachel Kondo & Caitlin Puente (episode: "Crimson Sky")
- Slow Horses, Will Smith (episode: "Negotiating with Tigers")
Our pick: The Crown, Peter Morgan & Meriel Sheibani-Clare (episode: "Ritz"). In a way, this episode captures a key moment in the annals of royal history and melds personal with political drama.
The writing of the dialogue and development of the characters prove that Morgan gets what makes these iconic figures relatable, making this memorable.
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
- Abbott Elementary, Quinta Brunson (episode: "Career Day")
- The Bear, Christopher Storer & Joanna Calo (episode: "Fishes")
- Girls5eva, Meredith Scardino & Sam Means (episode: "Orlando")
- Hacks, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky (episode: "Bulletproof")
- The Other Two, Chris Kelly & Sarah Schneider (episode: "Brooke Hosts a Night of Undeniable Good")
- What We Do in the Shadows, Jake Bender & Zach Dunn (episode: "Pride Parade")
Our pick: The Bear, Christopher Storer & Joanna Calo (episode: "Fishes"). It has received quite a bit of love from this episode, due to the heavy and gripping vibe it presents, along with some very sharp dialogues.
"Fishes" gets into family dynamics and anxiety, balancing comedy and drama impressively.
Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
- Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd (series)
- Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker (episode: "Joan is Awful")
- Fargo, Noah Hawley (episode: "The Tragedy of the Commons")
- Fellow Travelers, Ron Nyswaner (episode: "You're Wonderful")
- Ripley, Steven Zaillian (series)
- True Detective: Night Country, Issa López (episode: "Part 6")
Our pick: Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker (episode: "Joan is Awful"). Indeed, in "Joan is Awful," Brooker's clever writing rings true today, treading into creepy aspects of digital culture in a humorous but, somehow unnerving way.
Its individualistic take and bold storytelling made it one of the most discussed episodes of Black Mirror.
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The 76th Emmy Awards 2024 will be broadcast live on ABC and available to stream the following day on Hulu.
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