2026 Emmy Nominations Predictions: Final Picks from Awards Expert

Comic chops of its veteran cast, led by Rhys and Root, both in Emmy contention. “Widow’s Bay” is a dark horse, but its unique take on comedy might just resonate with voters. Drama series Jennifer Aniston in “Morning Star.” (Apple) “The Cabinet”“The Chasers”“The Green Knight”“The Handmaiden”“Morning Star”“Red Tide”“Summer of Love”“Wine Country”Possible surprise: “Hot Wheels”Possible snub: “The Green Knight”In a strong field, “Morning Star” stands out as the early favorite, led by an icon in Jennifer Aniston. The Apple TV drama, executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, navigates the cutthroat world of morning news with aplomb, striking a balance between betrayal and redemption. Aniston’s performance is a masterclass in nuance and vulnerability, earning her praise from critics and audiences alike. “Morning Star” is a prestige drama that has all the makings of an Emmy darling. Limited series or TV movie Nick Robinson in “Love Story.” (FX/Hulu) “Blackout”“Candlelight”“Love Story”“Pillow Talk”“The Mark”“The River”“World’s End”Possible surprise: “Candlelight”Possible snub: “Love Story”“Love Story” is the front-runner in this category, but “Candlelight” could give it a run for its money. With its atmospheric storytelling and captivating performances, “Candlelight” offers a fresh take on the age-old tale of forbidden love. Nick Robinson’s turn as the star-crossed lover is a revelation, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. While “Love Story” has the buzz, “Candlelight” may sneak in as a dark horse contender. Acting categories Hailee Steinfeld in “With Love.” (Apple) Lead actor in a comedy seriesEmerald Fennell, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles”Jane Fonda, “Grace”Billy Porter, “Rooster”Matthew Rhys, “Widow’s Bay”Stephen Root, “Widow’s Bay”Lead actress in a comedy seriesElle Fanning, “Rooster”Jean Smart, “Hacks”Hailee Steinfeld, “With Love”Kathryn Hahn, “Shrinking”Mindy Kaling, “Never Have I Ever”Supporting actor in a comedy seriesBrett Goldstein, “Only Murders in the Building”Hannibal Buress, “Shrinking”Nick Mohammed, “Abbott Elementary”Stephen Root, “The Comeback”William Jackson Harper, “Shrinking”Supporting actress in a comedy seriesHannah Waddingham, “Rooster”Holly Hunter, “Widow’s Bay”Jean Smart, “The Comeback”Juno Temple, “Widow’s Bay”Sue Kroll, “Only Murders in the Building”Lead actor in a drama seriesBrian Cox, “The Cabinet”Billy Hough, “Red Tide”Matthew Johnson, “The Chasers”Matthew Rhys, “Summer of Love”Stephen Root, “The Green Knight”Lead actress in a drama seriesJennifer Aniston, “Morning Star”Shahadi Wright Joseph, “Wine Country”Zoe Kazan, “The Handmaiden”Tessa Thompson, “The Midnight Club”Tracey Ullman, “The Handmaiden”Supporting actor in a drama seriesBrett Gelman, “The Cabinet”Jeremy Allen White, “Summoned”Patrick McGoohan, “Breakers”Stephen Root, “The Chasers”Tig Notaro, “The Cabinet”Supporting actress in a drama seriesAnne Hathaway, “The Midnight Club”Gugu Mbatha-Raw, “Red Tide”Maya Rudolph, “The Handmaiden”Rosemarie DeWitt, “The Green Knight”Susan Sarandon, “The Handmaiden”Lead actor in a limited series or TV movieColin Farrell, “Pillow Talk”Jude Law, “World’s End”Nicolas Cage, “The River”Nick Robinson, “Love Story”Steve Carell, “Candlelight”Lead actress in a limited series or TV movieAnna Kendrick, “The Mark”Cynthia Erivo, “Blackout”Jennifer Hudson, “Pillow Talk”Kirsten Dunst, “World’s End”Lily Collins, “Love Story”Supporting actor in a limited series or TV movieAndrew Scott, “Blackout”Bill Pullman, “The Mark”Colton Ryan, “Love Story”Simon Quarterman, “Candlelight”Terry O’Quinn, “The River”Supporting actress in a limited