The Heavyweight Drama Title Fight
This year's top drama prize is a battle between an established champion and a buzzy new contender. HBO's medical drama "The Pitt" is the reigning champ, coming in with a massive 25 nominations, the most of any show. It’s looking to repeat its previous
wins, with star Noah Wyle once again nominated for lead actor. But the show everyone is talking about is Apple TV's "Pluribus." Created by Vince Gilligan of "Breaking Bad" fame, this critically acclaimed sci-fi series starring Rhea Seehorn has serious momentum. While "The Pitt" has the nomination count, "Pluribus" has the critical heat and could pull off a major upset, finally breaking Gilligan's losing streak after "Better Call Saul" was famously shut out for its entire run.
A Farewell Tour for Two Comedy Giants
The Outstanding Comedy Series category is defined by goodbyes. Both "Hacks" and "The Bear" are ending their runs, creating a sentimental showdown. "Hacks" went out with a historic bang, scoring 24 nominations for its final season, a record for a comedy. Star Jean Smart is on track to win her fifth consecutive Emmy for the role, which would tie her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus for the most acting wins in Emmy history. But there's a spoiler in the mix: "Widow's Bay." This new horror-comedy has surged in popularity at the perfect time, earning 19 nominations and threatening to crash the farewell party. It has novelty and buzz on its side, which can be decisive with voters.
The Limited Series Everyone Is Talking About
When it comes to the limited series race, two shows have dominated the conversation: "Beef" and "DTF St. Louis." The second season of Netflix's "Beef" features a new cast, with Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan earning lead acting nominations for their intense performances. But HBO's "DTF St. Louis," a mystery set in the world of a hookup app, is coming in with huge momentum after winning several key Creative Arts Emmys, including for writing, directing, and supporting actors David Harbour and Linda Cardellini. With those wins already secured, many experts consider its victory for Outstanding Limited Series a near certainty.
Will Harrison Ford Finally Get His Trophy?
One of the night's most compelling human stories is Harrison Ford's quest for his first-ever competitive award. Nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy for his role in "Shrinking," Ford is a sentimental favorite. After decades as a Hollywood icon, an Emmy win would be a major career milestone. He was a favorite to win last year but was upset in a surprise victory. This year, he faces stiff competition again, including from Stephen Root, who is nominated for the buzzy new comedy "Widow's Bay." If Ford's name is called, expect one of the biggest standing ovations of the night.
Meet the Night's Potential Spoilers
Every awards show needs a few surprises to keep things interesting. In the comedy actor race, Matthew Rhys from "Widow's Bay" is a serious threat. He's already an Emmy winner for drama and is beloved by the Television Academy; his performance is seen as the anchor of the show's unique tone. In the drama actress category, keep an eye on Rhea Seehorn for "Pluribus." After being repeatedly nominated for "Better Call Saul" without a win, a victory for her career-defining performance in "Pluribus" would be a hugely popular, redemptive moment. Another potential surprise is Chase Infiniti, a 26-year-old newcomer who scored a lead actress nomination for "The Testaments," Hulu's sequel to "The Handmaid's Tale."
