2021 Emmy Predictions: Best Directing and Writing in a Comedy and Drama Series

Best Directing in a Drama Series

Will Win - Benjamin Caron "The Crown - Fairytale"

Could Win - Steven Canals "Pose - Series Finale" or Jon Favreau "The Mandalorian - Chapter 9: The Marshal" 

Should Win - Benjamin Caron "The Crown - Fairytale"

Commentary - The writing and directing awards often go their own way, and sometimes completely against the series front runner. So, while I am predicting Fairytale to win for The Crown, I am weary of competitors, even if I am still predicting it to win Drama Series. Pose, which has a lot of buzz for its final season, is poised to win a big award on Emmy night. I don't think it can win Drama Series, but like Friday Night Lights and The Americans before it, I think they will give it one or two big awards as a final sendoff. This would be the perfect category to do just that. Also, you cannot discount The Mandalorian and Jon Favreau. It is a huge technical achievement, and Favreau is a popular director.

Best Writing in a Drama Series

Will Win - Peter Morgan "The Crown - War" 

Could Win - Ryan Murphy, et. al "Pose - Series Finale" or Yahlin Chang "The Handmaid's Tale - Home"

Should Win - Peter Morgan "The Crown - War" or Ryan Murphy, et. al "Pose - Series Finale" 

Commentary - Again, The Crown is the frontrunner, but I could see some upsets. The Mandalorian surprisingly got two nods, but I don't know if it can actually win a writing award. Pose, again, is a threat, and never discount The Handmaid's Tale, which rebounded this season.

Best Directing in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Susanna Fogel "The Flight Attendant - In Case of Emergency" 

Could Win - Lucia Aniello "Hacks - There is No Line (Pilot)" or Zach Braff "Ted Lasso - Biscuits" 

Should Win - Zach Braff "Ted Lasso - Biscuits" 

Commentary - This one is interesting. Ted Lasso has three nominees, which hurts its chances. Biscuits, with Zach Braff in tow, seems like the favorite. But vote splitting is real, and it could benefit other contenders. Hacks seems like the natural successor, giving its status as the clear number two in the top category. But I suspect that directors, who awarded Fogel with their DGA award, will continue to appreciate the stylish Flight Attendant episodes, which are more directorial than its competitors. 

Best Writing in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Jason Sudekis, et. al "Ted Lasso - Pilot"

Could Win - Lucia Aniello, et. al "Hacks "There is No Line (Pilot)"

Should Win - Meredith Scardino "Girls5Eva - Pilot" or Jason Sudeikis, et. al "Ted Lasso - Make Rebecca Great Again"

Commentary - I feel like this is a battle of the Pilots. Ted Lasso has internal competition, so Hacks is a strong contender. But I think, if this show is as popular as we think, it can overcome that competition. Personally, I would love the see Girls5Eva win (the only chance it has) or the other Ted Lasso episode, Make Rebecca Great Again, which is the better of the two episodes nominated.