2023 Emmy Predictions: Best Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, and Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win - Kieran Culkin "Succession"

Could Win - Pedro Pascal "The Last of Us" or Bob Odenkirk "Better Call Saul"

Should Win - Bob Odenkirk "Better Call Saul"

Commentary - Culkin was truly the standout this season of Succession, and has the momentum and precursors going into tomorrow night. Pedro Pascal though is right on his heels, and could benefit from the three-way split of Succession actors. Finally, I really want Bob Odenkirk to win an Emmy for Better Call Saul, and I keep holding out hope that they will Jon Hamm/Mad Men style him for the final season.

Best Actress in a Drama Series

Will Win - Sarah Snook "Succession"

Could Win - Melanie Lynskey "Yellowjackets", Bella Ramsey "The Last of Us"

Should Win - Snook or Sharon Horgan "Bad Sisters"

Commentary - Snook looks like she is out front in an odd year for this category. So many of the nominees do not have a corresponding Best Drama Series nod. That is why I think her two biggest competitors are Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us is a real spoiler across the board), and Melanie Lynskey. I fear Yellowjackets drop in quality will hurt her, but she is a two-time nominee this year. All of this is to say that the uncertainty of her biggest competitor only helps Snook's cause to win an Emmy.

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win - Matthew Macfadyen "Succession"

Could Win - Alexander Skarsgard "Succession", or Alan Ruck "Succession"

Should Win - Matthew Macfadyen "Succession"

Commentary - Macfadyen overcame a ton of internal competition last year to win this category, and I think he has even less than last year this time around. The White Lotus guys are there, but do any of them have the Murray Bartlett kind of standout performance? I don't think so, which benefits Macfadyen again as he tries to repeat. 

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Will Win - Jennifer Coolidge "The White Lotus"

Could Win - J. Smith-Cameron "Succession", Elizabeth Debicki "The Crown" or Rhea Seehorn "Better Call Saul" 

Should Win - Rhea Seehorn "Better Call Saul" or J. Smith-Cameron "Succession"

Commentary - Jennifer Coolidge's internal competition this year may be four other women, but I don't think fans of the show are putting their votes anywhere else. Despite that, I think she has more competition this time around from the likes of Rhea Seehorn (took so long to get nominated, a lot of love), Elizabeth Debicki (voters love The Crown, and she is a standout), and J. Smith-Cameron (only Succession nod, no internal competition). So it is not a slam dunk, but I am sticking with Coolidge to win again for The White Lotus. Plus, if she does, we know were in for another great speech.