2016 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress in a TV Movie or Limited Series

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Will Win - Sterling K. Brown "The People Vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"

Could Win - Hugh Laurie "The Night Manager" or John Travolta "The People Vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"

Should Win - Sterling K. Brown "The People Vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"

Commentary - Will the Emmy voters pull another Bill Murray? Here's what I mean. Bill Murray won for a so-so role in Olive Kitteridge (the best miniseries of last year, an outstanding piece of work). I mean he was fine, but he had a small role tacked on the end, and wasn't nearly as impressive as his co-star Frances McDormand. He won because he was up against lesser-known entities like Finn Wittrock, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Richard Cabral, all much better performers. I am worried that a similar fate is awaiting John Travolta. Unlike Murray though, his performance in American Crime Story was not great at all, and despite his name recognition, was probably the weakest link in an otherwise stellar ensemble. Instead, I am hoping that voters loved the show so much, that they actually watched it, and recognize that it is Sterling K. Brown's performance Christopher Darden that was the much better performance and reward him the Emmy instead. There is a third option for Emmy voters, particularly if vote-splitting occurs. Six times Hugh Laurie was nominated for Best Actor in a Drama series for House, and six times he lost. These voters clearly like The Night Manager, he is way overdue for an Emmy award, and is fantastic in the series. Watch out for that dark horse.

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Will Win - Jean Smart "Fargo"

Could Win - Regina King "American Crime" or Kathy Bates "American Horror Story: Hotel"

Should Win - Jean Smart "Fargo"

Commentary - With no nominees from The People vs. O.J. Simpson, this race is intriguing. The last two winners, Kathy Bates and Regina King, are back in this race with more stellar work. But Fargo needs to win something, it is too well-liked by these voters, and Jean Smart is the best part of an incredible series. She is a three-time Emmy winner, gives a jaw-dropping performance, and I think she wins Emmy #4.