2017 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

2017 Nomination Predictions
Millie Bobby Brown "Stranger Things"
Margo Martindale "The Americans"
Chrissy Metz "This is Us"
Thandie Newton "Westworld"
Winona Ryder "Stranger Things"
Maura Tierney "The Affair"

Other Contenders - Ann Dowd "The Handmaid's Tale", Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black", Constance Zimmer "UnReal", Vera Farmiga "Bates Motel", Vanessa Kirby "The Crown", Aisha Hinds "Underground", Rhea Seehorn "Better Call Saul", Patricia Clarkson "House of Cards", Samira Wiley "The Handmaid's Tale", Cush Jumbo "The Good Fight", Rose Leslie "The Good Fight", Maggie Siff "Billions", Holly Taylor "The Americans"

Commentary - This category has too many folks missing. Four of last year's contenders are not returning, and I don't honestly think Constance Zimmer can repeat with UnReal falling considerably in buzz and positive reviews in Season 2. That means that Maura Tierney might be the only returning nominee and she is not a guarantee. I have kept her in because she is a well-liked veteran and a familiar face on this ballot, which Emmy voters like. I also think that previous winner Margo Martindale will hop up into this category for The Americans after winning two years in a row on the Guest side. I love Margo Martindale, but she really doesn't belong here, but then again she didn't deserve either Emmy for this role and voters keep rewarding her, so I won't bet against her. Thandie Newton has been racking up precursors for Westworld, as has Chrissy Metz, and the two gals from Stranger Things. It looks like it is going to be a banner year for new shows, and these four are the most likely to make the cut. But with so many open slots, there is plenty of room for a wild card. Ann Dowd could make it two for two this year with her guest role on The Leftovers, and her bigger role for The Handmaid's Tale (and watch out for her co-star Samira Wiley as well). Uzo could return, but Orange is the New Black has just fallen off the Emmy cliff, Vanessa Kirby could ride a Crown wave, Aisha Hinds is fantastic in Underground, and Vera Farmiga could return to the Emmy race, this time in supporting. I also think that Rhea Seehorn should be kept in mind, as should the duo from The Good Fight. The actors used to love The Good Wife, and could feel the same way about its spin-off.