First 2020 Emmy Nominations - Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

First 2020 Predictions

Jonathan Banks "Better Call Saul"

Billy Crudup "The Morning Show"

Kieran Culkin "Succession"

Giancarlo Esposito "Better Call Saul" 

Josh O'Connor "The Crown"

Bradley Whitford "The Handmaid's Tale"

Other Contenders - David Harbour "Stranger Things", Matthew MacFayden "Succession", Tom Pelphrey "Ozark", Mandy Patinkin "Homeland", Alan Alda "Ray Donovan", Alexander Skarsgard "Big Little Lies", Justin Hartley "This is Us", Chris Sullivan "This is Us", Joseph Fiennes "The Handmaid's Tale", Mark Duplass "The Morning Show", Asante Blackk "This is Us", Ron Cephas Jones "Truth Be Told", Aaron Paul "Truth Be Told", Delroy Lindo "The Good Fight", Chris Cooper "Homecoming", Costa Ronin "Homeland", Tony Dalton "Better Call Saul" 

Commentary - With three slots open, at least, we know this category is going to shift considerably this year. I still predict that Jonathan Banks will get in, and maybe he finally gets some recognition. I would also not bet against Giancarlo Esposito who was able to get in last year, and is always good in that role. Bradley Whitford won for this role in guest, and now is being bumped up to supporting. This has often worked well for The Handmaid's Tale actors in the past. It is odd that no one from Succession got in last year, but the show is on the rise, and now there is room. Of the bunch, I think it is Kieran Culkin who has the best shot. Billy Crudup has been a hard-working veteran actor for awhile now, and he is on a bit of an awards streak with The Morning Show. I think he gets a nod. Finally, I am saving a spot for standout Josh O'Connor. Season 2 did better than expected with the actors, and I there was a lot of positive buzz about his performance. I think he surprises. So whose on the outside? There is Succession co-star Matthew MacFayden, Daytime Emmy winner Tom Pelphrey in a great role on Ozark, and previous nominees and winners like David Harbour, Alexander Skarsgard, Alan Alda, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sullivan, Asante Blackk, Joseph Fiennes, Mark Duplass, Chris Cooper, Ron Cephas Jones, and Aaron Paul. Also look out for Justin Hartley, Tony Dalton, Costa Ronin, and Delroy Lindo.