With the Primetime Emmy Awards less than a couple weeks away (and the Creative Arts Emmys this weekend), it’s not only time to give my final predictions but also to critique the entire Emmys year as a whole. As with every year when I do my full Emmys catchup, it is just checking off the narrative series and film contenders, given keeping up with variety television and also having to rank it amongst narrative storytelling seems like an impossible task (though there are those that take up that challenge)! While it is extra rude this year that the Limited Series Supporting contenders are getting the boot to the Creative Arts Awards (why would they even belong there? A question I’ve had for Television Movie and Guest Actors as well), I refuse to leave them off this ranking. In fact, abolish the Television Movie category altogether given the contenders we’re saddled with every year. What even is a television movie anymore in the modern streaming era?

I usually do my predictions article separate, but for the sake of time and energy, I will just include which categories I believe each show will or won’t win under each title listed with a few extra predictions at the bottom of the ranking. And also for the sake of good suspense, this order will be ranked worst to best. So what abysmal television ranked dead last?

Ranked below are the nominees honored in the categories of:
Drama Series, Comedy Series, Limited Series, TV Movie, Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Guest Actor in a Drama Series, Guest Actress in a Drama Series, Writing for a Drama Series, Directing For a Drama Series, Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, Writing for a Comedy Series, Directing For a Comedy Series, Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie, Lead Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie, Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie, Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie, Writing for a Limited Series or TV Movie, and Directing for a Limited Series or TV Movie.

42. MONSTER: THE ED GEIN STORY (Netflix)

An atrocious and offensively-inaccurate depiction of not just Ed Gein, but many male killers that came after. Attempts to subvert narrative expectations by pointing a finger at Hollywood’s obsession with true crime while also being the worst version of it in the process. Laurie Metcalf innocent, but Charlie Hunnam is unbelievable (in that you never believe he’s giving a good performance) while the series’ on-the-nose music supervision is also truly abysmal.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

41. THE MS. PAT SHOW [Season 5] (BET+)

It’s understandable that the director’s branch continuously make space for a multi-cam sitcom, I just wish it were for a good sitcom. Even a passable sitcom. Watching just the one nominated episode from this series, I was left confused and searching for quality anywhere. Perhaps it is my sore lack of experience with BET programming, but this was an obnoxious sit with performances that felt specifically un-directed despite the fourth-wall breaking approach.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

40. JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR (Prime Video)

More in line with familiar Jack Ryan packaging than its initial Middle-East-set first season (I’ve only seen that season, forgive me), the tighter more traditional approach is still chock-full of been-there-done-that tropes and dull characters. As generic as it gets. 

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

39. EUPHORIA [Season 3] (HBO)

Defending the first two seasons for their heightened drama and enjoyably meme-worthy moments just got a lot harder as the final season questions whether or not this show ever had a clear idea. Equal parts confused tonal-and-genre mashup, the conclusion completely fumbles its main ensemble, leaning hard into its pastiche neo-Western style while completely forgetting the soul of its characters.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

38. PARADISE [Season 2] (Hulu)

While an improvement on the first season, thanks to the small but pivotal inclusion of Shailene Woodley, a lot of the stupidity still carries over. It’s once again too difficult to take a dramatic end of the world human story seriously when it’s stuck in wacky, make-shit-up-as-we-go-along storytelling.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

37. HEADS OF STATE (Prime Video)

A totally serviceable bang-bang-shoot-em-up with two likable stars that is an upper-tier entry in the streaming action comedy genre, though a genre that may be the worst and laziest of the modern era. Action is bright and shiny, though barely a single joke elicits a laugh. 

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

36. ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING [Season 5] (Hulu)

Hate to say after four seasons of cozily-seasonal and comfortably fun mysteries, this fifth season was a major disappointment, never managing to get its story off the ground and overloading its cast with too many famous faces that add little to the story. 

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

35. BLACK RABBIT (Netflix)

Needlessly dragged out and overstuffed, Jason Bateman’s newest Netflix pot-boiler has a handful of attention-grabbing sequences and Bateman himself is on fire, but struggles to totally come together. 

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

34. THE TESTAMENTS [Season 1] (Hulu)

A mostly-solid reboot/continuation to a series that stretched way past its narrative prime. It feels a bit wheel-spinning, but new lead characters offer a bit of freshness. Chase Infiniti is a promising anchor amongst an impressive young female cast. 

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

33. NOBODY WANTS THIS [Season 2] (Netflix)

An okay follow-up season to an okay series that, dare I say, should have just been a movie. Perfectly fine fluff, but how can this thin a story stretch on for this long?

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

32. LOVE STORY: JOHN F. KENNEDY JR. AND CAROLYN BESSETTE (FX)

Stuffy, overlong, but impressive in its recreations of true persons and its nostalgic 90’s setting. A few notably well-written and performed episodes clash with typical Ryan Murphy pop culture glaze.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

31. PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION (Netflix)

A serviceable streaming rom-com that coasts by mostly on the likability of Emily Bader and the insane cuteness of Tom Blythe. You’ll forget it as soon as you’re done watching it, but it passes the time well.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

30. ALL HER FAULT (Peacock)

Perfectly soapy television, though saddled with too many characters whose baggage adds little to the core story. There’s barely a single moment that isn’t characters in panic mode, which would be more fun in a 4-episode series as opposed to 8.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

29. BAIT (Prime Video)

A compact little miniseries that starts stronger than it finishes. Riz Ahmed is unsurprisingly a great anchor to this unique concept, though the show leaves less an impression and more just brief amusement.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

28. BEEF [Season 2] (Netflix)

An excellent A-list ensemble keeps everything engaging even if the plot begins to go wildly off the rails by the end. Highly watchable but lacks the tighter focus of the original limited series. Cailee Spaeny cruelly snubbed at the Emmys despite being the series MVP. 

PREDICTED WINS: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie (Oscar Isaac), Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series (Jake Schreier)

27. YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS [Season 2] (Apple)

Loses the steam and tension of the first season while gaining a James Marsden, who seems to be everywhere again now. Thankfully, expanding the roles of Olivia Munn and Amanda Peet, and of course, Jon Hamm’s cool as a cucumber cinephile lead character remains reliably intriguing. 

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

26. ROOSTER [Season 1] (HBO)

Bill Lawrence spreads his wings to HBO to deliver a lowkey comedy with a refreshingly relaxed Steve Carell. It mostly plays the usual beats of a Lawrence show, with burdened and depressed characters just trying to get by with Gen X-liberal humor, but it’s recommendable enough.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

25. THE FOUR SEASONS [Season 2] (Netflix)

More comfortable and breezy in its second go-around than its premiere season, though still imperfect. If anything just an excuse to vacation alongside this pleasant cast of actors.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

24. THE BEAST IN ME (Netflix)

It gets a bit caught in the weeds in the back half, but Danes and Rhys are immensely watchable and the story’s dark twists and turns keep you glued to the screen.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

23. WONDER MAN [Season 1] (Disney+)

While shows and movies set in the world of Hollywood can often come off gimmicky and too sensationalized, this series about a superhero auditioning to play a superhero in a film is a fresh pivot for Marvel and is bolstered by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s fierce commitment and great chemistry with Sir Ben Kingsley. 

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

22. HALF MAN (HBO)

Deeply compelling due to its incredibly dark story, though its wrap-up leaves a bit to be desired after wallowing in so much tragic somber. Still Jamie Bell is remarkable in the lead role and Richard Gadd is believably scary.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

21. ABBOTT ELEMENTARY [Season 5] (ABC)

It took five seasons to deal with the series’ first big “breakup” storyline, but we’re here. As cozily breezy and funny as the series continues to be, the air might be starting to let out of the balloon. That said, it’s just a brief enough stumble to forgive, given most sitcoms drag “Is it really over? Of course not!” relationship storylines for a whole season or more. This season also allowed for a memorable new mall setting for a trio of episodes for a nice change of pace.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

20. A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS [Season 1](HBO)

The switch in tone is quite jarring off the bat, but at its core, this is a surprisingly sweet Game of Thrones story and blissfully brief with its 6, half-hour episodes. Not every aspect lands perfectly, but when the big moments hit, it’s hard not to be fully won over.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

19. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE [Season 51] (NBC)

Slightly overshadowed by its sudden UK counterpart, this season finally eased up a bit on the obvious political sketches and emphasized its newcomer cast, in particular the radiant Ashley Padilla, who continues to prove she is the next big comic talent.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

18. THE MORNING SHOW [Season 4] (Apple)

In its most insane and ridiculous season yet, the original Apple flagship drama series really lets its guard down to embrace its own lunacy more than ever. Packed with A-list talent in every frame, each fully committed to the bit, this continues to be absurd, fill-your-wine-glass entertainment.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

17. DEATH BY LIGHTNING (Netflix)

When I say more miniseries need to be 4 episodes max, this is an example of why that works. Singular, focused, energetic, but packs in necessary historical context and showcases fully fleshed out characters. Its cheeky, modern stylistic approach sometimes clashes with its more serious story, but its performances, namely Shannon and Offerman, stay engrossing.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

16. REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES (Netflix)

The feel-good weepy of the year is, indeed, the Netflix movie most recommended by your book club mom/aunt/grandma. The premise is gelatinously saccharine and yet the soothing direction by Olivia Newman and the outstandingly charming Sally Field performance keeps you roped into its tight embrace. The type of heartwarming film you could recommend to anyone with perfect ease, no matter how initially silly the premise of an elderly cleaning lady bonding with an octopus sounds.

PREDICTED WINS: Outstanding Television Movie, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie (Sally Field)

15. JURY DUTY PRESENTS: COMPANY RETREAT (Prime Video)

As amusing and watchable as the first season, though lacking the jaw-on-the-floor surprise, Anthony is such a likable (unknowing) anchor and it’s hard not to root for him the whole way. While I question how long this series can sustain its premise, it’s still effortlessly enjoyable. 

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

14. THE COMEBACK [Season 3] (HBO)

It’s not quite the masterpiece season that the second season was (one that could have ended there with perfect satisfaction) but it’s never not a great time watching Valerie navigate the world of AI in the entertainment industry. 

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

13. THE DIPLOMAT [Season 3] (Netflix)

Keri Russell continues to excel as the spitfire  Kate Wyler, now under the authority of Allison Janney’s POTUS. The drama never gets as heightened or soapy as many political-set series tend to do, but always remains captivating with its smart sense of humor and relationship dynamics. 

PREDICTED WINS: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Keri Russell)

12. SHRINKING [Season 3] (Apple)

While a bit shabby at its start, Bill Lawrence’s feel-good Ted Lasso successor continues to improve each year and has now reached its best and most emotionally resonant season yet. A top-form cast all-around but Jessica Williams and Harrison Ford, in particular, really shine.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

11. MARGO’S GOT MONEY TROUBLES [Season 1] (Apple)

A wonderfully charismatic and fearless Elle Fanning leads a brazenly body-and-sex-positive and comfortably fun comedy-drama, with solid support by the always immediately-likable Michelle Pfeiffer and a sensationally sympathetic Nick Offerman.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

10. DTF LOUIS (HBO)

A deeply weird, but eye-opening and tragically beautiful mystery. It strings you along maybe a bit too much throughout the show’s 7 episodes, but the conclusion is a stunner. Bateman finds a totally new layer to his usual persona and David Harbour gives the best television performance of the year. 

PREDICTED WINS: Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series (David Harbour), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series (Linda Cardellini), Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series

9. The Bear [Season 4] (FX on Hulu)

While far too many fans jumped off the train after a divisive third season, the fourth season, while maybe a little bloated, felt like a redemption for all of its characters. A moment of healing, a moment of clarity and introspection, and hard decision-making for its core characters, particularly Carm. Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach deliver series-best performances. The wedding episode “Bears” is one of the more uplifting episodes of the year.

PREDICTED WINS: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (Rob Reiner)

8. SLOW HORSES [Season 5] (Apple)

Another tension-filled season full of great dialogue and surprise laughs (including one particular kill that will make anyone guffaw). Perhaps the closest the show has gotten to date to paralleling our modern political landscape.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

7. TASK [Season 1] (HBO)

It doesn’t reach the gobsmack heights of Mare of Easttown, but it is still tremendously layered and tense while Ruffalo and Pelphrey are riveting as our complex leads.

PREDICTED WINS: Outstanding Directing For a Drama Series (Salli Richardson-Whitfield)

6. THE CHAIR COMPANY [Season 1] (HBO)

As heart-pounding a thriller as it is laugh-out-loud hysterical thanks to Tim Robinson’s fully locked in, never-break performance. Andrew DeYoung (and Adam Schimberg) take every gonzo filmmaking decision from last year’s Friendship and maximize it tenfold. A confounding and brilliant time.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

5. THE GILDED AGE [Season 3] (HBO)

As glossy as it is educational, Julian Fellowes old money-new money drama has blossomed into a Sunday night obsession with its dramatic plotting and weaving of true-life history and engrossing characters. Three seasons in and Carrie Coon has never been more ravishing.

PREDICTED WINS: Nothing.

4. WIDOW’S BAY [Season 1] (Apple)

The surprise hit newcomer of the year is the brilliantly sharp, darkly hilarious Jaws-meets-Stephen King dark comedy. Matthew Rhys gives a perfectly calibrated scared-as-shit lead performance as the most hapless chap facing the most insane circumstance while Kate O’Flynn is the unsung heroine of the year.

PREDICTED WINS: Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Matthew Rhys), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Stephen Root), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Kate O’Flynn), Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (Betty Gilpin), Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Hiro Murai)

3. PLURIBUS [Season 1] (Apple)

Rhea Seehorn’s masterful lead performance only is a fraction of the brilliance of Vince Gilligan’s newest sci-fi mindbender. Patiently plotted and littered with galaxy-brain ideas, it’s one of the most original television series in years, right in line with must-see mysteries like Severance and LOST. 

PREDICTED WINS: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Karolina Wydra), Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

2. HACKS [Season 5] (HBO Max)

A pitch-perfect final season that leaves its characters in all the right places while surprising us with one last big emotional wallop, reaffirming how stunning thefriendship between Ava and Deborah has blossomed from its contentious beginning and how even when we think our lives are over, there’s always one more joke to tell.

PREDICTED WINS: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Jean Smart), Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky)

1. THE PITT [Season 2] (HBO Max)

One of the best dramas in recent television history, the breakout show of last year continues to astound. 15 heart-pounding hours with our Pittsburgh team of doctors and nurses is packed full of tragedy, surprises, and powerfully tender moments between characters so well-defined, they feel like family. Noah Wyle’s Dr. Robby is one of the most commanding yet fragile lead performances on television in the last decade.

PREDICTED WINS: Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (Noah Wyle), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Patrick Ball), Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series (Jeff Kober), Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (Tal Anderson)

OTHER PREDICTIONS:

Outstanding Reality Competition Program:
The Traitors (Peacock)

Outstanding Variety Series:
Late Night with Stephen Colbert (CBS)

Outstanding Variety Special:
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny (NBC)

Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded):
The Muppet Show (Disney+)

Outstanding Game Show:
Jeopardy! (ABC / Syndicated)

Outstanding Animated Program:
South Park (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Structured Reality Program:
Love is Blind (Netflix)

Outstanding Un-Structured Reality Program:
Ru-Paul’s Drag Race: Untucked (VH1)

Outstanding Documentary or Non-Fiction Series:
Mr. Scorsese (Apple TV)

Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special:
Marty, Life Is Short (Netflix)

Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special:
Tucci in Italy (Nat Geo)

Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking (Juried):
The Librarians (PBS)

Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series:
The Daily Show: Desi Lydic Foxsplains

Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series:
Inside the Pitt (HBO Max)

Outstanding Emerging Media Program:
The World of Fallout (Prime Video)

Outstanding Performer in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series:
Desi Lydic – The Daily Show: Desi Lydic Foxsplains as herself (YouTube)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance:
Julie Andrews – Bridgerton (Netflix)

Outstanding Narrator:
David Attenborough – Ocean with David Attenborough (Nat Geo)

Outstanding Host for a Game Show:
Ken Jennings – Jeopardy! (ABC / Syndicated)

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program:
Alan Cumming – The Traitors (Peacock)

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More):
Pluribus: “Grenade” – Denise Pizzini, Dins Danielsen, and Ashley Michelle Marsh (Apple TV)

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More):
The Gilded Age: “If You Want to Cook an Omelette” – Bob Shaw, Larry W. Brown, and Jennifer Alex Nickason (HBO)

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half-Hour):
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: “Seven” – Tom McCullagh, John Merry, and Stephanie Rea (HBO)

Outstanding Production Design for a Variety or Reality Series:
Saturday Night Live: “Host: Jack Black” – Akira Yoshimura, Keith Ian Raywood, N. Joseph DeTullio, Ken MacLeod, Melissa Shakun, and Kimberly Kachougian (NBC)

Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special:
The Oscars – Misty Buckley, Alana Billingsley, John Zuiker, and Jonathan Stoller-Schoff (ABC)

Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series:
Widow’s Bay – Allison Jones, Emily Buntyn, Lisa Lobel, and Angela Peri (Apple TV)

Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series:
The Pitt – Cathy Sandrich Gelfond, Erica Berger, and Seth Caskey (HBO Max)

Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie:
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette – Courtney Bright, Nicole Daniels, and Jennifer Brooks (FX)

Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program:
Love on the Spectrum – Cian O’Clery, Sean Bowman, Ashley Morgan, and Emily Frisbie (Netflix)

Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming (Juried):
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny: “Casita Medley” / “EoO” / “Nuevayol” – Charm La’Donna and Karina Ortiz (NBC)

Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming (Juried):
Palm Royale: “Comin’ Home Baby” / “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” / “I Had a Ball” – Brooke Lipton (Apple TV)

Outstanding Cinematography for a Series (Half-Hour):
Widow’s Bay: “Our History” – Christian Sprenger (Apple TV)

Outstanding Cinematography for a Series (One Hour):
Euphoria: “In God We Trust” – Marcell Rév (HBO)

Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie:
Beef: “It Will Stay This Way and You Will Obey” – James Laxton (Netflix)

Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program:
The Tale of Silyan – Jean Dakar (Nat Geo)

Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program:
The Traitors – Siggi Rosen-Rawlings, Matt Wright, Will Antill, Jack Booth, Alex Bruno, Ollie Green, Quin Jessop, Guy Linton, Scott McKee, Joshua Montague, Hazel Palmer, Steve Peters, Paul Rudge, James Spencer, Matt Thomson, Alex Took, and Melvin Wright (Peacock)

Outstanding Commercial:
“Backyard Legends” – Lola USA and Smuggler (adidas World Cup)

Outstanding Period Costumes:
The Gilded Age: “Marriage Is a Gamble” – Kasia Walicka Maimone, Denise Andres, Rebecca Levin, Isabelle Simone, Rebecca Freund, and Sue Bakula (HBO)

Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: “Seven” – Lorna Ó Ríordáin, Libby Dempster, Kyle Callanan, Rachael Webb-Crozier, and Stephen O Rawe (HBO)

Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie:
Beef: “All the Things We’re Never Going to Have” – Olga Mill, Bailey Gardner, Sarah Basta, and Kellie Ishisaki (Netflix)

Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for a Series:
Margo’s Got Money Troubles: “Grudge Match” – Mirren Gordon-Crozier, Tracy Jarvis, Brooke Thatawat, Mallory Bradley, and Tara White (Apple TV)

Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series:
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Series Finale” – Yvonne De Mare (CBS)

Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special:
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny – Hamish Hamilton (NBC)

Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program:
Marty, Life Is Short – Lawrence Kasdan (Netflix)

Outstanding Directing for a Reality Program:
The Traitors: “Let the Cards Fall as They Will” – Ben Archard (Peacock)

Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling:
Margo’s Got Money Troubles: “Buddies” – Jaime Leigh McIntosh, Ahou Mofid, Celeste Gonzalez, Kim Santantonio, and R’riyana Kilne (Apple TV)

Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Hairstyling:
Bridgerton: “The Waltz” – Nic Collins, Giorgio Galliero, Jade Clarke, Valentina Nesti, Katharine Scott, and Laura Hartney (Netflix)

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program (Juried):
Wicked: One Wonderful Night – Edward Morrison, R’riyana Kline, Tiffany Bloom, Lillie S. Frierson, Cyndra Dunn, Sharif Poston, Lisa Long, and Deborah Pierce (NBC)

Outstanding Lighting Design / Lighting Direction for a Series:
Saturday Night Live: “Host: Ariana Grande” – Geoffrey Amoral, Rick McGuinness, Trevor Brown, Tim Stasse, William McGuinness, Frank Grisanti, and Reginald Campbell (NBC)

Outstanding Lighting Design / Lighting Direction for a Special:
The Oscars – Robert Dickinson, Noah Mitz, Ryan Tanker, Will Gossett, Jeff Behm, Tyler Ericson, Hannah Kerman, Andy O’Reilly, Akash Bartlett, Guy Jones, Kevin Faust, and Terrance Ho (ABC)

Outstanding Title Design:
Spider-Noir – Mason Nicoll, Andrew Julien, Arik Weiss, Peter Pak, John Van Unen, Daniel Duda, Christian Arnsparger, and Rachel Brickel (MGM+ / Prime Video)

Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic):
The Pitt: “1:00 P.M.” – Merry Lee Traum, Marie Flore “Ri” Beaubien, and Leesa Simone (HBO Max)

Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup (Non-Prosthetic):
Fallout: “The Strip” – Elisa Marsh, John Damiani, Jennifer Aspinall, Cynthia Hernandez, Kenneth Calhoun, Lisa Rocco, Sabine Roller Taylor, and Josh Foster (Prime Video)

Outstanding Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program:
Saturday Night Live: “Host: Bad Bunny” – Louie Zakarian, Jason Milani, Amy Tagliamonti, Young Bek, Joanna Pisani, Madison Bermudez, and Waltaya Culmer (NBC)

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup:
Stranger Things: “Chapter Four: Sorcerer” – Barrie Gower, Duncan Jarman, Michael Mekash, and Emma Faulkes (Netflix)

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score):
Pluribus: “We Is Us” – Dave Porter (Apple TV)

Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score):
Black Rabbit: “Isle of Joy” – Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans (Netflix)

Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary/Nonfiction or Reality Program (Original Dramatic Score):
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age: “The Big Freeze” – Kara Talve, Anže Rozman, and Hans Zimmer (Apple TV)

Outstanding Music Direction:
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny – Miguel Gandelman (NBC)

Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics:
The Pitt: “12:00 P.M.” – “Need Someone” by Gavin Brivik and Andrew Bird (HBO Max)

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music:
Pluribus – Dave Porter (Apple TV)

Outstanding Music Supervision:
Hacks: “Hacks” – Matt Biffa (HBO Max)

Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series:
Task: “A Still Small Voice” – Keiko Deguchi and Amy E. Duddleston (HBO)

Outstanding Picture Editing for a Multi-Camera Comedy Series:
Leanne: “Having Big Feelings” – Russell Griffin (Netflix)

Outstanding Picture Editing for a Single-Camera Comedy Series:
Widow’s Bay: “Welcome to Widow’s Bay” – Kyle Reiter (Apple TV)

Outstanding Picture Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie:
DTF St. Louis: “No One’s Normal. It Just Looks That Way from Across the Street” – Kevin D. Ross and Max Koepke (HBO)

Outstanding Picture Editing for Variety Programming:
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show – Dom Whitworth, Rupa Rathod, Benjamin Wainwright-Pearce, Michael Heubel, and Hamish Lyons (Disney+)

Outstanding Picture Editing for Variety Programming (Segment):
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: “The Late Show closes out its storied run at the Ed Sullivan Theater with help from Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello” – Andrew Matheson and Amanda Sprecher (CBS)

Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program:
Mr. Scorsese: “Stranger in a Strange Land” – David Bartner and George O’Donnell (Apple TV)

Outstanding Picture Editing for a Structured Reality or Competition Program:
The Traitors: “The Death Conga” – David Moon, Patrick Owen, Matt Pratt, and James Seddon-Brown (Peacock)

Outstanding Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program:
Welcome to Wrexham: “Do a Wrexham” – Michael Oliver, Matt Wafaie, Thomas Czupryna, Asher Glaser, Jenny Krochmal, Mohamed El Manasterly, Stacie Schwarz, and Steve Welch (FX)

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour):
Alien: Earth: “Neverland” – Lee Gilmore, Bradley North, Chris Terhune, Nolan McNaughton, Justin M. Davey, Byron Wilson, Tim Walston, Matt “Smokey” Cloud, Beso Kacharava, Ben Schor, and Biko Gogaladze (FX)

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: “In the Name of the Mother” – Alastair Sirkett, Martin Cantwell, Michele Woods, Adéle Fletcher, Ruth Knight, Neil Stemp, Louise Burton, Barnaby Smyth, and Rebecca Glover (HBO)

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special:
The Rip – Daniel Pagan, Craig Mann, Chase Keehn, Jon Title, Russell Topal, Randy Wilson, Justin Helle, Sam Zeines, Stefan Fraticelli, and Jason Charbonneau (Netflix)

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Nonfiction or Reality Program:
World War II with Tom Hanks: “The Beginning” – Luke Hatfield (History)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour):
Pluribus: “We Is Us” – Larry Benjamin, Tim Hoogenakker, Phillip W. Palmer, Dave Porter, Ron Mellegers, and Judah Getz (Apple TV)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie:
Black Rabbit: “Isle of Joy” – Larry Benjamin, Tim Hoogenakker, James Weidner, Phil McGowan, Paul Drenning, and Ron Mellegers (Netflix)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation:
Widow’s Bay: “What to Expect on Your Trip” – Tim Hoogenakker, Larry Benjamin, Kevin Parker, Scott Michael Smith, Judah Getz, and Ryan Collison (Apple TV)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special:
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny – Thomas Holmes, Alex Guessard, Dave Natale, Christian Schrader, Thomas Pesa, and Pablo Munguia (NBC)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program:
Billy Joel: And So It Goes – Bob Chefalas, Mark Mandler, David Mitlyng, Michael Stewart, Bradshaw Leigh, Brian Ruggles, and Jay Vicari (HBO)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Reality Program:
The Voice: “The Blind Auditions Premiere” – Michael Abbott, Jeff Fusting, Randy Faustino, Tim Hatayama, Shaun Sebastian, Ryan Young, and Phil DeTolve (NBC)

Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie:
Alien: Earth – Jonathan Rothbart, James Ledwell, Mitchell Callisch, Woei Lee, David Fletcher, Jeffrey A. Okun, Chris Ritvo, Viktor Müller, Aladino Debert, Will Towle, Ryan Freer, and Maksim Došlo (FX)

Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Single Episode:
Spider-Noir: “Nightmare on a Gurney” – Hnedel Maximore, Brooke Noska, Adam Rothstein, Timothy Hanson, Jorge Macias, Taylor Faulkinberry, Joseph C Bond IV, Suzie Askham, Tommy Tran, Cameron Neilson, Adam Balentine, and Sebastiano D’Aprile (MGM+ / Prime Video)

Outstanding Stunt Coordination for Comedy Programming:
Spider-Noir – Freddy Bouciegues and Hugh Aodh O’Brien (MGM+ / Prime Video)

Outstanding Stunt Coordination for Drama Programming:
The Boys – John Koyama (Prime Video)

Outstanding Stunt Performance:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: “In the Name of the Mother” – Zach Roberts, Gyula Tóth, Chris Cox, and Jake Cox (HBO)

Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork for a Series:
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Series Finale” – Karen Obel Cape, Brian Cimino, Joe Debonis, John Harrison, Wade Latz, Dante Pagano, and John Hannel (CBS)

Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork for a Special:
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny – Rod Wardell, Eric Becker, Dylan Sanford, Rob Balton, Danny Bonilla, Keith Dicker, Sean Flannery, Jeremy Freeman, Kevin French, Helena Jackson, Martin Kitchen, Bettina Levesque, David Plakos, Matt Roe, Jofre Rosero, Keyan Safyari, Monte Seaborn, Matt Trujillo, Brad Zerbst, Scott I. Acosta, Santiago Benet, Gilberto Cruz, Robert Smith, Cody Taylor, Kevin Denning, Andrew Moore, Rick Compeau, Su-Jeng Sang, Chris

Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series:
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special:
Nikki Glaser: Good Girl – Nikki Glaser (Hulu)

Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program:
The Daily Show Presents: Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse: Give the Man a Prize

Thoughts and predictions of your own? Comment below.

The 78th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be handed out on September 5-6th, 2026 and The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, will air on September 14, 2026 on NBC and Peacock.