This year’s contenders on the Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie category at the Emmys are consists of four first-time nominees, one previous winner, and one multiple nominee. One of them has won an Oscar. One of them is a well-known singer. One of them is from Wakanda. There is no doubt that this is one of the most competitive categories and we can’t wait to find out this September 17 about who will follow the steps of last year’s winner, Laura Dern. Here’s my analysis and predictions in this category.
Sara Bareilles – Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert
Sara Bareilles played the role of Mary Magdalene in this critically-acclaimed live television musical event. Her performance was praised, especially for her rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.” Her co-stars John Legend and Brandon Victor Dixon are also nominated on their respective categories. This shows that the Television Academy loves this live musical event show. Bareilles don’t appear a lot throughout the musical but she always shines whenever she appears. She previously received Grammy and Tony nominations. This is her first Emmy nomination. Will she win an Emmy first before a Tony and Grammy? Possibly. She was great here and her singing ability was wonderful. I’m not sure though if a theatrical performance is something that the voters would root for. But, she can still win this especially if two of her co-nominees are from the same shows who could vote split. Speaking of…
Penelope Cruz – The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Penelope Cruz played the role of Donatella Versace, the grieving sister of the titular victim. Her performance received praises from critics and her appearances were considered as highlights of the whole show. She is also the only Oscar winner in this category so she already has the name recognition. Her co-stars are nominated as well which proves that they love this show. Will she win? Highly likely. She is the only well-known movie star in this category and she gave a wonderful performance. She has more episode appearances than co-nominee Judith Light. This is for her to lose. The only way that would stop her from winning is a vote split with Light.
Judith Light – The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Judith Light played the role of Marilyn Miglin, the wife of one of Andrew Cunanan’s victim. Her performance in the episode “A Random Killing” was widely praised by the critics and she surprisingly became an Emmy contender for months. She received nominations before for her guest role in Ugly Betty and supporting role in Transparent. Her co-stars are nominated as well which proves that they love this show. Will she finally win? Possibly. She is a well-known veteran actress and her performance received praises and even a nomination despite appearing for only two episodes. But, that would also be the problem. She only appeared in two episodes and that might not be enough for the voters. Plus, she might vote split with Cruz.
Adina Porter – American Horror Story: Cult
Adina Porter played the role of Beverly Hope, a frustrated news reporter. Her performance in the season was considered as one of the highlights. Her nomination came as a surprise and many thought this could be a make-up from her snub in the “Roanoke” season. Nevertheless, she finally received a nomination and she deserved it. This is her first career nomination. Will she win? Not likely. As much as it would be wonderful to see her win, she has a very tough competition. She can still win though. “Cult” received plenty of nominations this year along with an acting nod for her co-star Sarah Paulson as well. She also appeared in majority of the episodes and she had a terrific submission which is the “11/9” episode and it’s a huge showcase of her character.
Merritt Wever – Godless
Merritt Wever played the role of Mary Agnes McNue, a tough resident of La Bella who is the widow of the late mayor and the sister of the town sheriff. Her performance was considered as one of the show’s highlights. It’s also considered as a transformative role since she is mostly known for her role on Nurse Jackie in which she won an Emmy. Will she win? Possibly. She is a previous winner which proves that she is on their radar. It’s also a transformative performance which they usually love. She is also playing a strong woman which is a factor in this era. The only thing that would stop her is that she’s not Penelope Cruz or Judith Light. She doesn’t have the star power. But, if they watch the show, they might vote her. Plus Cruz and Light could vote split and it would benefit her.
Letitia Wright – Black Mirror: Black Museum
Letitia Wright played the role of Nish, the mysterious visitor of the titular museum. The episode received mixed reviews, but her performance received positive feedback. Her character had an amazing redemption at the end which would make them root for her. This is her first Emmy nomination. Will she win? Maybe. She was part of Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War and she is currently a rising star. It’s impressive that she received an Emmy nomination at this point of her career, especially that it came as a surprise as well. But, she has a very tough competition and the episode wasn’t the TV Movie contender for Black Mirror.
VERDICT: My prediction to win here is Penelope Cruz of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. As I’ve said, this is for her to lose. The only thing that would stop her is a vote split with Light. If that happens, the possible winner could be Merritt Wever of Godless.
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