Who Will Pick Up ‘Game of Thrones’–less Emmys Noms?

By pushing air date back, HBO juggernaut out of the running.

June 30, 2017 9:54 am
'Game of Thrones' Absence at 2017 Emmys Will Be Door-Opener
Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy in Hulu's 'The Handmaid's Tale.' (Hulu)

This year’s Emmy Awards will be missing a few heads.

As the Decider points out, the fact that HBO pushed back the premiere date of Game of Thrones‘ Season 7 puts it out of the running for this year’s Emmys.

What that really translates to is an open field: Without the historically Emmy-hoarding GoT in the mix—the show received a whopping 24 nominations last year—that opens the door for a lot more talent to statue up.

This could mean pay dirt for a number of actors in the major categories. And though noms won’t be released until July 13, that doesn’t mean speculation is off the table. Categories the Thrones absence could affect and actors it could benefit include:

Supporting Actor in a Drama – This could mean statues for a number of contenders, including John Lithgow (The Crown); Ed Harris (Westworld); Michael McKean (Better Call Saul); and even sleepers like Mahershala Ali (Luke Cage), who won an Oscar for his role in Moonlight earlier in the year.

Supporting Actress in a Drama – Could this be the year sci-fi storms the Emmys? Prospects are potentially good for Millie Bobby Brown or Winona Ryder (Stranger Things), Thandie Newton (Westworld), Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale), and Amy Brenneman (The Leftovers).

Outstanding Drama Series – This category may echo the supporting actress one, with potential nods/wins for Stranger Things, Westworld, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Leftovers. Throw in period piece The Crown and feel-good drama This Is Us, and you have a full house.

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