Culturess’ Emmy Predictions for 2016: Will HBO and FX Clean Up?

Still from Master of None, episode: “Parents”. Image via Netflix

Comedy: Supporting Acting, Writing, and Directing

Outstanding Supporting Actress

Nominees: Anna Chlumsky (Veep), Gaby Hoffmann (Transparent), Allison Janney (Mom), Judith Light (Transparent), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live), Niecy Nash (Getting On)

Winner: Allison Janney

Although Janney’s streak in this Emmy category isn’t as long as Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ is for Lead Actress, Janney has held this award since 2014. Betting on her to threepeat seems safest all around. However, McKinnon especially has had a very good year and some positive buzz coming out of Ghostbusters and her special Weekend Update appearance as the Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Outstanding Supporting Actor

Nominees: Louie Anderson (Baskets), Andre Braugher (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Ty Burell (Modern Family), Tony Hale (Veep), Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele), Matt Walsh (Veep)

Winner: Andre Braugher

This is a bit of an upset pick. However, much like Lena Headey over on the drama side, Braugher has been nominated twice before. As Captain Ray Holt, Braugher got to carry a fairly major subplot of his own on this past season before returning to the 99th precinct, and that mumps episode was hilarious. Alas, Anderson will likely get the nod here.

Outstanding Writing

Nominees: “Episode 1” (Catastrophe), “Parents” (Master of None), “Founder Friendly” (Silicon Valley), “The Uptick” (Silicon Valley), “Morning After” (Veep), “Mother” (Veep)

Winner: “Parents”

Yes, we once again picked an HBO series to lose the writing category. “Parents” represents the very best of Master of None, and it should get the Emmy here. Aziz Ansari cast his real-life parents as Dev Shah’s parents, even though neither his mother nor his father are actors. And it works. It works wonderfully. Master of None should get some serious love for this little episode.

Outstanding Directing

Nominees: Aziz Ansari (Master of None, “Parents”), Mike Judge (Silicon Valley, “Founder Friendly”), Alec Berg (Silicon Valley, “Daily Active Users”), Jill Solloway (Transparent, “Man on the Land”), David Mandel (Veep, “Kissing Your Sister”), Chris Addison (Veep, “Morning After”), Dale Stern (Veep, “Mother”)

Winner: Chris Addison

Veep will have its revenge in the directing category, however. We think they go for Addison, as he directed the fifth season’s premiere. That’s a tough job, especially considering the showrunner change Veep had. Still, any one of the three Veep nominations could take the win. David Mandel is also a safe bet, as he’s the new showrunner in question.

Next: Limited Series or Movie: Series, Movie, and Lead Acting