Oddsmakers and experts aren’t always right. Here are a few TV stars who could shock the industry in a big way if they pull out underdog Emmy upsets on Sunday.
Tatiana Maslany
The star of BBC America’s “Orphan Black” isn’t the favorite in the Drama Actress category. Those with better chances include Robin Wright of “House of Cards” (according to industry award site Gold Derby) or Keri Russell of “The Americans” (according to TheWrap’s Steve Pond). A win might make Maslany a household name, and she’s good enough in her many roles on the show to pull it off.
Bob Odenkirk
The smart money is on Rami Malek for the Best Drama Actor prize. Kyle Chandler could pull through. But Odenkirk, star of “Better Call Saul,” could always pull off a shocker. Voters would look smart and with-it by picking this canny veteran.
Laurie Metcalf
EVERYONE thinks Julia Louis-Dreyfus will pull off another win in the Comedy Actress category. But why not a real come-from-nowhere win for this “Roseanne” veteran and star of “Getting On”? Voters may want to give the “Veep” star a term limit.
Aziz Ansari
Sure, Jeffrey Tambor is a safer bet in the Comedy Actor category. But why not go out on a limb with the star of Netflix’s breakthrough comedy “Master of None”? Few new shows have gotten more critical acclaim.
Amy Schumer
Again, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the Comedy Actress fave. But Schumer could deliver an upset her for her Comedy Central show, which may or may not be coming back, according to her cryptic comments lately. Voters could send it off with a flourish.
Idris Elba
Yes, Courtney B. Vance is likely to take home the hardware for Best Actor in a Movie/Mini, for “People vs. O.J. Simpson”? But is the much-praised star of “Luther” overdue?
Kate McKinnon
The “SNL” vet and ace Hillary Clinton impersonator would be an unlikely pick in the Comedy Supporting Actress category, but she could pull out a win against perennial Emmy fave Allison Janney of “Mom” or Anna Chlumsky of “Veep.” Voters could also send a message that talented sketch performers matter, too.
Kerry Washington
She’s not the favorite for HBO’s Anita Hill story “Confirmation” — most experts think Sarah Paulson has it locked up for “The People vs. O.J. Simpson.” But Washington’s performance won praise, even if critics were less warm to the overall project.
Tom Hiddleston
“The Night Manager” isn’t likely to pull out a win against Courtney B. Vance in the Movies/Miniseries Actor category. Which would make a win remarkable. “The Night Manager” didn’t get the buzz of “O.J.,” but Hiddleston was incredibly watchable.
Emilia Clarke
Lena Headey, Clarke’s costar in “Game of Thrones,” is considered a shoo-in for the Supporting Drama Actress slot. But the dragon queen could make something happen. She remains arguably the most recognizable actor on “Game of Thrones,” which takes some doing when you star alongside Peter Dinklage and Headey.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Could the “Sherlock” star pull out something in the Miniseries/Movie Actor category against Vance? His acting chops are unimpeachable.
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