Will The Critics Make The Right Choice: Part 1

I have mentioned on multiple occasions, the Critics Choice  have been my favorite awards show for TV almost since their inception nearly a decade ago. They have a history of nominating series and actors the Emmys and often the Golden Globes tends to forgo (Community, Fresh off the Boat, Justified, The Leftovers) and recognizing series before the Emmys do (The Americans and Better Call Saul). And perhaps best of all, the process has more than often allowed for ties. Last year, Amy Adams and Patricia Arquette tied for Best Actress in a Limited Series. Their collective speech was impressive (and that wasn’t even the biggest shock of the night).

It is harder to handicap the Critics Choice than any other awards show as they more often than not march to the beat of drummers most people don’t even hear. So, as always, I’m just going to go with my own personal predictions, and my feelings as to what they might do. I do, however, hold to the feeling that there are no real losers in this process.

Let’s start with the Dramas

BEST DRAMA

Will the Critics Choice follow the beat of the Emmys and go with Game of Thrones, a series they have recognized twice before? I find it a little doubtful. It’s more likely they’ll go with Succession, a more brilliant series that did live up to the hype.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind if they went with the third HBO nominee Watchmen, one of the more dazzling visual and well-written series of the year. My personal preference would be for either This is Us or The Crown both of which are more than do recognition. But I think it’s going to go to Succession in a very close call. Basically, anything other than Game of Thrones would satisfy me.

Should Win: This is Us/ The Crown.

Will Win: Succession. (but who knows?)

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA

With Golden Globe Best Actor winner Brian Cox not nominated by the critics, the race becomes wide open. And can we just appreciate that there are three incredible African American nominees in this category?

I think it will come down to a showdown between Billy Porter from Pose and Sterling Brown from This is Us. Brown has already received two trophies from the critics, so I’m going to give the edge to Porter, whose work as Pray Tell was among the great performances of the year. I’d like to see Paul Giamatti win some day (and God knows his work in Season 4 of Billions earned it) but it just doesn’t seem to be his year.

Should Win: Porter/Giamatti.

Will Win: Porter.

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA

With the exception of Zendaya, I would have no real problem with any of these ladies emerging the victor. Personally, I would like to see Christine Baranski for The Good Fight or Regina King for Watchmen prevail. Baranski is long due recognition from any awards group, and King gave an incredible performance in Watchmen. King’s already gotten a lot of recognition from this organization in multiple categories (her Supporting Actress prize for If Beale Street Could Talk  was part of her road to the Oscars)

But ultimately, I think it’s more likely to go to Olivia Colman for The Crown. Her performance is superb, and she is overdue recognition on the TV side. Granted her Best Actress in a Comedy foretold a victory at the Oscars as well, but she’s been superb on TV since Broadchurch. She’s due, and let’s be honest: her speeches are quotable.

Should Win: King.

Will Win: Colman.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA

It’s always interesting to see how the Critics give the Supporting Acting prizes. A lot of the time they give them to actors who should be honored but who never did – Christian Slater for Mr. Robot, Giancarlo Esposito for Breaking Bad, and Noah Emmerich for The Americans are among the best examples. Similarly, this year’s group is as brilliant as it is eclectic.

I still want to see Asia Kate Dillon triumph for their astonishing work on Billions. And Justin Hartley more than deserves recognition for his work on This is Us. But I think the most likely winner is going to be Tim Blake Nelson for his incredible performance as Looking Glass on Watchmen. This is the best chance for this exceptional series to be recognized, and this astonishing character actor/writer to be recognized for his work.

Should Win: Dillon.

Will Win: Nelson (but they’re all good choices)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA

After the Globes, I’m no longer willing to write her in as a lock, especially in a category this strong. I’d still like to see Susan Kalechi Watson or Audra McDonald prevail. But I basically think this category is a lock for Meryl Streep for Big Little Lies. This is a critics award show, and the critics love Meryl. My only thing is, the Supporting Actor prizes are usually given under tape delay. Will they do the same this year?

Should Win/Will Win: Streep.

See you tomorrow for the comedies.