Emmy Predictions 2021: For ‘The Crown’ to Sweep the Drama Acting Categories Tobias Menzies Has to Beat Out 1 Clear Frontrunner
The Emmys gave the stars of The Crown major recognition this year with nominations in all six drama acting categories. If they manage to win all six, the Netflix drama would be the first television show in history to sweep the drama acting categories.
But in order for that to happen, Tobias Menzies will have to beat out the clear frontrunner in one specific category.
‘The Crown’ scored nine Emmy nominations for acting
In its fourth season, The Crown received a total of nine acting nominations. That’s the most acting nominations the series has ever received. And it’s the first time they appeared in all six drama acting categories — four regular (Lead Actor and Actress, Supporting Actor and Actress) and two guest (Guest Actor and Actress).
Josh O’Connor scored a nomination in the Lead Actor category for his performance as Prince Charles. Olivia Colman — who plays Queen Elizabeth II — earned a nomination in the Leading Actress category. As did Emma Corrin for her portrayal of Princess Diana
Gillian Anderson received a nomination in the Best Drama Supporting Actress category for her turn as Margaret Thatcher. Helena Bonham Carter also received a nomination in the Supporting Drama Actress category for the role of Princess Margaret. And Emerald Fennell received her first nom for her portrayal of Camilla Parker Bowles.
Tobias Menzies received a nomination in the Drama Supporting Actor category for his portrayal of Prince Philip. Charles Dance got a nod in the Drama Guest Actor category for his performance as Lord Mountbatten. And, Claire Foy received a nomination in the Drama Guest Actress category for reprising her role as a younger Queen Elizabeth.
Gillian Anderson is the favorite in the Supporting Actress category
When it comes to the betting odds, Anderson’s win in the Supporting Actress category is almost a guarantee. She’s already won a Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award, and Screen Actors Guild award for the Margaret Thatcher role. Carter is in third place in the category, according to Gold Derby predictions, and Fennell is in eighth place.
In the lead actress category, Corrin is favored to win over Colman, who is currently in fourth place. O’Conner is also the favorite in the lead actor category. The guest categories are much harder to predict, but both Dance and Foy have a good shot at taking home the prize.
But the clean sweep could come apart in the Supporting Actor category, as Menzies is up against a clear frontrunner.
‘The Crown’ needs Tobias Menzies to win for a drama acting category sweep at The Emmys
Menzies scored his very first Emmy nomination ever this year for his turn as Prince Philip. For many fans, this recognition is long overdue. Menzies played the dual role of Black Jack and Frank Randall on Outlander for three seasons. But the Academy overlooked his amazing performances every year. They also have a habit of snubbing his Outlander co-stars Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe.
But if The Crown wants a chance for a clean sweep in the drama acting categories, Menzies will have to beat out the clear frontrunner — the late Michael K. Williams from Lovecraft Country.
Michael K. Williams was the frontrunner before his sudden death
On September 6, Lovecraft Country star Michael K. Williams was found dead in his Brooklyn home at the age of 54. Before his tragic death, Williams was already the frontrunner in the Supporting Actor category, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Not only was his work as Montrose Freeman on Lovecraft Country outstanding, but recognition for Williams is also long overdue. It’s hard to believe, but Williams never received a nomination for his work as Omar Little on The Wire. And, he didn’t get a nod for his performance on Boardwalk Empire.
Michael K. Williams received five Emmy nominations in the past seven years
Despite the past Emmy snubs, Williams did get recognition from the Television Academy in recent years. In 2015, he earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his work in Bessie. The following year, he got a nod in that same category for The Night Of. In 2019, Williams received another nod in that category for his performance in When They See Us.
In 2018, Williams scored a nomination in the Best Informational Series or Special category for Vice, a project on which he was executive producer. His final nomination was this year for Lovecraft Country.
Despite all of those nominations, Williams never got a win. But this year, that will most likely change. And that means a clean sweep for The Crown is probably not going to happen.
The 73rd Annual Emmy Awards air Sunday, Sept. 19 on CBS.
