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Mj Rodriguez made history with her Emmy nomination. She is the first trans woman to be nominated for the Outstanding Lead Actress category at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards. Rodriguez is nominated for her riveting performance in the FX series Pose. It’s true that Rodriguez has some serious competition in the category. But could she take home her first Emmy award?

Mj Rodriguez could lose to Emma Corrin’s performance in ‘The Crown’

Emma Corrin sitting in the back of a car in 'The Crown.'
Emma Corrin | Des Willie/Netflix

Emma Corrin received her first Emmy nomination for her breakthrough performance in the Netflix series The Crown. The actor portrayed Lady Diana Spencer in the fourth season of the original series. According to IndieWire, Corrin is the projected winner of this Emmy award. But could the other contenders outshine The Crown star and take the award home for this category? It’s a real possibility.

‘The Crown’ also has Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman sitting in a gold colored chair in 'The Crown.'
Olivia Colman | Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix

Olivia Colman has received many awards for her outstanding work, including an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, four BIFA Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the BFI Fellowship Award. However, she has never won an Emmy. The British actor won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for The Crown. She portrayed Queen Elizabeth II in the series. Colman can still take home the award. But, she will have to convince voters to rule out her fellow co-star.

Elisabeth Moss made waves in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’

Elisabeth Moss standing in front of a car in 'The Handmaid’s Tale.'
Elisabeth Moss | Sophie Giraud/Hulu

June Osborne comes to life in the Hulu dystopian series The Handmaid’s Tale all thanks to Elisabeth Moss. Moss’ performance has been praised by critics and audiences alike following its release to the platform. The actor received two Emmy wins for her work in the series, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series as a producer. That makes it possible that the industry veteran can win another Emmy.

Uzo Aduba gave a strong perfomance for ‘In Treatment’

Uzo Aduba sitting in a blue chair in 'In Treatment.'
Uzo Aduba | Suzanne Tenner/HBO

In Treatment has Uzo Aduba portraying Dr. Brooke Taylor in the fourth season. Her performance is phenomenal, considering that this is her first lead role in a television series. In 2014, the actor won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black. Additionally, she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for the same show the following year. Aduba is a strong contender for this category. But it won’t be an easy win for the actor. 

Jurnee Smollett shines in ‘Lovecraft Country’

Jurnee Smollett wearing a blue dress in 'Lovecraft Country.'
Jurnee Smollett | Eli Joshua Ade/HBO

Fans couldn’t get enough of Jurnee Smollett’s performance in the HBO series Lovecraft Country. The actor played Letitia ‘Leti’ Lewis in the supernatural series. Her onscreen work made a positive impact on critics even if it was short-lived. Smollett’s work in the limited series deserves all the praise, but considering this category, it can get overshadowed by the noteworthy competitors. 

‘Pose’ could win the gold for MJ Rodriguez

Mj Rodriguez and Billy Porter applying makeup in 'Pose.'
Mj Rodriguez and Billy Porter | Eric Liebowitz/FX
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Mj Rodriguez received her first Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in all three seasons of the FX series Pose. Rodriguez’s nomination is one out of the nine for the hit series. The show delves into the Black and Latino LGBTQ ballroom scene in the late 1980s and early 90s. Although an Emmy nomination is long overdue for Rodriguez, she is well-deserving of this award. Her portrayal of Blanca was compelling and moving throughout the show’s run on television. 

Emmy predictions: Can Mj Rodriguez win the award?

Emma Corrin is the predicted winner for this category. However, many believe the award should go to Rodriguez. According to Variety, Corrin has dominated the award season for The Crown. Even though she’s nominated for the award alongside her co-star, Corrin is expected to win the award. Rodriguez would make history with a win.

If Rodriguez doesn’t take home the award for Pose, another lead actor could take home an Emmy. According to TV Insider, many say that Billy Porter deserves to win a second Emmy award. Josh O’Connor could win for his performance in The Crown. Still, some say Porter should win the award. 

​​The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on Sept. 19 on CBS.

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