It goes without saying, that Emmy’s Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category will have some new blood this year. Sure, we expect former winner and multi-nominee Elisabeth Moss to return for “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Melanie Lynskey should repeat for “Yellowjackets.” Beyond those two, however, it’s likely four new contenders enter the mix including Bella Ramsey of “The Last of Us.”
READ MORE: Drama Series Emmys 2023 Predictions and Contenders
If you’re counting, and we hope you are, that means three of the six nominee slots are left. And, well, it’s sort of a free for all at that point. “House of the Dragon’s” Emma D’Arcy? I mean, sure? “Bad Sisters” star Susan Hogan? The show has its fans! Juliette Lewis from “Yellowjackets”? Why not! Helen Mirren for “1923”? Hey, she’s a legend and has already won four Emmys previously. Maybe that’s enough. Imelda Staunton for “The Crown”? Listen, we didn’t love her interpretation of Queen Elizabeth II, but maybe Emmy voters did. Hilary Swank for “Alaska Daily”? It would be a random and increasingly rare network nomination, but if she campaigns…it could happen?
Beyond those contenders almost anything is possible. Christine Baranski could finally get in for the final season of “The Good Fight.” Angela Bassett might turn that Oscar love into Emmy recognition for “9-1-1.” Kelly Reilly could get “Yellowstone” on the board. And, even Keri Russell, a three-time nominee in this category, could sneak in for Netflix’s “The Diplomat.” Or maybe not. [Posted April 7, 2022]
Likely
Melanie Lynskey, “Yellowjackets”
Elizabeth Moss, “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Bella Ramsey, “The Last of Us”
Almost There
Emma D’Arcy, “House of the Dragon”
Sharon Hogan, “Bad Sisters”
Juliette Lewis, “Yellowjackets”
Helen Mirren, “1923”
Imelda Staunton, “The Crown”
Hilary Swank, “Alaska Daily”
Longshots
Christine Baranski, “The Good Fight”
Angela Bassett, “9-1-1”
Betty Gilpin, “Mrs. Davis”
Kelly Reilly, “Yellowstone”
Keri Russell, “The Diplomat”