A strong night for Widow’s Bay does not bode well for Hacks. Its one solid bet left in the running – and maybe its only statuette, Rosen said, was a best actress prize for Jean Smart.
“That’s a great way to honour the final season. She’s never lost from playing this part. I don’t see why she would lose for the final season.”
Smart, 75, has won four Emmys for the show so far.
A win today would give her eight acting Emmys, tying her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most ever by a performer. Allison Janney is also vying for her eighth Emmy, for The Diplomat.
The Pitt, last year’s winner for best drama, follows the stressed-out workers in a Pittsburgh emergency room.
Noah Wyle is expected to win another Emmy for his role in gritty drama The Pitt
Tackling everything from abortion rights to immigration crackdowns to mass shootings, the show is the odds-on favourite to sweep several drama prizes including best series.
“If The Pitt doesn’t win, it would be a tremendous shock,” Rosen said.
It led all shows with 25 nominations, and already won four awards in the early ceremonies, including best casting for a drama series.
Star Noah Wyle, who has racked up awards over the past year including an Emmy, is expected to triumph again. Seven of his co-stars are hopefuls in the supporting acting categories.
For best drama actress, Rosen said it would be a race between Pluribus star Rhea Seehorn and Keri Russell for The Diplomat.
The 78th Emmy Awards gala will be hosted by Law And Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
It will feature a tribute to late country music icon Dolly Parton, who was also an Emmy winner. Country singer Reba McEntire is expected to sing one of Parton’s songs, industry media reported.
– AFP