Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Emmys ceremonies from film awards editor Clayton Davis. Following history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Emmy predictions are updated regularly with the current year's list of contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. The eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and is subject to change.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit THE EMMYS COLLECTIVE
Visit each individual category, according to the awards show from THE EMMYS HUB
Link to film awards hub THE OSCARS HUB
(DRAFT>>>PRE-SEASON>>>REGULAR SEASON>>>POST SEASON)
2021 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING VARIETY SPECIAL (LIVE)
UPDATED: Aug 26, 2021
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY: The Weeknd’s musical performance was the most entertaining aspect of this year’s Super Bowl, including the game itself. With the extra visibility of making headlines for his Grammy snubs, he could have enough heat to push this production to the front of the pack.
The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards were arguably the awards show that seemed to get such a celebration right, despite the tumultuous times in which it came. The production did not shy away from the pandemic but managed to delight and entertain. Still, that likely won’t be enough to push past the more talked about content in the category.
As the title “Celebrating America — An Inauguration Night Special” suggests, there was much to celebrate about the transition between presidential administrations after the 2020 election. After a dark four years, there is now a lot of work to be done to undo damage and setbacks to civil rights, but taking a moment to pause, reflect on how far we’ve come and think positively about the future was greatly needed.
Stephen Colbert dominated the airwaves this year. Still, his Emmy juggernaut days might be behind him. With “The Colbert Report”; he picked up nine Emmy wins for that show and for his time on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” but has yet to get gold since. Working against him this year is that if the Emmys go for a political piece, they’re likely to choose the inauguration special instead.
It should be no surprise that the branch of Hollywood that celebrates film has never won this category, despite The Oscars getting a nom here every year since 2007. This year is likely no different, especially with the added controversy around how this awards show opted to end its ceremony (with the category of lead actor).
The viewing platform for Emmy nominees opens on Aug. 13, with final-round voting beginning on Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. PT until Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. PT.
Check out the full rankings of the category’s nominees in the chart below.
ALL SUBMISSIONS & RANKINGS:
2021 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions
- Outstanding Drama Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Television Movie
- Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Anthology Series or Movie
- Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special
- Outstanding Casting for a Limited, Anthology or TV Movie
- Outstanding Competition Program
- Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
- Outstanding Variety Talk Series
- Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
- Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)
- Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Animated Program
- Outstanding Short Form Animated Program
About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, is given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards recognize excellence in American primetime television programming. They are divided into three classes - Primetime Emmy Awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (honors artisan achievements) and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards (recognizes significant engineering and technological contributions). The typical eligibility period is between June 1 and May 31 of any given year. The Television Academy comprises over 25,000 members, representing 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors and various artisans and executives.
- The 73rd Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 8:00 pm est on CBS and on-demand on sister streamer Paramount Plus.