
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official awards predictions for the upcoming Oscars and Emmys ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis; Awards Circuit Column, a weekly analysis dissecting the trends and contenders by television editor Michael Schneider (for Emmys) and Davis (for Oscars); Awards Circuit Podcast, a weekly interview series with talent and an expert roundtable discussion; and Awards Circuit Video analyzes various categories and contenders by Variety's leading awards pundits. Variety's unmatched coverage gives its readership unbeatable exposure in print and online, as well as provide inside reports on all the contenders in this year's awards season races.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit
THE EMMYS COLLECTIVE
Visit each category, per the individual awards show from
THE EMMYS HUB
To see old predictions and commentary, click the EMMY PREDICTIONS ARCHIVES
For film awards predictions go to
THE OSCARS HUB
UPDATED: August 19, 2022
2022 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING REALITY SERIES (UNSTRUCTURED)
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY:
After the main series “Below Deck” snuck into the lineup last year, the Bravo spin-off found its way into the fold after seven seasons. This season follows Captain Sandy Yawn and her entertaining crew on the superyacht. Is there room for it to make a big splash in the category? Voters have been known to surprise us from time to time.
These types of noms bring pure joy to the awards season, showcased by the mention of Netflix’s reality love series, “Love on the Spectrum U.S.” Following people on the autism spectrum as they explore the dating world, the charms and hearts of Ronan, Kassandra, Teo and fan-favorite Michael, is the type of programming and diversity inclusion the TV Academy should be rewarding.
Read more: Variety’s Awards Circuit Emmys Predictions Hub

The spin-off of VH1’s multiple Emmy-winning “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is coming off its first win last year and is tied for the third most noms ever in this category. But, with momentum for the main competition show and the added visibility on Paramount+, will the expanded “werk room” created in accordance with COVID-19 protocols be too much of a call back to the past two years that many would like to forget?
The home-field advantage revolves around the Oppenheim Group, the high-end real estate firm in Los Angeles, which landed its second nom consecutively over its five seasons. Following twin brothers, Brett and Jason, and their band of brokers, can the West Hollywood and Newport Beach agents get a massive commission with its first Emmy win? Perhaps the MTV Award for Chrishell Stause and docu-reality show is an indicator.
The second season of the cheerleading series following the nationally ranked Navarro College Bulldogs Cheer Team has been embraced again. Impressive because it managed to get the nom with the added distraction of Season 1 star Jerry Harris being sentenced to 12 years in prison. Winning in 2020, could coach Monica Aldama bring the “W” again? Only three shows have won this category more than once, but it’s possible.
The complete television awards season calendar is linked here.
Read more: Variety’s Awards Circuit Oscars Predictions Hub
The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place on Monday, Sept. 12, and air on NBC.
2021 category winner: “RuPaul’s Drag Race Untucked” (VH1)
ALL AWARDS CONTENDERS AND RANKINGS:

2022 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions
- Outstanding Drama Series
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- 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 Competition Program
- Outstanding Variety Talk Series
2022 Creative Arts Emmys Predictions
- Outstanding Television Movie
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Reality Host
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special
- Outstanding Animated Program
- Outstanding Short Form Animated Program
- Outstanding Voice-Over Performance
- Outstanding Narrator
- Outstanding Structured Program
- Outstanding Unstructured Program
- Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
- Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special
- Outstanding Documentary Filmmaking
- Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special
- Outstanding Main Title Design
- Outstanding Main Title Theme Music
- Outstanding Music for Series
- Outstanding Music for Limited Series
- Outstanding Music and Lyrics
- Outstanding Music Supervision
About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, are given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards have recognized 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 74th Emmy Awards will take place on Monday, Sept. 12, and air on NBC.