Emmys 2016: Could Emilia Clarke, Constance Zimmer, Maisie Williams win Supporting Actress – Drama?
There were a few years where we thought that “Game of Thrones” was going to be one of those series that received perpetual special-effects and series nominations from the Emmys, but wouldn’t get much love for the cast save for maybe Peter Dinklage. How the tables have turned! We’re now looking at a situation where half of the Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category consists of actors who were on the show.
Below, you can see our full analysis of this field, including who are the real contenders and who is likely to come out the winner here in the end. Be sure to vote at the bottom for your personal pick, and we’ll announce the readers’ choices come Sunday, September 18.
The nominees
Emilia Clarke, “Game of Thrones” (HBO)
Lena Headey, “Game of Thrones” (HBO)
Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey” (PBS)
Maura Tierney, “The Affair” (Showtime)
Maisie Williams, “Game of Thrones” (HBO)
Constance Zimmer, “UnREAL” (Lifetime)
Analyzing the field – With all due respect to Dame Maggie Smith, there are many performers we would have preferred to see in this final spot, whether it be a Christine Baranski, a Kerry Bishe, a Melissa McBride, or many others we’re not even remembering off the top of our head. Given that she is beloved, though, we do think she’ll have a chance at this. The only person we’re somewhat doubtful on is Tierney given that “The Affair” has fallen off the map for many — though we are concerned that the “Game of Thrones” ladies could split the vote a little bit.
Who should win – To us this award is between Zimmer and Headey, who were both fantastic at playing characters perceived by many others as evil; yet, at the same time, you can chart why they are they way that they are. Our personal preference for now is probably Lena, mostly because she’s been amazing the past few years and in less-deft hands Cersei Lannister would probably fall by the wayside in terms of wonderful “Game of Thrones” characters. Zimmer would be a great upset victory, though, and we’d cheer for her every step of the way.
Who will win – As we noted, be aware of Dame Maggie here given the possibility of vote-splitting and that not all Emmy voters may be that aware of “UnREAL.” Even with all of that in mind, Clarke has been a rising star in recent years and we could easily see her taking home the trophy and having a big moment here.