Emmys 2015: Who Will Win Best Actress in a Drama?
The 2015 Emmy Awards are almost here, so to get you prepared for TV's biggest night Moviefone will be revealing a countdown of editor predictions for the major categories leading up to September 20th's broadcast. Today's category is quite the toughie: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama.
Who Will Win: Taraji P. Henson, "Empire." No character was raved about more than Cookie this year. Even people who don't watch Empire know she's got a fair chance at taking home the award this year. Who Should Win: Tatiana Maslany, "Orphan Black." Honestly, it is a travesty that this is the first year she's even been nominated. I don't know what spells out superior acting more than playing multiple characters every episode. And Tatiana doesn't just do it well, she does it flawlessly. Sometimes I get so caught up in the show that I forget Tatiana is playing all these roles. She truly transforms herself into every character and gives them each such specific traits, and it's not something any actor or actress could do. Unfortunately, the Emmys aren't usually big on the Sci-Fi genre. Hopefully this is the year they change their mind. Or the Clone Club is going to go nuts. -Rachel Horner
Who Will Win: This is a tough category to call. As much as I want to see Tatiana Maslany walk up to that podium, it’s not going to happen, so I have to give the edge to Robin Wright. As Claire Underwood, she’s the only character on “House of Cards” who can outshine Kevin Spacey’s scene-stealing Francis Underwood. That’s no easy feat. “What about Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis?” you ask. Well, like I said, it’s a tough year to call, so as a disclaimer, I’m going to say they have just as much a chance to take it as Wright. It’s gonna be a nail-biter. Who Should Win: Tatiana Maslany. Because… have you seen “Orphan Black”?! She’s played, like, a million clones throughout the show’s three seasons -- OK, I’m exaggerating, but still. What’s more? Aside from looks, the clones have nothing in common -- they are as different as different can be, and Maslany makes you believe it, week after week, with every ounce of her being. Watch one episode of the show and you’ll become a believer. -Tim Hayne
Who Will Win: Taraji P. Henson, "Empire." Oh, c’mon. Is there any doubt? I don’t even watch this show and I know you gotta give it to Cookie. Because Cookie. Who Should Win: Tatiana Maslany, "Orphan Black." Even though this season of Canada’s best export since bacon was uneven, Maslany consistently proved her status as one of TV’s most talented (and underrated) actors. She effortlessly transitions from each member of Clone Club’s personality; some episodes test her scary-good comedic range, others her ability to play both vulnerable and assured, often within a single scene. Genre shows rarely get acknowledged for their acting excellence, here’s hoping Maslany’s peers one day give her the recognition she deserves. -Phil Pirrello
Who Will Win: Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men." Peggy Olson’s character arc on "Mad Men" is the stuff of dreams-- from wide-eyed, innocent secretary to bad-ass boss lady-- and we love her for it. Moss will win for her pitch-perfect career performance, and it’ll be long overdue. Like her pal Jon Hamm, Moss has been nominated several times (six) with no wins. Who Should Win: Taraji P. Henson, "Empire." “Empire" was last year’s most buzzed-about show and Henson is fantastic in the role of Cookie, bringing laughs and drama. We can’t imagine anyone else playing the infinitely quotable matriarch of the Lyon family. Just give Henson the award, OK, boo boo kitty? -Alexis Taylor
Who Will Win: Eek! This category sure is a tough one. But we have to give it to the coolest, boldest, most well-dressed woman on TV... Cookie Lyon. The "Empire" powerhouse is brought to life perfectly by the amazing Taraji P. Henson. Who Should Win: If we could call it a tie between Taraji and Elisabeth Moss, we totally would. "Empire"s first season and "Mad Men''s last was some of our favorite TV this year, thanks to their characters. But Moss is out of chances, and we can't get that endlessly gif-able moment of her confidently walking through the office with a cigarette dangling from her lips out of our minds. -Alana Altmann
