Award show predictions are always a crap shoot, aren’t they? More often than not it’s a matter of hoping for your personal favorite and then, afterwards, feigning apathy and insisting that the Academy is just “out of touch.” Still, with Game of Thrones nominated for 24 Emmys this year, it’s worth taking a look at which categories were nominated, who is likely to win … and who most deserves to win at the Emmy Awards ceremony on September 20th.
Outstanding Special Visual Effects
(“The Dance of Dragons”)
Likely outcome: Game of Thrones has already won three Emmys for special visual effects so it’s pretty likely to win again, especially considering the nominated episode concluded with that long-awaited flight scene.
Petra’s 2 cents: Drogon’s animation was pretty spectacular. All respect to The Flash, but the award should go to the visual effects team behind fantasy’s most poorly named dragon. If American Horror Story: Freak Show was nominated, I’d be torn. But since it isn’t, I’m not.
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
(Jeremy Podeswa for “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken”)
Likely outcome: With two nominations in this category, Game of Thrones has a decent chance of winning but … eh, not for this episode. With all the controversy surrounding Sansa’s rape scene, the Emmys would do well to give this episode as little attention as possible.
Petra’s 2 cents: While I can’t fathom giving any awards to an episode that included those Dorne scenes, I have to admit … I think Sansa’s highly controversial wedding night was well directed. The problematic nature of the content wasn’t Podeswa’s fault. Though some of the scene’s blocking was specified in the script, the decision to rely on Sansa and Theon’s closeups and off-screen sound to convey what was going on kept the scene focused on the horror of what was occurring. It didn’t offer the titillation of a more conventionally framed sex scene, as was the case with Daenerys and Cersei’s rapes.
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
(David Nutter for “Mother’s Mercy”)
Likely outcome: Boardwalk Empire has been nominated in this category and, since this is their last season, they’re likely to reap most, if not all, of the awards for which they’ve been nominated. However, Game of Thrones has a statistical advantage since it’s been nominated twice. If it wins, it’ll be for “Mother’s Mercy” not “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken.”
Petra’s 2 cents: Similar to “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” I find the quality of this episode’s direction pretty uneven. On the one hand, we have Cersei’s slow-burning walk of shame. On the other hand, we have that bizarre cut away from Brienne executing Stannis to Ramsay Bolton that, instead of avoiding gratuitous violence as Nutter claimed it did, merely left audiences confused. Really, just give the award to Boardwalk Empire‘s “Eldorado.” It’s their last year.
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series
(“Hardhome”)
Likely outcome: If I were to bet money on one Game of Thrones episode winning every award for which it’s been nominated, I’d bet on “Hardhome:” the highest rated Game of Thrones episode yet, according to IMDB’s episode ratings. Furthermore, Game of Thrones won Outstanding Sound Mixing in 2012 for the episode, “Blackwater” and the Emmys love repeat wins.
Petra’s 2 cents: “All the awards!” as they say on Tumblr. I don’t doubt that enormous effort and talent went into Better Call Saul, Downton Abbey, Homeland and House of Cards‘ nominated episodes, but when I think of the muted sound mixing during Jon Snow’s confrontation with a White Walker, there’s just no contest.
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series
(“Hardhome”)
Likely outcome: Though Boardwalk Empire is also nominated, Game of Thrones has been previously nominated three times in this category and if any episode is going to beat out Boardwalk Empire, it will be “Hardhome.”
Petra’s 2 cents: The off-screen massacre of wildlings behind Hardhome’s gate alone warrants this episode a win.
Outstanding Costumes for a Period, Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Movie
(“The Dance of Dragons”)
Likely outcome: With Emmy newcomers American Horror Story and Wolf Hall nominated as well as Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones‘ prospects aren’t good.
Petra’s 2 cents: My obvious bias for Game of Thrones set aside, I really do have to favor a fantasy show in this category simply because its costume department has the additional responsibility of inventing the clothing styles. The costume designs are inspired by the fashions of past civilizations yet they unmistakably belong to a fantastical, fictional world all its own. That takes enormous talent. That said, Wolf Hall‘s ability to dress up Mark Rylance as an easily identifiable Thomas Cromwell without making it feel like historical cosplay deserves notice.
Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series
(“Hardhome”)
Likely outcome: As I said, my money is on big wins for “Hardhome.”
Petra’s 2 cents: “Hardhome” is a brilliant episode that excellently utilizes editing to create tension, from the much lauded fight at the titular wildling settlement to the quick cuts between Sansa and Reek that builds the sense of panic that drives Reek to slip up and admit the truth about Bran and Rickon. Do I think it deserves to win over “The Dance with Dragons,” however? Well …
Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series
(“The Dance of Dragons”)
Likely outcome: Not gonna win. If Game of Thrones gets the Emmy it’ll go to “Hardhome.”
Petra’s 2 cents: Shireen Baratheon’s death scene alone should garner this episode an Emmy. It’s a perfect example of Game of Thrones’ long standing technique of drawing out a death scene with minimal musical accompaniment to trick the audience into expecting a rescue that never comes.
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series
(“Hardhome”)
Likely outcome: With four nominations in this category, Game of Thrones is most likely going to win and, if it does, it will go to “Hardhome.” At least, it would be pretty obnoxious to nominate Game of Thrones four times and then give the Emmy to Boardwalk Empire.
Petra’s 2 cents: It deserves that Emmy.
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series
(“Sons of the Harpy”)
Likely outcome: Not going to win. Please see above.
Petra’s 2 cents: I’m not sure what in this episode warranted a nomination. Grey Worm and Ser Barristan Selmy’s fight against the Sons of the Harpy was beautifully shot (please note the image above) but in a season full of gorgeous cinematography, it didn’t strike me as truly exceptional. RIP Ser Barristan Selmy.
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series
(“Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken”)
Likely outcome: Not going to win. Please see above.
Petra’s 2 cents: Maybe I’m playing with fire here, but I really do consider “Unbowed, Unbent Unbroken” (Dorne scenes aside) to be a very well shot episode. Again, the writing isn’t what’s nominated here but the cinematography -the composition of the shots, the lighting and the use of color- in Sansa’s wedding and wedding night transitioned the episode from melancholy to dread to horror very, very affectively.
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series
(“The Dance of Dragons”)
Likely outcome: Not going to win. Please see above.
Petra’s 2 cents: Between Daenerys’ flight and Shireen’s death, it deserves an Emmy but I still give preference to “Hardhome.”
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special (“Hardhome”)
Likely outcome: As with costumes, the Emmy newbies, American Horror Story and Penny Dreadful, make this category a bit of a wild card. However, I stand by my conviction that (when Boardwalk Empire isn’t in the picture) “Hardhome” will be this year’s Emmy darling (if I’m wrong about this I’m going to be really embarrassed)
Petra’s 2 cents: Frankly, as impressive as the White Walkers are, I think American Horror Story deserves the award for creating believable yet undeniably human employees of a 1950s freak show. Let’s give it up for Twisty the Clown!
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
(“Mother’s Mercy”)
Likely outcome: With three previous nominations and no wins, “Mother’s Mercy” might get the Emmy but I’m not optimistic.
Petra’s 2 cents: I cannot in good conscience support the writing of an episode that contains the line, “You want a good girl but you need a bad pussy” and fails to give Sansa more agency in her escape from Winterfell.
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program
(“High Sparrow”)
Likely outcome: Game of Thrones has never been nominated in this category before (though it’s won twice for Art Direction) so I’d say it’s unlikely to win.
Petra’s 2 cents: I can only assume that it’s Margaery and Tommen’s wedding that earned the episode the nomination and I suppose that’s fair enough. I don’t watch Constantine, Gotham, House of Cards or True Blood so I can’t say if they deserve the award more.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
(Emilia Clarke)
Likely outcome: The Emmys seem to love nominating Game of Thrones actors but don’t care to actually award them. Clarke’s only been nominated once so I don’t expect her to win.
Petra’s 2 cents: Setting aside my personal tepidity for Daenerys as a character, nothing in Clarke’s performance this season struck me as award-worthy.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
(Lena Headey)
Likely outcome: Like Clarke, Headey’s been nominated once before but, unlike Daenerys’ season of sitting and standing while trying to remain stoic (if that unfair of me?) Cersei’s walk of shame might be enough to earn her a win.
Petra’s 2 cents: GIVE HER THIS AWARD! GIVE IT TO HER!
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
(Peter Dinklage)
Likely outcome: With one previous win and three other nominations, Dinklage is a viable contender but I get the feeling they’ll keep nominating him until his last season (which is hopefully the show’s last season) and then give him another Emmy.
Petra’s 2 cents: This time last year I wouldn’t have thought it possible but I’m kind of burned out on Dinklage love. Yeah, I know. He wasn’t given much to do this season and I can only take so much of the same snark before I start wishing someone else from the cast would get nominated. If the Emmys insist on only recognizing one actor from Game of Thrones at a time, I’d really love to see Alfie Allen get his due. I’m obviously biased (note my sigil) but Allen has delivered the most transformative performance on the show. Yet, rather than honor an actor for giving an unpopular character an extraordinary arc, we’re celebrating the same man for the fifth year in a row.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
(Diana Rigg)
Likely outcome: This is Rigg’s third nomination. I suspect, much like Peter Dinklage, they’re waiting for her character to die or for the show to end to give her the award.
Petra’s 2 cents: I sort of get the sense that Olenna’s exceptionalism has more to do with writing than acting. Don’t get me wrong, Rigg gives a great performance as the dignified Tyrell matriarch and, yes, I know that the best actors make their craft look easier than it really is. But what sets Olenna Tyrell apart as a character is the dialogue, not the delivery.
Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)
(“Mother’s Mercy”)
Likely outcome: Game of Thrones has been nominated every year and has won twice. However, Boardwalk Empire is also nominated, so it’ll be probably win.
Petra’s 2 cents: I suspect that, unless you’re working on The Addams Family, non-prosthetic makeup is the sort of thankless task that’s only noticed when it’s bad … so I suppose it’s a testament to Jane Walker and Ann McEwan’s skill that I never gave makeup a thought while watching “Mother’s Mercy.” In my ignorance, all I can say is that the characters’ complexions match their situations. Daenerys, Cersei and Reek all look appropriately filthy and FrankenMountain looks appropriately undead.
Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
Likely outcome: Casting has been nominated every year and, I suspect, will continue to be nominated every year until its finale.
Petra’s 2 cents: The Game of Thrones casting department has consistently done an excellent job finding pitch perfect actors for the show’s wide range of characters … with the additional responsibility of appeasing ASOIAF fans who already have fixed mental images of what the characters should look like.
Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series
(“Mother’s Mercy”)
Likely outcome: This is another category that’s been nominated every year but will likely lose to Boardwalk Empire.
Petra’s 2 cents: Eh … it’s hard to understand how the episode in which Cersei gets the Fantine treatment received a nomination for hair. Still, Game of Thrones‘ heroines’ elaborate braids have been the envy of bridesmaids and cosplayers for five years now and that deserves recognition. However, since this is Boardwalk Empire‘s last season, I have to tip my hat to its five-year run of stylish 1920s and 30s dos.
Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie
Likely outcome: The Hardhome massacre, Barristan Selmy and Grey Worm’s fight against the Sons of the Harpy, Brienne’s single-handed take down of Littlefinger’s knights, Theon and Sansa’s jump and Dany’s flight might be enough for Game of Thrones to beat out Boardwalk Empire. Maybe.
Petra’s 2 cents: While the Dornish Water Gardens fight scene is burned forever into my memory, the vast majority of fight choreography and stunts on Game of Thrones has been excellent. I don’t watch Boardwalk Empire but I can’t imagine how that show’s stunts could top Game of Thrones‘.
Outstanding Drama Series
Likely outcome: Game of Thrones has been nominated every year in this category and I highly doubt it’ll finally win after this … particular season.
Petra’s 2 cents: Of course I want Game of Thrones to win. I write for WOTW, don’t I?
Walder. 😉
It would be absolutely hilarious if GOT wins best casting the season that they introduced the Sand Snakes
I love Dinklage as much as anyone else, but, did he really deserve the nomination?
Had it been up to me, I would have nominated Dillane or Allen. Or even Cunningham.
As much as I love the show, I don’t think it deserves to win much this year. Certainly don’t think any of the acting nomination deserve to. Controversial but I don’t think Cersei was as great as she has been in other seasons and the double in the Walk scene will fairly or unfairly hit her chances.
Hardhome deserves something but I don’t think anyone can grumble too much if the show doesn’t win much more.
I don’t see why would Emmy care about Sansa’s “agency” in her escape from Winterfell.
“fails to give Sansa more agency in her escape from Winterfell.”
I often wonder what people wanted Sansa to do in that situation. What makes Sansa special and sets her apart is that she’s not Arya. She’s not a tomboy that murders people.
She’s feminine and doesn’t need to act like a man. It would have been out of character for her to murder Myranda. That’s not character growth for Sansa. Character Growth would be her using her feminine qualities to accomplish her goals. Kind of like Margaery. Basically what we see her do in
I don’t see how I would have handled her escape any differently without betraying her character.
No matter what Emmy’s jury will say, GoT is and will be the most popular and most influential show on television until 2018.
GoT is not just TV show, it is a cultural phenomenon.
I truly hope Lena wins she was outstanding this season and it’s about time she got the recognition for that, Hardhome deserves some awards as the visual in that episode was brilliant I can see game of thrones winning atleast 10 awards considering they’re nominated for 26 awards.
Lena and the special effects/cinematography team are the only one that genuinely deserve awards
Peter, D&D and Emilia don’t deserve it at all for this season.
Why? The issues with this storyline had to do with plotting and dialogue. It was the writing, not the casting.
Holly,
Sorry I meant 24 my mistake
I’m getting tired of Dinklage getting the one and only nomination every year too. He’s great, but he’s not the only actor on the show. I agree that Alfie Allen deserves more recognition and I still think NCW should have gotten a nomination for season 3.
I don’t understand all this attention to Boardwalk Empire you are giving , as if she had won all these awards in the past. Believe me, if Game of Thrones was nominated for all these awards in several episodes of this season , the voters really enjoyed this season. Whether we think it controversy , or even bad, they loved the season and it really has a chance to win the main prize. The only show who has to disrupt this is Mad Men , which in addition to deserve more , is loved by the award, having won three other times . The fact of not having been nominated by his last two seasons could harm the winning of Mad Men , but I think not.
Dickon Tadly cast:
http://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/04/game-thrones-freddie-stroma-samwell-brother?hootPostID=68a8cf9cc424cf0041450a32b1efd505
Tarly*
Hi-Fi,
lmao what? in what world is freddie stroma look believable at all to be related to john bradley?
Dickon Tarly cast !
http://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/04/game-thrones-freddie-stroma-samwell-brother
aurane waters,
I liked him on UnREAL, so I’m cool with it. : )
Lena needs to win this year, and most of the technical categories. The rest doesn’t really deserve it imo.
aurane waters,
He looks like a skinny Sam, to me.
Hi-Fi,
lol i liked him in harry potter and i think he’s attractive so i’m cool too. i just think its a weird role to cast him for.
Not all siblings are lookalikes, you know…
Moka,
Very good point. Too bad no one will take it, but instead yell:”MISCAST!!”
It IS a reality that has to be faced…many times Emmy/Oscar will overlook great shows/series year after year, but on their last year, they will then flood them with the awards they maybe should have received through out the run. This being Boardwalk Empire’s last season…they are likely to get many awards that maybe they don’t necessarily deserve.
IE….Lord of the Rings. Which barely got a nod for two straight years even though breaking every record worldwide at the time…the last year after Return of the King, swept the award shows.
Hope Hardhome and Mother’s Mercy win.
Also Lena, she was outstanding this year.
Wish good luck to the others.
JCDavis,
Unafortunatly this is true.
aurane waters,
I think thay chose him because he doesen’t look related to John Bradley.
I liked him in Harry Potter. He can play Dickon
Moka,
well then they should have cast someone more sexy for euron greyjoy instead of casting an actor that looks like a pudgier and softer alfie allen
aurane waters,
Are insults, and name-calling really needed?
Maybe they care more about the actors talents than their looks? 😉
Great news. This verifies that we will have Sam/Gilly at least at the old Tarly homestead, but I think it does also bode well for Sam at the last making it to Oldtown.
Just in the past few days I have read a half dozen times that people are fearing there will be no Oldtown and while this doesn’t confirm it, it sure brings us half the way there…they are not cutting Sam/Gilly out of the season.
off topic but Dickon Tarly’s been officially as: http://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/04/game-thrones-freddie-stroma-samwell-brother
Arkash,
Looks good. i can easily imagine him as Sam’s brother, and apart from being slimmer he doesn’t look to dissimilar to John Bradley.
Moka,
What an outragous statement…..
Don’t bother, they will never understand.
#Asbeak is sexy.
Me too!
Moka,
or maybe they should care about both!!!! smh you know if it was a female character people here would be complaining left and right that she’s not hot enough but no one cares that this euron actor is average to cute looking at best.
It’s funny because I finished my rewatch of the Harry Potter movies two days ago and I was surprised that Freddie Stroma was not seen in a big production since the last HP movie… And now this! Ah ah.
Anyway Ian mcshane could be blackfish recast
Barely a nod?
Fellowship of the Ring – 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Four wins. Won best film from AFI and the British Academy Awards.
Two Towers – 6 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Two wins. Nominations from British Academy Awards, lots of others.
So they didn’t do too shabby, even though your point is correct, the Oscar people just sort of loaded up for Return of the King, which went 11-for-11 in the Oscar race. And it also won the British Academy Award, best pic from Chicago, Dallas, KC, Las Vegas, and NY film critics.
Turncloak,
I think they cast the Sandsnakes well. You forget they weren’t much different in the novels. I agree that it’s difficult to tell in the case of Nym, since the actress hasn’t really been able to flesh out her character. But Castle-Hughes is a perfect Obara, very close to the book-version. And Alliente-Sellers does a slightly different Tyene, but brings fun and mischief to the role. Tyene was the most intriqing in the show version. She had to be sexy in a way even Bronn couldn’t handle, and she was. Dont deminish that, her character was great femme fatal. Again, give the sandsnakes a break. There were a great, light, comedic subplot. They were never meant to be these very complex characters, in neither versions. They were Grrm’s take on sexy, Xenaesque amazon warriors, and D&D simply continued that idea. Them and Nina Gold did a fine job with casting in this case, as in most other cases
aurane waters,
I don’t care one way or another.
Didn’t complain when Lena was casted (alltough many people did)….etc.
Complaining about looks is also a opinion, as what someone considers very beutifull, someone else may think he’s just avarege, an the other way around.
Complaining about looks, while you didn’t saw 1 min of screan-time, is just shallow
Stop with that, it’s just ridiculous…
Hodoreo,
Are insults neccessary tough?
Sam’s brother has been cast!
I’m pretty much on board with Game of Thrones winning almost every single award in the technical categories it’s been nominated for. I doubt it will win for writing, given Hardhome wasn’t nominated there. The stuntwork is a deserved win, too, and far exceeds Boardwalk Empire.
Lena should win, hands down.
As for the rest, I don’t get this analysis that voters are clamoring to award Boardwalk Empire in its last season; it’s never been an Emmy favorite, save the inexplicable win for Bobby Cannavale two years ago for chewing the scenery, the direction award for Martin Scorsese, because c’mon, it’s Scorsese, and one other directing award. Mad Men is likely to take most of the biggest awards for its work this year, including direction, and so Boardwalk could pick up a win or two here and there, but it won’t be that much of a haul.
Moka,
why? it isn’t the first time someone’s complained about the casting on this show
So, what? Did you just wake up this morning and decide to try and take the jam out of every doughnut you find? Geez. Give it a break already. You could read that book about winning friends and influencing people, in my opinion. Just sayin’!!
aurane waters,
No, but you are especially ridicoulos….
Turncloak,
I’d have preferred it if Theon, after killing Myranda, went into shock (which would have made sense for him … it’s the first disobedient thing he’s done in 2 years), leaving it to Sansa to lead him up the ramparts and make the decision to jump.
Petra,
They both made the decision to jump.
There was no ”agancy”(god I hate this word) taken from Sansa.
Since these things come down to personal preference, I’m surprized I agreed with almost everything Petra said. And personal preferences aside (Peter and Emilia again?), I’ll be happy with any nomination that turns into an award. Of course, in the end, we’ll disappointedly say that the Emmy’s don’t matter 😉
Petra,
I’d have preferred that too, but I don’t think that Sansa’s “agency”= good writing.
Petra, seriously: “the Emmys would do well to give this episode as little attention as possible.”
There’s a bucket I could fill with incredible scenes from that episode and there’s one fight that’s probably the worst in the series, but you’re overdoing it here. If you also think that because, and I’ll quote because I vehemently disagree, “the problematic nature of the content wasn’t Podeswa’s fault”. What fault? That scene had little faults and was one of the episodes best moments. Surely horrific, but in terms of quality it was right up there. You can’t go around calling that a fault if you dislike something. Why did Sansa get “raped”, because she got herself into a pinch. That’s just what was expected from the beginning of the season. Not including it would’ve been a suspension of reality and THAT would’ve been a fault.
And lol, “this particular season”? It’s a good season, if you don’t like it, watch it again but skip the two scenes you apparently vehemently disliked.
As somebody else has already said, what you’re obviously still not over, has NOTHING to do with the casting of Lorenti-Sellers, Henwick and Castle-Hughes. They look the part.
Tar Kidho,
My point exactly! If GOT doesn’t take the awards, people will use this to justify that the show is bad. If GOT takes everything, they will say that the Emmy’s don’t metter.
No, it’s not the first time that someone complains about the casting, but it’s probably the first time someone complains about an actor being not “hot” enough…
Moka,
You haven’t been here long enough then. People complained that Pedro Pascal was not hot enough to be Oberyn…
Moka,
Book purists always complain about that.
Mihnea,
And Cersei, Jaime, Sansa, ….
mau,
I know about Nikolaj…But people really complained that Sophie is not preat enough??
They’ll win some technical Emmy’s but that’s it. GOT is now like MAD MEN… it gets nominated for everything but its quality actually hurts it when it comes to winning major awards because people take it for granted.
Mihnea,
Yes.
mau,
Good heavens……
Well, it’s a great example of how stupid they were to complain about him 😉
mau,
Many people think it isn’t very good writing to give a main character a story like that with basically no payoff when she is meant to be developing skills, and the story never gives her any opportunity to show that (you may disagree, and you may also disagree that that is what the arc did, but it is still a perfectly valid view of what constitutes good writing; this has been exhaustively discussed, so let’s leave it at that).
I don’t really see any reason to expect a sudden surge in love for Boardwalk Empire, which was never a real favourite of the Emmys to begin with, and didn’t attract the sort of final notices that might normally prompt such a spate of wins. If any series is getting the kiss on its way out the door, it will be Mad Men.
I think GOT’s chances at the top prize actually aren’t that bad this year. I’d say it’s between them and Mad Men, unless there’s an unexpected surge of Better Call Saul support that so far hasn’t been evident (I think that series will be content with a win for supporting actor — and possibly lead actor, if the voters decide to screw over Jon Hamm one last time).
Lena I expect will win.
As far as series directing, “Unbowed”‘s only blemish is the poorly-handled fight. There are several scenes that are excellent, from a directing standpoint, whatever you think of the material. With “Mother’s Mercy”, I don’t think the cut away from Brienne’s swing was a flaw; I didn’t feel any ambiguity there. Outside of the really cartoonish direction of Ellaria (though that was a consistent problem with every director), my biggest problem with it was the way they handled the confrontation on the Winterfell battlements. Nutter hides Theon through most of the confrontation, when the whole point is that this is what finally moved him to act; and there are at least two lines (one from Myranda and one from Sansa) that seem like they’re meant to speak directly to Theon’s situation, but the directing doesn’t emphasize these connections at all, consequently I don’t think either moment really resonated. It’s similar to the problem I had with the recent version of Far from the Madding Crowd, where Boldwood’s climactic intervention has almost no buildup in the scene itself, which slackens the climax for the character and deflates tension.
Yet according to Gold Derby, Game of Thrones’ odds are the highest they’ve ever been this year, by far.
http://www.goldderby.com/awardshows/experts/emmy-awards-2015/drama-series.html
In past years they’ve typically put GoT at the bottom of all their predictions for major categories. Now it runs a close second behind Mad Men according to most of the experts, and 4 of them put it as their #1 prediction for Best Drama this year (compared to 8 for Mad Men). Which is to say this is possibly the first year GoT had a real, albeit dark horse, chance of winning Best Drama (plus, Lena Headey appears to be the frontrunner for Drama Supporting Actress, though it’s a contentious category).
Keep in mind that Emmy voters are a fairly isolated, mostly older group of Hollywood industry insiders who don’t know what’s being said about popular shows on Twitter or by TV critics.
I Literally only care about Lena winning. Everything else matters not.
Turncloak,
I didn’t find the casting problematic. The writing for those characters on the other hand…
JCDavis,
But this will happen to Mad Men , not Boardwalk Empire. If BE had been nominatedd in any major category , we could think that the voters are supporting the series.
I find the overall boost here for Boardwalk Empire, a show I love, to be overtly optimistic. Best Drama is really between Game of Thrones and Mad Men.
With direction, I have no idea how they didn’t nominate Miguel Sapochnik for “Hardhome”. That being said, I’d give the Emmy to Nutter.
As for writing, I enjoyed the season finale and outside of the stupid Dorne scene had little problem with it. But I’m not sure why that episode was submitted instead of “Hardhome”, “Kill the Boy”, or “High Sparrow”. If I was an Emmy voter, however, I’d give this year’s win to Joshua Bland for “Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?” from The Americans.
I love Clarke and Dinklage in their roles, but I would replace them this Emmy round with Sophie Turner and Alfie Allen. A second male supporting actor nomination would go to Stephen Dillane. But seriously, give the trophy to Lena.
As much as I like Peter Dinklage, this really was Stannis’ year and its a damn shame that he has never been nominated. But like was said above, the Emmys are so out of touch and simply nominate the “popular” kids each and everytime.
And lets not fool ourselves, GOT is the popular kid. As is Dinklage and Clarke. So many better performances from cast that get zero recognition. It really pisses me off.
Ser Matt the Sullen,
Don’t actors have to nominate themselves?
Like Lena choosing the WOS….etc.
outdoorcats,
Wow I’m loving how Jonathan Bank is virtually everyone’s choice for supporting actor. It’s damn well deserved. Also Bob Odenkirk is the 2nd favourite for best actor, after Jon Hamm who will take it for Mad Men’s final season. So hopefully for season 2 of Saul, Odenkirk can take home an award!
Mihnea,
They did both agree to jump and I love that close up of their hands together. Sansa had more agency (don’t know a good substitute for the word) than Jeyne Poole but it was still Theon who killed Myranda and Theon who came up the idea to jump. Sansa still has yet to take initiative over her own storyline.
Emmys nominate who they know, and who they think is big in pop culture. Always have, always will. They nominated Podeswa because they know him from Breaking Bad an Emmy favorite. They looked at Sapochnik and said wtf is that? They nominate Dinklage every year because they know him as an American in American movies and part of the entertainment establishment. Similar with Headey. Although don’t get me wrong she deserves it, what I’m saying is they know her too because of her involvement in man American productions. As for Clarke, it’s because they think she’s huge in pop culture, her character his huge in pop culture and her entrance into the American entertainment establishment in recent years as well. Although it will be interesting to see if she’s nominated in years to come given her first big American release bombed, and the rumors she’s being replaced because her acting sucks and she’s not a big enough draw like they thought she was.
Simple as that. It’s the way the Emmys have always operated and always will. Too much attention is paid to an event that is nothing more than honoring members of the American entertainment establishment.
Petra,
I think Sansa took initiative when she decided to escape. And not be Ramsey’s toy, just like when she poked Ramsey by calling him a bastard.
And Theon was the focus of that scene I agree, because Sansa already made up her mind, when she decided to try and leave. That was Theon’s turn, his decision to save Sansa and stop being Reek.
I respect your opinion. But, I for one, saw Sansa take her life in her own hands.
“But what sets Olenna Tyrell apart as a character is the dialogue, not the delivery.”
I disagree wholeheartedly, especially on the show.
And if another supporting actor deserved to be nominated over Dinklage, it’s definitely either NCW for S3, Charles Dance for S4 or Kit/Stephen Dillane for S5, NOT Allen.
The problem with Sansa’s agency is overall writing. They want to make her as passive as possible. And this was something create since the begining.
-Sansa didn’t left KL with the Hound just because, nothing about Ser Dontos
-She does kneel to Tyrion in her wedding instead of stand up
-Ser Dontos popped out at her back vs she planned her escape of KL with Ser Dontos together, taking a knife to protect herself at their first meet.
-Sansa ruled the Eerie when LF was gone, nothing of that was showed.
Every babystep Sansa did about character development or agency was cut off. She’s like a ball people kick everytime in the other’s playfield. What we had this season?
-Brienne appears. Sansa’s agency: none. LF did all the talk, Sansa wasn’t given the opportunity to refuse for herself.
-LF told Sansa his plan. Sansa’s agency: none. She’s stuck in the middle of nowhere, with LF’s soldiers surrounding her and not at the Vale, when she can tell the Vale lords.
-Sansa arrives at Winterfell. Sansa’s agency: none. Even LF didn’t left any soldier or way to contact with her.
-Sansa and the Old Lady. Sansa’s agency: none. She relies entirely on a stupid escape plan. What if she’s trapped in her room and can’t light the candle? (like she was).
-Sansa and Myranda. Sansa’s agency: none. She was fine, then Myranda shows her Reek and she’s scared again.
-Sansa breakfast scene. Sansa’s agency: none. She says a sassy comment then Ramsay shows her Theon and make her cry.
-Sansa and Myranda bath scene. Sansa’s agency: none. Then she was wedded and raped.
-Sansa and Theon 1. Sansa’s agency: none. She begs for help.
-Sansa and Ramsay. Sansa’s agency: none. She did a (stupid or suicide what you prefers) comment about bastards, the Ramsay shows her the flayed Old Lady.
-Sansa’s escape. Sansa’s agency: none. Wait, she learned to lockpicking skills. How empowered.
-Sansa’s candle. Sansa’s agency: none. I don’t know how someone able to build a snow Winterfell castle didn’t knew one way to go out unnoticed.
-Sansa’s last scene. Sansa’s agency: none. She tell the other abuse victim she’s ok with dying. How empowered. Theon kills Myranda. Theon takes Sansa. Theon is the first ready to jump.
How to fix that doing the horrible Jeyne Poole’s plot?
-Brienne appears. Sansa refuse to go for herself.
-LF told Sansa his plan. She asked how many northern lords are there.
-Sansa arrives at Winterfell. Sansa talks with LF about when he’s coming back and she assures him she can go out by the secret passages of the crypts.
-Sansa and the Old Lady. She asks the Old Lady to envoy several letters on her name.
-Sansa and Myranda. Actually, that scene is fine for itself.
-Sansa breakfast scene. She’s eager to please and become Fat Walda’s friend. She learns too that she’s having a baby.
-Sansa and Myranda bath scene. Two paths: she kills Ramsay with her “needle” collar and run away with Theon, coming back to the Vale or; she persuade Lord Bolton to wait for the ceremony until all the northern lords arrived, to assure their legitimacy on Winterfell.
-Sansa and Theon 1. No Theon. A scene in which she talk with Lord Manderly/Lady Dustin equivalent.
-Sansa and Ramsay. She convinces Ramsay to kill Fat Walda’s baby.
-Sansa’s escape. Lockpicking skills or northern lord opening the door, as you wish.
-Sansa’s candle. Sansa left the castle with the help of northern lords.
-Sansa’s last scene. Sansa kills Myranda with the corkscreew or wait until Theon kills Myranda, as you wish. Sansa takes Theon. Sansa is the first ready to jump.
But it seems the only female characters allowed to be badass or skilled without any consequence are Dany and Arya.
SlayerNina,
*sigh*
Sansa has more agency in the show than book, so lets just stop complaining about her not having enough agency. It’s obvious that her character has been developing and growing since the first season and that she will likely grow to play the game very well in the future.
Boardwalk Empire had a great first 2 seasons followed by merely solid seasons at best, including the last season. It’s a very well done show that is comparable to GOT in how good it looks and how well it’s written/directed/acted. That being said, it really doesn’t hold a candle to GOT. It’s like GOTs less interesting but still interesting cousin. Would be very surprised if Boardwalk Empire won, it’s highly unlikely.
James,
Don’t bother. Just wait until Harry rapes her in TWOW, then they will all shut up.
Mihnea,
Sure, whatever you say.
Will be interesting to see how all those ‘side-bar’ nominations for Hardhome do.
Have seen a lot of praise for that episode from industry insiders and critics (not counting fans here), such that seems a puzzle that it did not cop a directorial nomination.
Recent years seems there has been an elephant-in-the-room syndrome for best series , I suppose that could go to “Downton Abbey”, but not so sure , may have a better chance this year.
I am thinking keeps busting records it will do a Lord of the Rings ‘O give it to em already’!
Sean C.,
I’m going to be here, waiting for your atempts to justify it. 😉
Sansa threatening to torture Theon earlier in the season was out of character. And Sansa returning to going along with everything Littlefinger said without question was against the character growth she went through at the end of season 4. You cannot honestly say that her taking control of her escape would have betrayed her character in a season that betrayed her character.
Actually this year is different than any other previous year. GoT is the only nominated Drama series that has been nominated for 3 crucial categories altogether; Acting, Writing and Directing.
It is rare that one show wins the big prize without one of these. Or a film to win the Best Picture at Oscar without these.
Its biggest opponent Mad Men doesn’t even have a Directing nod for its finale. House of Cards, Oitnb and Downton Abbey have neither of those(Directing or Writing) Better Call Saul and Homeland only have one.
Casting and Picture Editing nominations are also very important. Not even one Drama has won without Editing nom., and this was the only branch that hasn’t embraced GoT in the past, but this year GoT has claimed two spots from that area. These 5 branches are particularly important, because they includes the majority of Emmy voters.
It’s also worth noting that voting system has been completely changed this year. In the past they’ve asked volunteers from voters(not all of them) to the watch the nominated shows submitted episodes in their home. Every show had to submit six episodes from their season and those have been divided into tapes two by two and had been mailed out to the voters. Probably in the past GoT didn’t have a shot because it was too confusing for a casual viewer to understand to following content judging by only two episodes. This year, it won’t be a problem, no one has to watch anything; it’d be more like the Academy Awards. And popularity will help GoT because it is by far the most nominated drama of the year.(Closest ones Mad Men&House of Cards has 11 each.)
And it is also the frontrunner on GoldDerby to win this award with %46 odds.
It could win or it could lose this to Mad Men, both is possible but I’m pretty surprised even the fans of GoT are pretty hopeless for their shows while even professionals thinks it’s their turn now.
Golladan,
I find it funny that the fans, supposedly, know better what a characters correct story/actions are, better then the writers, who have been told the ending by the creator of this universe.
You can say you didn’t like Sansa’s story, no problem, but to say that story ”betrayed” her character, is quite childish.
You will be queen,
GOT fans want GOT to win. It’s the people who hate the show that want it to loose
What you’re saying makes no sense.
I’ve watched the show from the start. I know the characters the way the show has protrayed them. That is the way the characters are. And Sansa is a character that has been in the show since season 1. Since season 1 Sansa has been shown as a kind, if naive, young woman. And the ending of season 4 showed Sansa take more charge of her life by lying for LF and saving his ass, and securing the backing of the Vale lords, as well as the whole new outfit that everyone made a big deal about. This is not me assuming that I know the charcters better than the writers (and BTW, Martin having told them the ending doesn’t mean much. It’s obvious they’re taking the show their own route), this is the way the show has portrayed those characters.
And anyways, that’s all besides the point. My point still stands. Claiming that Sansa taking more of an active role in her escape would be against her character is pointless in a season where Sansa repeatedly called Ramsay a bastard to his face, threatened to torture Theon, decided to follow LF around without question, and told Myranda to mind her own buisness.
Urban Bran,
Definitely. Only award grandma Tyrell’s dialogue deserves is ‘most cringe-worthy anachronistic homophobic gay jokes ever’.
Golladan,
Sansa took an active role in her escape, when she decided to escape, Theon didn’t drag her out her room like he did Jayne. The scene with Myranda is where she lost any power to do anything, she is no fighter, no killer. So here Theon intervenes, to rescue her, choosing to no longer be reek/Ramsey’s slave. Then Theon and Sansa run togheter.
Obviously as I am commenting on a GoT fansite I would love the show to win as many awards as possible!
I am not the best person to predict categories particularly technical awards as admittedly the only other nominated show that I watch is OITNB (which should be a comedy but that’s a different matter…). I hope the technical staff win some of the awards they are up for because they put everything and months of work a year into this. They won’t always get the credit the same way the actors do so it would be nice to see a few awards.
What I am away to say is merely an opinion so if it sounds harsh or critical it is not meant to be. I wonder how Peter (generally a media avoiding type) feels about being the go to guy for being nominated. He is consistently good don’t get me wrong but his nomination last season ended up being a slightly over acted monologue and this year.. what episode has he even selected?! I would say Alfie Allen/Stephen Dillane/Iain Glen all did more to warrant a nomination. But because the main actors nominate as supporting (which they would have to – they don’t get enough screentime to go against the Claire Danes/Kevin Spacey types. IIRC (I might be wrong) Peter didn’t do his thankful for his nominations/discussing it interview this year unlike Emilia and Lena (who at this point had a very newborn child and still did it!).
I feel like a lot of people voting felt “Hmm I don’t watch Game of Thrones but as it’s a popular show I know I should pick an actor from there – most non show viewers will immediately know the wise cracking dwarf/Dragon Queen as two characters and lo and behold they got nominated. I don’t think this so much for Peter as Emilia. How the heck does someone who isn’t the best actress in her own show manage to get nominated. (Ok just noticed that she got nominated ahead of the glorious Michelle Fairley for Season 3 – so bizarre..).
She isn’t awful – she is clearly directed to play Dany as stoic there just isn’t anything brilliant or award worthy there. If Lena is gonna win something for her portrayal of Cersei this is it. The categories at the SAG awards and Golden Globes are too big and this was the season she will have the most screentime. She was brilliant all season and I would love to see her win something. Her range of expressions are just incredible yet subtle and I think she has really come into her own in the role over the last few years particularly.
Why does nearly every comment page on here descend into a disagreement about Sansa…
Sansa goes to a tower and lights a candle waiting for someone to come and rescue her (princess in the tower). She gives up and goes somewhere to be cornered by Myranda. There she tells Myranda that she wants to die. Theon pounces and kills Myranda. Then he grabs Sansa and pulls her to the ramparts (no, they don’t run together). He climbs up while Sansa watches. Then extends his hands to her and she follows him up. Then they jump.
Eck,
You have to submit yourself you be nominated for the Emmys. And the nominations are done by peers (actors nominate actors, directors nominate directors, etc) from the list of submissions.
Mihnea,
Why you never say something useful?
SlayerNina,
I could say the same abou you, all of your comments are full of anger and meaningless hatred, I trully don’t know why you are here.
I found the last 2 books underwhelming, but you don’t see me at Westeros.org Yelling how bad they are.
Golladan,
Very well, your opinion is different then mine. You saw a weak Sansa, I saw a confident one, you saw her character not progressing, I saw her evolving quite nice.
I disagree with your opinion and saw things entirly different, but I respect it.
Can you respect my opinion? And admit that there are more then your way to see that storyline?
Petra,
Fun fact: writers loved Jeyne’s plot… Erasing Jeyne. So basically they wanted the rape storyline to have Theon redeemed LOL
I think the angry is legitimated, since they were proclaming several times they loved Sansa’s character, they loved Sophie, and this season she was gonna be badass.
It’s like all the promotional videos and interviews with writers/actresses featuring the Sand Snakes and the new dornish characters and how badass and interesting they will be since they were Oberyn’s daughters and then…
PS: Ignore Mihnea, he/she is just a pain in the ass trolling everybody and telling them to shut up.
Did you know D&D change the names of female characters because they think women are interchangeable? Hahaha.
Sorry, that was a bit snarky, but good gawd.
SlayerNina,
I have not insulted you, I would appriciate if you would do the same.
Book!Margaery uses her charms to seduce people. Show!Margaery this season seems a mix between Regina George and a sexual predator.
Which is a pity, because Natalie Dormer is awesome and the show’s scene with Loras is the only scene we had in the series (books and show) who tells something about Loras and Margaery dinamics.
Nymeria Warrior Queen,
Yeah it’s truly phatetic how angry some people can be.
Mihnea,
If you seriously respected my opinion you would not have butt into my conversation with Turncloak by saying “You can say you didn’t like Sansa’s story, no problem, but to say that story ”betrayed” her character, is quite childish.” Or feel the need to reply to anybody that shows the least bit of dislike towards the show. You and mau are peas in a pod.
Golladan,
Ok I got your answer. Thank you!
Mihnea,
Sansa is interesting as a heroine to me because she’s not another “badass tomboy not like the other girls”, “cunning seductress” or “nice girl love interest who helps the main character”. Her assets resides on their feminine skills and empathy. And both are erased and turned into damisell in distress over and over and ruthless spoiled brat.
I can be piss off if my favorite character is constantly turned down or taken in other’s characters plot. If Dany can pet dragons just because, Arya can change faces just because, LF-Davos-Melisandre-Yara can have jetpacks just because or the White Walkers can walk among fire just because… I don’t understand why they are still doing the same again and again and telling to the audience she had changed.
You’re insulting everybody who not agree with you or points the show has flaws.
And *sigh* is rude
SlayerNina,
What do you say we stop talking, it will make this site better?
Our convo’s will only be a forth and back of vastly different opinions. I see no point, do you?
Lena Headey has a good shot of winning an Emmy but she might lose out to Christina Hendricks since her nomination was for the last ever season of Mad Men.
Still racking my brains as to why Hardhome was overlooked for the directing nominations.
Al Swearengen,
My guess is Hardhome was left out of the directing nominations because the most prominent part of that episode, the battle, itself, had a great deal of CGI.
I agree Hendricks might take the Emmy over Lena. I’d love for Lena to win, as I think she definitely deserves it, but between, as you mentioned, it being Mad Men’s last season, having what, imo, was a fantastic finale, and the fact Hendricks did a great job, she could be the one going home with the statue.
Eck,
Well, in this case, the article actually talked about Sansa’s story this season, so it’s not unusual that it comes up in discussion.
As far as Clarke’s acting goes, I’d call her a decent performer. She can sell good writing, but she can’t elevate bad writing, and the writing for Dany is erratic. I will say, she consistently makes me believe that she is interacting with and emotionally invested in her dragons, which are represented during filming by stuffed toys, etc., which is a real acting skill that a lot of otherwise talented performers do not have (see, e.g., the Star Wars prequels).
I agreed with Petra on pretty much every point, including her detailed reasons.
The hubris of putting up Unbent for nomination encapsulates the whole attitude the TV show people have: that a few great subplots make up for bad ones; they should plan out their resources and energy evenly instead: you can’t focus on “Hardhome” or “Arya in Braavos” in episode 6…..while then having an INFAMOUSLY badly filmed fight scene with the Sand Snakes. That was embarrassing. I agree with Petra that the camerawork for the Sansa wedding was itself good technical work, and you’re supposed to judge it separately….but I still think the writing drags it down.
Similarly…..how the heck could D&D POSSIBLY think an episode with the “you need bad pussy” line deserves nomination? I mean, it was 5 seconds for us to hear it– for them, it was WEEKS of filming and editing – during all that time no one, not the actors or other crew, pulled them aside and said “this sounds ridiculous”? They…seriously thought this was presentable?
I have to say this is one the poorer articles on WotW that I have read in a while. When I started reading it I was expecting actual analysis. Perhaps someone with some insight.
Instead this is a fanboy article.
There is no mention of Mad Men in the article… yet somehow it feels like Boardwalk Empire is mentioned in almost every other category.
The Dragon Demands,
When they’re selecting episodes to submit, I’m pretty sure they don’t pick it apart and analyze it piece by piece, but rather look at it as a whole. “Bad pussy” aside, Mother’s Mercy was a well written and well acted episode. I’m not surprised it was chosen.
I would have liked to see a reference to Gold Derby. Where most of the experts are picking Mad Men to win… but most have GoT 2nd.
And regarding Best Drama… the last time someone won this award without being nominated in Writing or Directing was 1999. This eliminates part of the field… and GoT being up in both is a big deal which initially led to them being the betting favorites right after the nominations were announced.
I still don’t think they win but to dismiss their chances is ridiculous.
Every time I see a post about award shows and the science fiction/fantasy genre I have to comment. As it is with pretty much any award show held in America, scifi/fantasy films and shows will never be recognized with any sort of seriousness. And if the show or movie was filmed outside of the States it is even worse. There is a huge bias against anything that takes the watcher into another place and time that has come strictly from the imagination. I’m not saying there haven’t been exceptions, but as I said, it’s very rare. The snubs can be proven by statistics and tons and tons of articles that have been written on the subject over the years. Scifi/fantasy shows and films are lucky to get half of the technological votes they are nominated for. Peter Jackson’s films coming out was the last straw for me and I haven’t watched an award show since. Far too many incredible actors have been ignored simply because they were a wizard, a warrior, an elf, a dwarf, a witch, an alien etc. I remember being absolutely dumbfounded when Star Trek and Tolkien movies wouldn’t even get a win for costumes make up most times! So in truth, for me, the nominations just don’t matter. The system is clearly biased, perhaps to the point of being corrupt with their favoritism.
Sorry for my rant….lol I feel VERY strongly about my favorite genres not getting the credit they deserve when it comes to the beauty and creative genius behind them. I sincerely love Game of Thrones and it deserves so much more than it ever gets.
Oh joy, this thread has become another warzone for people arguing over Sansa’s storyline.
This is the most interesting season Sansa has had and it was a sensible adaption from the book.
Did she have agency or not? Guess what? I don’t care. Either way her story was interesting and entertaining which should be the bottom line. Yes, she got raped. It added to her plotline. You have to remember this is a TV show. They’re not trying to right the wrongs of the world or make social commentary on modern female issues (still puzzles me why people try and link this to a medieval fantasy world). They are trying to tell a story and entertain. If you’re not entertained then stop watching but please stop the whining about certain characters stories not going the way you like.
I also don’t get the hate in this article regarding this past season.
We here are super fans and generally get polarized and know to much and obsess over parts… but that is not the general public.
This past season of GoT was I believe the 2nd best reviewed season of the show on Rotten Tomatoes. So while there is some hysteria about how the quality of the show is not as good this past season… that is actually the opposite feeling outside of our bubble.
I don’t understand why this hate is bleeding into supposed analysis for the Emmys.
Lack of payoff may be a problem, I agree, especially in a set-up season like this. And not only with Sansa. I personally don’t care much about that because we will get new episodes in 7 months.
I believe that people who decides about awards are not Sansa’s or Theon’s superfans and they don’t know or care what her arc is “meant to be”.
Her arc is what D&D has written and that is it. She has been written like a survivor who never gives up, and they were consistent with her characterisation.
mau,
I agree that it’s unlikely that most of the people evaluating this at the Emmys will be approaching it from that angle, but I don’t think that’s really relevant to Petra‘s opinion that she cannot support the chances of a script she does not believe is well-written.
The writers themselves have talked about Sansa becoming a player of the Game of Thrones, so that’s not something that people are imposing on the show.
TheTouchOfFrost,
I completly agree!! Very well put!
Sean C.,
Well, I thought this article was about objective prediction, not a personal blog about the show.
And I really don’t think that we should use writers’ words as a canon. There were numerous times in interviews when D&D or GRRM contradicted their own writing in the books or the show.
D&D even said that we should take their words too seriously.
The only thing that matters is the show, what they say somewhere else is not important, because I don’t want writers to tell me how to read their work.
shouldn’t*
GoT is currently at #1 place to win Best Drama, Best Supporting Actress and Best Directing according to GoldDerby. You can see it in here; http://www.goldderby.com/odds/index/290/
As a GoldDerby insider for so many years I can assure you that Editors and Top 24 users are more aware of the statistics, the Emmy voting and system especially Editors because they are the founder of this site and the more the sites predixtions turn out to be true the better for them. Experts do not care that, they are only the reviewers who votes for shows they like instead of thinking “Who is likely to win?” . They are only there to brought site some prestige. These people also thought someone like Gina Rodriguez has a great shot at getting nominated before the nominations were announced. So please do not take seriously them, they just want their voices to be heard.
It is definitely a two horse race between GoT and Mad Men.
mau,
Each item has two comments: “likely outcome” (the ‘objective’ part) and “Petra’s 2 cents” (personal opinion).
I am hoping for Lena’s win. She has given a fantastic performance – who didn’t cheer when she had to lick up the water off the floor after being beaten with a ladle by the septa? And the Walk of Shame? And the way she came off when she was being arrested? Going from smug satisfaction to being humiliated, and that last look portending her revenge. Lena’s done some great work here, I hope she gets recognition for it.
Ugh. Not the Sansa thing again…please, no more vitriol!
Lena deserves to win not for the disappointing and irritating WoS (in my opinion) but for the moments like the one just describes by Anonne. Windows into the complex psyche of Cersei clearly and poignantly portrayed.
That said, the lack of nominations for Alfie over the years has been distressing. He is fantastic in his role.
SciFiFantasyGirl,
Wait…you sound exactly like me! Are you my long-lost twin? ;-D
Steven Soderbergh is going to win directing award for The Knick, and he deserves to. That was groundbreaking stuff.. Also, Lena deserves the award this year.