Winning an Emmy isn’t going to change anyone’s life in a huge way.
They’re just not as important as the Oscars. Until recently, the audience at the ceremony was filled with the same faces. Then, film actors started drifting into basic cable series, getting nominated just for showing up.
Will all the film stars now working in TV prevail? Here is our list of likely winners for next Sunday’s Emmy awards.
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Best Drama
Who will (and should) win: “ House of Cards.” The viciously entertaining Netflix drama of Washington politics is simply the best thing out there in TV land.
Also nominated: “Breaking Bad,” “Mad Men,” “Downton Abbey,” “Game of Thrones” and “Homeland.”
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Best Comedy
Who will (and should) win: “Modern Family.” It keeps winning because it’s funny, warm-hearted and relatable.
Also nominated: “Veep,” “Louie.” “30 Rock,” “Girls,” Big Bang Theory.”
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Best Actor (Drama)
Who will win: Damian Lewis, for the riveting “Q&A” episode of “Homeland.”
Who should win: Kevin Spacey, “House of Cards.” As the monstrous US Congressman Frank Underwood, Spacey gives the most consistently fascinating performance of the pack.
Also nominated: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men,” Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad,” Jeff Daniels, “The Newsroom” and Hugh Bonneville, “Downton Abbey.”
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Best Actress (Drama)
Who will win: Claire Danes, “Homeland,” for the riveting “Q&A” episode. Lotsa acting here.
Who should win: Robin Wright, “House of Cards.” Seldom has corruption come wrapped in such an effortless elegance.
Also nominated: Michelle Dockery, “Downton Abbey,” Vera Farmiga, “Bates Motel,” Connie Britton, “Nashville,” Kerry Washington, “Scandal” and Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men.”
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Best Actor (Comedy)
Who will (and should win): Louie C.K., “Louie.” The most deserving.
Also nominated: Jim Parsons, “Big Bang Theory,” Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock,” Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes,” Don Cheadle, “House of Lies,” Jason Bateman, “Arrested Development.”
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Best Actress (Comedy)
Who will win: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep.” The over-rewarded performer will get it — again.
Who should win: Amy Poehler, “Parks & Recreation.” For her career. Already.
Also nominated: Tina Fey, “30 Rock,” Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie,” Lena Dunham,“Girls,” Laura Dern, “Enlightened.”