Emmy Analysis: Outstanding Supporting Actress In a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

This category is chock full of awards-worthy performances. Just about every one made a huge impression on me and obviously the voters too. The problem for most of the women nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, there can only be one winner. And I have a pretty good idea for whom that will be. When you factor in the showiness of the roles, the double series nomination vote-splitting and the other aspects of the race, the winner looks like she has been heading to victory all along.

Here are the nominees…

Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler // Hamilton // Disney+
How do you categorize Hamilton?  It was this discussion that often dominated the conversation online while what should have been focused on were the performances. The amazing work of Goldberry was a standout. She delivers a knockout performance in the role of Angelica Schuyler, a role she originated in the stage version of the Broadway musical. There is no denying her performance, especially after owning the stage and our hearts with the show stopping song, “Satisfied.” 

While Goldsberry should feel honored, we were surprised and disappointed not to see her with another nomination for Girls5Eva on Peacock. If you haven’t yet done so, check it out – we’re sure you’ll feel satisfied if you do. What stands in her way of any Emmy is not only a fellow castmate in Phillipa Soo who will certainly split some votes, but also another bewitching contender.

Kathryn Hahn as Agnes/Agatha Harkness // WandaVision // Disney+
Did someone witch? Everyone’s favorite almost-too-perfect neighbor turned witch also turned some heads of fans both new and old. I, personally, have been a fan for years (something I heard too much of after her tremendous work on WandaVision). Hahn has been delivering some A+ level performances on television and in film for years. Her work in the split role on WandaVision that finally gave her the recognition she deserves. This category looks like it is wrapped up. And honestly, I do hope she wins because in addition to her work in the series and her career catalog I just find her delightful and would love to hear what she has to say at the podium. It does look like Hahn put a spell on us all and I for one was loving it. So going I am sticking with this – (everybody sing) It was Agatha all along.

Moses Ingram as Jolene // The Queen’s Gambit // Netflix
Moses does some really great work in a series that is receiving tons of love. But in all honesty, her role was not written to compete with the emotional impact of some of her competition. Plus the omission of her co-star Marielle Heller in the category nominations was a head-scratcher that may factor into the voting. Plus Ingram is a young talent who will have many opportunities to win an Emmy down the line. For now, just assume it was Agatha all along.

Julianne Nicholson as Lori Ross // Mare of Easttown // HBO
The performances on Mare of Easttown are not showy to say the least – they are gritty, raw, and conflicted. It is why Julianne Nicholson’s work is so gut-wrenchingly powerful. She delivers an expectedly strong performance throughout but viewers will tell you there’s one scene that stood out and may have single-handedly earned her this nomination. Like much of ‘Mare’ the late in the Emmy season buzz has propelled her to the top of the predictions. Her raw and striking performance is some of, if not the, best of the year. Her challenges are the odds that she will be splitting the Mare votes with co-star Jean Smart and that it was Agatha all along.

Jean Smart as Helen Fahey // Mare of Easttown // HBO
While we love Jean Smart (see our Emmy Analysis for Lead Actress in a Comedy) I just do not see her winning her Emmy in this category no matter how magnificent her work on Mare of Easttown was. Even if some Emmy voters want to award her two statuettes, there are still many too many hurdles that will ensure the honor goes elsewhere. The biggest contributing factor is the votes she will be losing as they are siphoned off by of co-star Julianne Nicholson – that alone makes her narrow path becomes narrower. Plus, something tells me Smart will not walk away empty handed at the Emmys so voters will likely spread the wealth. And for for this category, it looks like it was Agatha all along.

Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton // Hamilton // Disney+
There is not much more I can say about Soo’s work in Hamilton besides ‘wow!’ She has a quieter, probably considered smaller role than her co-star and fellow nominee Renée Elise Goldsberry, but what she does in those closing minutes gives me chills just mentioning here. It is heartbreaking and empowering and wonderful. If you have not watched ‘Hamilton’ –  her work alone is worth it. Still, I am struggling to see a path for her to win an Emmy for her work, especially as she will be splitting votes with her co-star. Even without teammate competition, it was Agatha all along.

Predictions: It looks like we have a winner. While Nicholson’s work was nuanced and gripping, Hahn infectious spirit, killer smile and spot-on nostalgia trip down sitcom neighbor memory lane are what we think voters will gravitate towards. Everyone loved her and so will voters

Predicted Winner: Kathryn Hahn
Preference: Kathryn Hahn
Sleeper: Julianne Nicholson

Ranking:
Hahn
Nicholson
Goldsberry
Smart
Soo
Ingram