Advertisement
Steve Carell, Stephen Graham, and Colin Farrell have all delivered standout performances this year, each making a strong case for an Emmy win. Carell, known for his iconic role in The Office, took on a much different character in HBO’s Mountainhead as Randall Garrett. His emotional and layered performance has received high praise, with critics even calling it worthy of an Emmy. However, the competition is tight, and he’s not the only one in the spotlight.
Stephen Graham has also made waves with his gripping role as Eddie Miller in Adolescence, a Netflix series that’s been hailed for its bold storytelling and unique filming style. The entire show was shot in long, continuous takes, which added an intense realism that grabbed viewers right away. Graham didn’t just star in the series — he co-created and co-wrote it as well, showing his deep involvement in the project. His performance has left a strong impression, and many believe he could walk away with the Emmy.
Colin Farrell, too, is a major contender this year. His work in The Penguin, where he completely transformed for the role, has been recognized as one of his best performances yet. Critics are calling it powerful and unforgettable, and many see him as the front-runner in this Emmy race. Industry experts have noted that it may be “hard to beat” him, even with strong competitors in the mix.
Variety’s editors Michael Schneider and Emily Longoretta shared their thoughts on the top Emmy hopefuls. While Farrell is seen as a tough act to beat, they pointed out how Stephen Graham’s dedication to Adolescence — both in front of and behind the camera — might give him an edge. They also noted other major names in the race, like Paul Giamatti, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Brian Tyree Henry, all of whom have delivered critically acclaimed performances in their respective shows.
In the women’s category, Renée Zellweger has drawn attention for her return as Bridget Jones in a new installment that’s been praised globally. Other strong names in this race include Cate Blanchett, Amanda Seyfried, Michelle Williams, Cristin Milioti, Rashida Jones, and Ellen Pompeo. Pompeo, known for her long run on Grey’s Anatomy, has been a constant presence in viewers’ lives, and her new work has brought her back into the awards conversation.
With so many strong performances across the board, this year’s Emmy race is shaping up to be one of the toughest yet. While there’s no clear winner just yet, Colin Farrell seems to be leading the pack — but with names like Carell and Graham close behind, anything can happen.