Emmy long shots we’re rooting for: Dark horses, underdogs, and hopedictions

When it comes to Emmy nominations, a little hopeful speculation (or hopediction) never hurt anyone.

As voting wrapped up on June 23, we recently unveiled Gold Derby's latest nomination predictions. Yet, which contenders are we not-so-secretly rooting for to defy expectations and snag a nomination? Below, our editors share their picks for who they'd love to see surprise us on the final Emmy ballots announced July 15.

Carrie Preston for Best Drama Actress, Elsbeth

She’s one of the most colorful (literally) characters on television. Just try to imagine anyone else playing Elsbeth Tascioni. No one else could pull off that wardrobe, those accessories, that sly, smarter-than-your-average-criminal sensibility but Carrie Preston. It’s simply a crime in and of itself that her work on Elsbeth been ignored by voters, a victim herself of the bias against CBS procedurals (a case Kathy Bates’ Matlock may well solve). If Poker Face and The Residence can be in the conversation, so should Elsbeth — a modern-day Columbo featuring a woman detective with far more charm, intelligence and wit, supported by a starry blend of episodic guest stars (including her devious real-life husband Michael “Benjamin Linus” Emerson), cleverly crafted by the wickedly talented showrunning team of Michelle and Robert King. Maybe she’s just too quirky for her own good. But isn’t that the point? — Debra Birnbaum

Eddie Redmayne for Best Drama Actor, The Day of the Jackal

After scoring Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations for his performance as the titular assassin, Eddie Redmayne is in danger of missing an Emmy nomination with the Best Drama Actor field shrinking to five slots this year. And that would be a shame because the Peacock adaptation would not be half as thrilling without his hypnotic, reptilian turn at the center. The Jackal is a master of disguises, but Redmayne is the true chameleon. — Joyce Eng

Kathryn Hahn for Best Comedy Actress, Agatha All Along

Marvel projects don’t always produce Emmy-worthy performances, but Kathryn Hahn’s turn as morally gray witch Agatha Harkness in Agatha All Along stands out from their usual superhero fare. Hahn is a master at injecting humor into every gesture and scrap of dialogue, but is perhaps even more adept at adding real depth to what could be a cartoonish arc when played by someone else. Her magnetic presence is what makes the nine-episode series so easy to digest. Agatha might be an untrustworthy leader of her coven, but as a viewer you’re safe in Hahn’s skilled hands. — Jaclyn Ben-Porat

Nathan Fielder for Best Comedy Actor, The Rehearsal

Without getting into spoilers, it’s safe to say that no other potential nominee went to greater lengths than Nathan Fielder did for his performance in the second season of his (documentary?) series The Rehearsal. And we're not even talking about the time he dressed up as a baby and drank milk from the breast of a giant puppet. Fielder’s signature brand of comedy has evolved into something that’s part-cringe comedy, part-fearless confessional — blurring the line between reality and fiction, taking media conglomerates to task, and maybe even saving lives, all while still being uproariously funny. — Kevin Sullivan

Nathan Lane for Best Comedy Actor, Mid-Century Modern

It's astonishing that Nathan Lane is in 21st place in our Gold Derby rankings to be nominated for Best Comedy Actor. With just five nominees in the category, that means he would not get in on a first ballot, let alone second, third, or even fourth. As he has proven throughout his career, Lane is the consummate pro who is always the one we're watching no matter who else is on screen (or stage). Mid-Century Modern is the perfect vehicle for him because it's both heartfelt and crass, two qualities he plays so well. And his Broadway background allows Lane to play directly to the studio audience without going too broad. — Chris Beachum

Justine Lupe for Best Comedy Supporting Actress, Nobody Wants This

Justine Lupe delivers a standout performance in the hit comedy Nobody Wants This opposite Kristen Bell with a perfect blend of wit, vulnerability, and emotional nuance. As one of the show's most relatable characters — flawed, funny, and deeply human — Lupe emerges as both a comedic and emotional anchor of the series. Critics and fans alike have praised her undeniable chemistry with Bell and costar Timothy Simons, adding to the show’s charm and heart. With acclaimed credits like Succession, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Mr. Mercedes under her belt, Lupe brings a level of craft and depth that elevates every scene she’s in. — Mia McNiece

Dark Winds

Dark Winds is, sadly, an Emmy blind spot — inarguably the best show on television that has yet to receive a nomination. With its sparkling 100 percent fresh rating and bona fides that include the awards-pedigreed producing tandem of George R. R. Martin and Robert Redford, the AMC drama deserves to be in the mix alongside Severance, The Pitt, and The White Lotus. If nothing else, reward the show’s undeniable force, the astonishing Zahn McClarnon, for his soulful turn as a 1970s Navajo lawman fighting crime and social injustice. — Marcus Errico

Interview With the Vampire

Building on the promise of its bloody great first season, the Interview cast and creative team tapped into an even richer vein of Anne Rice’s seminal novel during their sophomore year. A setting switch from the New World to the Old World opened up the show’s universe, adding fresh layers of emotional complexity and tantalizing mythology to the character dynamics in both the past and present-day storylines. And even as the (un)holy trinity of Louis, Lestat, and Armand remained center stage, Delainey Hayles’ Claudia became the season’s beating heart as her quest for independence from her two overbearing dads flamed out in grandly tragic fashion. The fresh wrinkles added to Rice’s narrative across both seasons resulted in an ageless adaptation that fans can drink from forever. — Ethan Alter

Somebody Somewhere

No comedy delivers an emotional gut punch followed by a hilarious knockout quite as effectively as HBO's Somebody Somewhere. As the critically acclaimed series wraps up its run after three seasons, each deemed 100 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, this is Emmy voters' final opportunity to honor a show that masterfully blends humor, heart, and a pitch-perfect portrayal of outcasts finding connection in a small town. Already celebrated with a Peabody Award and nominations from Critics Choice, Indie Spirits, and the Writers Guild, it’s time for the TV Academy to recognize this overlooked gem with its first Emmy nomination — before it’s too late. And if not for the series as a whole, then certainly for Bridget Everett, whose heartfelt performance lies at the center of one of TV’s most under-appreciated treasures. — Denton Davidson