Mariah's Emmy Pick (Drama Categories)
- mariahsturdivant21
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
With the Emmys just a week away, I've already shared my picks for the comedy categories. Now, here are my selections for the drama categories!
Outstanding Drama Series
"Andor"
"The Diplomat"
"The Last of Us"
"Paradise"
"The Pitt"
"Severance"
"Slow Horses"
"The White Lotus"
Who I Want To Win: "Paradise"
I genuinely believe that Paradise has earned its place in the Emmy race. Its genre-blending atmosphere- part political thriller, part sci-fi, part psychological drama feels both fresh and relevant. The writing is sharp and ambitious, with Dan Fogelman crafting a layered story. It has a cinematic production, a standout ensemble, and growing cultural momentum.
Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K. Brown, "Paradise"
Gary Oldman, "Slow Horses"
Pedro Pascal, "The Last of Us"
Adam Scott, "Severance"
Noah Wyle, "The Pitt"
Who I Want to Win: Sterling K. Brown, "Paradise"
Brown made Emmy's history in 2017 when he won this same award for his role in This Is Us, he was the first Black actor in 19 years to win in that category. I believe that Brown will continue that achievement at this year's Emmy. In Paradise, he portrays intensity and restraint well through his character, Xavier Collins, a secret service agent. Brown sheds his familiar sensitive personas to embody a man constantly on edge, haunted by suspicion and grief.
Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Kathy Bates, "Matlock"
Sharon Horgan, "Bad Sisters"
Britt Lower, "Severance'
Bella Ramsey, "The Last of Us
"Keri Russell, "The Diplomat"
Who I want to Win: Bella Ramsey "The Last of Us"
One of the more emotionally devastating scenes from The Last of Us Season 2 comes in episode 3, when Ellie returns to Joel's room after his death. This scene alone should be enough for Ramsey to win the race. It shows Ramsey's ability to convey grief with subtle haunting. That scene, which Ramsey says was the hardest to film, captures the raw vulnerability that also reverberated through the viewers. As the first nonbinary actor to have so many Emmy recognitions, Ramsey isn't just making history--they're setting a new standard for what a leading performance in genre television can be.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Zach Cherry, "Severance"
Walton Goggins, "The White Lotus"
Jason Isaacs, "The White Lotus"
James Marsden, "Paradise"
Sam Rockwell, "The White Lotus"
Tramell Tillman, "Severance"
John Turturro, "Severance"
Who I want to Win: James Marsden: "Paradise"
James Marsden didn't just play President Cal Bradford--he embodied Paradise, even off-screen. Although his character was killed in the first episode, he still managed to present a fully developed character through the viewpoints of other characters. His standout was in episode 7, when the worldwide catastrophe first began. Cal was the central focus of this episode, facing difficult and vulnerable decisions that challenged his own morals. Marsden effectively conveyed this on screen.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Patricia Arquette, "Severance"
Carrie Coon, "The White Lotus"
Katherine LaNasa, "The Pitt"
Parker Posey, "The White Lotus"
Julianne Nicholson, "Paradise"
Natasha Rothwell, "The White Lotus"
Aimee Lou Wood, "The White Lotus"
Who I want to Win: Julianne Nicholson, "Paradise"
Nicholson is having a moment-- and Paradise might be the role that seals her legacy. As Samatha "Sinatra" Redmond, she portrays a grieving mother and power breaker, embodying the emotional loss, chaos of loss, control, and survival in a crumbling society. One unforgettable scene was when Samantha refused to accept the diagnosis of her son's terminal illness. The way she channels denial and heartbreak is nothing short of devastating. Nicholson is also nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy for her role in Hacks.
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Andor: "Welcome to the Rebellion" – Dan Gilroy (Disney+)
The Pitt - 2:00 P.M. – Joe Sachs (HBO Max)
The Pitt - 7:00 A.M. – R. Scott Gemmill (HBO Max)
Severance - Cold Harbor – Dan Erickson (Apple TV+)
Slow Horses - Hello Goodbye – Will Smith (Apple TV+)
The White Lotus - Full-Moon Party – Mike White (HBO)
Mike White," The White Lotus: Full Moon Party"
Although I haven't watched any other shows on this list, I have seen the first season of The White Lotus. If this episode is similar to the earlier ones, I truly think it deserves an Emmy. Mike White excels at balancing chaos with character development, seamlessly intertwining multiple storylines. His dialogue is complex and unsettling, uncovering profound truths about privilege, identity, and self-destruction.
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Andor: "Who Are You?" – Janus Metz (Disney+)
The Pitt: "6:00 P.M." – Amanda Marsalis (HBO Max)
The Pitt: "7:00 A.M." – John Wells (HBO Max)
Severance: "Chikhai Bardo" – Jessica Lee Gagné (Apple TV+)
Severance: "Cold Harbor" – Ben Stiller (Apple TV+)
Slow Horses: "Hello Goodbye" – Adam Randall (Apple TV+)
The White Lotus: "Amor Fati" – Mike White (HBO)
Who I Want To Win: Mike White, "The White Lotus: Amor Fati"
Once again, I have not watched the shows on this list yet, but I know that The White Lotus shines the most during its finale. That is when the storylines start connecting, and it is so satisfying when that happens. Last year, Shogun and the directors swept the drama categories, but I am sure that The White Lotus team will reclaim their title.
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