Mariah's Emmy Picks (Limited or Anthology Series Categories)
- mariahsturdivant21
- Sep 9
- 5 min read
As the Emmy Awards approach, the spotlight shines brightly on the captivating world of limited and anthology series. From heart-wrenching dramas to thought-provoking anthologies, let’s uncover the gems that have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
Adolescence (Netflix)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
Dying for Sex (FX)
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)
The Penguin (HBO)
Who I Want To Win: Adolescence (Netflix)
The fact that this series employs one-take cinematography should be enough to secure an Emmy win. Everything in the series was executed flawlessly, particularly the acting performances of 15-year-old Owen Cooper. The drama, intensity, and rawness left a lasting impression on me as the credits rolled on the final episode. The show has already won a Creative Emmy for Outstanding Casting in a Limited Series. Adolescence is already making its mark. Baby Reindeer claimed the trophy in this category, and with Netflix as a distributor, it's clear that Netflix knows how to select its limited series.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Colin Farrell – The Penguin as Oswald "Oz" Cobb / The Penguin (HBO)
Stephen Graham – Adolescence as Eddie Miller (Netflix)
Jake Gyllenhaal – Presumed Innocent as Rozat "Rusty" Sabich (Apple TV+)
Brian Tyree Henry – Dope Thief as Ray Driscoll (Apple TV+)
Cooper Koch – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story as Erik Menendez (Netflix)
Who I Want to Win: Stephen Graham- Adolescence
I honestly think that Adolescence is going to sweep the Emmys this year; that is how good this show is. Graham portrays Eddie Miller, the father caught in the wreckage of his son's crime. It is one of the most gut-wrenching performances of the year. The silent kitchen breakdown in episode 2, no dialogue—just pure devastation. And then in episode 4, when Eddie is on the phone with Jamie, it made me feel the tension. Graham had to be emotionally locked in for the entire ride, a task that deserves that golden trophy.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Cate Blanchett – Disclaimer as Catherine Ravenscroft (Apple TV+)
Meghann Fahy – Sirens as Devon DeWitt (Netflix)
Rashida Jones – Black Mirror : " Common People " as Amanda Waters (Netflix)
Cristin Milioti – The Penguin as Sofia Falcone / Sofia Gigante / The Hangman (HBO)
Michelle Williams – Dying for Sex as Molly Kochan (FX)
Who I Want To Win: Criston Milioti- The Penguin
This is another category where I haven't watched any of these shows yet, but I've heard many great things about The Penguin. Colin Farrell has received praise and awards for his performance as the titular character, and Milioto deserves just as much recognition. I've seen various interpretations of Sofia Falcone, but it seems Milioto brings new life to the character.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Javier Bardem – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story as José Menendez (Netflix)
Bill Camp – Presumed Innocent as Raymond Horgan (Apple TV+)
Owen Cooper – Adolescence as Jamie Miller (Netflix)
Rob Delaney – Dying for Sex as Neighbor Guy (FX)
Peter Sarsgaard – Presumed Innocent as Tommy Motto (Apple TV+)
Ashley Walters – Adolescence as DI Luke Bascombe (Netflix)
Who I Want to Win: Owen Cooper- Adolescece
As much as I admire Ashley Walters, it was Cooper who truly captivated me in his role as Jamie Miller. I found it astonishing that he was only 15 during the filming of the show. His acting range was utterly compelling and kept me engaged throughout. One of the standout moments of his performance occurs in episode 3, where Jamie has a conversation with a therapist. The acting in that episode was exceptional; the way Jamie's mood shifted, the emotional turmoil he experienced, and his intense delivery were all remarkable.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Erin Doherty – Adolescence as Briony Ariston (Netflix)
Ruth Negga – Presumed Innocent as Barbara Sabich (Apple TV+)
Deirdre O'Connell – The Penguin as Francis Cobb (HBO)
Chloë Sevigny – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story as Kitty Menendez (Netflix)
Jenny Slate – Dying for Sex as Nikki Boyer (FX)
Christine Tremarco – Adolescence as Manda Miller (Netflix)
Who I Want To Win: Erin Doherty- Adolescence
Like I stated before, the more impressive displays of acting from this show are between Jamie and Briony, his therapist. She brings quiet restraint—saying little, but conveying everything. Holding the tension for a full hour in a single take, every pause had meaning. Her performance was not flashy, but it is unforgettable.
Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Adolescence – Philip Barantini (Netflix)
Dying for Sex: "It's Not That Serious" – Shannon Murphy (FX)
The Penguin: "Cent'Anni" – Helen Shaver (HBO)
The Penguin: "A Great or Little Thing" – Jennifer Getzinger (HBO)
Sirens: "Exile" – Nicole Kassell (Netflix)
Zero Day – Lesli Linka Glatter (Netflix)
Who I Want To Win: Philip Barantini- Adolescence
This is really no shocker; the directing of this show is one of the boldest visual achievements in recent TV history. Director Phillip Barantini's creative idea of shooting everything in one singular take was brilliant. The camera captures every single thing that the actors said, felt, and thought. It is a risky format, but Barantini's direction turns it into a storytelling superpower.
Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Adolescence – Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham (Netflix)
Black Mirror: "Common People" – Story by : Charlie Brookerand Bisha K. Ali (Netflix)
Dying for Sex: "Good Value Diet Soda" – Story by : Kim Rosenstock and Elizabeth Meriwether (FX)
The Penguin: "A Great or Little Thing" – Lauren LeFranc(HBO)
Say Nothing: "The People In The Dirt" – Joshua Zetumer (FX)
Who I Want To Win: Adolescence
With great directing comes great writing, and Adolescence proves that from the very first scene. Episode 1 drops us into the chaos of a police raid, filmed in a single, uninterrupted take that follows officers through a suburban home until they find 13-year-old Jamie Miller—accused of murder—hiding in his bedroom. But it’s not just the visuals that grip you; it’s the writing. Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham craft dialogue that feels lived-in and emotionally raw, letting silence and hesitation speak louder than words. The script doesn’t spoon-feed answers—it trusts the audience to sit with the discomfort, the ambiguity, and the heartbreak. That kind of fearless, intimate storytelling is exactly why Adolescence deserves the Emmy. In a way, there are some similarities with the emotional chaos of last year's winner of this award, Baby Reindeer, another show that I also felt was a masterclass display of talent.
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