2023 Emmy Predictions: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Marcus Jones
·3 min read
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ConsiderThis

We will update this article throughout the season, along with all our predictions, so make sure to keep checking IndieWire for the latest news from the 2023 Emmys race. The nomination round of voting takes place from June 15 to June 26, with the official Emmy nominations announced Wednesday, July 12. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be presented over two consecutive nights on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10, with an edited presentation of the ceremonies to be broadcast on FXX at a later date. Finally, the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards take place on Monday, September 18, and air live on FOX at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

See our previous thoughts on what to expect at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards here.

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The State of the Race

Being one of the only actors back in the running after their Emmy win last year, “Succession” star Matthew Macfadyen sits at the top of everyone’s Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series predictions. This current season being the hit HBO drama’s last also helps his chances. The past two Emmys where the “Succession” cast were nominated, this specific category had Macfadyen, Nicholas Braun (who plays his character Tom Wambsgans’ crony Cousin Greg), and Kieran Culkin, but the latter has now moved up to the Lead Actor category.

Culkin’s absence leaves a spot for another “Succession” actor to take his place. The biggest question would be if Alan Ruck, who has not gotten recognized for his performance as eldest son Connor Roy, makes it in, or will it be Alexander Skarsgård, who has already been Emmy-nominated for his role as eccentric billionaire Lukas Matsson last year in the Guest Actor in a Drama category? Regardless of who is in first position, they are both likely to make the cut, as the Supporting categories usually pull from a smaller pool of shows.

In the absence of “Squid Game” and “Severance,” “Better Call Saul” stars Jonathan Banks and Giancarlo Esposito could break back in. The AMC series is also on its last Emmys campaign. Veteran actors like John Lithgow (“The Old Man”), Bradley Whitford (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), and Stellan Skarsgård (“Andor”), who have all been recently nominated and/or won an Emmy also stand a chance of likely being their show’s sole nominee in the category.

As for another show that could pull in just as many Supporting Actor nominations as “Succession,” look to “The White Lotus,” HBO’s other bonafide hit that is coming off an Emmys sweep in the Limited or Anthology Series categories last year. Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham seems like the cast member most likely to be nominated, despite recent controversy, but Theo James and Will Sharpe should impress Emmy voters as well when the show’s awards campaign catches a second wind.

Current Contenders (In Alphabetical Order):
F. Murray Abraham, “The White Lotus” (HBO)
Jonathan Banks, “Better Call Saul” (AMC)
Nicholas Braun, “Succession” (HBO)
Giancarlo Esposito, “Better Call Saul” (AMC)
Tom Hollander, “The White Lotus”
Theo James, “The White Lotus” (HBO)
John Lithgow, “The Old Man” (FX)
Matthew Macfadyen, “Succession” (HBO)
Alan Ruck, “Succession” (HBO)
Will Sharpe, “The White Lotus” (HBO)
Andy Serkis, “Andor” (Disney+)
Alexander Skarsgård, “Succession” (HBO)
Stellan Skarsgård, “Andor” (Disney+)
Matt Smith, “House of the Dragon” (HBO)
Bradley Whitford, “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu)

More Drama Category Predictions:
Outstanding Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

To see IndieWire’s full set of predictions for the 75th Emmy Awards click here.

Last Year’s Winner: Matthew Macfadyen, “Succession”
Still Eligible: Yes.
Hot Streak: Not really any possible streaks outside of Macfadyen maybe winning a second year in a row for “Succession.”
Notable Ineligible Series: John Turturro and Christopher Walken, “Severance” (Season 2 was not eligible); Oh Young-soo, “Squid Game” (Season 2 was not eligible); Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show” (Season 3 was not eligible)

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