Steve Carell, Colin Farrell or Stephen Graham for Emmy Limited Series?

The Emmy Awards Limited Series/TV Movie Race Heats Up

The limited series/TV movie race has taken a surprising turn as new contenders emerge in the Emmy Awards window. Previously, “The Penguin” was the frontrunner, but “Adolescence” has shaken up the competition much like “Baby Reindeer” did last year.

In a recent episode of Variety’s Award Circuit, presented by Paramount+, TV editors Michael Schneider and Emily Longeretta delve into the top contenders for lead and supporting actors in both limited series and TV movies at this year’s Emmy Awards.

Among the lead actress contenders are Cristin Milioti (“The Penguin”), Cate Blanchett (“Disclaimer”), Rashida Jones (“Black Mirror”), Amanda Seyfried (“Long Bright River”), Michelle Williams (“Dying for Sex”), and Ellen Pompeo (“Good American Family”).

Schneider highlights the positive response to Pompeo’s performance in the Hulu series, noting, “She’s been in our homes for years.”

The TV movie race sees Renée Zellweger in the spotlight for her role in “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.” Schneider comments on her long-standing connection to the beloved character and the transition of the film to a streaming platform in the U.S.

For lead actor contenders, Steve Carell stands out for his role in Jesse Armstrong’s “Mountainhead.” However, he faces tough competition from frontrunner Colin Farrell for “The Penguin” and breakout star Stephen Graham for “Adolescence.”

Longeretta acknowledges the challenge of competing against Farrell but points out Graham’s strong presence in “Adolescence,” likening it to the impact of “Baby Reindeer” in the previous year.

Additional contenders in the lead actor category include Paul Giamatti (“Black Mirror”), Brian Tyree Henry (“Dope Thief”), Cooper Koch and/or Nicholas Alexander Chavez (“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”), and Jake Gyllenhaal (“Presumed Innocent”).

For a comprehensive breakdown, including the frontrunners in the supporting actor/actress categories, watch the full discussion in the video above.