Audiences tuning in to the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, which will be held this Monday, should look forward to a neck-and-neck race. Several new and returning shows are expected to sweep most of the major categories: returners “The Pitt” and “Hacks” lead with over 20 category nominations each.

The Daily Trojan’s Arts & Entertainment staff is sharing their predictions for top categories.

Outstanding Drama Series – “Pluribus”

Vince Gilligan’s science-fiction series at once hinges on the horror of forced happiness and exposes the pain of mediocrity within day-to-day life. The TV show, which previously won a Golden Globe, Peabody and Critics Choice Award in various categories, offers a pragmatic portrait of humanity’s flaws. 

Contenders such as “The Pitt” and “Slow Horses” have been making the rounds in the entertainment industry. Piling two Golden Globe wins and multiple Critics Choice Awards, “The Pitt” leads the Emmy Award race with 25 nominations and has won 53 awards since its 2025 debut. “Slow Horses” won an Emmy in both 2024 and 2025 for “Outstanding Writing” and “Outstanding Directing,” respectively. 

However, Gilligan’s intricate storytelling, which interweaves personal conflict with the thundering possibility of human demise, sets up “Pluribus” with a competitive edge and a strong chance of winning. 

— Miranda Huang, Magazine Editor

Outstanding Comedy Series – “Hacks”

Freshman horror-comedy “Widow’s Bay” is a strong contender to win “Outstanding Comedy Series” and shows like “The Bear” and “Abbott Elementary” have made a name for themselves over the years. But the last season of “Hacks” remains the force to be reckoned with and is favored to take home the prize for the second time since 2024 for good reason.  

The combined power of duo Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, paired with consistently hilarious writing, made for not only a simultaneously tear-jerking and cry-laughing watch but also an unforgettable closing for the show. And the strong supporting performances from Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs took the series’ comedy to another level of hilarity. 

— Sophia Kang, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series – “Beef”

It’s anyone’s game in the outstanding limited or anthology series category.

The virality of “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette” and the star power behind “DTF St. Louis,” among two other strong contenders in “The Beast in Me” and “All Her Fault,” give viewers plenty of reason to get excited. When you could go any way, history might pave the way. 

The triumphant return of “Beef,” a Television Academy darling that took home eight statuettes last time it competed, is the horse to back. It has even more nominations this time around than last, so the Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan-led anthology likely takes the cake.

— Fabián Gutiérrez, Arts & Entertainment Staff Writer

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”

Noah Wyle picked up scrubs, a stethoscope and an Emmy Award in this category last year for his triumphant return to the medical genre with his searing portrayal of a doctor in distress in “The Pitt.” Season two upped the intensity for Wyle’s Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, expanding and exploring his character’s suicidal ideation. 

Although the category is crowded with talented performers — including Gary Oldman in “Slow Horses,” Sterling K. Brown in “Paradise,” Mark Ruffalo in “Task” and Rufus Sewell in “The Diplomat”— “The Pitt” has been an Emmys favorite, and Wyle’s performance is stronger than last year, so he will likely take home the statuette again.

— Charlotte Dekle, Opinion Editor

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series – Rhea Seehorn, “Pluribus”

From Keri Russell’s dynamic characterization as Kate Wyler in Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” to Zendaya’s bittersweet closure as Rue in “Euphoria,” the competition for outstanding lead actress in a drama series is a tight race. However, one actress carries the race: Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka, the miserable yet determined protagonist of “Pluribus.”  

A flawed accidental hero on the screen, Seehorn has conquered the category throughout the season, taking the award home at both the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. With 18 total nominations for “Pluribus” and Seehorn’s recent success, it would come as no surprise if she secured the award.

— Marina Yazbek, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – Matthew Rhys, “Window’s Bay”

JasonSegel and Martin Short keep being nominated for “Shrinking” and “Only Murders in the Building,” respectively, but neither have won yet nor is likely to this year. 

This leaves three remaining contenders. In “Rooster,” Steve Carell’s performance, a balance of drama and comedy, has been well received by critics and audiences alike. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II brings the character of Simon Williams alive in “Wonder Man,” portraying him as both a straight man and a source for laughs — not an easy feat. 

Despite the strength of Abdul-Mateen’s performance, Matthew Rhys is likely to take home this year’s statuette. His performance is serious yet still manages to bring comedic beats when needed, relieving tension in scenes oozing with uneasiness. This strong performance, coupled with “Widow’s Bay’’s current Emmy momentum, makes Rhys’s win very likely.  

— Pablo Rodriguez, Arts & Entertainment Columnist

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series – Jean Smart “Hacks”

Jean Smart has been on a generational run as Deborah Vance, and her latest appearance in the fifth and final season of “Hacks” was on par with her previous performances. If Smart takes home the gold, she will make Emmy history having won an Emmy for all five seasons of “Hacks,” a much-deserved feat. 

As for the other nominees, Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri for their roles in “Abbott Elementary” and “The Bear,” respectively, didn’t live up to their previous performances and unfortunately weren’t as memorable this time around.

Lisa Kudrow also falls short of deserving the win for her role as Valerie Cherish in “The Comeback,” though her performance was witty and charismatic. As for Elle Fanning, while she was remarkable as Margo Millet in “Margot’s Got Money Troubles,” she is fresh-faced in this clash of comedy titans and may need another year to make her mark. 

Smart is just too much of a comedy powerhouse to be taken down.

— Aden Max Juarez, Associate Managing Editor