Golden Globes 2021 TV Predictions: Who will win, and who should win?
After yesterday’s predictions for the film awards at Golden Globes 2021, we at Loud and Clear now weigh in on who will win in the TV categories.
Authors: Bernard Ozarowski & Zoë Rose Bryant
Following yesterday’s analysis of the prospective winners for the film awards at Golden Globes 2021, senior staff writers Bernard and Zoe will now take the day to decide who has the best odds to prevail in the television categories on Sunday evening. At a glance, when perusing the nominations, one can immediately see that Netflix’s The Crown dominated the drama-specific line-ups with six nominations, while Pop TV’s Schitt’s Creek proved to be a formidable contender on the comedy side its final season, with five nods overall. And, as with the film categories, the Globes courted a bit of controversy with their television notices too, as they snubbed both Michael Coel’s subversive limited series I May Destroy You and the star herself – perhaps the best-reviewed TV program of the year – and similarly overlooked Lovecraft Country stars Jonathan Majors and Jurnee Smollett despite nominating the show itself, further adding fire to those proclaiming that the Globes has a real “race problem.”
As usual, it’s proven to be quite tough to form predictions on who will win the television awards at the 78th Golden Globes, as the HFPA is prone to picking their favorite stars over critical darlings or simply giving a shoutout to contender many other awards bodies had counted out entirely. Regardless, Bernard and Zoe try their best below, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts as well.
Do you agree with our picks? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Bernard: The HFPA is usually less “genre averse” than Emmy or Oscar voters so I wouldn’t be stunned if they recognize The Mandalorian, whose throwback storytelling style has made it the biggest show on television. Nevertheless, The Crown pulled the most nominations this year for what is perhaps its greatest season (and the swan song for HFPA favorite Olivia Colman) and has to be the favorite.
- Will Win: The Crown
- Could Win: The Mandalorian
- Should Win: The Crown
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Better Call Saul
Zoe: As the most nominated show at this year’s Golden Globes, The Crown is in a strong spot to succeed in a plethora of categories, starting with the top prize. Ozark hit a series high with its third season, but as The Crown season four showcased scintillating storylines centered around Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher, I think that extra entertainment value will give it an edge.
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
- Emily in Paris
- The Flight Attendant
- The Great
- Schitt’s Creek
- Ted Lasso
Bernard: “They treated us like Kings and Queens” is how one HFPA member described the lavish multi-night vacation to a $1,400 and up per night hotel in Paris with a private lunch and meet & greet at the Musee des Arts Forains provided to voting members during the filming of Emily in Paris’ first season. I’m not inclined to let show quality – Ted Lasso just fired off the best first season of a comedy since at least Veep – get in the way of the HFPA’s corruption.
- Will Win: Emily in Paris
- Could Win: Schitt’s Creek
- Should Win: Ted Lasso
- Should’ve Been Nominated: What We Do in the Shadows
Zoe: Schitt’s Creek may have swept the Emmys, but I predict that the Euro-centric Ted Lasso will prove more appealing to the HFPA. Lasso is also the kind of “first season smash hit” that the Golden Globes likes to “rubber stamp” as a success before any other awards ceremony, and given its strength in a few other races (see below…), I’m confident about its chances here.
- Will Win: Ted Lasso
- Could Win: Schitt’s Creek
- Should Win: Ted Lasso
- Should’ve Been Nominated: High Fidelity
BEST TELEVISION LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Bernard: The Queen’s Gambit is both a massive hit and holds deep international appeal with a “star is born” performance from Anya Taylor-Joy. It’s an excellent show and a deserving winner. I don’t know what to do with Small Axe in the category – it’s five distinct films – and the fact that the first three films are stronger than the last two probably has a tendency to sit poorly in voters’ minds. Also, the HFPA has a long history of not particularly caring about black filmmakers. The Queen’s Gambit is the deserved big favorite here.
- Will Win: The Queen’s Gambit
- Could Win: Small Axe
- Should Win: Normal People
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Mrs. America
Zoe: The Queen’s Gambit somehow made chess cool, and for that achievement alone, it deserves all the accolades in the world. Alright, all jokes aside, Gambit is simply the frontrunner for being one of the most surprising (and deserving) success stories of awards season, despite facing equally strong contenders like Small Axe and Unorthodox. Could we see a shocking upset? Perhaps. This is a strong bunch. But Gambit is sitting pretty right now, and I wouldn’t want to challenge the queen.
- Will Win: The Queen’s Gambit
- Could Win: Small Axe
- Should Win: The Queen’s Gambit
- Should’ve Been Nominated: I May Destroy You
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
- Jason Bateman – Ozark
- Josh O’Connor – The Crown
- Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul
- Al Pacino – Hunters
- Matthew Rhys – Perry Mason
Bernard: The biggest star in a project from a company with the budget to mount a serious campaign makes me think that Al Pacino – a bit of a “WTF” nomination to begin with – might actually take the trophy here. This one seems wide open. Of the field, only an O’Connor’s win would surprise me. When in doubt, cynicism wins.
- Will Win: Al Pacino – Hunters
- Could Win: Matthew Rhys – Perry Mason
- Should Win: Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Antony Starr – The Boys
Zoe: Frankly, any contender could take the award here, and I wouldn’t be blindsided at all. There’s no real “favorite” for the time being, and even though Jason Bateman and Josh O’Connor come from the strongest shows of the season, I’m gonna go with Matthew Rhys, who was twice-nominated for The Americans but never won. He’s Perry Mason’s only nomination at this year’s Golden Globes, but getting in in spite of that is an enormous accomplishment. I’m iffy on this bet, but I’m going with my gut.
- Will Win: Matthew Rhys – Perry Mason
- Could Win: Jason Bateman – Ozark
- Should Win: Jason Bateman – Ozark
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Regé-Jean Page – Bridgerton
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
- Olivia Colman – The Crown
- Jodie Comer – Killing Eve
- Emma Corrin – The Crown
- Laura Linney – Ozark
- Sarah Paulson – Ratched
Bernard: I think it comes down to The Crown’s two excellent leading ladies for best actress here. Flip a coin, I’d be entirely unsurprised if Corrin wins, but I’m picking HFPA favorite (and apparently the most delightful person on earth in real life) Colman to win. Elizabeth Olsen for WandaVision next year, please and thank you.
- Will Win: Olivia Colman – The Crown
- Could Win: Emma Corrin – The Crown
- Should Win: Olivia Colman – The Crown
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Sonequa Martin-Green – Star Trek: Discovery
Zoe: I mean, it’s gotta be Emma Corrin, right? Her work as Princess Diana is a monumental “Star Is Born” moment for the ages, and the world couldn’t stop raving when season four of The Crown first premiered. And, as we discussed with Amanda Seyfried in the Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture category, the Globes love their ingenues. Corrin faces competition from co-star Olivia Colman and Globes favorite Sarah Paulson, but I’m optimistic.
- Will Win: Emma Corrin – The Crown
- Could Win: Olivia Colman – The Crown
- Should Win: Emma Corrin – The Crown
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Jurnee Smollett – Lovecraft Country
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
- Don Cheadle – Black Monday
- Nicholas Hoult – The Great
- Eugene Levy – Schitt’s Creek
- Jason Sudekis – Ted Lasso
- Ramy Youssef – Ramy
Bernard: Sudeikis is doing off the charts great work in TV’s most heartfelt and kind comedy. That he makes this character – perhaps the world’s most decent person – believable and textured is a genuine feat. I hope I’m not letting my heart do the picking here too much, but Ted Lasso’s strong buzz, Euro-centric appeal, and overall warmth are letting my optimism flourish.
- Will Win: Jason Sudekis – Ted Lasso
- Could Win: Eugene Levy – Schitt’s Creek
- Should Win: Jason Sudekis – Ted Lasso
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Dave Burd – Dave
Zoe: As I said earlier, Ted Lasso feels like a show that will absolutely appeal to the HFPA, and how do you reward the series without its star? With just one season under his belt, Ted Lasso already feels like Jason Sudeikis’ defining role, and I have a hard time seeing the Globes snub his terrific turn here. Levy poses a threat, but I actually suspect he’s the least likely of the Schitt’s Creek quartet to win.
- Will Win: Jason Sudekis – Ted Lasso
- Could Win: Eugene Levy – Schitt’s Creek
- Should Win: Jason Sudekis – Ted Lasso
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Jake Lacy – High Fidelity
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
- Lily Collins – Emily in Paris
- Kaley Cuoco – The Flight Attendant
- Elle Fanning – The Great
- Jane Levy – Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist
- Catherine O’Hara – Schitt’s Creek
Bernard: I’d be surprised if Schitt’s Creek doesn’t end up with some HFPA love and O’Hara seems a sensible place to recognize the show. I wouldn’t be stunned if Lily Collins wins for entirely reasons listed above, but for now the pick remains O’Hara.
- Will Win: Catherine O’Hara – Schitt’s Creek
- Could Win: Lily Collins – Emily in Paris
- Should Win: Jane Levy – Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan – Never Have I Ever
Zoe: There’s a case to be made for every contender here – and with Emily in Paris’ overperformance, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Collins upset – but I think it’s gonna come down to Cuoco vs. O’Hara. O’Hara is a standout on Schitt’s Creek without a doubt, but Cuoco gets to be front and center in The Flight Attendant, and I think her towering tour de force performance will win out in the end.
- Will Win: Kaley Cuoco – The Flight Attendant
- Could Win: Catherine O’Hara – Schitt’s Creek
- Should Win: Kaley Cuoco – The Flight Attendant
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Zoë Kravitz – High Fidelity
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
- Bryan Cranston – Your Honor
- Jeff Daniels – The Comey Rule
- Hugh Grant – The Undoing
- Ethan Hawke – The Good Lord Bird
- Mark Ruffalo – I Know This Much is True
Bernard: I think Grant’s relative edge in star power – especially in Europe – over Ruffalo gives him the very slight edge. To quibble slightly with Zoe, Grant has been playing against type in a variety of projects for years from Paddington 2 to The Gentlemen. He’s great at sleazy and I suspect that works plenty for the HFPA.
- Will Win: Hugh Grant – The Undoing
- Could Win: Mark Ruffalo – I Know This Much is True
- Should Win: Mark Ruffalo – I Know This Much is True
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Paul Mescal – Normal People
Zoe: Ruffalo won the Emmy, and he’s probably in good shape for the SAG too, but there’s something about Hugh Grant’s star power and his “against-type” performance as the shifty Jonathan in HBO’s The Undoingthat makes me think he’ll be the HFPA’s pick. Much like Kaley Cuoco in The Flight Attendant (see above), you’ve got a A-lister turning in multidimensional, showy work that instantly sets itself apart from what they’ve been previously known (cheery comedy, for the most part). To help his case, he’s pretty damn good, too.
- Will Win: Hugh Grant – The Undoing
- Could Win: Mark Ruffalo – I Know This Much is True
- Should Win: Hugh Grant – The Undoing
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Paul Mescal – Normal People
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
- Cate Blanchett – Mrs. America
- Daisy Edgar-Jones – Normal People
- Shira Haas – Unorthodox
- Nicole Kidman – The Undoing
- Anya Taylor-Joy – The Queen’s Gambit
Bernard: My passionate love for Normal People aside, I think any outcome other than a victory by Taylor-Joy here would be a genuine shock. She’s breakout star of what was 2020’s second biggest show, and a deserving winner to boot.
- Will Win: Anya Taylor-Joy – The Queen’s Gambit
- Could Win: Daisy Edgar-Jones – Normal People
- Should Win: Daisy Edgar-Jones – Normal People
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Kate Mara – A Teacher
Zoe: Double-nominee Anya Taylor-Joy (both here for The Queen’s Gambit and in Actress – Comedy/Musical for Emma. on the film side) should have the upper hand here, thanks to her show’s strength, but I’d also be on the lookout for Haas in what is perhaps the role that asks for the most “Acting-with-a-capital-A” of the bunch. Blanchett could fit that bill too, but since Mrs. America missed out on a Limited Series nomination, I’m inclined to think this is mainly a two-horse race between Taylor-Joy and Haas.
- Will Win: Anya Taylor-Joy – The Queen’s Gambit
- Could Win: Shira Haas – Unorthodox
- Should Win: Shira Haas – Unorthodox
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Michaela Coel – I May Destroy You
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
- John Boyega – Small Axe
- Brendan Gleeson – The Comey Rule
- Dan Levy – Schitt’s Creek
- Jim Parsons – Hollywood
- Donald Sutherland – The Undoing
Bernard: I don’t really know what to do with Boyega. He is astounding as the lead in one entry in the Small Axe series, but he feels oddly miscategorized. Gleeson does a great Trump impression with a ton of gravity and a fundamental sleaziness that resonates. I suspect that may be enough to get him the win. And Showtime has always been well rewarded by the HFPA.
- Will Win: Brendan Gleeson – The Comey Rule
- Could Win: Dan Levy – Schitt’s Creek
- Should Win: John Boyega – Small Axe
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Glynn Turman – Fargo or Mahershala Ali – Ramy
Zoe: John Boyega was beyond brilliant in his entry in the Small Axe anthology, Red, White and Blue, but will the HFPA really be able to ignore three-time nominee Brendan Gleeson playing Donald Trump in The Comey Rule? I think not. Then again, this category is always a cluster since the Globes pull from any entertainment produced for television (drama, comedy, limited series – you name it), so I wouldn’t count out Dan Levy for Schitt’s Creek or even Parsons and Sutherland either. The real crime is that they still couldn’t find room for the true standout supporting actor this awards season – Tom Pelphrey in Ozark.
- Will Win: Brendan Gleeson – The Comey Rule
- Could Win: John Boyega – Small Axe
- Should Win: John Boyega – Small Axe
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Tom Pelphrey – Ozark
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
- Gillian Anderson – The Crown
- Helena Bonham Carter – The Crown
- Julia Garner – Ozark
- Annie Murphy – Schitt’s Creek
- Cynthia Nixon – Ratched
Bernard: I suspect Anderson’s very big, very effective performance as Margaret Thatcher wins the day here but neither Garner nor Murphy would surprise me in the category. As usual, a tie breaker goes to the biggest star in the buzziest spot with the HFPA and that’s Anderson.
- Will Win: Gillian Anderson – The Crown
- Could Win: Julia Garner – Ozark
- Should Win: Gillian Anderson – The Crown
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Rhea Seehorn, Better Call Saul
Zoe: Gillian Anderson’s transformative turn as former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in season four of The Crown will likely be too “baity” to resist for Globes voters, as she follows in the footsteps of Meryl Streep’s awards season sweep for The Iron Lady a decade ago. However, two-time Emmy winner Julia Garner is waiting in the wings, and if the HFPA wants to throw Ozark a bone anywhere, this could be the category to do it.
- Will Win: Gillian Anderson – The Crown
- Could Win: Julia Garner – Ozark
- Should Win: Julia Garner – Ozark
- Should’ve Been Nominated: Janet McTeer – Ozark