CREDIT: YouTube Screenshots

The 2020 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 28. As per annual tradition, I have assembled a Wish List for as many categories as I have something to say about. There is no minimum or maximum number per category, nor is there any strict adherence to official Emmy rules. And of course, there is the necessary caveat that I have not seen everything. Even with much of the country shut down for the past few months, that’s impossible.

I’m kicking off my Emmy Wish List discussion with some Drama this year. The top shows in this field are absolutely-without-a-doubt Pose and Better Call Saul. The former was nearly my favorite show of 2019, while the latter is right up there for 2020. And you know what? I just couldn’t pick between the two of them for Outstanding Drama Series, so I’m calling a tie! Nor could I pick between Bob Odenkirk or Billy Porter for Lead Actor, so it’s another tie! (I’ll probably pull for Bob come the night of the ceremony, as he’s yet to win, while Billy is the reigning champ.)

The Albuquerque and ballroom crews are dominating most of the acting categories, especially Rhea Seehorn, who I believe was a co-lead this season though she was once again submitted as Supporting. Stunningly, she’s yet to ever be nominated; that had better change this year. Meanwhile, also on BCS, Tony Dalton made an undeniable impression as Lalo Salamanca in his first full season as a regular cast member.

Over in Supporting Actress, I’ve got the ladies of Pose all stacked in there, much as the Game of Thrones ladies were last year at the actual Emmys. And also much like the actual Emmys, my top pick is actually from another show; in this case, Carly Chaikin, who got to do her most complicated work yet in Mr. Robot‘s final season.

Other notables: Evil makes a strong impression in its first season, Rosa Salazar shows up for a rotoscoped performance, and my Guest picks come almost entirely from The Mandalorian.

KEY:
Bold=My winner
!( )!=I haven’t caught up to the current season of this show, but I still wanted to recognize it.
*=I have placed this nominee in a different category than the Emmy ballot.

Drama Series
Better Call Saul
Evil
!(The Good Fight)!
The Mandalorian
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Mr. Robot
Pose
Stargirl
Undone

CREDIT: YouTube Screenshots

Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Mike Colter, Evil
Rami Malek, Mr. Robot
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Pedro Pascal, The Mandalorian
Billy Porter, Pose

CREDIT: YouTube Screenshots

Lead Actress in a Drama Series
!(Christine Baranski, The Good Fight)!
Brec Bassinger, Stargirl
Jodie Comer, Killing Eve
Kirsten Dunst, On Becoming a God in Central Florida
Katja Herbers, Evil
Sandra Oh, Killing Eve
Mj Rodriguez, Pose
Rosa Salazar, Undone
Rhea Seehorn, Better Call Saul*

CREDIT: YouTube Screenshot

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul
Angel Bismarck Curiel, Pose
Tony Dalton, Better Call Saul
Michael Emerson, Evil
!(Delroy Lindo, The Good Fight)!
Matthew Macfadyen, Succession
Théodore Pellerin, On Becoming a God in Central Florida

CREDIT: YouTube Screenshot

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Ashlie Atkinson, Mr. Robot
Sandra Bernhard, Pose
Carly Chaikin, Mr. Robot
Dominique Jackson, Pose
Patti LuPone, Pose
Indya Moore, Pose
Ludivine Sagnier, The New Pope
!(Sarah Steele, The Good Fight)!

Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Bill Burr, The Mandalorian
Giancarlo Esposito, The Mandalorian
Adam Pally, The Mandalorian
Horatio Sanz, The Mandalorian
Jason Sudeikis, The Mandalorian

Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Yuli Lagodinsky, Killing Eve
Gloria Reuben, Mr. Robot
Amy Sedaris, The Mandalorian

Outstanding Contemporary Costumes
Better Call Saul