Christine Baranski, The Gilded Age
WHY SHE DESERVES A NOD: As old-money institution Agnes van Rhijn, Baranski turned sipping (and/or spilling) tea into an art form in the HBO drama’s first season, but we took little pleasure in watching Agnes’ rift with her sister unfold in Season 2, even if the storyline allowed for some of Baranski’s finest work to date. Agnes’ jealousy over Ada’s romance, and the fear of how it could inevitably affect their comfortable way of living, provided fodder for a powerful arc. And what does Baranski do with fodder? She feasts. We’ll never forget the palpable hush that fell over the church as Agnes defiantly marched down the aisle at Ada’s wedding. We imagine it’s how most people react when Baranski enters a room, frankly. — Andy Swift
A great list but would have loved some broadcast recognition like Erika Christensen for Will Trent (starting the season needing rehab to her heart-breaking final line of the season)
Cythina Nixon as well for The Glided Age. She pulled more weight this year than Christine
Lots of great picks. I’d add Amy Ryan (Sugar), Tamara Podemski (Outer Range), Jennifer Connelly (Dark Matter – I consider her supporting but she may be submitted in lead, I don’t know). And while Bailey didn’t have a ton to do on this shortened season of Grey’s, Chandra Wilson is always deserving in my eyes.
Wait! Where is the “token” network nominee? The first three lists each had one. IF it was required to have one, who would it be?
My picks would be:
Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown
Moeka Hoshi, Shogun
Nicole Kidman, Special Ops: Lioness
Greta Lee, The Morning Show
Lesley Manville, The Crown
Julianna Marguiles, The Morning Show
Amy Ryan, Sugar
Kristen Scott Thomas, Slow Horses
Wait. Nicole Beharie. The Morning Show.