Emmys: Supporting Actor (Drama) – Will Matthew Macfadyen’s Tom Wambsgans Claim Another Victory Over the Roy Kids for ‘Succession?’

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2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Succession - Alexander Skarsgard
Succession - Alexander Skarsgard

Weekly Commentary (Updated Aug. 21, 2023): Supporting drama actor is one of three categories, HBO is guaranteed a trophy walking into the ceremony after nabbing all eight slots with “Succession” and “The White Lotus.”

Last year’s winner Matthew Macfadyen is the favorite to win after submitting the incredible “Tailgate Party” episode (which has Tom and Shiv having their blow-up on the balcony and is also Sarah Snook’s submission). Given the show’s ending, there would be something serendipitous about “Tom” being the only actor to have multiple Emmys.

His co-star Alan Ruck, basking in the glow of his first career nom, has opted to submit the same episode as Roy patriarch Logan Roy a.k.a. Brian Cox. With an impressive four-decade career in film and television, a journeyman performer such as Ruck could garner a pocket of support that could push him over the finish line. Of course, he’ll have votes pulled by his other nominated co-stars Alexander Skarsgård (an Emmy winner for “Big Little Lies”) and Nicholas Braun.

Of “The White Lotus” crew, veterans F. Murray Abraham and Michael Imperioli have the best shots to upset. Abraham, an Oscar winner for “Amadeus” (1984), is on his fourth Emmy nom but has yet to win. Imperioli, best known for his turn as Christopher Moltisanti on the classic HBO series “The Sopranos,” won this category in 2004. Theo James and Will Sharpe will have to enjoy the ride.

Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Primetime Emmy predictions in the major categories.

The rankings for the category are below.

The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. PT and close on Aug. 28 at 10 p.m. PST. The 75th Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT. The Creative Arts ceremony will occur on Saturday, Jan. 6, and Sunday, Jan. 7. An edited version will air on FXX on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET. All events will take place at the Peacock Theater at LA Live.

Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Creative Arts predictions in all categories.


And the Nominees Are:


  1. Matthew Macfadyen — “Succession” (HBO)
    Episode submission: “Tailgate Party”

  2. F. Murray Abraham — “The White Lotus” (HBO)
    Episode submission: “Abductions”

  3. Alan Ruck — “Succession” (HBO)
    Episode submission: “Rehearsal”

  4. Michael Imperioli — “The White Lotus” (HBO)
    Episode submission: “That’s Amore”

  5. Alexander Skarsgård — “Succession” (HBO)
    Episode submission: “Kill List”

  6. Nicholas Braun — “Succession” (HBO)
    Episode submission: “America Decides”

  7. Theo James — “The White Lotus” (HBO)
    Episode submission: “That’s Amore”

  8. Will Sharpe — “The White Lotus” (HBO)
    Episode submission: “Arrivederci”


All Eligible Titles (Alphabetized by Network)**


** This list or category submission is not yet complete or confirmed and is subject to change.

2022 category winner: Matthew Macfadyen, “Succession” (HBO) — Season 3

Emmy Awards Predictions Categories

DRAMA SERIES | COMEDY SERIES | LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES | TV MOVIE | LEAD ACTOR (DRAMA) | LEAD ACTOR (COMEDY) | LEAD ACTOR (LIMITED/TV MOVIE) | LEAD ACTRESS (DRAMA) | LEAD ACTRESS (COMEDY) | LEAD ACTRESS (LIMITED/TV MOVIE) | SUPPORTING ACTOR (DRAMA) | SUPPORTING ACTOR (COMEDY) | SUPPORTING ACTOR (LIMITED/TV MOVIE) | SUPPORTING ACTRESS (DRAMA) | SUPPORTING ACTRESS (COMEDY) | SUPPORTING ACTRESS (LIMITED/TV MOVIE) | TALK SERIES | SCRIPTED VARIETY | GAME SHOW | DIRECTING (DRAMA, COMEDY, LIMITED/TV MOVIE) | WRITING (DRAMA, COMEDY, LIMITED/TV MOVIE) | REALITY (COMPETITION, STRUCTURED, UNSTRUCTURED, HOST)

Creative Arts and Other Emmy Categories

GUEST ACTOR (DRAMA) | GUEST ACTRESS (DRAMA) | GUEST ACTOR (COMEDY) | GUEST ACTRESS (COMEDY) | VOICE-OVER | SHORT FORM | DOCUMENTARY | MUSIC | ANIMATED | OTHER CATEGORIES

About the Primetime Emmy Awards

The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, are given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards have recognized excellence in American primetime television programming. They are divided into three classes – Primetime Emmy Awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (honors artisan achievements), and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards (recognizes significant engineering and technological contributions). The typical eligibility period is between Jun. 1 and May 31 of any given year. The Television Academy comprises over 25,000 members, representing 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors, artisans, and executives.

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