Variety’s Emmy Awards Circuit has updated its directing predictions for the 2026 race, with the platform noting that its standings reflect current momentum rather than personal preferences and are revised weekly. The biggest storyline in drama directing is Vince Gilligan, whose long Emmy résumé includes 23 nominations and four wins, yet no individual directing victory despite multiple directing bids for “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul,” and his work on “The X-Files.” His latest project, “Pluribus,” now makes him a major contender in the category and could finally put him over the top. In comedy directing, Lucia Aniello is emerging as a leading force for the final season of HBO Max’s “Hacks,” a series that has remained a strong awards presence. The limited or anthology race is also shaping up as competitive, with several “Beef” directors potentially entering the mix. Meanwhile, the documentary directing category features a notable trio of contenders: Rebecca Miller for “Mr. Scorsese,” Lawrence Kasdan for “Marty, Life is Short,” and Colin Hanks for “John Candy: I Like Me.” Variety also highlights the variety series and variety special directing fields, where the final episode of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” is in play through director Yvonne De Mare, and established live-event directors remain prominent. Hamish Hamilton is again in contention for the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show, while Glenn Weiss is included for “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show,” along with another entry for the 78th Annual Tony Awards. The current Emmy timeline has nomination-round voting running from June 11 through June 22, with nominations set to be announced on July 8. Final voting will take place from August 17 to August 26, followed by the Creative Arts Awards and Governors Gala on September 5 and 6. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will then conclude the season on September 14, airing on NBC.
