Television’s most illustrious night is returning in glistening gold with the annual Emmy awards.

On Sunday, the Emmys will honor its 76th year of commendation at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. Preceded by the non-routine 75th award show earlier this year, this celebration will follow suit with Hollywood’s biggest names competing for the win – featuring a turbulent miniseries about a comedian entangled with an unrelenting stalker and a high-stakes kitchen drama.

Read on for the Daily Bruin’s predictions of the winners for five of the ceremony’s major categories.

Outstanding Comedy Series: “The Bear”

“The Bear” just might have the right recipe to win another Outstanding Comedy Series trophy.

After taking the category at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards earlier this year, the second season of the critically acclaimed culinary comedy is in a strong position to defend its title. “The Bear” stars Jeremy Allen White as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, an award-winning chef who assumes responsibility for his family’s Chicago sandwich shop in the wake of his brother’s suicide. In the show’s second season, audiences learned more about the Berzatto family history and the cast of employees at the shop, which includes Emmy-winning cast members Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

Eight months ago, the first season of “The Bear” set an Emmys record for the most awards won by a comedy series in one year after it took home 10 statuettes. The second season has already set a new record for the most Emmy nominations for a comedy series in a year with 23. With a 99% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes and all of the returning characters that made the first season a success, the second season of the program has the ingredients it needs to join its predecessor as an Emmy champion. In particular, standout episode “Fishes” – which features guest appearances from Jamie Lee Curtis and Jon Bernthal – exemplifies the saporous writing and acting that make “The Bear” soar.

Admittedly, “The Bear” faces a hungry pack of powerful challengers that could jeopardize its ability to reclaim Emmy gold. The FX series will face off with several repeat nominees looking for a first win, such as Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” and HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Elsewhere, AppleTV+’s newcomer “Palm Royale” – which has generated nominations for its stars Kristen Wiig and Carol Burnett – could have the beginner’s luck that propelled “The Bear” to victory last time. In spite of the competition, “The Bear” is a clear frontrunner that possesses the artistic flair and thematic depth of an irresistibly delectable television program.

Ultimately, thanks to its flavorful humor and storytelling, “The Bear” is likely to taste victory again Sunday night.

– Reid Sperisen

[Related: Emmy 2024: Daily Bruin casts predictions for winners of the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards]

Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series: “Baby Reindeer”

With 11 nominations under its belt, “Baby Reindeer” is sure to bring in Emmy success this Sunday.

The Netflix miniseries follows aspiring comedian Donny Dunn’s (Richard Gadd) tumultuous relationship with eccentric erotomaniac Martha (Jessica Gunning), a relationship which rapidly evolves into one of obsession and duplicity. Based on a true story by writer and lead actor Richard Gadd, the semi-autobiographical comedy-drama toes the line between lighthearted satire and heart-wrenching authenticity, reframing the way stalker narratives are portrayed on screen. Uncovering new levels of depth and unabated honesty, “Baby Reindeer” integrates dark humor within a dramatic lens, enabling the series to explore emotionally charged subjects, including mental health, sexual violence and psychological abuse.

Affirmed by its numerous Emmy nods in major categories, the production’s achievements are a product of Gadd’s unapologetic vulnerability in his writing and a standout cast that breathes humanity and sincerity into his story. In the race for Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country” remains the most promising contender with 19 total nominations for their newest season, the highest amongst its fellow category candidates. Yet, despite the anthology’s past Emmy success, “Baby Reindeer” finds its footing among its peers, bringing forth the profound empathy that won over the hearts of audiences to earn its first victory.

As long as the Television Academy keeps a close eye on the viewers’ choice, “Baby Reindeer” will be prancing its way towards Emmy gold.

– Ruwani Jayasekara

Outstanding Lead Actor In a Comedy Series: Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”

You can’t perfect a beef sandwich without a touch of finesse – and a dash of humor.

Jeremy Allen White is a standout contender for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series at the upcoming Emmys, thanks to his exceptional portrayal of Carmy Berzatto in Season 2 of FX’s “The Bear.” This season takes viewers deeper into Carmy’s tumultuous journey as he tackles the chaos of transforming his restaurant while grappling with personal struggles that threaten his professional dreams.

White’s performance is a masterclass in profound ardency and character development. His engaging and authentic depiction of Carmy’s struggle to balance the high-pressure demands of the kitchen with his quest for personal stability, combined with his skillful portrayal of introspective moments, sets him apart in a competitive field. Particularly memorable is the episode “The Bear” where Carmy deals with the fallout from a major kitchen disaster and navigates complex relationships with his staff. White captures the delicate balance between the high-stakes drama and the quieter, reflective instances with a rare mix of humor and gravity.

While White faces formidable competition from actors such as Steve Martin and Martin Short for their performances in “Only Murders in the Building,” his portrayal of Carmy is uniquely compelling. His blend of emotional depth and comedic timing, especially against the backdrop of “The Bear’s” zero-sum environment, gives him a distinct advantage. White’s compound performance not only highlights his remarkable range but also solidifies his role as a standout presence in television, making him a strong favorite for this year’s award.

Jeremy Allen White’s performance is so finely tuned, it’s practically the secret ingredient to this year’s Emmy race.

– Eric Sican

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series: Christopher Storer, “The Bear”

Christopher Storer is the “big fish” in a small pond at this year’s Emmys.

The acclaimed sixth episode of season two of “The Bear”, directed by series creator Storer, unfolds nearly five years before the main story during an explosive Christmas dinner that puts Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and the Berzatto family’s woes on full display. Storer – who already won thrice during January’s Emmy ceremony for the first season, including the Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series award – is set to take home a second consecutive trophy for “Fishes.”

A flurry of guest stars, led by an indomitable Jamie Lee Curtis as the dysfunctional matriarch, helps Storer deliver a masterclass depiction of generational trauma, addiction and turbulent mental health that is both frenetic and precise. Storer’s directional choices push the episode’s excellence on multiple levels. “Fishes” is the only episode of the season to be shot on 35mm film, enveloping the flashback in warm, Baroque-like tones and nostalgic grain – a delicious visual contrast to the familial rage that drives the story. Bursts of zoom-in shots and blaring kitchen timers during fervent arguments scattered among quiet scenes contribute to a near-suffocating, yet captivating viewing experience.

The acuity of Storer’s direction also works exquisitely to explain Carmy’s personal and professional neuroses, which propel the season’s overarching conflicts. The main ensemble takes a backseat to the guest stars in this episode, yet the darkly humorous chaos legitimizes their present-day behaviors. It’s the perfect example of show, don’t tell – and Storer uses each of his tight 66 minutes to paint a devastating family portrait. Though another of the show’s entries – “Honeydew,” directed by Ramy Youssef – is also nominated in the same category, its meditative calm is unlikely to snatch gold from the sheer tour de force that is “Fishes.”

Storer will certainly prove that every second counts when he secures another directing Emmy on Sunday.

– Dannela Lagrimas

[Related: Predictions: 74th Primetime Emmy Awards]

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie: “Baby Reindeer”

With Sunday creeping closer, Richard Gadd’s Emmy Gold is just around the corner.

Starring in his real-life nightmare “Baby Reindeer” as Donny Dunn, Gadd doesn’t just perform his character – he lives it. Gadd wrote the Netflix drama series based on his personal experiences dealing with complex emotional turmoil. After being relentlessly stalked by unremitting Martha (Jessica Gunning), Donny is confronted with his troubling subconscious desires, as audiences are taken on a journey to understand his hesitancy to report her and end the turbulent relationship for good. Gadd’s courageous and masterful performance – combining dark humor with challenging subjects of assault, rape and grooming – speaks to his true excellence as an artist, being able to balance the weight of his performance and memories.

Although Gadd stands against fierce competition from Emmy winner Jon Hamm as Roy Tillman in “Fargo”, his raw authenticity powerfully shines through in his nuanced performance in each episode. In “Episode 3,” Gadd demonstrates his dynamic capabilities when Donny is forced to confront his webbed lies in front of Teri (Nava Mau) and finally stand up to Martha, breaking out in a fiery rage after she insults Teri with transphobic remarks and pushes her to the floor. His compelling portrayal of a once timid, now uninhibited character demonstrates the remarkable growth in his role that viewers cannot deny.

However, Gadd’s most impactful breakthrough occurs in “Episode 6,” when Donny frees himself of carrying his trauma alone, sharing his intense experiences during his final comedy set in a nearly 10-minute monologue of tears and tribulations. Gadd’s exceptional performance is hauntingly striking and filled with range. This chilling moment will surely be the scene that wins audiences over when casting their votes.

Detective or not, anyone can see that the Emmy is rightfully Richard Gadd’s.

– Natalie Ralston