The 13th Annual Indie Series Awards will take place on April 12 at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, California. Who will win? This #Powerjournalist shares his predictions in the dramatic categories, where he feels that “Chateau Laurier” and “Studio City” are two series to watch.
Best Drama Series
For “Best Drama Series,” the winner ought to be “Studio City” with “Chateau Laurier” as the spoiler. The recent Emmy win for “Studio City” for “Outstanding Limited Series” works in its advantage.
Best Directing in a Drama
For “Best Director,” the Indie Series Award should go to Timothy Woodward Jr. for “Studio City,” who should have gotten nominated in the directing category at the last (and final digital Emmy Awards). Other noteworthy choices would be Rainni Moran for “Kith & Kin” or James Stewart for “Chateu Laurier.”
Best Writing for a Drama
For “Best Writing — Drama,” it would be a toss-up between “Studio City” and “Kith & Kin.” Again leaning towards “Studio City,” which was co-written by Michele Kanan, Sean Kanan, and Timothy Woodward Jr.
Best Lead Actor in a Drama
This is one of the most competitive races, where every single performer is deserving. Luke Humphrey delivered some of his best acting work in “Chateau Laurier,” which was just as noteworthy as his performance in “I Was Lorena Bobbitt,” which won him a Canadian Screen Award for “Best Lead Actor, TV Movie.” It’s a tossup between him or Sean Kanan for “Studio City.”
Best Lead Actress in a Drama
With five career Daytime Emmy nominations (and one win), this category should be a lock for Carolyn Hennesy for “Studio City.” She is one of the most versatile actresses of our generation, and she proved that by playing Gloria in this hit Amazon Prime series.
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama
This is always one of the hardest categories to predict. Tristan Rogers is a daytime vet and he killed it in “Studio City,” but at the same token, Jason Gray, Emmanuel Kabongo were also distinct and memorable in their series. Anybody who wins, will be deserving.
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama
This category is also loaded with talented women. Two that stand out include Natalie Burn for “Studio City,” who had a meaty storyline that involved #MeToo, as well as Canadian actress Brittany Raymond, who nailed her portrayal of Violet Moore in “Chateau Laurier.” Whitney Morrow and Ellen B. Williams are also dark horses in this race.
Best Guest Performer in a Drama
Shawn Francis was noteworthy in “Complicated,” while Lilly Melgar gave an improv masterclass as Sean Kanan’s character’s publicist, Becky Pope in “Studio City.” Melgar is also a two-time Emmy-winning producer and an Emmy-nominated actress so that might give her the slight edge over her fellow nominees.
Best Ensemble in a Drama
For “Best Ensemble in a Drama,” it looks to be a three-horse race between “Complicated,” “Chateau Laurier,” and “Studio City.” This journalist is learning towards either of the latter two for the win.
