Will Sarah Snook Shiv the Competition as She Moves to Lead Drama Actress Emmy Contender? (EXCLUSIVE)

Shivs the boss!

On Succession, Sarah Snook plays the youngest Roy daughter Siobhan Shiv Roy, who isnt sitting idly by while her newly minted co-CEO brothers run the media empire Waystar Royco and neither is Snook with her Emmy chances. Variety has learned exclusively that Snook will be submitted into the lead drama actress category for this years Primetime Emmys, changing from her supporting bids for the three previous seasons.

Succession is exhibiting its finest writing, directing and acting of the shows short history. With each new weekly episode, Snook has shined dramatically, becoming the seasons clear standout of the large, sprawling ensemble. This campaign shift could now firmly cement her as the presumptive front-runner for the most coveted television prize for acting.

Read: Varietys Awards Circuit for the latest Emmy predictions.

On an upcoming episode of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast with her Succession co-star Kieran Culkin, he revealed his decision to submit as lead drama actor for his performance as Roman in the HBO drama. I think this season was set up before episode three happened as Logan versus Shiv, Roman, Kendall, said Culkin. And then [Logan] passes, and its what I think the central focus of the show is the three of them. So if Im supporting, that would mean Kendall and Shiv are also. And to me, that doesnt feel like thats the show.

It appears that Snook firmly agrees with his assertion. Variety had reported talks among Culkin and Snooks teams about switching their Emmy submissions. Now, with her two on-screen brothers confirmed for leading bids, two sources tell Variety the Australian actor will be following suit, including Culkin during the episode recording saying: She will. Its not some conspiracy. Anybody paying attention, and if you watch the show, thats what it is.

HBO and Snooks reps would not confirm a decision regarding her submission.

Nonetheless, five episodes into the season, Snook has demonstrated an astonishing range of emotions as the political fixer in this fourth and final season. From her heartbreaking Daddy? over the phone during the masterful Connors Wedding episode to this weeks Kill List which showcases her fiery and seemingly calculated exchange with Lukas Mattson (played by Alexander Skarsgrd) not to mention the question of whether Shiv just did a line of cocaine while 20 weeks pregnant, its been a wild ride.

Snook and Shiv have dominated the social media chatter following each episode, with many pundits and viewers agreeing that no matter where she submits, shes taking home the statuette which, shockingly, she has yet to achieve. Fun fact: she would be the first Australian to win in the lead or supporting drama actress categories.

Snook has received two previous noms in supporting drama actress for the second and third seasons of Succession, which she was favored to win but surprisingly lost both to Julia Garner for Ozark, who is not eligible this season. However, Snook has received other accolades, including taking home the Critics Choice and Golden Globe prizes in 2022 and picking up a SAG nom in lead drama actress (which is particularly telling considering SAG Awards dont have supporting TV categories).

In addition, this move puts HBO in a viable position to follow in the footsteps of Pop TVs comedy Schitts Creek and Netflixs period drama The Crown two shows that made Emmy history by sweeping all major categories during their respective ceremonies in 2020 and 2021.

Succession is considered the far and away front-runner for outstanding drama series, with Culkin and Strong among the favorites in lead actor (Cox is still TBD), Matthew Macfadyen and Skarsgrd topping the supporting actor races. And now, co-star J. Smith Cameron, who plays the savvy Gerri, can make a play for her first trophy after two previous noms.

Cameron and Snook get an advantage their male counterparts dont have the potential of vote-splitting with their co-stars in the same race.

In lead, Snook is likely to face other beloved actors such as Yellowjackets star Melanie Lynskey, who, in her usual way, has showered Snook with praise on social media, most recently following the Connors Wedding episode, stating: All of them, every single one of them, are amazing. But SARAH SNOOK this episode my lord. Sarah Snook for the last three seasons, too. Shes incredible

The Hail Mary could pay off.

Succession airs on Sundays on HBO.