Game of Thrones” season 7 is not be eligible for Emmy consideration this year because it opened in July, which was already past the May 1 deadline set by the Television Academy. Nevertheless, TV critics are already looking at who will be nominated next year for their outstanding performance during this season.

Indiewire made some early predictions of “Game of Thrones” stars who have good chances of getting acting nominations when next year’s award season kicks off. These include Lena Headey, Diana Rigg, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.

Lena Headey – Queen Cersei

In this season of “Game of Thrones,” Cersei definitely acted like the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms winning initial victories against Daenery’s allies by eliminating Dorne and House Tyrell. She looted the Tyrell gold, which allowed her to repay the Crown’s debt to the Iron Bank of Braavos and acquire a formidable army from Essos known as the Golden Company, which fans are looking forward to seeing in season 8.

IndieWire’s Zack Sharf called Lena Headey the best performer this season of Thrones. Her character Cersei was able to survive by being unforgiving and manipulative. In the episode “The Queen’s Justice,” Headey’s scene which involved Cersei avenging Myrcella's death, by chaining Ellaria Sand and Tyene in dungeons was among the best moments on the show according to Indiewire.

Diana Rigg—The Queen of Thorns

The unforgettable performance Diana Rigg delivered before she died in episode 3 was widely loved by both critics and fans alike. And the closing line of her dialogue with Jaime “Tell Cersei, I want her to know it was me,” was such great way to say farewell from the show.

The Queen of Thorn’s last words to Daenerys, “Be a dragon” was also a rousing scene, which eventually led to Daenery’s ruthless attack of the Lannister army.

Peter Dinklage—Tyrion Lannister

Peter Dinklage already won various awards through his beloved character, Tyrion Lannister and to be nominated again next year is very likely. This year, Tyrion’s has to repeatedly implore Daenerys to be a smart leader in spite of the early setbacks of his plans. His final scene this season showed a worried Tyrion who may be concerned with the new dynamics between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen.

How that would play out in “Game of Thrones” season 8 will be among the anticipated storylines for the final season.

Emilia Clarke — Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen has to contend with many internal conflicts this season. Will she heed Tyrion's plea to act smartly or ignore him just like the Queen of Thorns advised and just “Be a dragon.” The Mother of Dragons had to face also the shocking death of one of her children and once again fall in love, this time to Jon Snow.

It would be interesting how the revelation of their close kinship will determine their relationship next season.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau — Jaime Lannister

The transformation of Jaime Lannister and his struggle to deal with his family’s ruin are among the most notable performances Nikolaj Coster-Waldau delivered this season.

Jaime confronted terror and death when he tried to kill Daenerys only to come face to face with Drogon. He later on decided to leave Cersei to uphold whatever honor left in him and the Lannister family.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau certainly delivered all of those range of emotions and he may earn recognitions for his performance next year.