If there is any category that is ripe for a major Emmys upset it may be Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Last year’s winner, Jean Smart (“Hacks”), should easily earn a repeat nomination. And, based on her storyline, Kaley Cuoco should return for her work in the second season of “The Flight Attendant.” Will former winner and three-time nominee in this category Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) join them? Likely, but there are some other contenders ready to sneak into the ceremony.
Quinta Brunson, the creator and star of “Abbott Elementary” is a prime candidate for her first acting nod. “Russian Doll”‘s Natasha Lyonne, a nominee in 2019, could return. As could “Insecure”‘s Issa Rae, who made the cut in 2018 and 2020. SAG nominee Elle Fanning could be recognized for “The Great.” How about Sarah Jessica Parker who won this honor in 2004 and was nominated another five times for the character she reprised this year in “And Just Like That”? And Tracee Ellis Ross, a five-time nominee in this category, seems like a natural for the last season of “Black-ish,” right? Or could newcomers such as Selena Gomez and Sarah Lancashire, of “Only Murders in the Building” and “Julia,” respectively, make their mark? Place your bets. [Posted April 26]
Likely
Jean Smart, “Hacks”
Kaley Cuoco, “The Flight Attendant”
Rachel Brosnahan, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
In the Mix
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”
Natasha Lyonne, “Russian Doll”
Elle Fanning, “The Great”
Issa Rae, “Insecure”
Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”
Sarah Lancashire, “Julia”
Tracee Ellis Ross, “Black-ish”
Sarah Jessica Parker, “And Just Like That”
Longshots
Pamela Adlon, “Better Things”
Lily Collins, “Emily in Paris”
Maya Erskine, “Pen15”
Jane Fonda, “Grace and Frankie”
Lily Tomlin, “Grace and Frankie”
Rose Byrne, “Physical”
Amy Schumer, “Life and Beth”
Tiffany Haddish, “The Afterparty”